Physical and ultrasonographic estimation of liver size in healthy Thai children under two years old

Background: Liver size can be physically evaluated by means of percussion, but measurement remains only gross-estimation. Ultrasonography is a non-invasive and accurate method for measurement of liver size. However, there are few ultrasonic data available for assessment of liver span in Thai children under two years old.

Objective: Determine liver sizes in healthy Thai children aged zero to two years and compare physical and ultrasonographic estimations.

Subject and method: Two hundred eighty one children (148 boys and 133 girls) were enrolled in this study. The age, weight, and height were assessed, and the body surface area was calculated. The liver size or liver span was estimated by percussion and compared to ultrasonography.

Result: The liver span (mean±SD) was 5.4±1.0 cm, 5.1±1.1 cm by physical and ultrasonographic examination, respectively. The measurement of liver span by physical examination had high reliability. The liver span correlated with body surface area rather than height, age, and weight.

Conclusion: Physical examination of liver span provided reliable data in Thai children under two years old.