Tomographic assessment of craniofacial structures: cleft lip/palate

The purpose of the investigation was to develop software and hardware modifications for computed tomography to provide high-resolution thin sections for the assessment of craniofacial anomalies in the pediatric population. Modifications were undertaken on an EMI 5005 head scanner. Section thickness of two millimeters and resolution of greater than ten lines per centimeter were achieved. Since this study was concerned with reduction of slice thickness and increase in resolution, radiation dose was not of immediate concern, but would be addressed subsequent to achievement of desired initial results. Initial results on investigation of a full-term human fetus with bilateral cleft lip, cleft of the posterior palate, and micrognathia are presented. The interrelationships of the affected structures are shown clearly. Soft tissues are visualized which cannot be seen by conventional tomography.