Quantitative Analysis of Cerebral Ventricular Dimensions in the Adult Population of Northern India: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Abstract

Purpose: This primary aim of the study was to establish the normative values of brain ventricles and indices in the adult North Indian population. Secondary aims were to evaluate sex and age-related differences, assess the applicability of widely cited normal ventricle size ranges in the study population, and explore the correlation between ventricular dimensions and anthropometric parameters.

Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 142 healthy individuals, aged between 18 to 72 years, was conducted and sagittal and axial images were utilized for brain ventricles measurements.

Results: The study revealed following mean values for brain ventricles and indices in males: frontal horn width (FHW), third ventricle width (TVW), fourth ventricle anteroposterior width (FVWAP), fourth ventricle transverse width (FVWT) and the transverse inner diameter of the skull (TIDS) were 33.07 mm, 4.20 mm, 8.62 mm, 13.12 mm, and 117.6 mm respectively. In females, the corresponding dimensions were 30.20 mm, 3.65 mm, 8.20 mm, 12.62 mm, and 116.05 mm, respectively. Statistically significant differences between the sexes were observed only in TVW. The mean values of Evans' index were 0.25 ± 0.020 in females and 0.26 ± 0.024 in males.

Conclusion: The findings contribute valuable insights into the normal values of brain ventricles and indices among healthy adult individuals of North Indian origin, as determined by MRI. The exploration of sex and age-related differences holds significance for facilitating the diagnosis and management of hydrocephalic patients. The calculated mean values of Evans' index provide a reliable metric for aiding the diagnosis of various neurological disorders, including the early detection of hydrocephalus and cerebral atrophy, and offer crucial follow-up information for affected patients.