Validation Of A New Formula For Calculating Standard Liver Volume

Abstract Background Measurement of the standard liver volume (SLV) is widely performed in the evaluation of liver transplantation and hepatectomy. A new calculation method of SLV independent of body surface area and body weight but based on thoracic width and age is recently reported (SLV = 203.3-(3.61∗age) + (58.7∗thoracic width) - (463.7∗race [1 = Asian, 0 = Caucasian]). Whether this formula is worthy of widespread promotion and application is need for verification. Methods We included 300 healthy volunteers aged 18 and 69 years and the SLV was calculated by the formula and high-resolution computed tomography (CT) for each person. These volunteers underwent a high-resolution CT scan of the chest and abdomen before the start of this study due to routine physical examination. All of them had no liver disease (cirrhosis, fatty liver, etc.) and no abdominal and lung diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pleural effusion, pleurisy, etc.). The results were evaluated by a paired t-test. P  Results No significant difference was found between the formula-calculated liver volume (1077.92 ± 137.15 ml) and high-resolution CT (1091.17 ± 187.39 ml) among 300 populations (P = 0.098). No significant difference was also found in 150 males (1153.13 ± 118.79 ml vs 1162.97 ± 182.97 ml, p = 0.414) and 150 females (1002.71 ± 110.66 ml vs 1019.37 ± 163.12 ml, P = 0.115). Moreover, no significant difference was noted in different age groups (P = 0.06–0.91). Interestingly, the liver volume gradually shrinks after the age of 60 years. Conclusions Through the study, there was no difference between the formula-calculated liver volume and high-resolution CT calculated liver volume in the total population and different subgroups. So, we think this formula is suitable for the clinical application.