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Measuring head circumference using visual impressions or cross-sectional volumetric imaging: a comparison
Rodrigo Mourão1,2,3, Diogo G Corrêa4,5, Rafael Correia4
1Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, 255 Prof. Rodolpho Paulo Rocco St., University City, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-590, Brazil. rodrigomouraosilva@yahoo.com.br.
Pediatric Radiology
|July 13, 2022
Summary
Head circumference (HC) can be accurately measured using CT and MRI imaging, providing results comparable to the gold standard tape measurement. Imaging measurements are more reliable for assessing head size than subjective visual impressions.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pediatric Imaging
- Neurodevelopmental Assessment
Background:
- Head circumference (HC) is a key indicator of brain growth and development.
- Current radiological assessment of head dimensions relies on subjective visual impressions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if HC can be accurately measured using CT and MRI volumetric imaging.
- To compare the accuracy of imaging measurements versus visual impression for head size characterization.
Main Methods:
- Children's HC was measured using tape and volumetric imaging (CT/MRI).
- Radiologists assessed head size via visual impression and direct imaging measurements.
- Measurements were compared to the tape method (gold standard) using statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- Imaging measurements showed high concordance with tape measurements (≥93.1% for CT, ≥95.5% for MRI).
- Visual impression showed significantly lower concordance (52.3-72.7%).
- Imaging methods demonstrated excellent repeatability and reproducibility (ICC ≥0.99).
Conclusions:
- Volumetric imaging provides accurate and reliable HC measurements, comparable to the tape method.
- Imaging-based HC measurement is superior to visual assessment for characterizing head size.
- Utilizing imaging data with normative charts offers a more objective head size evaluation.
