Ct Study Comparing Sulcal Changes and Third Ventricle Size as Age Progresses from 40 to 80

INTRODUCTION: Computerized tomography, also called CT combines a series of X-ray views taken from many different angles and computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the bones and soft tissues inside your body. It has brought about tremendous changes in the field of diagnostic and research medicine. Here CT is used to measure the various dimensions of 6 selected sulci of brain and third ventricle. With the recent advances in technology, sulcal pattern and development is being studied extensively to understand the functioning of brain. There is evidence of sulcal dimensional changes as age of an individual progress. This may be responsible for behavioral or intellectual changes in a individual. Through this study I intend to understand how the sulcal dimension may vary with the help of CT scans. 6 sulci were selected and their width was measured in 80 individuals between the age group of 40 and 80. Through statistical analysis the data will reveal any recognizable changes in the width of the selected sulcus with progression of age. The third ventricle size may also be influenced by the age of the individual. Using the help of CT scan I am intending to measure the dimensions of the third ventricle. Recent studies have shown that size and volume of the third ventricle have significant role in the geriatric population. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study the age related changes in the width of left and right central sulcus, superior temporal sulcus, parieto-occipital sulcus and to study the age related changes in third ventricle depth, length and width through the use of CT scans. STUDY SETTINGS: A cross-sectional study comprising of 60 patients coming to the radiology department for the C T scan. The CT scans for the study were taken randomly between the ages of 40 to 80. RESULTS: The purpose of the study was to study the changes in the dimensions of sulci and the third ventricle of the brain. Hypothesis was that the sulcal width increases with advance in age. the objective was to analyze the data from CT scans and bring out the variation in sulcal depth and third ventricle. Positive correlations were noted in the width of right central sulcus, left and right superior frontal sulcus, right and left parieto-occipital sulcus and width of the third ventricle. No relationship was noted between age and the width of left central sulcus, depth and length of third ventricle.