Micro-CT yields high image quality in human fetal post-mortem imaging despite maceration.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Current post-mortem imaging lacks sufficient resolution for small fetuses.
• Post-mortem micro-CT provides high diagnostic accuracy non-invasively.
• This study identifies key predictors of image quality in fetal micro-CT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine factors influencing image quality in post-mortem micro-CT of human fetuses.
• To optimize micro-CT protocols for enhanced fetal post-mortem imaging.

Main Methods:

• 258 fetuses underwent micro-CT after potassium tri-iodide preparation.
• Radiologists assessed axial head and chest views for image quality (Likert scale).
• Linear regression analyzed predictors: demographics, maceration, weight, and imaging parameters.

Main Results:

• 95% of studies achieved high image quality (score > 6.5).
• Head imaging quality (median 9) surpassed chest imaging (median 8.5).
• Negative predictors: increasing maceration and body weight; positive predictor: number of projections.

Conclusions:

• High micro-CT image quality is feasible in early pregnancy loss, even with maceration.
• Micro-CT is particularly valuable for smaller fetuses where conventional autopsy is challenging.
• Findings support establishing clinical micro-CT services for less invasive fetal autopsy.