Intracranial Cavity Volume Research Articles

Analysis of Major Lobe Volume and Asymmetry of the Brain by Gender: A vol2Brain Study

Objective: In recent years, with the use of three-dimensional (3D) software tools, volumetric measurements of brain morphometry have gained importance. In this study, we aim to investigate the ratio of the volumes of the major structures of the brain (frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes) to the volume of the intracranial cavity (ICC) and the change of asymmetry according to gender, using web-based vol2Brain, which is one of the current and automatic software tools. Materials and Methods: 3D-T1-weighted magnetic resonance images of 80 healthy individuals (43 females and 37 males) of both genders were included in our study. The volumes of major brain lobes were calculated with the vol2Brain pipeline software tool and their ratio to ICC was compared by gender. Results: Males ICC volume, frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobe total volume values were statistically higher than females (P < 0.05). Similarly, the right and left volume values of male were higher than those of female in all measurements. However, when the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobe volumes of male and female were proportion to the ICC volume, there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the asymmetry results of these cortical structures examined in both genders (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Although the male brain is known to be large, no difference was found between the male and female brains as a result of the ratio. Considering the asymmetry values, frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobe volume asymmetry values did not differ statistically in both genders.

The utility of volumetric MRI in assessment of volume changes in ventral diencephalon in autistic children

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurobehavioural disorder, characterized by abnormal affiliative and socio-emotional responses which are generally regulated by certain neuropeptides in the hypothalamus (an anatomic component of the ventral diencephalon (VD)). The use of volumetric MRI for studying VD volume change could provide a novel approach for identification of structural brain changes in ASD; this could assist in understanding the pathophysiology of ASD and would reflect on treatment strategies. The aim of the current work was to investigate the role of MRI volumetric analysis of the ventral diencephalon in young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.MethodsFifty children diagnosed with ASD underwent volumetric brain analysis, on a fully automated MRI brain volumetry system (volBrain), with voxel-based morphometry of various segmental structures of the brain including the VD, using vol2Brain 1.0 pipeline software analysis suite.ResultsThere were 48 out of 50 children who demonstrated abnormal VD volume which was found below the normal limits compared with reference standard normalized volume. All cases were normocephalic demonstrating normal intra-cranial cavity volumes. Forty out of fifty cases showed increased total volume of grey matter, and eighteen out of fifty cases showed increased total volume of white matter. Regarding the amygdala and hippocampus, there were only two cases (4.0%) which showed slightly increased relative volume of the total amygdala, and two other cases (4.0%) demonstrated increased relative volume of the total hippocampus. Comparison between the autistic patients and normal references revealed a significant difference regarding the VD volume and total volume of grey matter, whereas no significant differences were found regarding the white matter amygdala and hippocampus.ConclusionsBased on the consistent significant volume decrease in the ventral diencephalon in patients with childhood autism, this study concluded that volumetric MRI analysis could be useful for diagnosis of childhood spectrum disorder and could be utilized as a reliable screening method in the clinically vague cases. Further study with a larger sample size including more age groups is recommended for more validation of the results.

Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive endoscopic surgery in the treatment of isolated non-syndromic sagittal synostosis in infants

The current study aimed to evaluate the early efficacy in infants with isolated non-syndromic sagittal synostosis who underwent minimally invasive endoscopic-assisted surgery. The clinical data of infants with isolated non-syndromic sagittal synostosis who were admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery of the Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and underwent endoscopic-assisted surgery from October 2018 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. All the infants underwent minimally invasive endoscopic-assisted surgery, and were treated with supine sleeping position after surgery. Computer-aided reconstruction technique was used to reconstruct and measure the thin-slice CT scan images of the head before and 3 months after surgery, and the differences in cranial index (CI), cranial cavity volume and angle drawn between the cranial vertex, nasion, and opisthocranion (VNO angle) of preoperative and postoperative groups were analyzed. A total of 103 infants were included in the final analysis, including 85 males and 18 females. The age at surgery was (2.1±0.8) months, and the weight was (6.1±0.9) kg. The postoperative CI was (84±6)%, which increased obviously compared with the pre-operation [(70±5)%] (P<0.001). The cranial volume of post-operation was (947±130) cm³, which was larger than that of the pre-operation [(748±104) cm³] (P<0.001). The VNO angle after surgery was (45±4)°, which showed a significant reduction compared with the pre-operation [(55±4)°] (P<0.001). The correction of head shape was satisfactory. For the treatment of sagittal synostosis in infants, minimally invasive endoscopic-assisted surgery is safe and effective, and in the case of switching from an auxiliary helmet to a supine position, the postoperative correction efficacy of head shape is better.

