Original Research Article
Year: 2018 | Month: June | Volume: 8 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 47-51
Morphometric Study of Subthalamic Nucleus in Adult Human Cadaveric Brain
Mangala Kohli1, Athira PA2, Reeha Mahajan3
1Director Professor and Head, Vardhaman Mahavir, Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi
2Post Graduate, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi
3Visiting Faculty Anatomy, ISIC Institute of Rehabilitation sciences, New Delhi
Corresponding Author: Reeha Mahajan
ABSTRACT
The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a biconvex nucleus situated in the diencephalon. The knowledge of the morphometry of the subthalamic nucleus is essential for accurate targeting of the nucleus during Deep Brain Stimulation. The present study aims to note the morphometry of the subthalamic nucleus in both the cerebral hemispheres which will prove to be of great value to radiologists and neurosurgeons. A crossâsectional observational study was conducted in the Departments of Anatomy and Forensic Medicine, Lady Hardinge Medical College & Associated Hospitals, New Delhi on thirty adult cadaveric brain specimens of unclaimed and donated corpses. The specimens were categorized into 3 age groups: 20-35, 35-50 and above 50 years. All samples were collected after following the standard protocol for ethical clearance. The morphometric study of 60 subthalamic nucleus were thus conducted. Transverse section of the brain was made at a plane 4mm ventral to the plane containing mid commissural point. The dimensions of the subthalamic nucleus were measured bilaterally with the aid of digital Vernier caliper and magnifying glass. In the present study, the mean length and width and AC-PC length of the subthalamic nucleus were recorded on the right and left side in Group A, B and C. On comparison of mean of subthalamic nucleus dimensions between the right and left side in Group C, no statistically significant difference was observed. The length and width of subthalamic nucleus measured in the 3 age groups were compared with each other and the p value calculated. There was no statistically significant difference between the dimensions of Group A and B, Group B and C as well as Group A and C. The present study reveals that there is no significant reduction in the size of the nucleus was noted with increasing age. Thus, the values obtained in the present study can be used as reference for various invasive and non-invasive procedures on subthalamic nucleus.
Key words: Subthalamic nucleus, morphometry, deep brain stimulation.