OBJECTIVETo quantify neuroanatomical parameters with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to explore the relationship between these parameters and age.

METHODSTotally 150 adults aged 18-83 years received 3D fast spoiled gradient echo imaging. Volume of intracranial space, whole brain, gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were measured and normalized.

RESULTSNormative volumetric estimates were obtained for all subjects and presented by age and sex. There was not significantly age-related change in intracranial space volume. Whole brain volume did not significantly change before 30 years, thereafter, decline with age. SM volume decreased linearly with age. CSF volume increased linearly with age. WM volume and GM/WM ratio demonstrated a quadragnetic pattern of change with age. WM volume increased slightly in subjects until the age of 45 years, and it decreased thereafter. However, GM/ WM ratio decreased quickly in subjects until the age of 55 years, and it decreased slightly thereafter. Although the volumes of intracranial space and whole brain had significant differences between male and female (P < 0.05), the volumes of whole brain, GM, and CSF had no significant differences after normalization.

CONCLUSIONIn vivo MRI can measure the normal patterns of age- and sex-related changes in intracranial space, whole brain, GM, WM, and CSF, and may facilitate the appraisal of abnormal brain volumes. Keased linearly words: brain;ge. WM vol urement; magnetic resonance imaging