Correlation between Sonographic Gall Bladder and Common Bile Duct Dimensions with Body Mass Index and Body Surface Area amongst Adolescents in Northern Nigeria

Using data obtained from ultrasonography measurement, this study examined the correlation between the sonographic gallbladder and bile duct dimensions with Body Mass Index (BMI) and body surface area among adolescents in northern Nigeria. Four hundred volunteers (200 males and 200 females) ranging between 18 – 35 years were selected through multistage sampling techniques from a cross-sectional sample of undergraduate medical students of the College of Medical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna state Nigeria. Sonographic examinations were done by a single consultant radiologist to avoid interobserver error. Examinations were done with the subject lying prone according to the agreed scanning techniques described by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine Proceedings, 2007. The anthropometric measurements were done using direct method. There are significant differences (P<0.05) in the weight, height, and liver craniocaudal span when compared between males and females. Pearson’s correlation coefficient result showed a significant correlation between weight, gallbladder volume, thickness, liver craniocaudal span, body mass index, and body surface area. Body mass index had a positive correlation with the liver craniocaudal span, liver span, gallbladder volume, and gallbladder thickness

Key Words: Body Surface Area; Gallbladder; Common Bile Ducts; Liver Cranio-Caudal Span; Northern Nigeria