To estimate age- and gender-related morphometric change in cella media index of the lateral ventricles by computed tomography scan in adult human population of North India

Background and Aim: Several histopathological and gross changes are seen in human brain as age increases, causing enlargement of the lateral ventricles. Morphometric measurement and size of the lateral ventricle of the brain are of great importance to identify certain changes and correlate it with clinical significance. This study was designed to provide a normal data of the cella media index (CMI) measurements of the lateral ventricle of the brain and its association between both the genders and its correlation with different age groups of North Indian Population, which will be helpful for diagnosis of cerebral atrophy. Subjects and Methods: This study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy and Department of Radiodiagnosis, S. N. Medical College, Agra, Uttar Pradesh. In the present prospective study, computed tomography scans of 200 patients between the age of 18 and 75 years (126 males and 74 females) were done, and measurements of the lateral ventricle of the brain were analyzed statistically. Results: In our study, the overall mean CMI was 4.62 ± 0.5 (CMI in male was 4.53 ± 0.41 and mean CMI in female was 4.42 ± 0.28), difference being statistically significant between both genders as P = 0.04 (P ≤ 0.05). In our finding, r = −0.13, indicating a mild positive correlation between age and transverse diameter of CMI of the lateral ventricle in North Indian population. Conclusion: This study concludes that with increase in age, there is a decrease of cella media ratio/Schiersmann's Index, which is helpful in diagnosis of neurological conditions (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Alzheimer's disease).