Positional brain deformation visualized with magnetic resonance morphometry.

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Accurate neurosurgical interventions depend on precise anatomical understanding.
• Gravitational forces can influence brain morphology and position within the cranial vault.
• Magnetic Resonance (MR) morphometry offers a method to visualize these subtle changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and visualize gravitational effects on brain morphology and position using MR morphometry.
• To identify confounding factors and potential errors in neurosurgical planning.
• To improve the accuracy of neuronavigational procedures.

Main Methods:

• Acquired 3D MR imaging data from 13 healthy adults in various scanner positions.
• Utilized deformation field analysis and the brain boundary shift integral for morphometric evaluation.
• Assessed brain distortions by comparing right vs. left and prone vs. supine positioning.

Main Results:

• Observed greatest brain deformation (up to 1.7 mm) laterally, primarily around central structures.
• Detected less pronounced posterior-anterior directional changes after position alterations.
• Quantified position-dependent brain shift relative to the inner skull using the brain boundary shift integral.

Conclusions:

• Position-dependent brain shifts can compromise the accuracy of neuronavigational and neurosurgical procedures.
• Gravitational effects must be considered in longitudinal MR volumetric studies.
• Rigid control of patient scanning position is essential for reliable results.