Brain volumetric and white matter structural connectivity alterations in autistic children: case–control study

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that includes a large heterogeneous constellation of disorders with overlapping symptoms and clinical features. The diagnosis is based mainly on clinical symptoms meeting DSM-5 criteria with no radiologic or laboratory diagnostic investigations available yet. The specific neuropathologic aberrations occurring in ASD are still under investigation. This study aimed at providing a preliminary database for better understanding of the neuropathologic aspects of ASD, regarding both macrostructure and microstructure of the brain using magnetic resonance imaging. This case–control study included total of 40 children, 20 cases (diagnosed with ASD) and 20 control (Typically Developing Children, TDC) aged 2–18 years. 3D-T1 and Diffusion Tensor Images (DTI) were acquired. 3D-T1 images were uploaded to Volbrain and brain segmentation was done using Volbrain 2.0 pipeline. DTI data were analyzed using FSL where Tract-Based Spatial Statistics analysis was carried out and mean fractional anisotropy values obtained. Independent samples t test was used to compare means of both groups.ResultsASD group displayed statistically significant larger intracranial cavity, brain, white matter, grey matter and cerebrospinal fluid volumes (p < 0.001 for all except CSF volume p = 0.01) with the white matter occupying higher percentage of intracranial volume in ASD compared to TDC group (p < 0.001). The cortical thickness showed statistically significant larger volume in entorhinal cortex in ASD group compared to TDC group at both sides (p < 0.001 at right side, p = 0.003 at left side). Widespread statistically significant (p < 0.001) higher mean FA value was observed at multiple white matter tracts.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the main pathology of ASD is within the white matter. It also supports the hypothesis that autistic brain undergoes period of precocious growth in early years of life. Further studies with age and clinical severity stratification are needed to investigate temporal changes and severity related macrostructure and microstructure changes in autistic brains.

Quantification of Intracranial Structures Volume in Fetuses Using 3-D Volumetric MRI: Normal Values at 19 to 37 Weeks' Gestation.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to establish a reference of intracranial structure volumes in normal fetuses ranging from 19 to 37 weeks' gestation (mean 27 weeks).Materials and MethodsA retrospective analysis of 188 MRI examinations (1.5 T) of fetuses with a normal brain appearance (19–37 gestational weeks) from January 2018 to December 2021 was included in this study. Three dimensional (3-D) volumetric parameters from slice-to-volume reconstructed (SVR) images, such as total brain volume (TBV), cortical gray matter volume (GMV), subcortical brain tissue volume (SBV), intracranial cavity volume (ICV), lateral ventricles volume (VV), cerebellum volume (CBV), brainstem volume (BM), and extra-cerebrospinal fluid volume (e-CSFV), were quantified by manual segmentation from two experts. The mean, SD, minimum, maximum, median, and 25th and 75th quartiles for intracranial structures volume were calculated per gestational week. A linear regression analysis was used to determine the gestational weekly age-related change adjusted for sex. A t-test was used to compare the mean TBV and ICV values to previously reported values at each gestational week. The formulas to calculate intracranial structures volume derived from our data were created using a regression model. In addition, we compared the predicted mean TBV values derived by our formula with the expected mean TBV predicted by the previously reported Jarvis' formula at each time point. For intracranial volumes, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to convey association within and between observers.ResultsThe intracranial volume data are shown in graphs and tabular summaries. The male fetuses had significantly larger VV compared with female fetuses (p = 0.01). Measured mean ICV values at 19 weeks are significantly different from those published in the literature (p < 0.05). Means were compared with the expected TBV generated by the previously reported formula, showing statistically differences at 22, 26, 29, and 30 weeks' gestational age (GA) (all p < 0.05). A comparison between our data-derived formula and the previously reported formula for TBV showed very similar values at every GA. The predicted TBV means derived from the previously reported formula were all within the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the predicted means of this study. Intra- and inter-observer agreement was high, with an intraclass correlation coefficient larger than 0.98.ConclusionWe have shown that the intracranial structural volume of the fetal brain can be reliably quantified using 3-D volumetric MRI with a high degree of reproducibility and reinforces the existing data with more robust data in the earlier second and third stages of pregnancy.

