Reference ranges for the linear dimensions of the intracranial ventricles in preterm neonates
M W Davies, M Swaminathan, S L Chuang, F R Betheras
Division of Neonatal
Services, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne 3053, Australia
Correspondence to: Dr M W Davies, Perinatal Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Bowen Bridge Road, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia email: mwdavies{at}ozemail.com.au
Accepted 28 October
1999
AIMS
To establish
normal ranges, in preterm infants < 33 weeks' gestation, for
measurements of the lateral, third, and fourth ventricles and to assess
intra-observer and inter-observer reliability. To assess the effect of
head position during scanning on lateral ventricle size. To determine
whether sex influences ventricle size.
METHODSA prospective
study involving infants < 33 weeks' gestational age (GA) at birth.
Cranial ultrasound scans were done during the first 3 days of life.
Linear dimensions of the anterior horn width and thalamo-occipital
distance of the lateral ventricles, the width of the third ventricle,
and the width and length of the fourth ventricle were measured.
Measurements were plotted against GA and reference ranges produced. All
measurements were tested for intra-observer and inter-observer
reliability. Head position and sex differences were studied.
RESULTS120 infants
with known GA (23+1 to 32+6 weeks) had their
intracranial ventricles measured. Reference ranges obtained
wereanterior horn width: 0-2.9 mm; thalamo-occipital distance:
8.7-24.7 mm; third ventricle width: 0-2.6 mm; fourth ventricle
width: 3.3-7.4 mm; fourth ventricle length: 2.6-6.9 mm. Dependent
and non-dependent lateral ventricles did not differ significantly in
size. There was no clinically significant difference in ventricular
size between sexes.
CONCLUSIONSReference
ranges for the measurement of the intracranial ventricles in preterm
infants from 23 to 33 weeks' GA are provided and can be used in the
diagnosis and assessment of ventricular enlargement in preterm infants.
All measurements have good intra-observer and inter-observer
reliability. Head position at the time of scanning does not influence
the asymmetry of the lateral ventricular measurements. The infant's
sex does not influence ventricular size.
Keywords: preterm infants; cranial ultrasound; ventricular measurement; reference range
© 2000 by Archives of Disease in Childhood
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