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The subarachnoid spaces in children: normal variations in size
Radiology
|May 1, 1983
Summary
Subarachnoid spaces in children under 2 years old are larger and more variable. Diagnoses should not solely rely on modest enlargement in this age group, as spaces become uniform after age 2.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Neuroimaging
- Anatomy
Background:
- The subarachnoid space is a critical component of the central nervous system.
- Understanding normal variations in its size is essential for accurate pediatric neuroimaging interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the size and variability of intra- and extraventricular subarachnoid spaces in children.
- To establish age-related norms for these spaces using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT).
Main Methods:
- Reviewed HRCT scans of 34 pediatric patients with presumed normal neuroimaging.
- Assessed ventricular system and seven extraventricular subarachnoid compartment sizes.
- Graded compartment sizes subjectively from 0 (not visible) to 4 (markedly enlarged).
- Analyzed data based on age groups (less than or greater than 2 years).
Main Results:
- Subarachnoid spaces were found to be larger and more variable in children under 2 years of age.
- These spaces demonstrated significant uniformity in size in children older than 2 years.
- Significant age-related differences in size and variability were observed.
Conclusions:
- Modest enlargement of subarachnoid spaces in children under 2 years should be interpreted with caution.
- Diagnoses should not be based solely on mild subarachnoid space enlargement in early childhood.
- Age-specific normative data are crucial for accurate interpretation of pediatric neuroimaging studies.