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Staicu A, Albu C, Popa-Stanila R, Bondor C, Chiriac L, Eniu D, Goidescu I, Florian AR, Surcel M, Cruciat G, Muresan D, Rotar I. Whole-body non-forensic fetal virtopsy using postmortem magnetic resonance imaging at 7 Tesla vs classical autopsy. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39376058 DOI: 10.1002/uog.29106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the diagnostic accuracy of virtual autopsy using whole-body postmortem ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 7 Tesla (T), using a short T2-weighted imaging (T2-WI) protocol, compared with classical autopsy, for detecting structural abnormalities in small second-trimester fetuses. METHODS Thirty consecutive fetuses at 13-19 weeks' gestation (weight, 17-364 g) were included following spontaneous pregnancy loss or termination of pregnancy. After fixation in 10% formaldehyde solution (48 h to 1 week), all fetuses were scanned using a two-dimensional turbo high-resolution T2-WI protocol with multislice relaxation time, followed by an invasive autopsy. The diagnostic accuracy of virtual autopsy vs classical autopsy was calculated for 990 anatomical structures (30 fetuses × 33 items). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and Cohen's κ coefficient of agreement, with their 95% CIs, as well as the McNemar test, were used to evaluate the accuracy and agreement of the two diagnostic methods. Analysis was stratified by anatomical segment (nervous, pulmonary, cardiovascular, digestive, renal, facial and skeletal) and across three gestational-age intervals (13-14, 15-16 and 17-19 weeks). RESULTS Considering classical autopsy as the gold standard, virtual autopsy had a sensitivity of 92.04% (95% CI, 85.42-96.29%) and a specificity of 97.87% (95% CI, 94.64-99.42%), with a positive predictive value of 96.30% (95% CI, 90.78-98.56%) and a negative predictive value of 95.34% (95% CI, 91.61-97.45%), achieving a diagnostic accuracy of 95.68% (95% CI, 92.73-97.68%) for detecting structural abnormalities in second-trimester fetuses. Cohen's κ for virtual vs classical autopsy was 0.907. The diagnostic ability of virtual autopsy at 7 T for malformed fetuses was superior to that of classical autopsy for analyzing the nervous system in small fetuses with pronounced autolysis, equivalent to that of classical autopsy when analyzing pulmonary, cardiovascular and renal systems and inferior when evaluating the fetal intestines. The sensitivity of virtual autopsy at 7 T for describing structural abnormalities increased with gestational age. CONCLUSION Virtual fetal autopsy using 7-T MRI and a turbo high-resolution T2-WI protocol with multislice relaxation time is a feasible postmortem diagnostic tool for the identification of fetal structural anomalies. © 2024 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Staicu
- Mother and Child Department, 1st Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 'Iuliu Haţieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - C Albu
- Department of Pathology, 'Iuliu Haţieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Centre of Advanced Research Studies, Emergency County Hospital, IMOGEN, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - R Popa-Stanila
- Centre of Advanced Research Studies, Emergency County Hospital, IMOGEN, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Radiology, 'Iuliu Haţieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - C Bondor
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, 'Iuliu Haţieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - L Chiriac
- Department of Medical Biophysics, 'Iuliu Haţieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- National Magnetic Resonance Centre, Babeș Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Faculty of Physics, Babeș Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - D Eniu
- Department of Medical Biophysics, 'Iuliu Haţieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - I Goidescu
- Mother and Child Department, 1st Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 'Iuliu Haţieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - A R Florian
- Mother and Child Department, 1st Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 'Iuliu Haţieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - M Surcel
- Mother and Child Department, 1st Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 'Iuliu Haţieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - G Cruciat
- Mother and Child Department, 1st Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 'Iuliu Haţieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - D Muresan
- Mother and Child Department, 1st Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 'Iuliu Haţieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - I Rotar
- Mother and Child Department, 1st Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 'Iuliu Haţieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Stancioi-Cismaru AF, Dinu M, Carp-Veliscu A, Capitanescu RG, Pana RC, Sirbu OC, Tanase F, Dita FG, Popa MA, Robu MR, Gheonea M, Tudorache S. Live-Birth Incidence of Isolated D-Transposition of Great Arteries-The Shift in Trends Due to Early Diagnosis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1185. [PMID: 38893711 PMCID: PMC11171914 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14111185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
