Intravital age-related anatomical dynamics of brain stem volume

Abstract

The brain stem is phylogenetically the most ancient and multifunctional, anatomically complex brain structure. In spite of considerable attention to the study of age variability and sexual dimorphism of the brain stem, no works devoted to determining its volume using in vivo imaging techniques in individuals of both sexes within such a huge age range – from adolescence to old age - have been found.   The aim is to carry out a comparative analysis of brain stem volume in men and women in adolescence, first and second periods of adulthood, elderly age and old age according to magnetic resonance imaging data.   Materials and methods. The work is based on the analysis of the results of magnetic resonance imaging studies of 240 patients (124 men and 116 women) who were examined in the Department of Radiation Diagnostics in 2020-2022. The age of the subjects ranged from 16 to 88 years inclusive. The study sample consisted of persons without central/peripheral nervous system pathology, without alcohol/drug addiction, and mesocranes. All investigated material was divided into five groups according to age anatomical periodization.   Results. We revealed statistically significant decrease of the brain stem volume from the first period of mature age to senile age in both sexes (p < 0,01). In all age groups there was a tendency for predominance of brain stem volume parameters in men compared to women (p > 0,05). The results obtained in the course of the study can form the basis for the age-related anatomy of the human central nervous system in the future. It will help to provide more individualized approach to patients in medical practice, using  these results in the further clinical and basic researches for detailed understanding of age variability of the brain.