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Fetal facial bone growth: Post-mortem CT analysis
E Lesieur1, C Delteil2, G Gorincour3
1Screening and Diagnosis Unit, department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Timone Hospital, Marseille, France; UMR 7268 ADES Anthropologie droit éthique et santé, Aix Marseille université, CNRS, EFS, Marseille, France.
Morphologie : Bulletin De L'Association Des Anatomistes
|June 23, 2022
Summary
This study models normal fetal facial bone growth, establishing growth curves for the mandible, maxilla, zygomatic bone, and orbits. Key measurements strongly correlate with gestational age, enabling accurate age estimation.
Area of Science:
- Fetal development
- Craniofacial anatomy
- Medical imaging
Background:
- Accurate assessment of fetal growth is crucial for prenatal care.
- Existing models for fetal craniofacial development require refinement.
- Understanding normal bone growth aids in identifying developmental abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively describe and model the normal growth patterns of fetal facial bones.
- To establish normative growth curves for key craniofacial structures.
- To identify reliable measurements for estimating gestational age.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 118 fetal CT scans from 19 to 41 weeks gestation.
- Inclusion of fetuses without brain disease or craniofacial anomalies.
- Utilized multiplanar reconstruction software for precise bone and angle measurements.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant increases observed in most facial bone measurements with gestational age (P<0.001).
- Mandibular and maxillary dimensions showed strong correlation with gestational age (R=0.926 and R=0.922, respectively).
- Developed equations to estimate gestational age from anteroposterior mandibular diameter and maxillary width with high confidence intervals.
Conclusions:
- Established normative growth curves for fetal mandible, maxilla, zygomatic bone, and orbits.
- Demonstrated strong correlations between specific facial bone measurements and gestational age.
- Provided validated tools for estimating fetal age based on craniofacial dimensions.
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