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Age-related normal ranges for the Haller index in children

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Abstract

Purpose

The Haller index is an accepted CT method for evaluating thoracic dimensions in patients with pectus excavatum. The purpose of this study is to establish age- and gender-related norms for the Haller index in childhood.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed 574 consecutive chest CT examinations (M=285, F=289) performed at our institution from August 2001 through March 2002. Seventeen patients with a history of chest-wall deformity, trauma, or syndrome were excluded, for a total sample size of 557 patients. The Haller index was calculated for each patient, using electronic calipers. The sample population was then separated by gender and placed into 2-year age groupings. Two-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s multiple comparisons were performed to determine significance at a=0.05. The least-square mean Haller index values for each age group and gender were calculated with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

In both males and females, the 0- to 2-year age group showed a significantly smaller mean Haller index than older children. In addition, females had significantly greater Haller index values than males in the 0- to 6- and 12- to 18-year age groups.

Conclusion

The Haller index, a quantitative measurement of chest-wall configuration, demonstrates significant age- and gender-related variability. This should be considered when evaluating the patient with suspected chest-wall deformity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada

    Stephen W. Daunt, Justine H. Cohen & Stephen F. Miller

Authors
  1. Stephen W. Daunt
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  2. Justine H. Cohen
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  3. Stephen F. Miller
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Stephen F. Miller.

Additional information

This manuscript was presented as a poster at the 2002 RSNA Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly

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Daunt, S.W., Cohen, J.H. & Miller, S.F. Age-related normal ranges for the Haller index in children. Pediatr Radiol 34, 326–330 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-003-1116-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-003-1116-1

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