MR Measurement of the Normal Corpus Callosum in Children

PURPOSE: To measure the mean size of the various portions of the corpus callosum in normal Korean children, using MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our subjects were 166 children (male : female=100 : 66) aged under 15 whose findings on MR imaging and neurologic examination were normal. Using midsagittal T1-weighted imaging, we measured the length of the brain and corpus callosum, the height of the latter, and the thickness of its genu, body, transitional zone and splenium. The measurements were statistically analysed according to age and sex. RESULTS: Brain length and the size of the various portions of the corpus callosum tended to increase relatively rapidly during the first three years of life, but the rate of growth tended to decrease according to age. The mean length of the brain and corpus callosum and the mean thickness of the splenium of the corpus callosum did not differ according to sex. The mean thickness of the genu, body and transitional zone of the corpus callosum was greater in males than in females. The ratio of the length of the corpus callosum to the anteroposterior diameter of the brain was significantly greater in females than in males (alpha = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Using MR imaging, we measured the mean sizes of the various portions of the corpus callosum in normal children ; these values may provide a useful basis for determing changes occurring in its structure.

CT Findings of Ovarian Teratomas: Mature versus Immature

PURPOSE: To differentiate mature and immature ovarian teratomas, using CT findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CT findings of ten mature ovarian teratomas (in one patient, bilateral) and ten which were immature were compared, using statistical analysis. images were evaluated for size, margins, architecture, contents (muralnodules, fat, calcification), septa, local invasion and distant metastasis. These findings were compared with pathologic findings. RESULTS: Of the ten mature tumors, nine were well defined and predominantly cystic ininternal architecture, and one was mixed. Mural nodules were found in six tumors, fat in all, distinct calcification in seven, and regular septa in three lesions. Of the ten immature tumors, eight had irregular margins, Seven were predominantly solid in internal architecture and irregularly enhanced, two were mixed, and one was mainly cystic. Fat was detected in five lesions, indistinct scattered calcification in six, irregular septa in three, and local invasion or distant metastasis in four patients. CONCLUSION: Compared with mature ovarianteratomas, those that are immature tend to show CT findings of marginal irregularity, solid mass with irregular enhancement, scattered indistinct calcifications, septal irregularity, local in vasion or distant metastasis. Our experience suggests that these findings may be helpful in differentiation of mature and immature ovarianteratomas.