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01-07-2019 | Computed Tomography | Diagnostic Neuroradiology

Micro-computed tomography: a new diagnostic tool in postmortem assessment of brain anatomy in small fetuses

Authors: Sophie Lombardi, Elisa Scola, Davide Ippolito, Vanessa Zambelli, Giovanni Botta, Serena Cuttin, Fabio Triulzi, Claudio M. Lombardi

Published in: Neuroradiology | Issue 7/2019

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of our study was to evaluate the postmortem micro-CT anatomy of early fetal human fetal brains, either in situ or isolated.

Methods

We studied 12 ex vivo specimens, 9 whole human fetuses (9–18 GW), and 3 isolated samples (16–26 GW).

Specimens were fixed in formalin, then immersed in Lugol solution. Images were evaluated by two neuroradiologists. The depiction of CNS structures was defined based on the comparison between micro-CT images and a reference histologic anatomical Atlas of human brain development.

Results

Micro-CT provided informative high-resolution brain images in all cases, with the exception of one case (9 weeks) due to advanced maceration. All major CNS structures (i.e., brain hemispheres, layering, ventricles, germinal neuroepithelium, basal ganglia, corpus callosum, major cranial nerves, and structures of the head and neck) were recognizable.

Conclusions

Micro-CT imaging of the early fetal brain is feasible and provides high-quality images that correlate with the histological Atlas of the human brain, offering multiplanar and volumetric images that can be stored and shared for clinical, teaching, and research purposes.

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Title: Micro-computed tomography: a new diagnostic tool in postmortem assessment of brain anatomy in small fetuses
Authors: Sophie Lombardi
Elisa Scola
Davide Ippolito
Vanessa Zambelli
Giovanni Botta
Serena Cuttin
Fabio Triulzi
Claudio M. Lombardi
Publication date: 01-07-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Computed Tomography
Autopsy
Computed Tomography
Published in: Neuroradiology / Issue 7/2019
Print ISSN: 0028-3940
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-019-02168-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Micro-computed tomography: a new diagnostic tool in postmortem assessment of brain anatomy in small fetuses

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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