This is a single tertiary population-based study conducted at a center in southwest Romania. We retrospectively compared data obtained in two periods: January 2008-December 2013 and January 2018-December 2023. The global incidence of the transposition of great arteries in terminated cases, in addition to those resulting in live-born pregnancies, remained almost constant. The live-birth incidence decreased. The median gestational age at diagnosis decreased from 29.3 gestational weeks (mean 25.4) to 13.4 weeks (mean 17.2). The second trimester and the overall detection rate in the prenatal period did not significantly change, but the increase was statistically significant in the first trimester. The proportion of terminated pregnancies in fetuses diagnosed with the transposition of great arteries significantly increased (14.28% to 75%, p = 0.019).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Florentina Stancioi-Cismaru
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Dragasani City Hospital, 245700 Dragasani, Romania;
- Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Marina Dinu
- 8th Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (R.G.C.); (O.C.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Andreea Carp-Veliscu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Panait Sirbu Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 060251 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Razvan Grigoras Capitanescu
- 8th Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (R.G.C.); (O.C.S.); (M.G.)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Emergency University County Hospital, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (R.C.P.); (F.T.); (M.A.P.); (M.R.R.)
| | - Razvan Cosmin Pana
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Emergency University County Hospital, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (R.C.P.); (F.T.); (M.A.P.); (M.R.R.)
| | - Ovidiu Costinel Sirbu
- 8th Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (R.G.C.); (O.C.S.); (M.G.)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Emergency University County Hospital, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (R.C.P.); (F.T.); (M.A.P.); (M.R.R.)
| | - Florentina Tanase
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Emergency University County Hospital, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (R.C.P.); (F.T.); (M.A.P.); (M.R.R.)
| | - Florentina Gratiela Dita
- Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Emergency University County Hospital, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (R.C.P.); (F.T.); (M.A.P.); (M.R.R.)
| | - Maria Adelina Popa
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Emergency University County Hospital, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (R.C.P.); (F.T.); (M.A.P.); (M.R.R.)
| | - Mihai Robert Robu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Emergency University County Hospital, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (R.C.P.); (F.T.); (M.A.P.); (M.R.R.)
| | - Mihaela Gheonea
- 8th Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (R.G.C.); (O.C.S.); (M.G.)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Emergency University County Hospital, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (R.C.P.); (F.T.); (M.A.P.); (M.R.R.)
| | - Stefania Tudorache
- 8th Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (R.G.C.); (O.C.S.); (M.G.)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Emergency University County Hospital, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (R.C.P.); (F.T.); (M.A.P.); (M.R.R.)
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Ibarra Vilar P, Jani JC, Cannie MM, Shelmerdine SC, Lecomte S, Verhoye M, Hutchinson CJ, Arthurs OJ, Carlin A, Kang X. Postmortem imaging of fetuses at early gestations: A comparison of microfocus computed tomography with postmortem magnetic resonance at 9.4 T and postmortem ultrasound. Prenat Diagn 2024; 44:572-579. [PMID: 38367004 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the diagnostic performance of postmortem ultrasound (PMUS), 9.4 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT) for the examination of early gestation fetuses. METHOD Eight unselected fetuses (10-15 weeks gestational age) underwent at least 2 of the 3 listed imaging examinations. Six fetuses underwent 9.4 T MRI, four underwent micro-CT and six underwent PMUS. All operators were blinded to clinical history. All imaging was reported according to a prespecified template assessing 36 anatomical structures, later grouped into five regions: brain, thorax, heart, abdomen and genito-urinary. RESULTS More anatomical structures were seen on 9.4 T MRI and micro-CT than with PMUS, with a combined frequency of identified structures of 91.9% and 69.7% versus 54.5% and 59.6 (p < 0.001; p < 0.05) respectively according to comparison groups. In comparison with 9.4 T MRI, more structures were seen on micro-CT (90.2% vs. 83.3%, p < 0.05). Anatomical structures were described as abnormal on PMUS in 2.7%, 9.4 T MRI in 6.1% and micro-CT 7.7% of all structures observed. However, the accuracy test could not be calculated because conventional autopsy was performed on 6 fetuses of that only one structure was abnormal. CONCLUSION Micro-CT appears to offer the greatest potential as an imaging adjunct or non-invasive alternative for conventional autopsies in early gestation fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Ibarra Vilar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jacques C Jani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mieke M Cannie
