Ultrasonographic dimensions of the common bile duct in Chinese children: Results of 343 cases

BackgroundAt present, the diagnostic criteria of congenital cholangiectasis are still vague.PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the diameter references of the common bile duct (CBD) in pediatric population in different age groups with ultrasound.MethodsThe diameter of the common bile duct was measured with ultrasound in 343 Chinese Han children aged 1 day to 14 years (mean: 3.2 years, median: 2.8 years) who were all free of hepatic and biliary tract disease. The ultrasound records, gender, and age were collected for reviewed analysis.ResultsA total of 343 children were included, and the CBD was clearly detected in 322 cases (93.9%). The mean diameter of this population was 1.58 ± 0.70 mm. (ranging from 0.4 to 4.4 mm). Spearman correlation analysis showed that the diameter of CBD was positively associated with age (r = 0.573, P < 0.001). The percentile method demonstrated that the diameter references of CBD was as follows: ≤ 1 years: ≤ 2.26 mm; ≤ 4 years: ≤ 2.99 mm; ≤ 7 years: ≤ 3.03 mm; and ≤ 14 years: ≤ 4.10 mm.ConclusionsThere was a close correlation between CBD width and the age. The range of CBD widths in each age group will be helpful in the diagnosis of biliary dilatation in childhood.