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Computed tomography of the human developing anterior skull base
J Van Loosen1, A I Klooswijk, D van Velzen
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dijkzigt Academic Hospital, University of Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
European Journal of Radiology
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Ossification of the lamina cribrosa, a key part of the anterior skull base, appears as a defect on CT scans in early life. This apparent defect resolves by age six as ossification completes.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Radiology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The anterior skull base, particularly the lamina cribrosa, undergoes significant ossification during development.
- Computed tomography (CT) is a common imaging modality used to study skeletal development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ossification process of the anterior skull base, focusing on the lamina cribrosa.
- To characterize the appearance of the developing lamina cribrosa on CT scans and identify potential imaging artifacts.
Main Methods:
- Examination of sixteen human fetuses (18-32 weeks gestation) and three infants (1, 2, and 6 years old).
- Utilized computed tomography (CT) and histopathology for detailed analysis of the anterior skull base.
Main Results:
- A cartilaginous precursor of the anterior skull base creates a 'pseudo-defect' on coronal CT images, even with high-resolution scans.
- This 'pseudo-defect' is an imaging artifact that disappears by age six as lamina cribrosa ossification becomes complete.
Conclusions:
- The developing lamina cribrosa can mimic a defect on CT scans due to its cartilaginous nature.
- Complete ossification of the lamina cribrosa by age six resolves this artifact, providing a clear anatomical structure on CT imaging.