Measuring the Superior Mesenteric Artery in Healthy Children
Official title: A Prospective, Observational, Multicenter Study on Ultrasound Evaluation of Superior Mesenteric Artery Measurements in a Healthy Pediatric Population
Run by Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona · NCT04515251 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 10 Years to 15 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 289 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Bellinzona and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 27, 2020 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 31, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT04515251 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy children aged 10 to 15 years undergoing routine abdominal ultrasound for reasons unrelated to gastrointestinal evaluation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with conditions that distort the anatomy around the SMA or those with oncologic concerns may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: While there may be studies on SMA measurements, this specific focus on a healthy pediatric population is relatively novel and underexplored.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland
Bellinzona, Switzerland Recruiting -
Hôpitaux Universitaires Genève
Geneva, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marirosa Cristallo Lacalamita, MD — Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland
- Study coordinator: Marirosa Cristallo Lacalamita, MD
- Email: Marirosa.CristalloLacalamita@eoc.ch
- Phone: +41 (0)91 811 84 75
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.