Quantitative evaluation of the cerebellum in patients with depression and healthy adults by VolBrain method

Objectives: Besides the well-known sensorimotor control function, the cerebellum is also associated with cognitive functions and mood via the cerebral-cerebellar circuit. This study aimed to investigate possible cerebellar morphometric changes in untreated patients with depression. Methods: Brain magnetic resonance (MR) images of 40 adults (age: 18–50 years), including 20 untreated depression patients and 20 healthy controls were analysed prospectively. Intracranial cavity and total cerebellar volumes were measured by using VolBrain. The cerebellum segmentation was performed with CERES to obtain the total gray matter volumes and cortical thickness of the lobules. Results: Total cerebellar volume was 141.27±13.12 cm3 in the depressed group and 142.63±8.01 cm3 in the control group (p&gt;0.05). The difference between males and females in the depressed group was not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05). Total cerebellar volume was approximately 11% of total intracranial volume in both groups. The cortical thickness of lobule V (right-total), lobule VIIIB (right), and lobule IX (right) was smaller in the depressed group, independent of sex (p&lt;0.05). Lobule V, VIIIB and IX volume was smaller and Crus-I cortical thickness was increased in depressed females (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The cerebellar volume and cortical thickness of cerebellar lobules in patients with depression show significant differences compared to healthy subjects.

Association of Prefrontal Cortex Thinning with High Impulsivity in Healthy Adults.

ObjectiveStudies have been conducted to identify brain structural alterations related to high impulsivity in psychiatric populations. However, research on healthy subjects is relatively less extensive. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the correlation between the cortical thickness of whole brain regions and the impulsivity level in a healthy population. MethodsWe included 100 healthy participants aged 19–65 years. Their T1-weighted magnetic resonance images and the 23-item Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) score were obtained. The patients were divided into high and low impulsivity groups according to the 75th percentile score of the BIS in the sample. The thickness of each cortical region was calculated using the FreeSurfer, and the difference in cortical thickness of the whole brain between the high and low impulsivity groups was analyzed using one-way analysis of covariance including age, sex, education level, and total intracranial cavity volume as covariates. ResultsThe high impulsivity group showed significant cortical thinning in the left pars opercularis. The cortical thickness of the left pars opercularis significantly correlated negatively with the total, attention, and motor scores of the BIS scale. ConclusionOur findings suggest that prefrontal cortex thinning may play an important role in the development of high impulsivity in healthy adults.

3D Printing in Cranioplasty for Giant Cranial Deformity with Multi-Dimensional Nuclear Magnetic Simulation

This article is based on 3D printing technology, through multi-dimensional nuclear magnetic stimulation to the in-depth study of the application of plastic surgery in patients with giant cranial deformity cranial reduction, first of all, patients with CT scan of the brain, based on CT data for 3D reconstruction, 3D geometric modeling, using 3D printing Prepare multiple skull 1:1 scale, solid models, perform surgical planning and drills, determine the surgical plan (related parameters such as surgical time, cranial cavity volume, frontal plane ratio, anterior-posterior diameter, left-right diameter, head-to-height ratio, etc.), it can increase the patient’s speed and stride, and complete a variety of material tests. The 3D printing group had lower pain VAS scores at 1 h and 24 h after surgery than the traditional data group. The same data observed from different dimensions may yield different results, but also enable people to understand the nature of things more comprehensively and clearly. It was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). The postoperative swelling of the 3D printing group was less than that of the customary group, and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). Through 12 months of follow up observation, the power of 3D printing is higher than that of the habitual group, and the difference is statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). This technology has an important guiding significance in future related treatment technology.

Hippocampal Subfield Volumes in Major Depressive Disorder Adolescents with a History of Suicide Attempt.