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Sophie Lecomte
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Ciaran J Hutchinson
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Andrew Carlin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Xin Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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Ibarra Vilar P, De Luca L, Badr DA, Cos Sanchez T, Carlin A, Lecomte S, Jani JC, Kang X. Learning curve for fetal postmortem ultrasound. Prenat Diagn 2024; 44:15-27. [PMID: 38117025 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the learning curve of fetal postmortem ultrasound (PMUS) and evaluate the evolution of its diagnostic performance over the past 8 years. METHODS PMUS was performed by two fetal medicine specialists and two experts on 100 unselected fetuses of 12-38 weeks of gestation in a prospective, double-blind manner. 21 pre-defined internal structures were analyzed consecutively by the trainee alone and the expert, with a comparison of diagnosis and immediate feedback. The learning curves for examination duration, non-recognition of structures and final diagnoses were computed using cumulative summation analysis. Secondly, the expert PMUS diagnostic accuracy using autopsy as the gold standard was compared to the previously published data. RESULTS The trainees reached expert level of PMUS at 28-36 cases for examination duration (12.1 ± 5.2 min), non-diagnostic rate (6.5%, 137/2100), and abnormality diagnosis. In a group of 33 fetuses ≥20 weeks who had an autopsy, the experts PMUS performance was improved after 8 years with a reduction of all organs non-diagnostic rate (6.5 %VS 11.4%, p < 0.01) and higher sensitivity for the heart (100% VS 40.9%, p < 0.01) and the abdomen (100%VS 56.5%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION PMUS offers a short learning curve for fetal medicine specialists and on-going improvement of diagnostic accuracy over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Ibarra Vilar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laura De Luca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dominique A Badr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Teresa Cos Sanchez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andrew Carlin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Lecomte
- Department of Feto-Pathology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jacques C Jani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Xin Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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Josemans SH, van der Post AS, Strijkers GJ, Dawood Y, van den Hoff MJB, Jens SRJ, Obdeijn MC, Oostra RJ, Maas M. Ultra-high-field MRI of postmortem human fetal wrist joints: initial experience. Eur Radiol Exp 2023; 7:28. [PMID: 37271766 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-023-00341-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to assess the feasibility of postmortem ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging (UHF-MRI) to study fetal musculoskeletal anatomy and explore the contribution of variation in iodine and formaldehyde (paraformaldehyde, PFA) treatment of tissue. METHODS Seven upper extremities from human fetuses with gestational ages of 19 to 24 weeks were included in this experimental study, approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee. The specimens were treated with various storage (0.2-4% PFA) and staining (Lugol's solution) protocols and the wrist joint was subsequently imaged with 7.0 T UHF-MRI. Soft-tissue contrast was quantified by determining regions of interest within a chondrified carpal bone (CCB) from the proximal row, the triangular fibrocartilage (TFC), and the pronator quadratus muscle (PQM) and calculating the contrast ratios (CRs) between mean signal intensities of CCB to TFC and CCB to PQM. RESULTS UHF-MRI showed excellent soft-tissue contrast in different musculoskeletal tissues. Increasing storage time in 4% PFA, CRs decreased, resulting in a shift from relatively hyperintense to hypointense identification of the CCB. Storage in 0.2% PFA barely influenced the CRs over time. Lugol's solution caused an increase in CRs and might have even contributed to the inversion of the CRs. CONCLUSIONS UHF-MRI is a feasible technique to image musculoskeletal structures in fetal upper extremities and most successful after short storage in 4% PFA or prolonged storage in 0.2% PFA. The use of Lugol's solution is not detrimental on soft-tissue MRI contrast and therefore enables effectively combining UHF-MRI with contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography using a single preparation of the specimen. RELEVANCE STATEMENT UHF-MRI can be performed after CE-micro-CT to take advantage of both techniques. KEY POINTS • UHF-MRI is feasible to study human fetal cartilaginous and ligamentous anatomy. • Storage in low PFA concentrations (i.e., 0.2%) improves soft-tissue contrast in UHF-MRI. • Limited preservation time in high concentrations of PFA improves soft-tissue contrast in UHF-MRI. • Prior staining with Lugol's solution does not reduce soft-tissue contrast in UHF-MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine H Josemans
