Measurement of normal brainstem in Sudanese using MRI

Abstract

The brainstem is so important structure that contains many centers which control some vital processes like cardiac rhythm, sleep cycle and respiratory procedure. Also ten of the cranial nerve originated from the brain stem. The study was done in the Modern Medical Center and Alaml National Hospital at time from January to march with general electric and Phillips machines with power of 1.5T for both them. The study done to determine normal brainstem dimensions in Sudanese population also to measured in sagittal T1and axial T2, in addition to correlate the findings gender and skull diameter with age. The subjects aged between 1-86 years in both gender were included in the study, all were diagnosed as normal brain MRI. MRI sagittal T1 and axial T2 weighted images were obtained, measurements taken for Pons, midbrain and medulla oblongata. All measurement taken in mm. Correlation between skull antroposterior, transverse diameters and brainstem parts measurement in both sequences with age were studied. The results showed that all the values have linear relationship with age. The study showed that the measurements of the brainstem structure were found to be at similar range comparing with other population. MRI had great value in the accurate measurements.