Dimensions Of Corpus Callosum Research Articles

Gender-related differences in the morphometry of the corpus callosum: MRI study

Background: The size and shape of the adult corpus callosum (CC) may vary with gender. There is, however, less literature available on data involving the morphometry of CC among the Indian population. Aims and Objectives: To measure the size of CC using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of normal Indian adult females and males and identify gender-related differences, if any. Materials and Methods: The dimensions of CC were measured on MRI scans on a midsagittal section view belonging to 150 (59 females, 91 males) normal Indian adults (North India) using e-measurement tools. The measurements included the maximum length and height of CC, the thickness of various parts of CC, the CC index (CCI), and the distance of CC from the frontal and occipital poles of the cerebral hemisphere. The study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy in collaboration with the Department of Radiodiagnosis, King George’s Medical University, U.P., Lucknow, India. The data was analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences, 23rd version. Means were compared for significant differences using the independent unpaired t-test. Results: The mean length of the CC was found to be 6.94±0.63 cm; mean height was 2.57±0.43 cm; the mean thickness of the genu was 9.16±2.26 mm; the mean thickness of the body was 5.09±0.99 mm; the mean thickness of splenium was 9.10±2.22 mm; the mean distance from the frontal pole was 3.66±0.35 cm; the mean distance from the occipital pole was 5.70±0.74 cm; and the mean CCI calculations showed to be 3.37±0.56. All measurements were found to be greater in males as compared to females except mean height (males 2.56±0.47 cm; females 2.59±0.37 cm) and mean thickness of the body (males 5.04±0.94 mm; females 5.17±1.06 mm). A statistically significant difference was observed in the distance of CC from the frontal pole in our population with respect to gender (P=0.03). Conclusion: Based on observations made in the study, normative data of CC measurements was generated, and it was found that there was no significant gender-related difference in the morphology of CC; the only significant difference was in the distance of the genu from the frontal pole, which was greater in females as compared to males.

MRI-based morphometric analysis of corpus callosum dimensions of adults in Southeast Nigeria

ABSTRACT The Corpus callosum (CC) is the largest commissural fibre tract, ensuring swift information transfer and integration in both cerebral hemispheres. Variations in morphometry exist. There is a paucity of data on CC dimensions in our subregion, and no standardized reference is available. The study aims to determine the CC dimensions among the adult population in southeast Nigeria. The result will provide reference ranges and form a benchmark for comparisons of CC-related pathologies. A retrospective study of CC morphometric dimensions in normal subjects who had cranial MRI over two years in Memfys Hospital, Enugu, Southeast Nigeria, using a 1.5T GE© 16 channel machine. The CC was segmentalized into seven subregions using the modified Witelson method with special computer software. All measurements were taken twice from the T1 mid-sagittal image, and the mean was used for computation. The results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A total of 200 subjects were recruited for the study. The mean length and height of the CC were 75.58 ± 4.52 mm and 24.64 ± 3.40 mm, respectively. The width dimensions of the genu, body, rostrum and splenium were 10.88 ± 1.81 mm, 5.66 ± 1.32 mm, 3.65 ± 1.25 mm, and 10.02 ± 1.70 mm, respectively. No gender variations were noted among the different dimensions of CC (P = 0.90). The length and height of CC increase gradually with age and show a positive correlation. The width dimensions of the genu and splenium increase till middle age and subsequently decreases in line with brain atrophy (p = 0.0000& p = 0.004). Using Pearson’s correlation test, no correlation was noted in the dimensions of the body and rostrum of the corpus callosum when related to age and sex. (P = 0.92 & p = 0.66). Reference ranges of CC dimensions in our subregion were presented, and variations exist in its different morphometric dimensions which are affected by brain atrophy. Gender does not influence the dimensions in our subpopulations.