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anne-Sophie van der Post
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Sports and Musculoskeletal Health, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Gustav J Strijkers
- Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yousif Dawood
- Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sjoerd R J Jens
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Miryam C Obdeijn
- Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roelof-Jan Oostra
- Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mario Maas
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Sports and Musculoskeletal Health, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Simcock IC, Lamouroux A, Sebire NJ, Shelmerdine SC, Arthurs OJ. Less-invasive autopsy for early pregnancy loss. Prenat Diagn 2023; 43:937-949. [PMID: 37127547 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Autopsy investigations provide valuable information regarding fetal death that can assist in the parental bereavement process, and influence future pregnancies, but conventional autopsy is often declined by parents because of its invasive approach. This has led to the development of less-invasive autopsy investigations based on imaging technology to provide a more accessible and acceptable choice for parents when investigating their loss. Whilst the development and use of more conventional clinical imaging techniques (radiographs, CT, MRI, US) are well described in the literature for fetuses over 20 weeks of gestational age, these investigations have limited diagnostic accuracy in imaging smaller fetuses. Techniques such as ultra-high-field MRI (>3T) and micro-focus computed tomography have been shown to have higher diagnostic accuracy whilst still being acceptable to parents. By further developing and increasing the availability of these more innovative imaging techniques, parents will be provided with a greater choice of acceptable options to investigate their loss, which may in turn increase their uptake. We provide a narrative review focussing on the development of high-resolution, non-invasive imaging techniques to evaluate early gestational pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian C Simcock
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Audrey Lamouroux
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- Obstetrical Gynaecology Department, Nîmes University Hospital, Nîmes, France
- Clinical Genetics Department, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
- ICAR Research Team, LIRMM, CNRS and Charles Coulomb Laboratory, UMR 5221 CNRS-UM, BNIF User Facility Imaging, University of Montpellier, Nîmes and Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Neil J Sebire
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
- Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Susan C Shelmerdine
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
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Ruican D, Petrescu AM, Istrate-Ofiţeru AM, Roșu GC, Zorilă GL, Dîră LM, Nagy RD, Mogoantă L, Pirici D, Iliescu DG. Confirmation of Heart Malformations in Fetuses in the First Trimester Using Three-Dimensional Histologic Autopsy. Obstet Gynecol 2023:00006250-990000000-00767. [PMID: 37141594 PMCID: PMC10184816 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of histology slides to confirm congenital heart disease (CHD) detected by first-trimester fetal cardiac ultrasonography. Conventional autopsy is hindered by the small size of the first-trimester fetal heart, and current CHD confirmation studies employ the use of highly specialized and expensive methods. TECHNIQUE An extended first-trimester ultrasound examination protocol was used to diagnose fetal heart anomalies. Medical termination of pregnancies was followed by fetal heart extraction. The specimens were sliced, and the histology slides were stained and scanned. The resulting images were processed, and volume rendering was performed using 3D reconstruction software. The volumes were analyzed by a multidisciplinary team of maternal-fetal medicine subspecialists and pathologists and compared with ultrasound examination findings. EXPERIENCE Six fetuses with heart malformations were evaluated using histologic 3D imaging: two with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, two with atrioventricular septal defects, one with an isolated ventricular septal defect, and one with transposition of the great arteries. The technique allowed us to confirm ultrasound-detected anomalies and also identified additional malformations. CONCLUSION After pregnancy termination or loss, histologic 3D imaging can be used to confirm the presence of fetal cardiac malformations detected during first-trimester ultrasound examination. Additionally, this technique has the potential to refine the diagnosis for counseling regarding recurrence risk and retains the advantages of standard histology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Ruican
