Callum et al measured arteries supplying the pelvis and lower extremities as seen on arteriography in Caucasian males over 50 years of age. These measurements can help identify patients with arteriomegaly. The authors are from St. Thomas' Hospital in London.
Arterial Diameters in millimeters (from Radiographic Images)
|
Arterial Segment |
Dilated if greater than |
|
aorta 2 cm above renal arteries |
29 mm |
|
aorta |
27 mm |
|
aorta below renal arteries, widest point |
31 mm |
|
common iliac artery |
16 mm |
|
common iliac artery, widest point |
17 mm |
|
internal iliac artery |
9 mm |
|
external iliac artery |
11 mm |
|
common femoral artery |
13 mm |
|
external iliac artery, widest point |
13 mm |
|
profundus femoris artery |
8 mm |
|
superficial femoral artery, upper |
10 mm |
|
superficial femoral artery, lower |
10 mm |
|
superficial femoral artery, widest |
10 mm |
|
popliteal artery |
10 mm |
|
popliteal artery, widest |
10 mm |
|
posterior tibial artery, upper |
7 mm |
|
posterior tibial artery, lower |
5 mm |
from Table III, page 527
where:
• The diameters in Table III appear to be the values measured from radiographs, which are magnified relative to actual physiologic measurements.
Arterial Length
The length of the arterial segment is compared to a standard distance of the bony skeleton.
|
Arterial Segment |
Elongated if greater than |
|
aorta from L1 to L4 |
103% bony length |
|
common iliac artery from L4 to ischial tuberosity |
108% bony length |
|
iliac and femoral artery from L4 to intercondylar femoral notch |
103% bony length |
|
popliteal artery |
105% bony length |
from Table IV, page 528
where:
• The points for taking the bone measurements are discussed on page 525.
• The femoral artery was compared to the distance between the tip of the ischial tuberosity to the intercondylar notch of the femur.
• The popliteal artery length is compared to the distance from the point where the femoral artery crosses the femur to the top of the visible gap between the tibia and fibula at the knee.
Limitations:
• Sufficient data was available for men only, so data from women were not included. IN general arteries from women had smaller diameters.
• Measurements for arterial diameters need to be taken accurately, based on perpendiculars to vessel wall.
• Magnification is discussed on page 525. All radiographs should be taken in a standard manner (film 100 cm below tube, table 8 cm above film, aorta 7-12 cm above table). The setup used by the authors magnified the aorta and common iliac arteries by 15-20% and thigh arteries by 9-12%.
• The subjects ranged from 5 to 6 feet tall. The data probably applies to men greater than 6 feet tall, although normal arterial diameters may be greater.
• Abnormal elongation of a bone might affect the interpretation of arterial length.
Specialty: Cardiology
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