Abdominal aortic dimensions in Sri Lankan patients: a computed tomography imaging based preliminary study

Introduction: The abdominal aorta begins at the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm at the 12th thoracic vertebral level and ends by dividing into common iliac arteries at the fourth lumbar vertebral level. The diameter of the aorta varies according to age, gender, and race. Generally, the diameter of the infrarenal aorta (IRD) in the western and Korean populations is 19.0 to 21.0 mm.

Methodology: In this study, 59 Computed Tomography (CT) images of patients who underwent contrast-enhanced abdominal CT for non-aorta related illness were analyzed.

Results: There were 35 males (59.3%). The mean age was 58.2 years (30-88). The mean Supra Coeliac Aortic Diameter (SCD) was 20.2 mm (16.5-27.0) and the mean Infra Renal Diameter (IRD) was 15.5 mm (11.2-19.3) in all subjects. IRD in males was 16.4 mm and IRD of males from a western study was 19.3mm and this difference was statistically significant.

Conclusion: Therefore the Sri Lankan males have smaller aortic diameter compared to the western population. This should be taken into consideration when aortic aneurysm diameter is defined and when the threshold diameter for intervention is determined.