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Objective: The objective of the study was to develop a reference luminal diameter (LD) of the abdominal aorta (AA) in Abuja, Nigeria. Methods: The LD of the AA of 422 male and female healthy subjects was measured sonographically using standard protocol. The relationship between age, body mass index (BMI), gender, and the LD of the AA was determined in the subjects. Statistical analysis was performed by the Student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient at p < 0.05 level of significance. Results: The values of the LD of the AA in the healthy subjects were 15.16 ± 0.55 mm in males and 15.15 ± 0.55 mm in females. The 5th and 95th percentile normal reference limits of the AA were 14.20–16.10 mm, respectively. There were no significant differences in the LD measurements in male and female subjects. Age correlated strongly positively with LD (ɼ=0.90) of the AA in both genders. BMI showed weak positive correlation with LD (ɼ=0.136) of the AA in female healthy subjects only. Conclusion: The reference LD of the AA in the study population was 15.16 ± 0.55 mm in males and 15.15 ± 0.55 mm in females. The LD of the AA increased proportionately with age.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of Radiographic Contrast Media (RCM) on the status of blood cells of albino Wistar rat. Thirty (30) Wistar rats weighing between 182-212 kg were used for the experiment. The animals were grouped into five, consisting of 6 animals per group. 1 group was used as control, while 4 served as experimental receiving low and high dosage of RCM [urografin (diatrizoate) and ultravist (iopromide)]. Collection of blood samples was carried out on the experimental groups at the intervals of 30 minutes, 1 hour, 12 hours and 24 hours. Blood sampling on the experimental groups and control group was carried out simultaneously. Results showed that RCM affect blood cells generally with urografin (ionic) showing sustained effect on platelet and ultravist (non-ionic) with unpronounced effect on packed cells volume.