Morphometric Evaluation of Fourth Ventricle by Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background: The fourth ventricle is one of the components of the ventricular system in the brain, along with the lateral and third ventricles. The ventricular size is considered as a potential indicator in determination of many brain diseases. There are dimensional differences between males and females which appeared larger in males. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the radiological dimensions of fourth ventricle and to assess their relationship with gender and age. Subjects and methods: Brain Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) of 100 patients (44 males and 56 females) were examined. The dimensions of the fourth ventricle were estimated. Additionally, the variation with sex and age were also described. After collection and checking of data, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data entry and analysis. Results: The AP length of 4th ventricle of all patients ranged from 6.5-13.9 mm with mean (± SD) 10.67 ± 1.66 mm. In females, it ranged from 6.5-13.9 mm with mean (± SD) 10.48 ± 1.76 mm while in males; it ranged from 7-13.9 mm with mean (± SD) 10.92 ± 1.51 mm. The mean of 4th ventricle AP length of males were comparatively higher than females. Similarly, the 4th ventricle width of all patients ranged from 8.7-16.1 mm with mean (± SD) 12.06 ± 1.41 mm. In females, it ranged from 8.7-14.6 mm with mean (± SD) 11.85 ± 1.32 mm while in males; it ranged from 9.1-16.1 mm with mean (± SD) 12.32 ± 1.48 mm. The study showed that width of fourth ventricle was more than the AP length and both were greater in males than in females. AP length and width showed negative correlation with age. Conclusion: The normal reference values of ventricles obtained from MRI are necessary to form the baseline data for interpreting pathological changes, planning surgery, and determining presence and progress of some neurological diseases. Furthermore, the dimension of fourth ventricle should be taken into consideration during radiological reports and during clinical examination.