Fetal age estimation using MSCT scans of the mandible

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine a documented fetal collection, to carry out morphometric analysis of femoral length and of the mandible, and to develop diagnostic standards for estimating fetal age at death based on multislice computed tomography (MSCT) reconstructions. The sample was composed of 81 fetuses, whose ages were recorded in weeks of amenorrhea (WA) between 20 to 40 WA. The measurements made were femoral length (FL) and six distances and four angles of the mandible. Femoral length was measured in 81 fetuses (39 females and 42 males). Morphometric study of the mandible was carried out in 65 fetuses (31 females and 34 males), as the mandible was missing in 16 fetuses. R software was used for statistical analyses. Coefficient correlation (R(2)) and linear regression formulas were calculated. Intra-observer and inter-observer variabilities were very satisfactory (intra-class correlation coefficient ≥0.95). Our method appears to be reliable and reproducible. Femoral length was most strongly correlated with age (R(2) = 0.9). The measurement of six distances and four mandible angles from four landmark positions showed a correlation similar to the femoral length correlation (R(2) ≥ 0.72). The results of this study agreed with those of the literature. We conclude that the mandible is a reliable indicator for estimating fetal age at death. Moreover, MSCT has been shown to be an innovative and reliable technology for this purpose.

CT Scan Imaging of the Human Fetal Labyrinth

“…This sample was collected in a prenatal diagnostic center, which under French law, is permitted to study anonymous fetopathological records. This collection has been the basis of several studies (12)(13)(14). The fetuses were fixed with 10% formalin and then vacuum packed.…”

Determining gestational age in the early fetal period: A comparison of morphometrical parameters

“…Research comparing traditional measurement methods to obtain fetal age is quite scarce, since current tendencies include looking for new and modern techniques to estimate fetal age, however not always available (Minier et al, 2014a;2014b;Pomier et al, 2019). It is necessary to compare the traditional methods in order to find out which is the most accurate in cases where the gold standard cannot be used and no modern technologies to perform these measurements are available.…”

“…A pair of studies were made using Multiple Slide Computed Tomography (MSCT) technology, which found that it is possible to calculate the fetal age by evaluating the deciduous tooth gems or the mandible, obtaining a reliable result compared to the measurement of the femoral diaphyseal length (Minier et al, 2014a;2014b). However, calculating the fetal age with this method may not always be possible, particularly in cases where an MSCT is not available.…”

Peculiarities of the Sources of Origin and Morphogenesis of the Human Mandible

“…Usually to investigate these issues experimental models are used (laboratory animals) [1]. The methods of development and analysis of two-dimensional reconstructions are applied at the late stages of the craniofacial human development [2]. The data concerning regulations and peculiarities of mandibular morphogenesis during the prenatal period of human ontogenesis are insufficient.…”