MRI observation on changes of normal lateral cerebral ventricles and septum pellucidum in neonates and infants

Objective To explore the develop regulation of normal lateral cerebral ventricles and septum pellucidum with MRI in neonates and infants.Methods A total of 290 neonates and infants without nervous system diseases were divided into 7 groups according to age: Birth—28 days(neonate group),1—3 months group,4—6 months group,7—9 months group,10—12 months group,13—18 months group,19—24 months group.SE T1WI and T2WI were obtained in all neonates and infants.The size of lateral cerebral ventricle and septum pellucidum were measured on T2WI,and the anterior horn index,triangle index and body index of lateral cerebral ventricles were calculated,respectively.Results The lateral cerebral ventricles and septum pellucidum were displayed well on MRI.The anterior horn index,triangle index and body index in 4—6 months group was 0.31±0.08,0.50±0.03 and 0.28±0.05,respectively.The display rate of cavity of septum pellucidum in neonates and infants within 24 months old was 35.17%(102/290),the width was(2.01±0.45)mm.The cavity of septum pellucidum was the widest in neonate group,and the display rates in neonate group,1—3 months group and 4—6 months group was 85.00%(17/20),61.54%(24/39) and 51.86%(28/54),respectively.Conclusion The anterior horn index,triangle index and body index of lateral cerebral ventricle are reliable for judging the size of lateral cerebral ventricles.The cavity of septum pellucidum can be seen mostly during the neonatal period,and then it becomes smaller.