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Emergency County Hospital, and the Doctoral School, the Department of Histology, the Research Centre for Microscopic Morphology and Immunology, and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
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Tang H, Zhang Y, Dai C, Ru T, Li J, Chen J, Zhang B, Zhou K, Lv P, Liu R, Zhou Q, Zheng M. Postmortem 9.4-T MRI for Fetuses With Congenital Heart Defects Diagnosed in the First Trimester. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:764587. [PMID: 35155595 PMCID: PMC8830519 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.764587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of 9. 4-T postmortem MRI (pm-MRI) for assessment of major congenital heart defects (CHD) cases terminated in the early stage of gestation.MethodsFetuses with CHD detected by the detailed first-trimester ultrasound scan and terminated before 18 gestational weeks were recruited between January 2018 and June 2020. All fetuses were offered 9.4-T pm-MRI examinations and those terminated over 13+6 weeks were offered conventional autopsies simultaneously. Findings of pm-MRI were compared with those of conventional autopsy and prenatal ultrasound.ResultsA total of 19 fetuses with major CHD were analyzed, including 6 cases of the atrioventricular septal defect, 5 cases of Tetralogy of Fallot, 3 cases of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, 1 case of tricuspid atresia, 1 case of transposition of the great arteries, 1 case of severe tricuspid regurgitation, and 2 cases of complex CHD. Pm-MRI had concordant findings in 73.7% (14/19) cases, discordant findings in 15.8% (3/19) cases, and additional findings in 10.5% (2/19) cases when compared with prenatal ultrasound. Pm-MRI findings were concordant with autopsy in all 8 CHD cases terminated over 13+6 weeks.ConclusionIt is feasible to exhibit the structure of fetal heart terminated in the first trimester clearly on 9.4-T pm-MRI with an optimized scanning protocol. High-field pm-MRI could provide medical imaging information of CHD for those terminated in the early stage of gestation, especially for those limited by conventional autopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huirong Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum and Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum and Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenyan Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum and Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tong Ru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum and Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum and Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jieyu Chen
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Drum and Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Drum and Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kefeng Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Drum and Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pin Lv
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Drum and Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Renyuan Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Drum and Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The Affiliated Drum and Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingming Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum and Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Mingming Zheng
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9
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The Evaluation of the Four-Chamber Cardiac Dissection Method of the Fetal Heart as an Alternative to Conventional Inflow–Outflow Dissection in Small Gestational-Age Fetuses. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12010223. [PMID: 35054392 PMCID: PMC8775121 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12010223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The examination of very small fetal hearts requires special equipment and a specialist that are not available in many general pathology laboratories. Compared to conventional examination, the four-chamber cardiac dissection (4CCD) method can be performed by any pathologist using instruments generally available in pathology services. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of the 4CCD method in the examination of small fetal hearts using post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging (pm-MRI) at 7T as the standard. Twelve fetuses with gestational ages between 13 and 19 weeks have been included in this study. All fetuses underwent pm-MRI examination prior to pathologic examination. The 4CCD method was used for the cardiac examination in all cases following the same guidelines for cardiac sectioning. The 4CCD was able to identify all cardiac anatomic structures as compared to pm-MRI at 7T, demonstrating a sensibility of 95.8% (95% CI, 94.5–95.8) and specificity of 100% (95% CI, 32.3–100). The overall accuracy in identifying cardiac anatomic structures was 95.8% (95% CI, 93.4–95.8). Additionally, the 4CCD method was able to detect cardiac anomalies with an overall diagnostic accuracy of 91% (95% CI, 85.8–94.2), sensibility of 67.6% (95% CI, 54.5–75.3), and specificity of 97% (95% CI, 93.7–99) as compared to pm-MRI at 7T. The four-chamber view dissection method can be considered as an alternative to the conventional inflow–outflow dissection method in selected cases.
