A study of third and fourth ventricular sizes in Bangladeshi adults using computed tomography scan

Abstract

Background: The assessment of normal measurements of cerebral ventricles in living humans holds significant importance for diagnosing and monitoring various pathologies. Current digital computed tomography (CT) scan machines enable the direct visualization of ventricles in cross-sectional images, allowing real-time measurement of different ventricular dimensions, thereby aiding in comprehending their anatomy. This research aims to create baseline reference values for the sizes of the third and fourth ventricles in normal Bangladeshi adults using CT scans. Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted in the department of radiology and imaging, Shaheed Monsur Ali Medical college hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January 2023 to December 2023. A total of 408 adult patients with clinical symptoms or history suggestive of neurological ailment were analyzed. CT scans of the brain of all the patients were performed in Supria 128 Fujifilm multi-slice CT scanner and the studies were analyzed retrospectively on Synapse 3D workstation. Measurements were taken with inbuilt linear calipers. The greatest width of the third ventricle (3V) and fourth ventricle (4V) on axial images using a linear approach were measured. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 22.0. Result: The study found that the mean measurements of the 3V were 4.27±1.22 mm in males and 3.73±1.03 mm in females, with an overall mean of 3.92±1.13 mm. For the 4V, the mean measurements were 11.73±1.27 mm in males and 10.67±1.07 mm in females, resulting in an overall mean of 11.03±1.25 mm. The largest dimensions in both ventricles were consistently observed in individuals aged 60 years and above, regardless of gender. Additionally, on average, the measurements of both ventricles were higher in males compared to females. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the sizes of both ventricles between male and female subjects. Conclusions: This study concludes normal third and fourth ventricular sizes in Bangladeshi adults using CT scans. These can serve as baseline reference values in our hospital in routine practice.