Role of MRI in measurement of fourth ventricle diameter

• Author Details:   
• Shmriti ,
• Pushpendra Kumar Rajput
• Viswanath Pratap Singh
• Neha Chauhan
• Ankit Kumar ^*

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Background: The fourth ventricle is an essential component of the ventricular system, connected to the third ventricle via the cerebral aqueduct and central medullary canal. Structural and functional alterations of this ventricle may occur due to obstructive pathologies, tumors, or neurological disorders. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a valuable modality to assess ventricular dimensions with high precision.

Objectives: The present study aimed to measure the dimensions (length and width) of the fourth ventricle in different age groups and both sexes using MRI, and to evaluate the relationship of these measurements with demographic variables.

Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the MRI unit, Department of Radiology, CSSH, Subharti Medical College Hospital, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. A total of 100 patients (59 males, 41 females) referred for MRI brain with neurological indications were included from January 2023 to May 2023. Patients with first-trimester pregnancy, previous neurosurgery, metallic implants, or inability to cooperate were excluded. MRI was performed using GE HDE 1.5 Tesla scanner. Standard patient positioning and scanning protocols were followed. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, Chi-square/Likelihood ratio test, and one-way ANOVA were applied. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Participants’ ages ranged from 2–77 years (mean 39.8 ± 19.2). Nearly half (49%) belonged to the 30–59 year group. Mean length of the fourth ventricle was 9.4 ± 2.9 mm, and mean width was 12.5 ± 1.9 mm. Male and female comparisons showed no significant differences in either length (p = 0.413) or width (p = 0.830). However, ANOVA revealed a significant variation in ventricular length across age groups (p = 0.042), particularly between <15 years and 30–59 years. Width did not vary significantly with age (p = 0.203).

Conclusion: MRI provides reliable measurements of the fourth ventricle. While gender does not influence ventricular dimensions, age-related changes significantly affect ventricular length, highlighting the importance of age consideration in neuroimaging assessments.