Calculation of intracranial volume in Koçeri sheep by computed tomography scan and Cavalieri principle

The calculation of the cranial cavity volume is important for brain development, pathologies and health status. In recent years, advancements in clinical applications have made volume calculation methods from radiological images more consistent. In this context, it was aimed to calculate the intracranial volume of the Koçeri sheep's skulls using three-dimensionel models based on computed tomography (CT) scan sections and stereology. In the study, seven adult female and seven male Koçeri sheep were used. The skulls used were scanned with a 64-detector Multi-Detector CT device with a section thickness of 0.625 mm, 80.00 kV, 200 mA, and 639 mGy specifications. Using the MIMICS 20.1 software, three-dimensional models of the skull region were created and intracranial volumes were measured. The same reference points were measured using the Cavalieri principle. As a result of the study, measurements taken using CT scan showed that the cranial volume in females was 133.09 ± 7.81 cm³ and in males was 148.68 ± 16.25 cm³. The intracranial volume calculated using the Cavalieri principle was found to be 133.87 ± 8.43 cm³ in females and 149.77 ± 16.74 cm³ in males. The data were statistically analyzed in terms of two methods and sexual dimorphism. While no difference was found between the methods, a significant statistical difference was determined between the genders. In this context, our study believed to make significant contributions to clinical sciences through accurate management of cranial disease diagnosis and processes and to taxonomy through identification of interspecies differences.