MRI morphometric study of the quadrigeminal plate

The aim of this study was to assess the anatomy of the quadrigeminal plate in normal brain and abnormal conditions. Examinations were carried out on 0.38 T resistive magnet, using spin-echo sequences in T1- and T2-weighted images in sagittal and axial planes. The width and length of the tectum were measured, as were the angles of inclination of tectum to clivus and to Chamberlain’s line. The patients were divided into four groups: one group with normal brains and three with pathological findings — hydrocephalus, supratentorial tumours and posterior fossa tumours. The exact localisation of the lesions, involvement of the tectum and its displacement were assessed. Marked displacement and involvement of the tectum were observed in pineal and peduncular tumours. The most significant finding in hydrocephalus was elevation of the tectum.