Comparison of Thalamus Volume on Magnetic Resonance and Cadaveric Section Images.

AIM

To measure and to compare the volume of thalamus using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the anatomical sections.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this study, 13 brain specimens were used. First, the images were taken in 3 mm sections on MRI, the thickness of the thalamus was measured. Subsequently, 4 mm coronal sections were prepared using a microtome. The thalamic volumes calculated from cadaveric specimens were compared with the measurements obtained using MRI.

RESULTS

On MRI, the mean thalamic volumes on the right and left hemispheres were found to be 5843.4 ± 361.6 mm3 and 5377.0 ± 666.2 mm3 respectively. The mean volumes of the cadaveric sections were 5610.8 ± 401.3 mm3 on the right side and 5618.5 ± 604.1 mm3 on the left hemisphere. No statistically significant difference was found between the volume calculated from MRI and that obtained from the cadaveric section (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study shows a correlation between measurement of thalamus volume based on MRI and those calculated from anatomical sections. Our findings support the reliability of DBS procedures using MRI and stereotactic method.