A novel approach to estimate age and sex from mri measurement of liver dimensions in an Indian (Bengali) Population – A pilot study

Abstract

Radiological methods have been used to assess the ossification stages of bones to estimate age and sex, but studies using the growth stages of organs such as the liver for identification purposes have not yet been performed. Liver weight increases with age, reaching a maximum between 41 and 50 years in men and between 51 and 60 years in women. Thereafter, above the age of 50 years, the liver weight decreases again, and the differences in liver weight between men and women are lost. For this reason, we have conducted this study in a population aged between 10 and 40 years. In this study, we attempted to find correlations between liver dimensions (from magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] images) and age and sex in an eastern Indian (Bengali) population. MRI images showing the liver were acquired from people aged between 10 and 40 years visiting the MRI Centre of Calcutta National Medical College. Liver MRI was acquired from 104 people. Chi-square tests showed a significant correlation between age and the mid hepatic point anteroposterior (MHP AP) dimension. However, there was no such significant correlation between age and maximum craniocaudal (Max CC) dimension or between age and maximum transverse dimension. The following discriminant function equation was derived (Df) = 0.04 MHP AP + 0.006 Max CC + 0.031 Max transverse −11.873 (Constant). Using this formula, 60.6% of the original grouped cases from the Eastern Indian Bengali population would be correctly classified. From the forensic point of view, the dimensions of the liver may be of the value of corroborating age and sex in doubtful cases in living individuals, aged between 10 and 40 years.