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Ibarra Vilar P, Jani JC, Cannie MM, Shelmerdine SC, Lecomte S, Verhoye M, Hutchinson CJ, Arthurs OJ, Carlin A, Kang X. Postmortem imaging of fetuses at early gestations: A comparison of microfocus computed tomography with postmortem magnetic resonance at 9.4 T and postmortem ultrasound. Prenat Diagn 2024; 44:572-579. [PMID: 38367004 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the diagnostic performance of postmortem ultrasound (PMUS), 9.4 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT) for the examination of early gestation fetuses. METHOD Eight unselected fetuses (10-15 weeks gestational age) underwent at least 2 of the 3 listed imaging examinations. Six fetuses underwent 9.4 T MRI, four underwent micro-CT and six underwent PMUS. All operators were blinded to clinical history. All imaging was reported according to a prespecified template assessing 36 anatomical structures, later grouped into five regions: brain, thorax, heart, abdomen and genito-urinary. RESULTS More anatomical structures were seen on 9.4 T MRI and micro-CT than with PMUS, with a combined frequency of identified structures of 91.9% and 69.7% versus 54.5% and 59.6 (p < 0.001; p < 0.05) respectively according to comparison groups. In comparison with 9.4 T MRI, more structures were seen on micro-CT (90.2% vs. 83.3%, p < 0.05). Anatomical structures were described as abnormal on PMUS in 2.7%, 9.4 T MRI in 6.1% and micro-CT 7.7% of all structures observed. However, the accuracy test could not be calculated because conventional autopsy was performed on 6 fetuses of that only one structure was abnormal. CONCLUSION Micro-CT appears to offer the greatest potential as an imaging adjunct or non-invasive alternative for conventional autopsies in early gestation fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Ibarra Vilar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jacques C Jani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mieke M Cannie
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Sophie Lecomte
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Ciaran J Hutchinson
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Andrew Carlin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Xin Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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Fockens MM, Dawood Y, Zwart MJ, Docter D, Hagoort J, Dikkers FG, de Bakker BS. Micro-CT Imaging of Tracheal Development in Down Syndrome and Non-Down Syndrome Fetuses. Laryngoscope 2024. [PMID: 38676421 DOI: 10.1002/lary.31468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Down syndrome (DS) is associated with airway abnormalities including a narrowed trachea. It is uncertain whether this narrowed trachea in DS is a consequence of deviant fetal development or an acquired disorder following endotracheal intubation after birth. This study aimed to compare the tracheal morphology in DS and non-DS fetuses using microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT). METHODS Twenty fetal samples were obtained from the Dutch Fetal Biobank and divided into groups based on gestational age. Micro-CT images were processed to analyze tracheal length, volume, and cross-sectional area (CSA). RESULTS Mean tracheal length and tracheal volume were similar in DS and non-DS fetuses for all gestational age groups. Mean, minimum, and maximal tracheal CSA were statistically significantly increased in the single DS fetus in the group of 21-24 weeks of gestation, but not in other gestational age groups. In 90% of all studied fetuses, the minimum tracheal CSA was located in the middle third of the trachea. CONCLUSION Tracheal development in DS fetuses was similar to non-DS fetuses between 13 and 21 weeks of gestation. This suggests that the narrowed tracheal diameter in DS children may occur later in fetal development or results from postnatal intubation trauma. The narrowest part of the trachea is in majority of DS and non-DS fetuses the middle third. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 3 Laryngoscope, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Matthijs Fockens
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yousif Dawood
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mika J Zwart
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniël Docter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam - Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaco Hagoort
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frederik G Dikkers
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bernadette S de Bakker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Simcock IC, Shelmerdine SC, Hutchinson JC, Sebire NJ, Arthurs OJ. Body weight-based iodinated contrast immersion timing for human fetal postmortem microfocus computed tomography. BJR Open 2024; 6:tzad006. [PMID: 38352185 PMCID: PMC10860501 DOI: 10.1093/bjro/tzad006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the length of time required to achieve full iodination using potassium tri-iodide as a contrast agent, prior to human fetal postmortem microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging. Methods Prospective assessment of optimal contrast iodination was conducted across 157 human fetuses (postmortem weight range 2-298 g; gestational age range 12-37 weeks), following micro-CT imaging. Simple linear regression was conducted to analyse which fetal demographic factors could produce the most accurate estimate for optimal iodination time. Results Postmortem body weight (r2 = 0.6435) was better correlated with iodination time than gestational age (r2 = 0.1384), producing a line of best fit, y = [0.0304 × body weight (g)] - 2.2103. This can be simplified for clinical use whereby immersion time (days) = [0.03 × body weight (g)] - 2.2. Using this formula, for example, a 100-g fetus would take 5.2 days to reach optimal contrast enhancement. Conclusions The simplified equation can now be used to provide estimation times for fetal contrast preparation time prior to micro-CT imaging and can be used to manage service throughput and parental expectation for return of their fetus. Advances in knowledge A simple equation from empirical data can now be used to estimate preparation time for human fetal postmortem micro-CT imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian C Simcock
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
| | - Susan C Shelmerdine
