Age-related changes in the proportion of intracranial cerebrospinal fluid space measured using volumetric computerized tomography scanning.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to establish a standard curve to demonstrate normal age-related changes in the proportion of intracranial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space in intracranial volume (ICV) during each decade of life.


METHODS
Using volumetric computerized tomography (CT) scanning and computer-guided volume measurement software, ICV and cerebral parenchymal volume (CPV) for each decade of life were measured and the intracranial CSF ratio was calculated by the following formula: percentage of CSF = (ICV - CPV)/ICV x 100%. The standard curve for age-related changes in normal percentages of intracranial CSF was obtained.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on this standard curve, the percentage of intracranial CSF rapidly increased after the sixth decade, seeming to reflect the brain atrophy that accompanies increased age.
Wanifuchi
Hiroshi
H
Department of Neurosurgery, Saitamaken Saiseikai Kurihashi Hospital, Saitama, Japan. hwanifuchi@ae2.mopera.ne.jp
Shimizu
Takashi
T
Maruyama
Takashi
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology*; D016477:Artifacts; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000473:pathology*; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003704:Dementia / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000473:pathology; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D013353:Subdural Effusion / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000592:standards*