Morphometry of sylvian fissure among Maharashtrian population

Abstract

Background: Various studies have documented asymmetry and sexual dimorphism in the Sylvian fissure (SF). The objective of the present study was to determine the morphometry of Sylvian fissure for sexual dimorphism and interhemispherical variations. Methodology: In a descriptive study at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, morphometric evaluation of lateral sulcus was done from 50 cerebral hemispheres. SF and Sylvian point with its posterior limb, anterior limb, and ascending limb were demarcated after dissecting out the cerebral hemispheres from the cranial cavity. The length of posterior limb of SF, anterior limb, and ascending limb was noted separately for the left and right sides. The angle between the limbs was noted. Incidence of bifurcation into anterior and ascending limbs as V, U. or Y shape at anterior Sylvian point was noted. Results: The average length of SF (posterior, ascending, and anterior limbs) on the left hemispheres was significantly more than the right side. The length of SF was also significantly more in males in comparison with males. The most common branching pattern of anterior and ascending limbs was U shape (64%). The angle between posterior and ascending limbs on the left side was significantly higher in the left side (104°) than on the right side (98°). Conclusion: Posterior, anterior, and ascending limbs of SF were longer on the left side. Male brains had significantly longer SF than females. U-shaped branching was the most common shape bilaterally and in both sexes. The angle between ascending and anterior limbs was found more in females and on the left side, thus reflecting laterality and sexual dimorphism.