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Quantitative morphometric analysis of brain growth using magnetic resonance imaging
G B Schaefer1, J N Thompson, J B Bodensteiner
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City.
Journal of Child Neurology
|April 1, 1990
Summary
This study established normative brain MRI data for individuals aged 0-20 years. Key findings show significant corpus callosum growth between ages 6-15, potentially linked to myelination.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Quantitative Anatomy
Background:
- Establishing normative data for brain structures is crucial for assessing development.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers a non-invasive method for brain structure analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create normative data for the relative size and growth of major brain structures using MRI.
- To identify age-related changes in brain structure proportions in healthy individuals.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of midsagittal MRI scans from 95 subjects aged 0-20 years.
- Exclusion of scans with any brain structural abnormalities.
- Calculation of age-related changes by dividing subjects into 5-year age groups.
Main Results:
- No significant age-related changes were observed in the relative sizes of the posterior fossa, supratentorial space, or cisterna magna.
- A significant increase (P < .01) in corpus callosum size relative to supratentorial structures and total intracranial volume was found between the 6-10 and 11-15 year age groups.
- A minor, uncertain reduction in the posterior fossa to supratentorial space ratio was noted between the 0-5 and 6-10 year age groups.
Conclusions:
- Quantitative MRI analysis can provide objective data on relative brain structure sizes and growth.
- Normative data and simple methodology have potential clinical applications for evaluating aberrant brain development.
- The observed corpus callosum growth may correlate with increased myelination during adolescence.