Automatic segmentation of the cerebellum using volBrain software in normal paediatric population

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Paediatric Radiology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Cerebellar volume changes are linked to paediatric disease pathogenesis.
• Understanding normal paediatric cerebellar development is essential.
• Morphological variations can impact neurological function in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cerebellum volume in a healthy paediatric population.
• To establish normative volumetric data for the developing cerebellum.
• To identify age-related volumetric differences in paediatric cerebellar development.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 100 paediatric MRI scans (ages 0-15 years) from 2019-2021.
• Automated volumetric segmentation using volBrain software for lobular analysis.
• Comparison of cerebellar volumes across four age groups: 0-2, 3-5, 6-11, and 12-15 years.

Main Results:

• Significant age-related differences in total and most lobular cerebellar volumes (p < 0.05).
• Pronounced volumetric changes observed between infants/toddlers and early adolescents.
• Positive correlation between subject age and cerebellum volume; significant side differences in specific lobules (I-II, VI, VIIIB, IX, X).

Conclusions:

• Paediatric cerebellum volume shows a consistent increase from childhood to adolescence.
• Significant volumetric variations exist in early life and during adolescence.
• Normative volumetric data aids in assessing cerebellar development and clinical theories.