Normal Width of Third Ventricle In Nepalese Population: Assessment By CT Scan

Abstract

Introduction: Cerebral ventricular enlargement occurs as a natural aging process but also has been associated with many neurological disorders. Whether this enlargement is primary or secondary to these pathological conditions remains controversial. Objective of the study was to tabulate and create normal references values for maximum width of third ventricle in Nepalese population according to age group and gender. Methods: MTW was determined in two hundred (112 males and 88 females) and age ranging between 1- 93 years who had normal Computed tomography scan (CT scan) of the head .The data collected was analyzed with statistical program IBM SPSS version 20. Results: Measurements of MTW in both males and females of the normal groups revealed no significant difference. No significant difference in MTW was noticed till the age of 49 years. Significant differences were noticed between 49 - 93 years of age. Conclusions: This study corroborated well with normal MTW values published in literatures from other parts of the world. However normal values specific to our local population becomes more relevant in interpreting CT scan of head in Nepal. Keywords: cerebral atrophy; computed tomography scan; hydrocephalus; maximum width of third ventricle.