Suicidal behavior is a leading cause of death and often commences during adolescence/young adulthood (15~29 years old). The hippocampus, which consists of multiple functionally specialized subfields, may contribute to the pathophysiology of depression and suicidal behavior. We aimed to investigate the differences of hippocampal subfield volume between major depressive disorder (MDD) patients with and without suicide attempts and healthy controls in adolescents and young adults. A total of 40 MDD suicide attempters (MDD+SA), 27 MDD patients without suicide attempt (MDD-SA), and 37 healthy controls (HC) were recruited. High-resolution T1 MRI images were analyzed with the automated hippocampal substructure module in FreeSurfer 6.0. Volume differences among the groups were analyzed by a generalized linear model controlling for intracranial cavity volume (ICV). The relationship between hippocampal subfield volumes and clinical characteristics (HAM-D and SSI scores) was assessed using two-tailed partial correlation controlling for ICV in MDD+SA and MDD-SA. We found that MDD-SA had significantly smaller bilateral hippocampal fissure volume than HC and MDD+SA. No significant correlation was observed between hippocampal subfield volume and clinical characteristics (HAM-D and SSI scores) in MDD+SA and MDD-SA. Adolescent/young adult suicide attempters with MDD suicide attempters have larger bilateral hippocampal fissures than depressed patients without suicide attempts, independently from clinical characteristics. Within the heterogeneous syndrome of major depressive disorder that holds a risk for suicidality for subgroups, hippocampal morphology may help to explain or possibly predict such risk, yet longitudinal and functional studies are needed for understanding the biological mechanisms underlying.

Three-Dimensional Volumetric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Detects Early Alterations of the Brain Growth in Fetuses With Congenital Heart Disease.

Several published studies have shown alterations of brain development in third-trimester fetuses with congenital heart disease (CHD). However, little is known about the timing and pattern of altered brain development in fetuses with CHD. To investigate the changes in the volume of intracranial structures in fetuses with CHD by three-dimensional (3D) volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the earlier stages of pregnancy (median gestational age [GA], 26 weeks). Retrospective. Forty women carrying a fetus with CHD (including 20 fetuses with GA <26 weeks) and 120 pregnant women carrying a healthy fetus (including 50 fetuses with GA <26 weeks). Two-dimensional single-shot turbo spin echo sequence at 1.5-T. Three-dimensional volumetric parameters from slice-to-volume registered images, including cortical gray matter volume (GMV), subcortical brain tissue volume (SBV), intracranial cavity volume (ICV), lateral ventricles volume (VV), cerebellum, brainstem, and extra-cerebrospinal fluid (e-CSF) were quantified by manual segmentation from one primary and two secondary observers. Volumes were presented graphically with quadratic curve fitting. Scatterplots were produced mapping volumes against GA in normal and CHD fetuses. For GA <26 weeks, Z scores were calculated and Student's t-tests were conducted to compare volumes between the normal and CHD fetuses. In fetuses with CHD GMV, SBV, cerebellum, and brainstem were significantly reduced (all P < 0.05) in early stages of pregnancy (GA <26 weeks), with differences becoming progressively greater with increasing GA. Compared with normal fetuses, e-CSF, e-CSF to ICV ratio, and VV were higher in fetuses with CHD (all P < 0.05). However, ICV volume and the GMV to SBV ratio were not significantly reduced in the CHD group (P=0.94 and P=0.13, respectively) during the middle gestation (GA <26 weeks). There appear to be alterations of brain development trajectory in CHD fetuses that can be detected by 3D volumetric MRI in the earlier stages of pregnancy. 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.

Incidence and type of brain herniation associated with intracranial meningioma in dogs and cats.

