Volumetric Growth of the Liver in the Human Fetus: An Anatomical, Hydrostatic, and Statistical Study

Abstract

Using anatomical, hydrostatic, and statistical methods, liver volumes were assessed in 69 human fetuses of both sexes aged 18–30 weeks. No sex differences were found. The median of liver volume achieved by hydrostatic measurements increased from 6.57 cm3at 18–21 weeks through 14.36 cm3at 22–25 weeks to 20.77 cm3at 26–30 weeks, according to the following regression:y= −26.95 + 1.74×age ±Z  ×(−3.15 + 0.27×age). The median of liver volume calculated indirectly according to the formula liver volume = 0.55×liver length×liver transverse diameter×liver sagittal diameter increased from 12.41 cm3at 18–21 weeks through 28.21 cm3at 22–25 weeks to 49.69 cm3at 26–30 weeks. There was a strong relationship (r=0.91,p<0.001) between the liver volumes achieved by hydrostatic (x) and indirect (y) methods, expressed byy= −0.05 + 2.16x  ± 7.26. The liver volume should be calculated as follows liver volume = 0.26×liver length×liver transverse diameter×liver sagittal diameter. The age-specific liver volumes are of great relevance in the evaluation of the normal hepatic growth and the early diagnosis of fetal micro- and macrosomias.