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Measurement of the normal ventricular system and supratentorial subarachnoid space in children with computed
Insights
This study measured normal pediatric brain structures using CT scans. Ventricular and fissure sizes varied by age and sex, with established normal limits provided.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Pediatric Radiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Accurate reference ranges for pediatric brain structures are crucial for diagnosing neurological conditions.
- Previous studies have provided limited data on normal ventricular and subarachnoid space measurements in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normal linear measurements and indices of the ventricular system and subarachnoid space in children using CT scans.
- To identify age- and sex-related variations in these measurements.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 155 pediatric CT examinations from a larger cohort of 1,400.
- Linear measurements of the ventricular system (lateral ventricles, third ventricle) and subarachnoid space (fissures) were performed.
- Statistical analysis was conducted to compare measurements between age groups (less than 3 years vs. greater than or equal to 3 years) and sexes.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in ventricular and fissure dimensions were observed between sexes (boys had larger left septum-caudate distance, left anterior horn width, and skull size).
- Younger children (<3 years) exhibited larger interhemispheric and sylvian fissures, third ventricle, and Evans' ratio compared to older children (≥3 years).
- Conversely, the cella media index and skull size were larger in the older age group. Lateral ventricular size, overall, did not differ significantly between age groups.
Conclusions:
- This study provides normative data for key pediatric brain measurements on CT, aiding in the interpretation of pediatric neuroimaging.
- Age and sex are significant factors influencing the size of various intracranial structures in children.
- The established normal limits are valuable for identifying deviations from normal development and for diagnosing pediatric neurological disorders.
Abstract:
The normal ventricular system and subarachnoid space were evaluated on the CT scans of 155 children chosen from 1,400 pediatric CT examinations, and linear measurements were made. The left septum-caudate distance was greater than the right, and the width of the left anterior horn and size of the skull were larger in boys. The interhemispheric and sylvian fissures, the third ventricle and Evans' ratio were larger in the younger group (less than 3 years) than in the older (greater than or equal to 3 years), while the opposite was found for the cella media index and size of the skull. The size of the lateral ventricles (expressed by anterior horn width, septum-caudate distance and width of cella media) was not different in the two age groups of children. Normal limits for the linear measurements and indices are given in Table 2.