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
| | - John Ciaran Hutchinson
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
- Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
| | - Neil J Sebire
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
- Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
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Lamouroux A, Cardoso M, Bottero C, Gallo M, Duraes M, Salerno J, Bertrand M, Rigau V, Fuchs F, Mousty E, Genevieve D, Subsol G, Goze-Bac C, Captier G. Micro-CT and high-field MRI for studying very early post-mortem human fetal anatomy at 8 weeks of gestation. Prenat Diagn 2024; 44:3-14. [PMID: 38161284 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study involved very early post-mortem (PM) examination of human fetal anatomy at 8 weeks of gestation (WG) using whole-body multimodal micro-imaging: micro-CT and high-field MRI (HF-MRI). We discuss the potential place of this imaging in early first-trimester virtual autopsy. METHODS We performed micro-CT after different contrast-bath protocols including diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced (dice) and HF-MRI with a 9.4 T machine with qualitative and quantitative evaluation and obtained histological sections. RESULTS Nine fetuses were included: the crown-rump length was 10-24 mm and corresponded to 7 and 9 WG according to the Robinson formula. The Carnegie stages were 17-21. Dice micro-CT and HF-MRI presented high signal to noise ratio, >5, according to the Rose criterion, and for allowed anatomical phenotyping in these specimens. Imaging did not alter the histology, allowing immunostaining and pathological examination. CONCLUSION PM non-destructive whole-body multimodal micro-imaging: dice micro-CT and HF-MRI allows for PM human fetal anatomy study as early as 8 WG. It paves the way to virtual autopsy in the very early first trimester. Obtaining a precision phenotype, even regarding miscarriage products, allows a reverse phenotyping to select variants of interest in genome-wide analysis, offering potential genetic counseling for bereaved parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Lamouroux
- Clinical Genetics Department, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Obstetrical Gynaecology Department, Nîmes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Nîmes, France
- Charles Coulomb Laboratory, UMR 5221 CNRS-UM, BNIF User Facility Imaging, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- ICAR Research Team, LIRMM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Maïda Cardoso
- Charles Coulomb Laboratory, UMR 5221 CNRS-UM, BNIF User Facility Imaging, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Célia Bottero
- Obstetrical Gynaecology Department, Nîmes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Nîmes, France
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Mathieu Gallo
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Pathology Department, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Martha Duraes
- ICAR Research Team, LIRMM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Anatomy Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine Montpellier-Nimes, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Obstetrical Gynaecology Department, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jennifer Salerno
- Obstetrical Gynaecology Department, Nîmes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Nîmes, France
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Gynaecology and Gynaecology Surgery Department, Clinique Beau Soleil, Montpellier, France
| | - Martin Bertrand
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Experimental Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine Montpellier-Nimes, University Montpellier, Nîmes, France
- Digestive Surgery Department, Nimes University Hospital, Nîmes, France
| | - Valérie Rigau
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Pathology Department, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Florent Fuchs
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Obstetrical Gynaecology Department, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Inserm, CESP Center for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health, U1018, Reproduction and Child Development, Villejuif, France
- Desbrest Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health (IDESP), University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Eve Mousty
- Obstetrical Gynaecology Department, Nîmes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Nîmes, France
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - David Genevieve
- Clinical Genetics Department, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Center for Rare Disease Development Anomaly and Malformative Syndromes, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Gérard Subsol
- ICAR Research Team, LIRMM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Christophe Goze-Bac
- Charles Coulomb Laboratory, UMR 5221 CNRS-UM, BNIF User Facility Imaging, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Guillaume Captier
- ICAR Research Team, LIRMM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Anatomy Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine Montpellier-Nimes, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Paediatric Surgery Department, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Dawood Y, Buijtendijk MFJ, Bohly D, Gunst QD, Docter D, Pajkrt E, Oostra RJ, Hennekam RC, van den Hoff MJB, de Bakker BS. Human embryonic and fetal biobanking: Establishing the Dutch Fetal Biobank and a framework for standardization. Dev Cell 2023; 58:2826-2835. [PMID: 38113849 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies of human embryos and fetuses have advanced our understanding not only of basic biology but also of health and disease, through a combination of detailed three-dimensional (3D) morphology and processes such as gene expression, cellular decision-making and differentiation, and epigenetics during the various phases of human development and growth. Large-scale research initiatives focusing on these topics have been initiated during the last decade, all of which depend on biobanks that provide high-quality images of human embryonic and fetal morphology, as well as on high-quality collections of tissue samples that are obtained and stored appropriately. In this perspective, we describe our experience in establishing the Dutch Fetal Biobank to present the framework and workflow of the biobank, provide a brief discussion of the main legal and ethical aspects involved in establishing a pre-natal tissue bank, and present the preliminary data on the first 329 donated specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousif Dawood
