Volumetric analysis of brain parts using magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Morphological, comparative, and experimental studies are focusing on obtaining more effective and accurate data from a particular tissue. Estimation of volume is a crucial activity for biomedical sciences, and one that increases the reliability of the collected data. An alteration in volume provides clues to the health of an organ. The volume and surface area of the brain are important parameters, particularly in the investigation of cerebral functions. Increasing numbers of studies have recently focused on the brain. It is crucially important to know the volume and anatomic features of the affected structure, particularly in terms of diagnoses affecting the central nervous system. Imaging techniques (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) are frequently used for this purpose. Quantitative data can be obtained by using the efficient and unbiased methods provided by stereological techniques and software such as ImageJ, OsiriX, and BrainSuite. Quantitative measurements reveal variations among species more clearly and permit more definite diagnoses in the medical field. These measurements can also be stored, transported, and analyzed more easily than qualitative data. The present review discusses various techniques for determining brain volume on radiological images.