Volumetric Analysis of the Entorhinal Cortex Using MR Based Stereology in Normal Subjects
Abstract number :
1.197
Submission category :
Year :
2001
Submission ID :
3053
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/1/2001 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2001, 06:00 AM
Authors :
M. Fitzsimons, MSc, Neurology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; K. Murphy, MB, Neurology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; M. Farrell, MB, Neuropathology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; N. Delanty, MB, Neurology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Irel
RATIONALE: There is a growing interest in the role of the entorhinal cortex (EC) in memory processing, the diagnosis of Alzheimers disease, and in the propagation of seizure activity. Because subjective analysis of the EC on MR imaging is difficult, its [italic]in-vivo [/italic] examination will benefit from MR based volumetry. We have previously developed a reliable protocol for the quantitative volumetric assessment of the temporal lobe and hippocampus using stereology. The protocol can be applied to MRI volumetric analysis of the entorhinal cortex. The aim of this study was to identify reproducible boundaries of the entorhinal cortex on MR imaging and determine the reliability of stereology for [italic]in-vivo[/italic] quantitative analysis.
METHODS: Ten control subjects were imaged using a 3D SPGR MR sequence. Image data was transferred to an independent PC for post acquisition processing. Using agreed boundaries two investigators performed stereological measurements in duplicate on each EC. Inter-rater and intra-rater measurement agreement was established.
RESULTS: The mean volume of the entorhinal cortex was 1515mm3(range 1306 [ndash] 2086mm3). Measurement differences within and between observers were within limits of agreement. The coefficient of variation within observers was [lt] 5% and between observers was [lt] 4%.
CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that repeatable and reproducible [italic]in-vivo [/italic]volumetry of the EC is possible using MR stereology. The technique may be of value clinically in the lateralisation of epileptic seizure focii and in the evaluation of the neuroanatomical basis of memory deficit.