A Simple Semi-Automated Method for Caudate Volume and Shape Analysis

¹Neuroimaging, Maudsley Hospital, London, UK; ²Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK; ³Neuroradiology, King's College Hospital, London, UK

Here we present a simple, semi-automated method for evaluating the volume and shape of the caudate nucleus. The shape is quantified by the surface area to volume (SA/V) ratio, calculated from contours defining the edge of the caudate on a segmented grey matter map. This method was applied to images from 17 healthy adults and the accuracy and inter-rater reproducibility was assessed. The volume measures showed good agreement with literature values. Significant laterality differences emerged, with the right caudate demonstrating higher volume and surface area and lower SA/V relative to the left (p<0.005). The method also showed good reproducibility, (ICC=0.83-0.9).