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Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Micro-CT Imaging and Morphometric Analysis of Mouse Neonatal Brains
Published on: May 19, 2023
Craniofacial structures' development in prenatal period: An MRI study.
G Begnoni1, G Serrao2, F Musto1
1Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Oral Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Fetal MRI scans reveal significant growth in craniofacial structures and airway spaces between the second and third trimesters. This prenatal imaging aids in detecting skeletal and functional anomalies.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Craniofacial Development
- Prenatal Imaging
Background:
- Craniofacial skeletal and airway development is crucial in orthodontics.
- Fetal MRI offers a method for cephalometric analysis of these developing structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze fetal craniofacial and airway development using MRI.
- To correlate skeletal growth with functional space development during gestation.
Main Methods:
- 28 fetal MRI scans (20-32 weeks gestation) were analyzed.
- Cephalometric measurements of skeletal and airway dimensions were performed using Osirix 5 software.
- T2-weighted MRI images acquired with a 1.5 T scanner were utilized.
Main Results:
- Significant growth in cranial base, maxilla, and mandible dimensions occurred between the second and third trimesters (P < .01).
- Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal spaces also showed significant development (P < .05).
- A strong correlation (r=0.97) was found between anterior cranial base development and functional speech/swallowing areas.
Conclusions:
- Fetal craniofacial development shows a strong link between skeletal features and functional spaces, peaking in late gestation.
- Fetal MRI cephalometric analysis is valuable for detecting prenatal skeletal and functional anomalies.
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