João Fernandes-Silva1, Susana M Silva1,2, Hélio Alves1, José P Andrade1,2, Mavilde Arantes3,4,5. 1. Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal. 2. Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450, Porto, Portugal. 3. Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal. mavildearantes@med.up.pt. 4. Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450, Porto, Portugal. mavildearantes@med.up.pt. 5. Division of Neuroradiology, Radiology Service, Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 865, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal. mavildearantes@med.up.pt.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Anatomical knowledge of the floor of the third ventricle (FTV) is essential in avoiding surgical complications during endoscopic third ventriculostomy. The purpose of this study was to characterize the morphometry of FTV and related arteries, particularly the basilar artery (BA), as well as the factors that influence it. METHODS: Twenty-six formalin-fixed adult brains and two hundred adult brain MRIs were studied focusing on FTV and related arteries. Dimensions of interest were measured using image analysis software. Morphometric data obtained were statistically analysed. RESULTS: Distances between FTV, intermammillary sulcus (IMS), infundibulum, BA bifurcation, and posterior communicating arteries (PCoAs) were described on the cadavers and the MRIs. Distance between right and left PCoAs was greater at their anterior extremity (p < 0.001). Right PCoA was longer (p = 0.016). BA was lateralized in 58.4% of cases and its calibre was larger in males (p < 0.001). The distance from BA apex to FTV was inversely correlated with BA diameter (p < 0.001) and age (p = 0.004). Distance from IMS to infundibulum and the distance between both PCoAs were greater in MRI series when compared to cadaver series (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A quantitative description of the morphometry of the region of the FTV and related vessels was obtained, helping neurosurgeons in planning their surgical approach. The distance from BA apex to FTV was shorter in individuals with larger BA calibre and in older subjects. MRI studies were qualitatively superior to cadaveric studies in evaluating the anatomy of this region.
PURPOSE: Anatomical knowledge of the floor of the third ventricle (FTV) is essential in avoiding surgical complications during endoscopic third ventriculostomy. The purpose of this study was to characterize the morphometry of FTV and related arteries, particularly the basilar artery (BA), as well as the factors that influence it. METHODS: Twenty-six formalin-fixed adult brains and two hundred adult brain MRIs were studied focusing on FTV and related arteries. Dimensions of interest were measured using image analysis software. Morphometric data obtained were statistically analysed. RESULTS: Distances between FTV, intermammillary sulcus (IMS), infundibulum, BA bifurcation, and posterior communicating arteries (PCoAs) were described on the cadavers and the MRIs. Distance between right and left PCoAs was greater at their anterior extremity (p < 0.001). Right PCoA was longer (p = 0.016). BA was lateralized in 58.4% of cases and its calibre was larger in males (p < 0.001). The distance from BA apex to FTV was inversely correlated with BA diameter (p < 0.001) and age (p = 0.004). Distance from IMS to infundibulum and the distance between both PCoAs were greater in MRI series when compared to cadaver series (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A quantitative description of the morphometry of the region of the FTV and related vessels was obtained, helping neurosurgeons in planning their surgical approach. The distance from BA apex to FTV was shorter in individuals with larger BA calibre and in older subjects. MRI studies were qualitatively superior to cadaveric studies in evaluating the anatomy of this region.
Authors: Dieter Hellwig; Joachim Andreas Grotenhuis; Wuttipong Tirakotai; Thomas Riegel; Dirk Michael Schulte; Bernhard Ludwig Bauer; Helmut Bertalanffy Journal: Neurosurg Rev Date: 2004-11-27 Impact factor: 3.042