MRI-based morphometric analysis of corpus callosum dimensions of adults in Southeast Nigeria.

The Corpus callosum (CC) is the largest commissural fibre tract, ensuring swift information transfer and integration in both cerebral hemispheres. Variations in morphometry exist. There is a paucity of data on CC dimensions in our subregion, and no standardized reference is available. The study aims to determine the CC dimensions among the adult population in southeast Nigeria. The result will provide reference ranges and form a benchmark for comparisons of CC-related pathologies. A retrospective study of CC morphometric dimensions in normal subjects who had cranial MRI over two years in Memfys Hospital, Enugu, Southeast Nigeria, using a 1.5T GE© 16 channel machine. The CC was segmentalized into seven subregions using the modified Witelson method with special computer software. All measurements were taken twice from the T1 mid-sagittal image, and the mean was used for computation. The results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A total of 200 subjects were recruited for the study. The mean length and height of the CC were 75.58 ± 4.52 mm and 24.64 ± 3.40 mm, respectively. The width dimensions of the genu, body, rostrum and splenium were 10.88 ± 1.81 mm, 5.66 ± 1.32 mm, 3.65 ± 1.25 mm, and 10.02 ± 1.70 mm, respectively. No gender variations were noted among the different dimensions of CC (P = 0.90). The length and height of CC increase gradually with age and show a positive correlation. The width dimensions of the genu and splenium increase till middle age and subsequently decreases in line with brain atrophy (p = 0.0000& p = 0.004). Using Pearson's correlation test, no correlation was noted in the dimensions of the body and rostrum of the corpus callosum when related to age and sex. (P = 0.92 & p = 0.66). Reference ranges of CC dimensions in our subregion were presented, and variations exist in its different morphometric dimensions which are affected by brain atrophy. Gender does not influence the dimensions in our subpopulations.

Comparative analysis of umbilical artery doppler indices of normal and suspected IUGR fetuses in the third trimester.

BACKGROUND: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is an important cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality, the prevalence of which is six times higher in developing countries. The sequelae of IUGR extend into adulthood with higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases for the patients. Umbilical artery (UA) Doppler is an affordable and noninvasive tool for predicting perinatal outcome in IUGR pregnancies. AIMS: The objective of this study is to compare the predictive ability of UA Doppler ultrasonography in discriminating normal from growth-restricted pregnancies and to find out if there is any relationship between antenatal Doppler indices and perinatal outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study including 100 normal and 100 IUGR-suspected pregnancies, respectively. Each participant had a third trimester UA Doppler scan. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18.0 (PASW Statistics for Windows, Version 18.0, Chicago: SPSS Inc.). Means were compared using Student's t-test and ANOVA. Tests of relationship and prediction were done using linear regression analysis and receiver operating characteristics. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: As pregnancy advanced, the mean values of UA Doppler indices decreased in normal and IUGR fetuses; however, they were significantly higher in the latter. UA systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio showed the highest sensitivity (0.80) and specificity (0.91) for predicting IUGR compared to PI and RI. Cutoff values for PI, RI, and S/D ratio were 0.93, 0.67, and 2.93, respectively. CONCLUSION: IUGR fetuses had higher UA flow velocimetric indices compared with normal fetuses. UA Doppler study is highly sensitive in the prediction of IUGR.