# Quantitative Analysis of 137 MRI Images in Hydrocephalic Dogs

## TL;DR

This study uses MRI to analyze ventricle measurements in dogs with hydrocephalus, identifying ventricle height as a key indicator for diagnosis and monitoring.

## Contribution

The study introduces H-max% as a novel core reference indicator for evaluating hydrocephalus in dogs.

## Key findings

- H-max% showed significant differences between normal and hydrocephalus dogs.
- H-max% is correlated with A-max% and V-max% in hydrocephalus cases.
- Equations were developed to represent area and volume percentages using ventricle height.

## Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the lateral ventricles of hydrocephalic patients using quantitative analysis methods. We measured the height, area, and volume of the lateral ventricles and brain in 154 dogs (17 normal and 137 hydrocephalus cases) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and calculated the percentage of the ventricle measurements relative to the brain. Since there were no significant differences in area and volume between normal animals and those with hydrocephalus, while a significant difference in height was observed, we chose the maximum percentage of the ventricle height to brain height (H-max%) as the core reference indicator. In hydrocephalus cases, H-max% was correlated with the area (A-max%) and volume (V-max%).

With the increasing popularity of dogs as pets, cases of hydrocephalus have risen significantly. Due to the ongoing challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of hydrocephalus, advancements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology have greatly enhanced the diagnostic capabilities in small animal clinical practice. Assessing ventricular size is crucial for the clinical management of hydrocephalus and other neurological disorders. However, methods for quantifying ventricular size and evaluating the severity of hydrocephalus requires further optimization. This study involved 137 hydrocephalus and 17 normal dogs. In hydrocephalus cases, the maximum percentage of the ventricle height to brain height (H-max%) was correlated with the area (A-max%) and volume (V-max%). Equations were calculated based on these findings, showing that the percentage of height can effectively represent the percentage of area and volume, which can indicate the diagnosis and monitoring of hydrocephalus prognosis.