Standardization of common bile duct size using ultrasound in pediatric patients

Abstract Background/Purpose The incidence of choledocholithiasis is increasing. The diagnosis of common bile duct (CBD) obstruction is based on abnormal CBD size. Establishing norms for CBD size in children would improve diagnostic accuracy. We analyzed ultrasounds (US) to determine normal pediatric CBD size based on age and then validated this against patients with choledocholithiasis. Methods A retrospective review was conducted for children less than 21 years of age with US defined CBD size. Patients were stratified into age groups by ANOVA statistical analysis. Secondary analysis included patients with confirmed choledocholithiasis in comparison to the normal cohort. Results A total of 778 patients had US without pathology. Group 1 (  10 years) 2.98 ± 1.17 mm, p  Conclusion Normal CBD size in children is less than a normal adult patient. More accurate normal values will aid in determining if a child needs further evaluation for possible obstruction of the CBD. Type of study: diagnostic Level of evidence: III