Intracranial compartment volumes and their distribution among clinically diagnosed patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus and brain atrophy in a Nigerian population

Abstract

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a form of non-obstructive hydrocephalus characterized by the triad of symptoms. These symptoms are typical or atypical. Because of its potential reversibility, researchers have paid attention to its diagnosis and in differentiating it with other forms of dementia such as brain atrophy. To determine the intracranial compartment volumes and their differences among patients with NPH and Brain Atrophy (BA). This was a cross-sectional study involving consenting patients diagnosed with NPH and BA who were referred for routine brain CT. Medical conditions known to influence intracranial volume were excluded. Age -matched normal control were clinically and radiologically confirmednormal and were also recruited. Intracranial volumes and CSF distribution determination was based on Cavalieri test point computation principle. Test point summation was on a locally developed software for this purpose. Overall, the values of BA recorded higher mean values for most of the intracranial compartment volumes. Intraventricular volume was consistently higher in NPH groups. Statistical difference exists among intraventricular and total intracranial CSF volume across patients with BA, NPH and control. A post hoc test revealed control-NPH comparison across these variables. Control-BA comparison was evident in total intracranial CSF volume only. Higher mean values of intracranialcompartment volumes were observed in patients with BA than among patients with NPH and their control. Anthropometric indices did not show any difference between patients with BA, NPH and their control. These indices can be used as basis in objectively differentiating NPH from BA.