Sonographic Measurements of Intrahepatic Inferior Vena Cava, Liver Span, and Common Bile Duct: Normative Data and Respiratory Variability in Adult Nigerian Population

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Published: 2026-08-29
DOI: https://doi.org/10.67891/9jj9yt70
Keywords:
Common Bile Duct, Inferior Vena Cava, Liver Span, Nigeria, Normative Data, Reference Values, Ultrasound.

Main Article Content

Mohammed Lawan Mohammed
Department of Radiology, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria
Dr. Maryam Abba Goni
Dr. Mohammed Lawan Mohammed
Dr. Ibrahim Abba Tijjani
Dr. Umar Hassan Umar
Dr. Abubakar Farate
Dr. Zara Mohammed Bata
Dr. Zara Baba Shettima
Dr. Ruqayyatu Abubakar Imam

Abstract

ABSTRACT


Background: Population-specific reference values for sonographic measurements are essential for accurate clinical interpretation. While ultrasound is widely used in Nigeria, comprehensive normative data for intra-abdominal vascular structures, particularly the inferior vena cava (IVC), are limited for the Nigerian population.


Objective: To establish normative reference values for intrahepatic IVC diameter, liver span, and common bile duct (CBD) diameter in healthy adults in North-Eastern Nigeria, and to evaluate their variations with respiration, age, and gender.


Methods: A prospective study of 150 healthy adults comprising 78 males and 72 females, aged 19-70 years. B-mode ultrasound using a GE Logic S8 with 3-5MHz transducer was use to measure intrahepatic IVC diameter (transverse and longitudinal) during inspiration and expiration, liver span in mid-clavicular line, and CBD diameter. Collapsibility index was calculated. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Student's t-test, and Pearson's correlation.


Results: Mean age was 41.72±13.20 years. Normative values were: IVC transverse diameter (inspiration: 1.48±0.51 cm; expiration: 1.80±0.50 cm), IVC longitudinal diameter (inspiration: 1.43±0.53 cm; expiration: 1.71±0.51 cm), average IVC diameter (inspiration: 2.19±0.52 cm; expiration: 2.66±0.50 cm), IVC collapsibility index (21.4±8.7%), liver span (13.4±1.8 cm), and CBD diameter (inspiration: 0.22±0.04 cm; expiration: 0.30±0.07 cm). No significant gender differences were found in IVC dimensions (p>0.05). Weak positive correlation was found between age and liver span (r=0.177, p=0.030).


Conclusion: This study establishes comprehensive normative sonographic values for intrahepatic IVC, liver span, and CBD in a Nigerian population. The IVC collapsibility index of 21.4% provides a reference for assessing intravascular volume status. These population-specific values will enhance the accuracy of ultrasound interpretation in clinical practice in Nigeria and similar populations.

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Vol. 2 No. 2 (2026): West African Journal of Allied Health Sciences

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Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Sonographic Measurements of Intrahepatic Inferior Vena Cava, Liver Span, and Common Bile Duct: Normative Data and Respiratory Variability in Adult Nigerian Population (M. L. Mohammed, M. Abba Goni, M. Lawan Mohammed, I. Abba Tijjani, U. Hassan Umar, A. Farate, Z. Mohammed Bata, Z. Baba Shettima, & R. Abubakar Imam, Trans.). (2026). West African Journal of Allied Health Sciences, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.67891/9jj9yt70

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