Reference values of normal abdominal aortic areas in Chinese population measured by contrast-enhanced computed tomography

Impact of Breathing Control Training Program on sonographic quantification of abdominal vasculature

OBJECTIVES

To compare vascular scanning parameters (vessel diameter, peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, and resistive index) and scanning time before and after breathing control training program for selected abdominal vessels.

METHODS

This study was pre and post quasi-experimental. The researchers designed a breathing training program that gives participants instructions through a video describing breathing maneuvers. Data were collected at the ultrasound laboratory/College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in Princess Nourah bint Abdul Rahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from January 2023 to November 2023. About 49 volunteers at the university participated in the study. Scanning was performed two times for the right renal artery, upper abdominal aorta, inferior vena cava, and superior mesenteric artery. Scanning time was measured before and after the program as well. A paired sample t-test was used to compare the parameters means and time before and after the program.

RESULTS

The program had a significant effect on the following parameters: right renal artery peak systolic velocity (p=0.042), upper abdominal aortic peak systolic velocity, and resistive index (p=0.014, p=0.014 respectively), superior mesenteric artery and inferior vena cava diameters (p=0.010 and p=0.020). The scanning time was reduced significantly (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The breathing training program saves time and improves ultrasound measurement quality. Hospitals and health centers should consider the importance of breathing control training programs before abdominal scanning.

Reference Normal Diameters of the Abdominal Aorta and Common Iliac Arteries in the Saudi Population

The abdominal aorta is the largest artery in the abdomen. It then bifurcates giving the two common iliac arteries. Knowing the normal abdominal aorta diameter is a basis for diagnosing abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and subsequently developing an optimal management plan. In order to diagnose AAA, one must have a reference for the normal abdominal aortic diameter that represents the anatomical variation in the population being studied. The aim of this research is to establish normal abdominal aortic diameters in the Saudi population.