Abstract

Objective: Functional neurosurgery is one of the fastest-growing areas of neurosurgery. However, complications are encountered that are not negligible during the operations. In this study, we measure and compare the volume of the lentiform nucleus using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and anatomical sections. Methods: Thirteen adult brain cadavers were used in this study. First, 2-mm-thick MRI sections were obtained, and the volume of the lentiform nuclei was measured on the obtained images. Then, agar-embedded brain specimens were cut into 4-mm-thick coronal sections using a microtome. The sections were scanned, and the volume of the lentiform nuclei was calculated using image processing software. The MRI-based and anatomical section-based metrics were compared. Results: The mean right and left lentiform nucleus volumes on MRI were 5821.4 ± 590.5 mm3 and 5781.8 ± 723.5 mm3 , respectively. The corresponding mean volumes calculated from the cadaveric sections were 5503.4 ± 595.5 mm3 and 5332.3 ± 599.7 mm3 , respectively. There was no significant difference between the volume calculated from MRI and that obtained from the cadaveric section (P < .001). On MRI, the volumes of the right and left lentiform nuclei were not significantly different (P=.681). Similarly, the volumes of the right and left lentiform nuclei measured from cadaveric sections were not significantly different (P=.069). Conclusion: This study showed a correlation between the measurement of the lentiform nucleus volume based on MRI and that calculated from anatomical sections. Our findings support the reliability of using MRI for stereotactic functional neurosurgical procedures.

Cite this article as

Kayacı S, Beyazal Çeliker F, Baş O, Diyarbakır S, Özveren MF. Comparison of volume measurements on magnetic resonance imaging and cadaveric sections of the lentiform nucleus and its importance in the functional neurosurgery procedures. Current Research in MRI  2023;2(3):41-49.