Aging and the average diameter of the renal artery using computed tomography angiography (CTA)

Authors

  • Ndubuisi Ozoemenam Chiaganam University of Calabar, Nigeria. Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN)
  • Ernest Usang Ekpo Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, University of Calabar
  • Nneoyi Onen Egbe Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, University of Calabar
  • Christian Chukwuemeka Nzotta Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus.
  • Kierrian Kelechi Okwara Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, University of Calabar

Keywords:

computed tomography, gender, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: A study of the effect of aging on the average diameter of the renal artery in using computed tomography angiography (CTA) images was carried out.

Objective: To determine the variation in the transverse diameter of the renal artery with age and gender in subjects with no renovascular disease using multi-detector computerized angiography tomography images.

Methods: CTA images of 90 subjects (45 females and 45 males) were reviewed. Measurements of the transverse diameter of the renal arteries were taken at the root, middle and tail ends using images of the arterial phases of contrast enhancement and the averages calculated. Images were divided into groups based on the patients’ age and gender. Age and gender related differences in the diameter were tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Result: The average transverse diameter of the renal artery was 7.5mm in males and 7.3mm in females. The upper and lower limits of the transverse renal artery diameters for the population studied were 7.0mm and 7.5mm respectively. Peak value of renal artery diameter was 7.8mm at ages 51-60. A 0.4mm increase in renal artery diameter was observed after 20 years while a 4.7mm decrease after the 8th decade of life. Variation of the renal artery with age was found to be statistically significant. Variation with gender was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The transverse diameter of the renal artery may therefore be dependent on subject’s age but not gender.

Author Biographies

Ndubuisi Ozoemenam Chiaganam, University of Calabar, Nigeria. Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN)

Lecturer 11, Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences

Nneoyi Onen Egbe, Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, University of Calabar

Senior Lecturer. Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, University of Calabar

Christian Chukwuemeka Nzotta, Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus.

Senior Lecturer. Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus

Downloads

Published

2013-05-17

Issue

Section

Original Articles