The incidence of brain herniation (BH) in association with intracranial meningioma (ICM) in dogs and cats is poorly described. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate and type of brain herniations in client-owned dogs and cats with ICMs and to determine the meningioma volume (MV) relative to cranial cavity volume (CCV). A retrospective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis study of 24 cats and 45 dogs with ICMs was conducted to ascertain the presence and characteristics of BH. MV and CCV were measured and their ratio was calculated for each animal. Correlations of MV/CCV with independent variables were analyzed. BH was encountered in 24/24 cats (100%) and 30/45 dogs (66.7%) with ICMs. In cats, the most frequent presentation was foramenal herniation (FMH; 23/24, 95.8%), followed by caudotentorial (CTH; 21/24, 87.5%) and subfalcine (SH; 18/24, 75.0%) herniation. In dogs, the most frequent presentation was SH (28/45; 62.2%), followed by CTH (9/45; 20%) and FMH (2/45; 4.4%). Relative to dogs, cats with ICM had greater incidences of FMH (P<0.001) and CTH (P<0.001). Mean MV/CCV ratio was higher in cats (0.098) than in dogs (0.038; P<0.001). The most common clinical sign of ICM was altered behavior in cats (43%, P<0.01) and seizures in dogs (74.4%, P<0.001). In conclusion, cats were found to be more likely than dogs to present FMH and CTH, with a proportionally greater neoplasia volume.

Surgical treatment of rostrotentorial meningioma complicated by foraminal herniation in the cat.

This study was performed to evaluate retrospectively the clinical signs, complications and postoperative outcomes of feline intracranial meningioma (IM) with concurrent cingulate, transtentorial and foramen magnum herniations. The medical records and MRI scans of cats with IM and cerebral herniation were reviewed. Cases involving concurrent cingulate, transtentorial and foramen magnum herniations were included. Owners were contacted to obtain long-term follow-up information. Seven cats (four castrated males and three spayed females) met the inclusion criteria. Median age was 13.0 years (range 9.9-16.1 years) and median duration of clinical signs was 35 days (range 21-163 days). The clinical signs of cats with cerebral herniation included visual impairment (n = 5 [71.4%]), ataxia (n = 4 [57.1%]), impaired consciousness (n = 2 [28.6%]), head pressing (n = 2 [28.6%]), paresis (n = 1 [14.3%]), torticollis (n = 1 [14.3%]) and personality changes (n = 1 [14.3%]). Median tumour volume, cranial cavity volume and tumour volume:intracranial volume ratio before surgery were 3.37 cm3 (range 3.23-11.5 cm3), 32.6 cm3 (range 29.8-78.3 cm3) and 10.4% (range 5.3-35.3%), respectively. Median overall tumour excision rate was 90.6%. Preoperative intracranial pressure (ICP) ranged from 15 to 32 mmHg (median 29 mmHg). In all cases, the ICP dropped to 0 mmHg immediately after tumour removal. No adjuvant therapy was required after surgery. The median survival period was 612 days (range 55-1453 days). The results of this study indicate that surgical treatment of rostrotentorial IM is effective and allows prolonged survival, even in cats with concurrent cingulate, transtentorial and foramen magnum herniations.

Changes in cortical thickness and volume of cerebellar subregions in patients with bipolar disorders

BackgroundNumerous studies have suggested that structural changes in the cerebellum are implicated in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD). We aimed to investigate differences in the volume and cortical thickness of the cerebellar subregions between patients with BD and healthy controls (HCs). MethodsNinety patients with BD and one hundred sixty-six HCs participated in this study and underwent T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging. We analyzed the volume and cortical thickness of each cerebellar hemisphere divided into 12 subregions using T1-weighted images of participants. One-way analysis of covariance was used to evaluate differences between the groups, with age, sex, medication, and total intracranial cavity volume used as covariates. ResultsThe BD group had significantly increased cortical thickness of the cerebellum in all cerebellar subregions compared to the HC group. The cortical thicknesses of the whole cerebellum and each hemisphere were also significantly thicker in the BD group than in the HC group. The volume of the left lobule IX was significantly lower in patients with BD than in HCs, whereas no significant differences in the volumes were observed in the other subregions. LimitationsOur cross-sectional design cannot provide a causal relationship between the increased cortical thickness of the cerebellum and the risk of BD. ConclusionsWe observed widespread and significant cortical thickening in all the cerebellar subregions. Our results provide evidence for the involvement of the cerebellum in BD. Further studies are required to integrate neurobiological evidence and structural brain imaging to elucidate the pathophysiology of BD.

