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Cerebral ventricular size in children: a two-dimensional ultrasonic study
Insights
This study measured lateral ventricle width in 833 children using B-mode echography. Findings establish normal ranges for the lateral ventricular ratio (LVR) in pediatric patients, aiding hydrocephalus detection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neuroimaging
- Diagnostic ultrasound
- Neuroanatomy
Background:
- Accurate measurement of ventricular size is crucial for diagnosing pediatric neurological conditions.
- B-mode echography is a valuable tool for non-invasive assessment of brain structures in children.
- Establishing normative data for ventricular dimensions is essential for interpreting findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normal measurements for the lateral ventricular bodies in children using B-mode echography.
- To define the normal lateral ventricular ratio (LVR) and its variations with age.
- To assess the utility of LVR in identifying potential early hydrocephalus.
Main Methods:
- B-mode echography was performed on 833 children across different age groups (0-12 years).
- Measurements included the width of the lateral ventricles and internal skull diameter to calculate the LVR.
- Comparison of LVR with head circumference percentiles was conducted.
Main Results:
- Accurate measurements were achieved in 99.9% of children under 2, 94% aged 2-5, and 65% aged 6-12.
- The normal LVR range was determined to be 0.24-0.36, with values of 0.34-0.36 indicating a borderline area potentially associated with early hydrocephalus.
- Normal transverse diameters for the lateral ventricle atrium and third ventricle were established at 10 mm and 5 mm, respectively.
- A water-delay system demonstrated superiority over a contact system for B-mode echoencephalography.
Conclusions:
- The study provides normative LVR data for pediatric B-mode echography, aiding in the diagnosis of ventricular abnormalities.
- The upper range of the LVR (0.34-0.36) warrants careful consideration for potential early hydrocephalus.
- Optimized B-mode echoencephalography techniques, such as using a water-delay system, enhance diagnostic accuracy in children.
Abstract:
The width of the bodies of both lateral ventricles was studied in 833 children using B-mode echography. It could be accurately measured in 99.9% of those under the age of 2, 94% of these 2 to 5, and 65% of those 6 to 12. The normal lateral ventricular ratio or LVR (width of body of LV/0.5 X internal skull diameter) was 0.24-0.36, but there was a borderline area and the upper part of this range (0.34-0.36) included some cases of early hydrocephalus. In 72% of the children with a head circumference greater than the 98th percentile, the LVR was 0.24-0.36. The greatest transverse diameter of the atrium of the normal lateral ventricle in children appears to be 10 mm, that of the normal third ventricle 5 mm. A water-delay system is described as being superior to a contact system for B-mode echoencephalography.