Measurement of Corpus Callosum Size Using MRI In Nepalese Population

Corpus callosum (CC) is the main fiber tract connecting the cortical and sub-cortical regions of the right, left hemispheres, and plays an essential role in the integration of information between the two hemispheres. By using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the dimensions of corpus callosum can be studied. In this cross-sectional quantitative study 80 cases of normal MRI head were selected for study over two months. T1 weighted sagittal spin-echo images with slice thickness of 6 mm, planned from an axial and coronal image were used for measuring length and thickness of corpus callosum. Obtained data were analyzed using SPSS ver.20 software and shown in frequency, percentages and bar diagram. The mean Corpus callosum (CC) length was 68.06 mm in the study population (n=80). The mean thickness of Genu, Body and Splenium were 9.15,5.2 and 9.08 mm respectively and average thickness was 7.81 mm. Statistically significant differences in size of CC for various age groups in both sexes were observed. The mean length of CC was 68.06 mm and mean thickness of CC was 7.81 mm. There were variation in the size of CC with age and sex. The Pearson correlation Coefficient is 0.48829 between Age and Length of CC, its P-value is 0.0019 KEY WORD: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Corpus callosum (CC), Genu, Body, Splenium Sagittal Spin-Echo.

Characterization of the Corpus Callosum Morphology in Healthy Sudanese Adults using MRI

Background: The aim of this study was to characterize the morphological differences of the corpus callosum (CC) concerning gender- and age-related variations, and establish reference values of the CC measurements for Sudanese participants using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods and Results: MRI scans from 196 males and 189 females, ranging in age from 18 to 84, were reviewed. Only MRI studies without pathological findings were included in the analysis. The following measurements were done: the longitudinal dimensions of the brain, CC, the genu of CC, the splenium of CC, as well as craniocaudal height of the body of CC. Callosal longitudinal dimensions were measured using the Witelson division method. The longitudinal dimension of the genu was found to be larger in females (11.12 +/- 1.54 mm) than in males (10.73 +/- 1.75 mm) (P=0.021). The longitudinal dimension of the brain was greater in males (161.6 +/- 7.2 mm) than in females (159.3 +/- 7.6 mm) (P=0.002). There was a weak statistically significant direct correlation between age and CC ratio (r=0.271, P<0.05). Conclusion: The results revealed that only the genu length showed sexual dimorphism and was larger in females than in males. This study showed variabilities regarding the CC dimensions in Sudanese participants compared to the Caucasian, Indian, and Japanese population.

Evaluation of corpus callosum morphometry in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE-HS) on corpus callosum (CC) morphometry in large and pathologically proven MTLE-HS patients. We measured certain CC dimensions in 103 patients and 33 healthy controls using in vivo magnetic resonance imaging. In particular, we compared the two groups in relation to the clinical (localization of the HS, duration of epilepsy, frequency of seizures and length of seizures) and demographical (age, gender, handedness) features. Students' t test, two-way ANOVA and Spearman test were used for statistical analysis. There was no significant difference between CC morphometry with respect to age and handedness among patients. The differences between the genders, however, were significant favouring longer diameters in males. We found significant decrease in the dimensions of the genu, body, isthmus and splenium of the CC in the MTLE-HS group, but there was no reduction in the size of the rostrum. This general reduction in the size of the CC except for the rostrum was thought to be the result of cortical atrophy secondary to the disease. Concerning the preserved rostral part of the CC, it was thought that the fibers of the frontal lobe pass through different pathways than the tracts in the rostrum.

