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Evaluation of subarachnoid space and subarachnoid cisterns in children and teenagers based on computed tomography

Renata Wilk¹, Ewa Kluczewska², Wirginia Likus¹

¹Department of Anatomy, School of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland.

Polish Journal of Radiology

|October 23, 2019

Insights

This study establishes normative linear index values for diagnosing subarachnoid space size changes in children using computed tomography (CT) scans. These reference values aid in determining normal subarachnoid space dimensions across various age groups.

Area of Science:

Neuroimaging
Pediatric Radiology
Quantitative Anatomy

Background:

The subarachnoid space (SAS) size is a critical indicator of neurological health.
Establishing age-specific normative values for SAS dimensions is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Previous studies may lack comprehensive normative data for pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop normative values for linear indices of the subarachnoid space in children.
To provide reference ranges for diagnosing alterations in SAS size.
To facilitate the interpretation of CT scans in pediatric neuroimaging.

Main Methods:

Retrospective analysis of 507 head CT examinations in children aged 0-18 years.
Calculation of linear indices relating fluid space size to skull dimensions.
Determination of mean, standard deviation, median, and 10th-90th percentile for each index by age group.

Main Results:

Normative ranges were established for various SAS indices, including basal cisterns, prepontine cistern, interhemispheric fissure, Sylvian fissure, and insular cistern.
Specific minimum and maximum index values were provided for each age-stratified group.
The study presents detailed quantitative data for pediatric SAS dimensions.

Conclusions:

Linear indices for SAS assessment can be derived from routine CT examinations.
The established reference values enable the determination of normal SAS size relative to age.
Findings for the oldest pediatric group are applicable to adult populations.

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Abstract

Purpose:

The aim of the study was to develop the normative values of linear indices to the diagnosis of changes in size of the subarachnoid space.

Material And Methods:

Retrospective studies were conducted based on 507 head computed tomography (CT) examinations in children from 0-18 years of age. In total 381 tests were selected for correct reference values. Patients were divided into age groups. For each group, linear indices were calculated, taking into account the size of the fluid spaces in relation to the size of the skull and then the mean with standard deviation, median, as well as 10^th and 90^th percentile were calculated. The range between the 10^th and the 90^th percentiles was defined as the reference value.

Results:

Obtained normative values, minimum and maximum for all groups: index of basal cistern size to the size of the skull - 0.129-0.197; index of basal cistern transverse dimension to the size of the skull - 0.173-0.255; index of basal cistern sagittal dimension to the size of the skull - 0.086-0.150; index of prepontine cistern - 0.034-0.067; index of interhemispheric fissure width - 0.044-0.127; index of Sylvian fissure - 0.036-0.085; index of insular cistern width - 0.020-0.074; index of subarachnoid space - 0.017-0.081.

Conclusions:

The linear indices can be calculated based on images achieved during routine CT examination. The reference values allow us to determine if the size of the subarachnoid space is within the normal range for a given age group. The results from the oldest age group can also be referred to the adults.

Keywords:

computed tomography (CT)external hydrocephalus infants and children linear indices subarachnoid space

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