Ultrasound Accuracy of Liver Length Measurement With Cadaveric Specimens

The liver is one of the principal organs in the body and is involved in over 500 physiological functions related to metabolism, digestion, immunity, and storage of nutrients. Given that there are a number of approaches to measure liver length through diagnostic 2D sonography, this work was undertaken to determine the most accurate measurement of this organ. Cadaveric specimens (n = 21) were employed to assess measurements in the midclavicular line (MCL) and the midaxillary line (MAL). Each measurement was calculated in anteroposterior (AP) and craniocaudal (CC) planes. In addition, in situ measurements were obtained by accessing the organ through the anterior thoracoabdominal wall. Statistical differences were detected between MCL and MAL measurements (P < .05), and a positive correlation between MAL CC and in situ anterior measurements were noted (r = 0.97). Liver size, as assessed through in situ measurements, varied as a funtion of BMI and waist circumference (P < .05). It is concluded that the craniocaudal measurement of the right lobe of the liver in the midaxillary line, from the uppermost right hemi-diaphragm to the inferior tip of the right lobe through a horizontal line parallel to the anterior liver wall, is the most accurate measurement of the organ by sonography.
Source: Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Original Research Source Type: research