Normal size of liver in infancy and childhood. X-ray study.

The longest vertical distance between the upper and lower borders of the liver measured radiologically is suggested for estimating the size of the liver. This parameter, called vertical axis of the liver, was measured in 350 healthy infants and children, and the normal range at different age groups was defined. There was no correlation between palpability of the lower border and vertical axis, which shows that both parameters of the size of the liver depend on the position of the organ, apart from the size.

The normal borders of the liver in infancy and childhood. Clinical and x-ray study.

In 365 healthy infants and children the normal range of the liver borders was defined by clinical and -ray examination. It was found that in supine position and at the end of expiration the liver edge projects considerably below the costal margin in newborns and infants, and as the age increases the liver edge approaches the costal margin. In a considerable number of infants up to 6 months, the liver edge projects 3·0 to 3·5 cm.