Treatment analysis of craniosynostosis combined with Chiari malformation in children

Objective To explore the surgical method and outcome of craniosynostosis combined with Chiari malformation in children. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 16 children with craniosynostosis combined with Chiari malformation who were admitted to Department of Neurosurgery, Children′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from April to December 2017. All cases were retrospectively analyzed and their imaging results were analyzed. Of the 16 children without hydrocephalus, 12 underwent craniofacial reconstruction of cranial suture or craniofacial reconstruction, of which 1 case underwent posterior fossa reconstruction and suboccipital decompression at 7 months post operation. In 4 children with combined hydrocephalus, 3 underwent routine right ventricle-peritoneal shunting and cranial reconstruction, of which 1 case was treated with posterior fossa reconstruction and suboccipital decompression at 5 months post operation. The other 1 case was Pfeiffer syndrome and underwent right ventricle-peritoneal shunting plus posterior fossa reconstruction as well as suboccipital decompression. At 3, 6 and 12 months post operation, all patients were followed up at the outpatient clinic and underwent the reexamination of head MRI for assessment of brain tissue development, ventricle changes and cerebellum tonsil herniation. Results All 16 children underwent operation successfully without any surgical complications. Revealed by the postoperative skull CT, all the children′s cranial cavity volume was enlarged, and the cranial malformation was improved. The follow-up time of 16 children was (12.1±2.0) months (10-18 months). The review of head MRI showed that brain tissue developed well and the position of the cerebellar tonsils did not decline further. All children were free of neurological deficits, and parents were satisfied with the improvement in the appearance of their skulls and faces. Conclusions The combination of craniosynostosis with Chiari malformation should be fully evaluated before surgery and appropriate individualized treatment program should be selected according to specific conditions. One-stage craniofacial surgery seems an effective treatment method. Key words: Craniosynostosis; Arnold-Chiari malformation; Child; Treatment outcome

Association between cerebral atrophy and osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

PurposeOsteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) have a serious impact on people’s health and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to analyze brain volume in patients with osteoporosis using brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to investigate the relationship with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.Materials and methodsWe included 246 patients with osteoporosis who underwent thoracolumbar radiographs and brain MRI at our hospital. Clinical data on age, sex, bone mineral density, height, weight, osteoporosis medication, hypertension, diabetes, alcohol drinking, and smoking were collected. Intracranial cavity, brain parenchyma, and lateral ventricles volumes were measured using brain MRI with a semiautomated tool.ResultsWe founded an independent correlation between age and volume percentages of the brain parenchyma and lateral ventricles. We observed a statistically significant decrease in volume percentage of the brain parenchyma and an increase in volume percentage of the lateral ventricles with increasing age. In addition, we confirmed that patients with OVCF showed a significantly lower volume percentage of brain parenchyma than patients without OVCF.ConclusionWe observed a significant association between OVCF and volume percentage of brain parenchyma. Degeneration of the brain may lead to a high incidence of falls, and OVCF may occur more frequently in patients with osteoporosis.

Association between bone mineral density and brain parenchymal atrophy and ventricular enlargement in healthy individuals.

Bone, vascular smooth muscle, and arachnoid trabeculae are composed of the same type of collagen. However, no studies have investigated the relationship between bone mineral density deterioration and cerebral atrophy, both of which occur in normal, healthy aging. Accordingly, we evaluated whether bone mineral density was associated with brain parenchymal atrophy and ventricular enlargement in healthy individuals. Intracranial cavity, brain parenchyma, and lateral ventricles volumes were measured using brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a semiautomated tool. We included 267 individuals with no history of dementia or other neurological diseases, who underwent one or more dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans and brain MRIs simultaneously (within 3 years of each other) at our hospital over an 11-year period. We found that progression of brain parenchymal atrophy was positively associated with bone mineral density after full adjustment (B, 0.94; P < 0.001). In addition, individuals with osteoporosis showed more parenchymal atrophy among those younger than 80 years. In addition, we observed greater ventricular enlargement in individuals with osteoporosis among those older than 80 years. We believe that osteoporosis may play a role in the acceleration of parenchymal atrophy during the early-stages, and ventricular enlargement in the late-stages, of normal aging-related cerebral atrophy.

