Estimation of the brain stem volume by stereological method on magnetic resonance imaging

Neuronal loss occurring in neurodegenerative diseases, brain can lead to volumetric changes by creating brain stem atrophy. The aim of this study was to calculate the total brain volume, brain stem volume and the ratio of brain stem volume to total brain volume based on Cavalieri principle, which is one of the volume estimation methods of stereology, among adults. For this purpose, MRG images of 72 individuals who have no pathologic condition were evaluated. The total brain volumes of female and male were calculated as 838.52 ± 68.2 cm3, 930.24 ± 98.9 cm3, respectively. Brain stem volumes of female and male were determined as 18.99 ± 2.36 cm3, 22.05 ± 4.01 cm3, respectively. The ratios of brain stem volume to total brain volume were 1.96 ± 0.17 in female and in 2.05 ± 0.29 male. The total brain and brain stem volumes were observed smaller in female and it is statistically significant (p?0.05). Among the individuals whose ages are between 20 and 40, total brain and brain stem volume measurements with aging were not statistically significant (p?0.05). As a result, we believe that the measurement of total brain volume with an objective and efficient calculation method will contribute to the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as to determine the rate of disease progression, and the outcomes of treatment.Key words: Brain Stem, Cavalieri Principle, Volume Value, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Stereology