How to image the fetal corpus callosum

How to… Practical advice on imaging-based techniques and investigations with accompanying slides and videoclips online The corpus callosum (CC) is the largest commissural pathway connecting the two cerebral hemispheres. It develops relatively late during cerebral ontogenesis, not assuming its definitive shape until 20 weeks of gestation, and continues to grow well after delivery1. Therefore, a proper prenatal sonographic evaluation can be performed only after 20 weeks. Ideally, the CC is assessed on ultrasound by direct visualization. It is a thin band of white-matter fibers and is not depicted using a standard axial plane. It can be seen in the coronal plane, but is only demonstrated in its entire length by using mid-sagittal views, that represent the gold standard for diagnosing abnormalities of this structure1, 2. Visualization of coronal and mid-sagittal planes requires technical skill, and is not recommended in standard examinations of low-risk pregnant patients3, 4. Reference ranges of fetal CC dimensions have been published and can be used to assess normal and deviant development5. There is a general consensus that diagnosing CC abnormalities is difficult. In standard examinations, absence of the CC may be detected because of either indirect cerebral findings, such as ventriculomegaly, absence of the cavum septi pellucidi or widening of the interhemispheric fissure, or associated extracranial findings6. The sensitivity of screening exams is, however, unknown, but is probably limited1. The interested reader is referred to a recent comprehensive review6. The aim of the present article, together with the accompanying slides and videoclips, is to serve as a practical guide for non-expert operators in their attempts to achieve regularly a satisfactory ultrasonographic assessment of the fetal CC. Adequate demonstration of the CC in the second trimester can often be achieved by standard transabdominal ultrasonography. However, in vertex fetal presentation, a transvaginal scan with a high-frequency transducer provides better resolution. In breech presentation, a transfundal approach is the only possibility1. In coronal and mid-sagittal views, the CC appears as a thin anechoic space, bordered superiorly and inferiorly by echogenic lines6, 7. The mid-sagittal view is certainly the most useful view2, 8. The ultrasound beam crosses the large midline acoustic window, formed from anterior to posterior by the frontal or metopic suture, the bregmatic fontanel and the sagittal suture, and this allows good resolution of the brain structures of the midline. For a proper assessment of the CC, good-quality two-dimensional (2D) gray-scale imaging is essential and is generally sufficient. Color Doppler may, however, play a complementary role, particularly in early gestation. In cases of difficult visualization, three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound may be helpful. Two practical approaches may be of help in order to achieve adequate visualization of the CC: Once the mid-sagittal plane of the fetal brain has been obtained, applying color Doppler will demonstrate the course of the pericallosal artery. This may be helpful, particularly in early gestation and in dubious cases. Proper adjustment of pulse repetition frequency (main cerebral arteries have velocities in the range of 20–40 cm/s during intrauterine life) and signal persistence enhances visualization of small vessels3. The main advantage of 3D imaging is the possibility of obtaining a ‘virtual’ mid-sagittal plane reconstructed from an axial approach, thus avoiding the need to align the transducer with the midline cranial sutures9. However, direct 2D visualization allows images of much superior quality. Furthermore, 3D ultrasound only allows visualization of the external contour of the CC and therefore does not allow identification of abnormalities of CC thickness10, 11. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Corpus callosum growth in normal and growth‐restricted fetuses

The aim of this study was to characterize the normal ultrasonographic growth of the corpus callosum (CC) in normal and in growth-restricted fetuses throughout gestation. This was a prospective cross-sectional study. Consecutive routine biometric measurements and fetal organ scans were obtained in patients undergoing elective fetal anatomical surveys or evaluation of the fetal growth between 16 to 33 weeks. Special attention was given to the CC of the fetal brain. In addition, we evaluated the growth of the CC in growth-restricted fetuses throughout pregnancy. Two hundred and fifty two normal fetuses were scanned between 16 and 36 weeks of gestation. A regression line of the CC was established through gestation and a second-degree correlation was found between gestational age and CC outer margin. Twenty four growth-restricted fetuses were also evaluated in which the growth of the CC was significantly below both the 25(th) and 50(th) percentiles in 77.3% and 95.5%, respectively, for the same gestational age. We provide nomograms for the ultrasonographic dimensions of the fetal CC that allows for prenatal diagnosis of abnormal dimensions of CC. The significance of abnormal CC growth in growth-restricted fetuses should be further evaluated.

Assessment of Corpus Callosum Biometric Measurements at 18 to 32 Weeks' Gestation by 3-Dimensional Sonography

