Fetal age estimation using MSCT scans of deciduous tooth germs

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Developmental Biology
• Radiology

Background:

• Accurate fetal age evaluation is vital for anthropology, odontology, paleopathology, and forensic sciences.
• Femoral diaphyseal length is the established gold standard for determining fetal age.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between fetal age, femoral diaphyseal length, and deciduous tooth germ dimensions.
• To assess the reliability and reproducibility of using multislice computed tomography (MSCT) for fetal age estimation.

Main Methods:

• Computed tomography (MSCT) reconstructions were used to analyze 81 fetuses (22-40 weeks amenorrhea).
• Qualitative and quantitative measurements of femoral and deciduous tooth germ lengths were performed.
• Statistical analyses, including correlation coefficients and linear regression, were conducted using R software.

Main Results:

• Femoral length showed a strong correlation with fetal age (R² = 0.9).
• Tooth germ dimensions (height, width, volume) also correlated significantly with age (R² ≥ 0.73).
• The dental formula provided precise age estimation between 25 and 32 weeks amenorrhea.

Conclusions:

• Deciduous tooth germs are reliable indicators for estimating fetal age.
• Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) is an innovative and dependable technology for this application.
• The developed method is reliable, reproducible, and aligns with existing literature findings.