European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

MORPHOMETRIC STUDY OF THE ADULT HUMAN BRAIN VENTRICULAR SIZES ON COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCANS IN NIGERIAN.

Annongu I.T.*, Mohammad H., Achinge G., Magaji O.G., Iyua K. and Ikubor J.E.

ABSTRACT

Background: Aging as well as pathological conditions are associated with gross brain changes leading to enlargement of the ventricles. Knowledge of the normal ventricular sizes is important to understanding these changes. Aim: To establish base line values of the 3rd, 4th and lateral ventricles of the brain in north-central Nigeria for reference purposes. Materials and method: A retrospective review of axial images from Computed Tomography (Philips 16 brilliance) were conducted. Measurements were done using in-built linear calipers of the CT machine. The anterior-posterior (AP) lengths of the body of the lateral ventricles in their entirety were measured on both sides; the length of the anterior horns on both sides were obtained at the level of the foramen of Morrow; the widest diameter of the third and that of the forth ventricles with its height were obtained at their corresponding levels; these were statistically analyzed. Result: 132 subjects (Males 90; Females 42) were studied. The anterior-posterior extent of the body of the lateral ventricles on the right side was 79.94 ± 7.26 mm and 74.29 ± 6.94 mm in the males and females and on the left side was 80.95 ± 6.71 mm and 76.84 ± 6.35 mm in the males and females respectively; the length of the frontal horns on the right side was 29.70 ± 3.79 mm and 27.57 ± 2.66 mm in the males and females and on the left side was 31.08 ± 3.47mm and 28.89 ± 3.72 mm in the males and females respectively. The width and height of the fourth ventricle were 11.88 ± 2.69 mm and 11.8 ± 2.08 in the males and 11.93 ± 2.15 mm and 11.11 ± 2.24 in the females. The width of the third ventricle was 5.08 ± 2.03mm and 3.91 ± 0.98 mm in the males and females respectively. Conclusion: The morphometric measurement of the lateral ventricles, the third and the fourth ventricles have been established. This will aid in patient management and also serve as reference figures in our environment for demographic purposes.

Keywords: Human brain, lateral ventricles, 3rd and 4th ventricle, Computed Tomography.