The purposes of this study were to construct reference limits for corpus callosum dimensions measured on images reconstructed from 3-dimensional (3D) sonography and to evaluate the reproducibility of these measurements. Three-dimensional sonographic volumes were acquired transabdominally from an axial view of the head in 361 fetuses cross-sectionally studied at 18 to 32 weeks' gestation. Offline analysis of the fetal brain midsagittal plane was used to evaluate the length and area of the corpus callosum and corpus callosum-cavum septi pellucidi complex. The agreement between 2-dimensional (2D) and 3D measurements as well as the interobserver variability in 3D measurements were assessed by interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Adequate visualization of the midsagittal plane was obtained in 98.1% of the fetuses. A clear distinction between the corpus callosum and cavum septi pellucidi was obtained in 35.7% of the fetuses, whereas in the remaining cases, the corpus callosum-cavum septi pellucidi complex was visualized as a single echogenic structure. The corpus callosum-cavum septi pellucidi complex length (r = 0.806; P < .0001), corpus callosum-cavum septi pellucidi complex area (r = 0.920; P < .0001), and corpus callosum area (r = 0.713; P < .0001) showed a significant linear growth with gestation. A good agreement was found between measurements from both 2D and 3D sonographic views (corpus callosum length ICC, 0.916) as well as between measurements obtained by different observers (corpus callosum-cavum septi pellucidi complex length ICC, 0.936; corpus callosum-cavum septi pellucidi complex area ICC, 0.931). Measurements of the corpus callosum and cavum septi pellucidi can be obtained from the midsagittal plane of the fetal brain reconstructed from 3D volumes acquired transabdominally. The constructed nomograms may facilitate the diagnosis of corpus callosum abnormalities.

A MRI quantitative study of corpus callosum in normal adults

Objective To investigate the possible age- and sex-related differences in the various dimensions of corpus callosum among Chinese normal adults. Methods Magnetic resonance images of 286 healthy adults, including 127 males and 159 females, and ranging in age from 20 to 81 years, were investigated. They were classified into 5 age groups (20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, and 60–81 years old). Corresponding to the age group sequence above, the male/female ratio of each group respectively was: 25/26, 26/33, 33/50, 32/36, and 11/14. The following dimensions of corpus callosum were systematically measured on the midsagittal T 1-weighted images: frontal to occipital pole (represented as line segment AB), total longitudinal dimension of the corpus callosum (CD), the maximum height (EF), the widths of the genu (CX), anterior one third (GH), central region (EZ), posterior one third (MN) and splenium (YD). After that, the obtained data was analyzed statistically. Results (1) The total longitudinal dimension, maximum height, widths of the genu, central region and splenium were proved to be larger in females. But the widths of the anterior one third and posterior one third were similar in-between. In spite of that, a conspicuous sex-related difference was not found. (2) The total longitudinal dimension and the maximum height of the corpus callosum remained stable in all age subgroups. Yet the widths of the genu, anterior one third, central region, posterior one third and splenium had a tendency of decreasing gradually with aging. Statistical difference was seen in the anterior one third, central region, posterior one third ( P<0.05). Conclusion There is no sex-related difference in all dimensions of corpus callosum. But, with aging, a significant difference is found in the widths of the anterior one third, central region and posterior one third.

Brain Imaging as a Tool to Investigate Heterogeneity of Schizophrenia: a Magnetic Resonance Study

AbstractThe brain morphology of cerebral measures from magnetic resonance scans of 50 schizophrenic patients and 40 healthy controls was examined using cluster analysis in order to investigate heterogeneity in schizophrenia. This multivariate analysis defined a cluster of schizophrenics only (28% of patient group) with enlarged ventricular sizes, corpus callosum dimensions at the lower limits of the range of controls, and more severe illness. The remaining two clusters produced were composed of mixed subgroups of patients and controls, schizophrenics showing a milder form of illness. The implications of morphological abnormalities and association with negative/positive symptomatology and sporadic/familial dicotomy in these clusters are discussed.

Corpus callosum dimensions measured by magnetic resonance imaging in bipolar affective disorder and schizophrenia

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans were performed on 24 schizophrenic patients, 22 bipolar affective patients, and 25 normal control subjects without medical or psychiatric illness using a Picker Vista 0.5 tesla scanner. Specific callosal regions and the cerebral area on the midsagittal slice were measured utilizing the technique described by Nasrallah et al. (1986). No significant differences were found among diagnostic groups in anterior, mid, or posterior callosal width, callosal area, cerebral area, callosal to cerebral area ratio, or the genu (first quartile) to splenium (fourth quartile) ratio. However, male subjects had a significantly greater callosal and cerebral area than female subjects. Gender differences were shown in the genu to splenium ratio in the control groups, but not the affective or schizophrenic groups. The implications of these gender differences are discussed in relation to other studies.