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Computed tomography and lateral ventricular asymmetry: clinical and brain structural correlates
H Grosman1, M Stein, R C Perrin
1Department of Radiology, Wellesley Hospital, Toronto, Ont.
Summary
Brain ventricle asymmetry is a common finding linked to headaches, seizures, and HIV. This study highlights its clinical significance and need for further investigation in brain imaging.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Asymmetry of the brain's lateral ventricles is a frequent incidental finding on head CT scans.
- The clinical and structural implications of this asymmetry are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and structural correlates of lateral ventricular asymmetry.
- To compare patient groups with and without ventricular asymmetry.
Main Methods:
- A 24-month study comparing 249 patients with ventricular asymmetry (Group A) to 266 without (Group B) using head CT.
- Exclusion criteria included space-occupying lesions, bleeding, infarction, or trauma.
- Ventricular asymmetry was graded as mild, moderate, or severe based on frontal horn diameter ratios.
Main Results:
- The incidence of lateral ventricular asymmetry was 5.3%.
- Headaches, seizures, and positive HIV status were more frequent in Group A (p < 0.05).
- Transient ischemic attacks were more prevalent in Group B (p = 0.009).
- Younger age and greater asymmetry predicted headaches; younger age, asymmetry, and absence of septal deviation predicted seizures.
- Septal deviation and older age predicted higher asymmetry in Group A.
Conclusions:
- Lateral ventricular asymmetry is a common finding with significant clinical and structural associations.
- This finding warrants increased attention in neuroimaging interpretation.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and full clinical impact.