Is direct CT caudatometry superior to indirect parameters in confirming Huntington's disease?

Abstract

The largest diameter and area of the head of the caudate nucleus in the CT slice closest to the foramina of Monro were compared to other conventional parameters used in confirming Huntington's disease and contrasted with two groups of non-Huntington patients. A maximum diameter under 6.5 mm and an area under 92.5 mm2 were indicative of, but not specific for, Huntington's chorea. Without taking additional parameters into account, mainly occlusive hydrocephalus may be confused with genuine caudate atrophy. With advancing technology--especially Nuclear Magnetic Resonance imaging--it is to be hoped that direct measurement of the caudate nucleus may be easier and more reliable and emerge as a valuable adjunct to conventional measures.