Reference values for the cross-sectional area of the vagus nerve in healthy subjects – preliminary results of a high-resolution ultrasound study

Purpose: To assess age-related reference values for the vagus nerve (VN) and to examine interrater reliability. Herewith, we report preliminary results. Materials and methods: Both VNs of 26 healthy subjects (18 female, mean age 31 ± 7 years) were examined with high-resolution ultrasound using a 15 MHz ultrasound transducer (Esaote MyLab Five, probe LA435). Cross-sectional area (CSA) of each VN was assessed at 2 points: at level of the distal common carotid artery before beginning of the bulb (proximal measuring point) and at level of the thyroid gland (distal measuring point). Each subject was examined by 2 son…