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10
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Staicu A, Albu C, Popa-Stanila R, Bondor CI, Rotar IC, Stamatian F, Muresan D. Diagnostic value of virtual autopsy using pm-MRI at 3T on malformed second trimester fetuses vs classic autopsy. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260357. [PMID: 34843527 PMCID: PMC8629304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine the diagnostic value of virtual autopsy using post mortem-MRI (pm-MRI) at 3Tesla (T) compared to classic autopsy for the confirmation of fetal structural anomalies and secondly to establish which cases of termination of pregnancy would benefit mostly from a virtual autopsy. Methods In each of 32 fetuses included in the study, 32 anatomical structures were assessed, after termination of pregnancy in the second trimester. All cases were evaluated by prenatal ultrasonography, virtual autopsy and classic autopsy, and then divided into four groups: Cerebral Group, Cardiac Group, Renal Group and Other Group (miscellaneous group). The concordance of virtual autopsy with classic autopsy was calculated overall and for each group and each structural item. Also, the concordance between the two methods was assessed using a diagnostic error score (DgE_score), calculated as the absolute value of the difference between the number of malformations detected by classic autopsy per case (CA score) and the number of malformations detected at virtual autopsy per case (VA score). Results Overall virtual autopsy demonstrated a diagnostic sensitivity (Se) compared to classic autopsy of 67.33% [95% CI 57.28–76.33], with a specificity (Sp) of 98.37% [95% CI 97.33–99.09], a positive predictive value (PPV) of 81.93% [95% CI 71.95–89.52], a negative predictive value (NPV) of 96.49% [95% CI 95.11–97.57] achieving a diagnostic accuracy of 95.31% [95% CI 93.83–96.52]. Overall, no statistic significant correlation was demonstrated between DgE_score and the gestational age of the fetuses or between DgE_score and the weight of the fetuses, but a significant correlation was revealed between the virtual autopsy and classic autopsy score. The diagnostic utility of virtual autopsy using pm-MRI at 3 T as compared to classic autopsy for each category of termination of pregnancy revealed in the Cerebral Group a Se of 80.00% [95% CI 28.36–99.49], with a 96.30% [95% CI 81.03–99.91], a PPV of 80.00% [95% CI 35.75–96.64] a NPV of 96.30% [95% CI 81.81–99.34], with a diagnostic accuracy of 93.75% [95% CI 79.19% to 99.23] and a Cohen’s Kappa coefficient of 0.76 [95% CI 0.4494–1.0765]; in the Renal Group a Se and Sp of 100%, but in the Cardiac Group the Se was only 60.00% [95% CI 26.24–87.84], Sp 75% [95% CI 34.91–96.81], the PPV 75.00% [95% CI 44.92–91.69], NPV 60% [95% CI 38.87–77.96], with a diagnostic accuracy of 66.67% [95% CI 40.99–86.66] and a Cohen’s Kappa coefficient of 0.32 [95% CI -0.07–0.76]. Conclusions The results support virtual autopsy using pm-MRI at 3T as a reliable alternative to classic autopsy for the non-forensic analysis of second trimester fetuses. Analyzing the diagnostic utility of virtual autopsy using pm-MRI at 3 T for the confirmation of prenatal ultrasound findings in second trimester fetuses as compared to classic autopsy, the best results were obtained in the Cerebral and Renal Group. Reserved results were found in the Cardiac Group. Therefore, for the pregnancies with termination of pregnancy for cerebral or renal abnormalities, virtual autopsy by pm-MRI at 3T can be taken into consideration as a first-line investigation to confirm the prenatal findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelina Staicu
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj‐Napoca, Romania
- * E-mail:
| | - Camelia Albu
- Department of Pathology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj‐Napoca, Romania
- Centre of Advanced Research Studies, Emergency County Hospital, IMOGEN, Cluj‐Napoca, Romania
| | - Roxana Popa-Stanila
- Centre of Advanced Research Studies, Emergency County Hospital, IMOGEN, Cluj‐Napoca, Romania
- Department of Radiology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj‐Napoca, Romania
| | - Cosmina Ioana Bondor
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj‐Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Cristina Rotar
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj‐Napoca, Romania
| | - Florin Stamatian
- Centre of Advanced Research Studies, Emergency County Hospital, IMOGEN, Cluj‐Napoca, Romania
| | - Daniel Muresan
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj‐Napoca, Romania
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11