Hippocampal subfield volumes in major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder

BackgroundThe hippocampus is not a uniform structure, but rather consists of multiple, functionally specialized subfields. Few studies have explored hippocampal subfield volume difference in the same sample of major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) cases. We aimed to investigate the difference of hippocampal subfield volume between patents with MDD and BD and healthy controls (HCs). MethodsA total of 102 MDD and 55 BD patients and 135 HCs were recruited and underwent T1-weighted image. Hippocampal subfield volume was calculated by automated segmentation and volumetric procedures developed by Iglesias et al. and implemented in FreeSurfer. Volume differences between the groups were analyzed using the analysis of covariance and controlling for age, sex, and total intracranial cavity volume. ResultsPatients with MDD had significantly reduced volumes in the bilateral cornu ammonis 1 (CA1), CA4, the granule cell layer (GCL), molecular layer (ML), whole hippocampus, the left CA2/3, and right presubiclum and subiculum. Patients with BD had significantly reduced volumes in the right CA1, GCL, and the whole hippocampus as compared to HCs. No significant volume differences were observed between the MDD and BD groups. Illness duration was negatively correlated with volumes of the left CA1, CA4, ML, presubiculum, subiculum, and the whole hippocampus in patients with BD. ConclusionWe observed hippocampal subfield volume reductions in both MDD and BD, a finding which more prominent in MDD. The inverse correlation between BD illness duration and hippocampal subfield volume may evidence the neuroprogressive nature of BD.

Letter to the Editor: Influence of Gender on Occurrence of Chronic Subdural Hematoma; Is It an Effect of Cranial Asymmetry? (Korean J Neurotrauma 2014;10:82-85).

[Extract] Dear Editor, We read with interest the article: “Influence of Gender on Occurrence of Chronic Subdural Hematoma; Is It an Effect of Cranial Asymmetry?”, Oh et al.3) note that no known risk factor currently accounts for a repeatedly confirmed male bias in chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). In their novel study, Oh et al.3) suggest that both the excess size and asymmetry of the intra-cranial cavity volume (i.e. in relation to underlying atrophic brain) may determine the risk toward the development of CSDH.

Assessment of neonatal brain volume and growth at different postmenstrual ages by conventional MRI

Data regarding neonatal brain volumes represent a basis for monitoring early brain development, and large sample of neonatal brain volume data has not been well described. This study was focused on neonatal brain volumes at different postmenstrual ages (PMA) and postnatal age (PNA).A cohort of 415 neonates with PMA 30 to 43+4 weeks were recruited for the determination of brain volumes. Intracranial cavity (ICC), total brain tissue (TBT), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were evaluated on the basis of T1-weighted sagittal plane magnetic resonance images. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was assessed using maturation scoring system and multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to forecast the effect factors of brain volumes.TBT volume reached a peak growth at 39 to 40 weeks, ICC volume presented peak growth later at around 43 to 44 weeks, and CSF had a cliff fallen at 37 to 38 weeks PMA at scan. The maturation score increased along with PMA, and the TBT and CSF volumes were significantly different between higher and lower gestational age (GA) groups. The ICC and TBT volumes in higher GA group were larger than lower GA group. Most infants in higher GA group had higher TMS than those in lower GA group. Gender, PMA, PNA, and birth weight were predictors of TBT and ICC volumes.Our results showed that premature volumes of ICC and TBT enlarged with the increasing PMA, while volumes of CSF decreased at 37 weeks. Premature earlier to leave the uterus can lead to brain mature retard although they had the same GA compared with those later birth neonates.

Effects of mammarenavirus infection (Wēnzhōu virus) on the morphology of Rattus exulans

The circulation of mammarenaviruses in rodent populations of the Mekong region has recently been established, with a genetic variant of Wēnzhōu virus, Cardamones virus, detected in two Rattus species. This study tests the potential teratogenic effects of Wēnzhōu infection on the development of a Murid rodent, Rattus exulans. Using direct virus detection, morphological records and comparative analyses, a link was demonstrated between host infection status and host morphologies (the spleen irrespective of weight, the skull shape and the cranial cavity volume) at the level of the individual (females only). This study demonstrates that mammarenavirus infections can impact natural host physiology and/or affect developmental processes. The presence of an infecting micro-parasite during the development of the rat may lead to a physiological trade-off between immunity and brain size. Alternatively, replication of virus in specialized organs can result in selective morphologic abnormalities and lesions.