Does the Prevalence of Anatomical Variants of the Brain Ventricles vary according to Socioeconomic Status? A Cross-sectional Imaging Survey in 2 Brazilian Private Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Anatomical variants of brain ventricles are a known marker for abnormal central nervous system development. They seem to be more prevalent in several neuropsychiatric disorders, e.g. schizophrenia, personality disorders, and psychosis. However, knowledge about the risk factors and their overall prevalence in the general population, especially in developing countries is still limited. Methods: We evaluated the prevalence of prevalence of anatomical ventricular variants [Cavum septum pellucidum (CSP), Cavum vergae (CV), and Cavum velum interpositi (CVI)] in 1467 multislice head CTs from two large private hospitals in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará – Brazil. Results: Hospital one had a higher percentage of patients with low-cost health insurance, strokes, and neurocysticercosis (P<0.05). 15.1% of participants in hospital one versus 7.1% in hospital two had at least one type of cerebral cavum, including vestigial CSP. The rarest types of cava (CV and CVI) were twice more common in hospital one (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis confirmed that patients from hospital one, older patients, and men were more likely to have any type of cerebral cavum and CSP. Conclusions: Anatomical brain ventricular variants (including vestigial CSP) were present in about 12% of participants of this middle-class Brazilian sample while also being more prevalent in male elderly and participants from lower socioeconomic strata. Further studies are necessary to prospectively investigate the association between socioeconomic variables and how they relate to the prevalence of anatomical brain ventricular variants and other known risk factors for developmental disorders.Trial registration: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board from both participants institutions- Research Ethics Committee (CEP) - Unichristus (Protocols 099/11 and CAAE: 58763716.3.0000.5049).