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Simcock IC, Shelmerdine SC, Hutchinson JC, Sebire NJ, Arthurs OJ. Human fetal whole-body postmortem microfocus computed tomographic imaging. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:2594-2614. [PMID: 33854254 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00512-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Perinatal autopsy is the standard method for investigating fetal death; however, it requires dissection of the fetus. Human fetal microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT) provides a generally more acceptable and less invasive imaging alternative for bereaved parents to determine the cause of early pregnancy loss compared with conventional autopsy techniques. In this protocol, we describe the four main stages required to image fetuses using micro-CT. Preparation of the fetus includes staining with the contrast agent potassium triiodide and takes 3-19 d, depending on the size of the fetus and the time taken to obtain consent for the procedure. Setup for imaging requires appropriate positioning of the fetus and takes 1 h. The actual imaging takes, on average, 2 h 40 min and involves initial test scans followed by high-definition diagnostic scans. Postimaging, 3 d are required to postprocess the fetus, including removal of the stain, and also to undertake artifact recognition and data transfer. This procedure produces high-resolution isotropic datasets, allowing for radio-pathological interpretations to be made and long-term digital archiving for re-review and data sharing, where required. The protocol can be undertaken following appropriate training, which includes both the use of micro-CT techniques and handling of postmortem tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian C Simcock
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Susan C Shelmerdine
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - J Ciaran Hutchinson
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.,Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Neil J Sebire
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.,Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK. .,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK. .,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.
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12
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Gascho D, Zoelch N, Sommer S, Tappero C, Thali MJ, Deininger-Czermak E. 7-T MRI for brain virtual autopsy: a proof of concept in comparison to 3-T MRI and CT. Eur Radiol Exp 2021; 5:3. [PMID: 33442787 PMCID: PMC7806692 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-020-00198-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The detection and assessment of cerebral lesions and traumatic brain injuries are of particular interest in forensic investigations in order to differentiate between natural and traumatic deaths and to reconstruct the course of events in case of traumatic deaths. For this purpose, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are applied to supplement autopsy (traumatic death) or to supplant autopsy (natural deaths). This approach is termed “virtual autopsy.” The value of this approach increases as more microlesions and traumatic brain injuries are detected and assessed. Focusing on these findings, this article describes the examination of two decedents using CT, 3-T, and 7-T MRI. The main question asked was whether there is a benefit in using 7-T over 3-T MRI. To answer this question, the 3-T and 7-T images were graded regarding the detectability and the assessability of coup/contrecoup injuries and microlesions using 3-point Likert scales. While CT missed these findings, they were detectable on 3-T and 7-T MRI. However, the 3-T images appeared blurry in direct comparison with the 7-T images; thus, the detectability and assessability of small findings were hampered on 3-T MRI. The potential benefit of 7-T over 3-T MRI is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Gascho
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Niklaus Zoelch
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Sommer
- Siemens Healthcare AG, Zurich, Switzerland.,Swiss Center for Musculoskeletal Imaging (SCMI), Balgrist Campus AG, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carlo Tappero
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Radiology, Hôpital Fribourgeois, Villars-sur-Glâne, Switzerland
| | - Michael J Thali
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eva Deininger-Czermak
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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13
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Steyn M, Bacci N, Holland S. Patterning of fractures in a case of intimate partner homicide (IPH). J Forensic Sci 2020; 66:766-774. [PMID: 33201522 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
South Africa is a country overwhelmed by crime and violence, with very high incidences of abuse against women and children. It is not often that a case of intimate partner homicide is seen in a forensic anthropological context. Here, we report on such a case where the remains of the victim had been buried for some time. The victim was a middle-aged female, while the suspect was a younger adult male. The deceased had suffered massive, repeated trauma during her lifetime with healed fractures and evidence of soft tissue trauma to virtually all parts of her body. A partly healed rib fracture indicates that the abuse continued until shortly before her death. She ultimately succumbed after suffering trauma to her head and face after reportedly being hit by a brick, evidence of which can be seen as perimortem fractures of the face. It is important for forensic anthropologists to identify specific patterns and report on the presence of healed fractures, as they can raise suspicion as to the possibility of chronic abuse. In this case, the evidence suggests a very long period of extreme and repeated trauma, which were apparently not reported or noticed by family members or the medical fraternity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryna Steyn
- Human Variation and Identification Research Unit, School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Nicholas Bacci
