Standard values for MRI brain biometry throughout the first year of life

Abstract

Background: Brain structures in the infant brain are investigated reliably using cranial magnetic resonance imaging. However, the lack of quantitative standard values for various brain regions results in data interpretation that is often subjective or based on small patient cohorts. The aim of this study was to create simple linear measurements to assess brain structures in infancy. Methods: We assessed cranial magnetic resonance imaging sessions of 131 children without intracerebral pathology retrospectively for size of various brain structures throughout the first year of life. Results: Standard values for the size and the growth rate of 14 brain structures including lateral ventricles, frontal subarachnoid space, pons, medulla oblongata, cerebellar vermis, pituitary gland, optical nerve, corpus callosum and the tegmentovermian angle were defined. Conclusion: Our study offers reference values for the biometric assessment of the infant brain. Especially in children with multiple brain malformations, it is essential to know the normal absolute and relative size of brain structures.

Keywords

• brain growth
• brain development
• corpus callosum
• imaging
• MRI