Characterization of brain atrophy in Sudanese by using computed tomography

Abstract

Brain atrophy, more properly known as cerebral atrophy, is a condition in which cells in the brain are lost, or the connections between them are damaged. The prognosis for patients with this condition varies, depending on the type of atrophy, the location, and the cause.

The main objective of this study is the characterization of brain atrophy in Sudanese by using computed tomography (CT).

Fifty patients above 45 years underwent computed tomography imaging to investigate the effect of age on regional cerebral volumes and on the intensity and severity of cortical atrophy, size of internal and external cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces and brain tissues density, increase of age was associated with decrease of volumes of the cerebral hemispheres and increase in internal and external fluid spaces.

The threshold of brain to be considered as atrophied brain is difficult to estimate, many old patients did exhibit to brain atrophy or internal and external fluid spaces enlargement. This information will provide useful clinical contents within which to interpret changes in brain size associated with abnormal aged.