- Human Variation and Identification Research Unit, School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Shakeera Holland
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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14
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Novel imaging techniques to study postmortem human fetal anatomy: a systematic review on microfocus-CT and ultra-high-field MRI. Eur Radiol 2019; 30:2280-2292. [PMID: 31834508 PMCID: PMC7062658 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-019-06543-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background MRI and CT have been extensively used to study fetal anatomy for research and diagnostic purposes, enabling minimally invasive autopsy and giving insight in human fetal development. Novel (contrast-enhanced) microfocus CT (micro-CT) and ultra-high-field (≥ 7.0 T) MRI (UHF-MRI) techniques now enable micron-level resolution that combats the disadvantages of low-field MRI and conventional CT. Thereby, they might be suitable to study fetal anatomy in high detail and, in time, contribute to the postmortem diagnosis of fetal conditions. Objectives (1) To systematically examine the usability of micro-CT and UHF-MRI to study postmortem human fetal anatomy, and (2) to analyze factors that govern success at each step of the specimen preparation and imaging. Method MEDLINE and EMBASE were systematically searched to identify publications on fetal imaging by micro-CT or UHF-MRI. Scanning protocols were summarized and best practices concerning specimen preparation and imaging were enumerated. Results Thirty-two publications reporting on micro-CT and UHF-MRI were included. The majority of the publications focused on imaging organs separately and seven publications focused on whole body imaging, demonstrating the possibility of visualization of small anatomical structures with a resolution well below 100 μm. When imaging soft tissues by micro-CT, the fetus should be stained by immersion in Lugol’s staining solution. Conclusion Micro-CT and UHF-MRI are both excellent imaging techniques to provide detailed images of gross anatomy of human fetuses. The present study offers an overview of the current best practices when using micro-CT and/or UHF-MRI to study fetal anatomy for clinical and research purposes. Key Points • Micro-CT and UHF-MRI can both be used to study postmortem human fetal anatomy for clinical and research purposes. • Micro-CT enables high-resolution imaging of fetal specimens in relatively short scanning time. However, tissue staining using a contrast solution is necessary to enable soft-tissue visualization. • UHF-MRI enables high-resolution imaging of fetal specimens, without the necessity of prior staining, but with the drawback of long scanning time. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00330-019-06543-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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15
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Shelmerdine SC, Hutchinson JC, Arthurs OJ, Sebire NJ. Latest developments in post-mortem foetal imaging. Prenat Diagn 2019; 40:28-37. [PMID: 31525275 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A sustained decline in parental consent rates for perinatal autopsies has driven the development of less-invasive methods for death investigation. A wide variety of imaging modalities have been developed for this purpose and include post-mortem whole body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and micro-focus CT techniques. These are also vital for "minimally invasive" methods, which include potential for tissue sampling, such as image guidance for targeted biopsies and laparoscopic-assisted techniques. In this article, we address the range of imaging techniques currently in clinical practice and those under development. Significant advances in high-field MRI and micro-focus CT imaging show particular promise for smaller and earlier gestation foetuses. We also review how MRI biomarkers such as diffusion-weighted imaging and organ volumetric analysis may aid diagnosis and image interpretation in the absence of autopsy data. Three-dimensional printing and augmented reality may help make imaging findings more accessible to parents, colleagues and trainees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan C Shelmerdine
- Department of Radiology Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust London, London, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health London, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre London, London, UK
| | - John C Hutchinson
- Department of Radiology Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust London, London, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health London, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre London, London, UK
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- Department of Radiology Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust London, London, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health London, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre London, London, UK
| | - Neil J Sebire
- Department of Radiology Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust London, London, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health London, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre London, London, UK
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