MRI-based volumetry of head compartments: normative values of healthy adults

The size of head compartments (head and brain volume, intracranial volume, gray and white matter volume, cerebrospinal fluid volume) and their ratios were determined on the basis of magnetic resonance images of the head acquired in a reference population of 502 healthy subjects. Age-matched subgroups were selected to reveal gender-related differences and changes with age. Normative data are provided in the form of simple equations that allow transforming measured compartment volumes into z scores, offering the possibility to relate individual data to a larger population.