Measuring the Superior Mesenteric Artery in Healthy Children

A Prospective, Observational, Multicenter Study on Ultrasound Evaluation of Superior Mesenteric Artery Measurements in a Healthy Pediatric Population

Observational Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona · NCT04515251

This study is trying to gather information from healthy kids aged 10 to 15 to see what the normal measurements of a key artery in their abdomen should be.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment289 (estimated)
Ages10 Years to 15 Years
SexAll
SponsorEnte Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Bellinzona and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04515251 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study involves children aged 10 to 15 years who are undergoing abdominal ultrasound examinations for non-gastrointestinal reasons. It aims to collect demographic data and ultrasound measurements to establish normal values for the Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) angle and SMA-Aorta distance in the pediatric population. The data will be analyzed based on age, Body Mass Index (BMI), and fat parameters to better understand the anatomy of the SMA in healthy children.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy children aged 10 to 15 years undergoing routine abdominal ultrasound for reasons unrelated to gastrointestinal evaluation.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that distort the anatomy around the SMA or those with oncologic concerns may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide essential reference values for the Superior Mesenteric Artery in children, aiding in the diagnosis of related conditions.

How similar studies have performed: While there may be studies on SMA measurements, this specific focus on a healthy pediatric population is relatively novel and underexplored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male and female children
* Age ranging from10 to 15 years, included
* Abdominal ultrasound examination to be performed for indications other than gastrointestinal evaluation
* Signed Informed Consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of a disease that could distort the anatomy around the SMA (e.g., abdominal mass, lymphadenopathy, severe scoliosis, free abdominal fluid)
* Oncologic patients at risk of neoplastic cachexia.

Where this trial is running

Bellinzona and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.