Morphometric analysis of the corpus callosum using MR: correlation of measurements with aging in healthy individuals.

PURPOSE To analyze changes of the human corpus callosum and MR midsagittal brain structures during normal aging.

METHODS A morphometric evaluation strategy for quantification of these brain structures on MR scans was developed. This computerized measuring program did allow the acquisition of more than 100 one- and two-dimensional parameters.

RESULTS During normal aging, the anterior parts of the corpus callosum (genu and anterior parts of the trunk) were significantly decreased, suggesting alterations of frontal and temporal interhemispheric fiber systems. Further changes were seen in callosal thickness and callosal width of the anterior parts of the corpus callosum. The profile area of the telencephalon was significantly reduced during normal aging. The size of the mesencephalon showed age-specific changes.

CONCLUSIONS The proposed computer program proved to be a powerful and reliable tool to get objective and reproducible quantitative data of corpus callosum and midsagittal brain structures. Specific age changes were found in the corpus callosum, indicating alteration of the frontotemporal interhemispheric fiber systems.