Comparison of Thalamus Volume on Magnetic Resonance and Cadaveric Section Images

Abstract

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 amicrotome. 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 mm(3) and 5377.0 +/- 666.2 mm(3) respectively. The mean volumes of the cadaveric sections were 5610.8 +/- 401.3 mm(3) on the right side and 5618.5 +/- 604.1 mm(3) 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.