Normal radiographic heart volume in the neonate. 2. Method of assessment.

An approach to optimal assessment of cardiac volume in the neonate is described. 117 normal neonates between 0 and 15 days of age have been used to establish normal standards. Different normal ranges must be used for the 1st und 2nd day of life. The elective determination of heart volume should, for optimal differentiation between normal and pathological values, preferably be done after the 2nd day of life and compared with the corresponding normal standards. The volume has been related both to body weight and body surface area (BSA). The relative volume in cm3 per m2 BSA should be avoided in this age-group.