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Biology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke F J Buijtendijk
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Biology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Doriane Bohly
- University Côte d'Azur, MSc Biobanks and Complex Data Management, FHU OncoAge, Nice, France; University Hospital of Nice, Pasteur Hospital, Biobank BB-0033-00025, FHU OncoAge, Nice, France
| | - Quinn D Gunst
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Biology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel Docter
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Biology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eva Pajkrt
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Roelof-Jan Oostra
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Biology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Raoul C Hennekam
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Paediatrics, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maurice J B van den Hoff
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Biology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Bernadette S de Bakker
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Department of Paediatric Surgery, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Simcock IC, Lamouroux A, Sebire NJ, Shelmerdine SC, Arthurs OJ. Less-invasive autopsy for early pregnancy loss. Prenat Diagn 2023; 43:937-949. [PMID: 37127547 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Autopsy investigations provide valuable information regarding fetal death that can assist in the parental bereavement process, and influence future pregnancies, but conventional autopsy is often declined by parents because of its invasive approach. This has led to the development of less-invasive autopsy investigations based on imaging technology to provide a more accessible and acceptable choice for parents when investigating their loss. Whilst the development and use of more conventional clinical imaging techniques (radiographs, CT, MRI, US) are well described in the literature for fetuses over 20 weeks of gestational age, these investigations have limited diagnostic accuracy in imaging smaller fetuses. Techniques such as ultra-high-field MRI (>3T) and micro-focus computed tomography have been shown to have higher diagnostic accuracy whilst still being acceptable to parents. By further developing and increasing the availability of these more innovative imaging techniques, parents will be provided with a greater choice of acceptable options to investigate their loss, which may in turn increase their uptake. We provide a narrative review focussing on the development of high-resolution, non-invasive imaging techniques to evaluate early gestational pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian C Simcock
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Audrey Lamouroux
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- Obstetrical Gynaecology Department, Nîmes University Hospital, Nîmes, France
- Clinical Genetics Department, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
- ICAR Research Team, LIRMM, CNRS and Charles Coulomb Laboratory, UMR 5221 CNRS-UM, BNIF User Facility Imaging, University of Montpellier, Nîmes and Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Neil J Sebire
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
- Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Susan C Shelmerdine
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
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7
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Docter D, Dawood Y, Jacobs K, Hagoort J, Oostra RJ, van den Hoff MJB, Arthurs OJ, de Bakker BS. Microfocus computed tomography for fetal postmortem imaging: an overview. Pediatr Radiol 2023; 53:632-639. [PMID: 36169668 PMCID: PMC10027643 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-022-05517-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few years, fetal postmortem microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging has increased in popularity for both diagnostic and research purposes. Micro-CT imaging could be a substitute for autopsy, particularly in very early gestation fetuses for whom autopsy can be technically challenging and is often unaccepted by parents. This article provides an overview of the latest research in fetal postmortem micro-CT imaging with a focus on diagnostic accuracy, endovascular staining approaches, placental studies and the reversibility of staining. It also discusses new methods that could prove helpful for micro-CT of larger fetuses. While more research is needed, contrast-enhanced micro-CT has the potential to become a suitable alternative to fetal autopsy. Further research using this novel imaging tool could yield wider applications, such as its practise in imaging rare museum specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniël Docter
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC at University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yousif Dawood
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC at University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC at University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karl Jacobs
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC at University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Oral Pain and Dysfunction, Functional Anatomy, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaco Hagoort
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC at University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roelof-Jan Oostra
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC at University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice J B van den Hoff
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC at University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research, Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Center, London, UK
| | - Bernadette S de Bakker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC at University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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