Abstract
To determine whether simple linear measurements can be used as an accurate and reproducible replacement of the volumetric ones. We measured the cella media distance (CM1) and the distance between the right and left human brain surfaces (CM2)--measured along the CM1 line--in the groups of women (F) and men (M) who were divided according to diagnoses into three subgroups (F1-3 and M1-3). Examinations were carried out under standardized conditions: axial serial CT (Computed Tomography) images, in 4 mm layers (333 patients). Measured values were detected by Osiris Software. Recorded values were statistically analysed. We found very highly significant (subgroups M1, M3), and significant (subgroups F1, F2, F3, M2) associations between the cella media distance and the decade of age. There were only non-significant differences in CM1 distances between men and women and between the diagnoses groups as well. Correlation between cella media distance and volume of lateral ventricles was greater in men in both, subgroup M1 (r = 0.659, P < 0.0001) and in a mixed group where all the three male subgroups M1-3 were combined into one group (r = 0.675, P < 0.0001). Among women the correlation was lower, however still significant (r = 0.357, P < 0.0001 for F1 and r = 0.465, P < 0.0001 for F1-3). The cella media distance is much better predictor of brain lateral ventricular volume in men than in women.
Highlights
SUBJECTS, MATERIAL AND METHODSIt has already been shown that computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to measure brain atrophy that is an important anatomical change in the course of several diseases[1,2,3,4], as well as in normal aging[5,6,7].Simple linear measurements taken on axial CT slices were used from the advent of imaging technologies; different authors have used different exclusion criteria for sample material and for image analysis as well[8]
Based on consultation with neorologist, the selected subjects were divided according to diagnoses into three groups: Group 1) 223 subjects (133 women or subgroup female subgroup 1 (F1) aged 19–91, and 90 men or subgroup male subgroup 1 (M1) aged 18–92) without any diagnosis that could influence the size of cerebral ventricles or that of the brain; Group 2) 66 subjects (33 women or subgroup female subgroup 2 (F2) aged 20–86, and 33 men or subgroup male subgroup 2 (M2) aged 19–96) without any psychiatric diagnosis or serious neurological diagnosis but with head injury in anamnesis; Group 3) 44 subjects
In the female subgroup 2 (F2) the median of CM1 distance ranged from 26.75 mm in the 3rd decade to 29.4 mm in the 9th decade of age while in the male subgroup 2 (M2) it was from 23.8 mm in the 3rd decade to 28.7 mm in the 9th decade of age
Summary
SUBJECTS, MATERIAL AND METHODSIt has already been shown that computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to measure brain atrophy that is an important anatomical change in the course of several diseases[1,2,3,4], as well as in normal aging[5,6,7].Simple linear measurements taken on axial CT slices were used from the advent of imaging technologies; different authors have used different exclusion criteria for sample material and for image analysis as well[8]. A data set of 333 subjects (aged 18–96) with normal radiological findings was selected – a set which included both, subjects with and without psychiatric and neurological diagnoses and subjects with head injury in anamnesis as well. Based on consultation with neorologist, the selected subjects were divided according to diagnoses into three groups: Group 1) 223 subjects (133 women or subgroup F1 aged 19–91, and 90 men or subgroup M1 aged 18–92) without any diagnosis that could influence the size of cerebral ventricles or that of the brain; Group 2) 66 subjects (33 women or subgroup F2 aged 20–86, and 33 men or subgroup M2 aged 19–96) without any psychiatric diagnosis or serious neurological diagnosis but with head injury in anamnesis; Group 3) 44 subjects
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