Determination of cerebellar volume in children and adolescents with magnetic resonance images

Abstract

Recent studies show that the cerebellum contributes to higher cognitive functions as well as its role on motor system. It is thought that higher cognitive functions continue to develop during childhood and adolescence; therefore, cerebellum develops significantly during these periods. For that reason, this study was carried out in order to determine cerebellar volumes of 90 healthy individuals (40 males, 50 females) aged between 6 and 17 years according to their gender. The individuals were divided into three age groups of 6-9, 10-13, and 14-17 years, and their cerebellar volumes were found by means of stereological methods using their magnetic resonance images. The cerebellar volumes found were compared among the groups without discriminating genders, among groups according to gender, and again according to gender within each age group. The general average cerebellar volume of the age group 10-13 years was significantly higher than the other two age groups (p < 0.05). When the groups were compared according to gender, there was no important difference between the groups in women (p > 0.05); as for men, cerebellar volume only in the age group 10-13 years was significantly higher than that in age group 6-9 (p < 0.05). When cerebellar volume for ages 6-17 years was compared according to gender (without dividing into age group) there was no significant difference between men and women (p > 0.05). It was seen that the cerebellum develops from childhood to adolescence, and reaches peak levels between the ages 10-13 years for both genders. (Folia Morphol 2012; 71, 2: 65-70)