Aorta Dimensions in Children

[Mike C]

What is the "normal" dimensions of:

Aortic Root
Ascendign Aorta
Aortic Arch

In children aged:
0-5
5-10
10-15


Thanks, Mike

 

[Lynlw]

MikeI'm not sure you will find those. There is a huge difference in the size of a 1 year old and 5 year old ect, so there are big differences in their hearts aorts ect. When Justin had his surgery when he was a newborn I remeber being told his heart was the size of a walnut,so imagine how small theaorta was. I "THINK" the size of the heart is simalar to the size of the fist BUt don't know if that is written anywhere,just one of those useless facts shoved somewhere in my brain.
IF you are wonderring about a specific child,we never thought about 'normal" at all just watched as Justin grew. I know,not very helpful sorry.Lyn

 

[francie12]

Hi Mike-- Because normal measures vary according to how big the child is, even within general age groups like the ones you mentioned, they calculate what is normal for a given child based on his/her BSA or Body Surface Area. I'm not sure what the formula is. They will generally make it a little easier for you by saying "mild, moderate or severe" if there is dilation. This is not very specific, but at least it gives some idea... Sometimes on the echo reports there will be a line of numbers stating the normal values.

 

[MrP]

I think a normal size aorta for a child or adult is determined by comparison of different segments such as ascending aorta relative to descending aortic demensions. Aortic size continues to gradually increase as we age, but when one segment is much larger (say x1.5 to x2) than other segments, aneurysmal dilatation is of concern and warrants consultation with an aortic specialist.

 

[Andrew'sMom]

Hi Mike,
When Andrew goes for his echo, his height & weight is taken first and they punch those numbers in a computer which spits out a range of expected values, based on his calculated Body Surface Area. Then his actual numbers from the echo are compared to those "expected values" to determine where he is at in relation to "normal" for his BSA. I don't know if this will help you at all, but I don't believe there is a chart of "normal" ranges for certain age groups because "normal" is based on each individual.
Jen

 

[aussigal]

The BSA method is what I have seen used too...I used to have a picture of the table for kiddies but cant find it at present...maybe try "google"...I am almost positive that is where I would have found the info. I have 2 BAV sons, one has an enlarged aorta and one has a mild coarctation instead.