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Zhou HM, Zhou ZL, He YH, Liu TA, Wan L, Wang YH. Forensic bone age assessment of hand and wrist joint MRI images in Chinese han male adolescents based on deep convolutional neural networks. Int J Legal Med 2024:10.1007/s00414-024-03282-4. [PMID: 39060444 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03282-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
In Chinese criminal law, the ages of 12, 14, 16, and 18 years old play a significant role in the determination of criminal responsibility. In this study, we developed an epiphyseal grading system based on magnetic resonance image (MRI) of the hand and wrist for the Chinese Han population and explored the feasibility of employing deep learning techniques for bone age assessment based on MRI of the hand and wrist. This study selected 282 Chinese Han Chinese males aged 6.0-21.0 years old. In the course of our study, we proposed a novel deep learning model for extracting and enhancing MRI hand and wrist bone features to enhance the prediction of target MRI hand and wrist bone age and achieve precise classification of the target MRI and regression of bone age. The evaluation metric for the classification model including precision, specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy, while the evaluation metrics chosen for the regression model are MAE. The epiphyseal grading was used as a supervised method, which effectively solved the problem of unbalanced sample distribution, and the two experts showed strong consistency in the epiphyseal plate grading process. In the classification results, the accuracy in distinguishing between adults and minors was 91.1%, and the lowest accuracy in the three minor classifications (12, 14, and 16 years of age) was 94.6%, 91.1% and 96.4%, respectively. The MAE of the regression results was 1.24 years. In conclusion, the deep learning model proposed enabled the age assessment of hand and wrist bones based on MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ming Zhou
- Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine (21DZ2270800), Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, 1347 GuangFu West Road, Shanghai, 200063, China
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, 030604, China
| | - Zhi-Lu Zhou
- Department of forensic medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550009, China
| | - Yu-Heng He
- Shanghai Shuzhiwei Information Technology Co., LTD, 333 WenHai Road, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Tai-Ang Liu
- Shanghai Shuzhiwei Information Technology Co., LTD, 333 WenHai Road, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Lei Wan
- Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine (21DZ2270800), Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, 1347 GuangFu West Road, Shanghai, 200063, China.
- Department of radiology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China.
| | - Ya-Hui Wang
- Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine (21DZ2270800), Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, 1347 GuangFu West Road, Shanghai, 200063, China.
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Tang XE, Lu T, Zhou YC, Zhan MJ, Chen W, Peng Z, Liu JH, Gui YF, Deng ZH, Fan F. Adult age estimation from the sternum using maximum intensity projection images of CT and data mining in a Chinese population. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:961-970. [PMID: 38240839 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03161-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore and develop data mining models for adult age estimation based on CT reconstruction images from the sternum. Maximum intensity projection (MIP) images of chest CT were retrospectively collected from a modern Chinese population, and data from 2700 patients (1349 males and 1351 females) aged 20 to 70 years were obtained. A staging technique within four indicators was applied. Several data mining models were established, and mean absolute error (MAE) was the primary comparison parameter. The intraobserver and interobserver agreement levels were good. Within internal validation, the optimal data mining model obtained the lowest MAE of 9.08 in males and 10.41 in females. For the external validation (N = 200), MAEs were 7.09 in males and 7.15 in females. In conclusion, the accuracy of our model for adult age estimation was among similar studies. MIP images of the sternum could be a potential age indicator. However, it should be combined with other indicators since the accuracy level is still unsatisfactory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-E Tang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Lu
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Chi Zhou
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Jun Zhan
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Wang Chen
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Peng
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Hong Liu
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Fan Gui
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Hua Deng
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fei Fan
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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Widek T, De Tobel J, Ehammer T, Genet P. Forensic age estimation in males by MRI based on the medial epiphysis of the clavicle. Int J Legal Med 2022; 137:679-689. [PMID: 36534129 PMCID: PMC10085911 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02924-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AbstractIncreasing cross-border migration has brought forensic age assessment into focus in recent decades. Forensic age estimation is based on the three pillars: physical and medical constitution, bone age, and tooth age. Part of the bone age examination includes the assessment of the medial end of the clavicles when the hand bones are already fully developed and a minority must be excluded. Recent research has brought MRI to the forefront as a radiation-free alternative for age assessment. However, there exits only a few studies with large sample size regarding the clavicles and with controversies about staging, motion artifacts, and exclusion based on anatomic norm variants. In the current prospective study, 338 central European male individuals between 13 and 24 years of age underwent MRI examination of the sternoclavicular region. Development was assessed by three blinded raters according to the staging system described by Schmeling et al. and Kellinghaus et al. and related to age by descriptive statistics and transition analyses with a cumulative probit model. In addition, reliability calculations were performed. No statistically significant developmental difference was found between the left and right clavicles. Inter-rater agreement was only moderate, but intra-rater agreement, on the other hand, was good. Stage 3c had a minimum age of 19.36 years and appears to be a good indicator of proof of majority. The minimum age of stage 4 was lower compared with other studies, 20.18 years, and therefore seems not to be an indicator of age of 21 years. In conclusion, we confirmed the value of clavicular MRI in the age estimation process. The transition analysis model is a good approach to circumvent the problems of age mimicry and samples that are not fully equilibrated. Given the moderate agreement between raters, a consensus reading is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Widek
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria.
| | - Jannick De Tobel
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences - Radiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Pia Genet
- University Centre of Legal Medicine Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- University Centre of Legal Medicine Geneva, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
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Deng XD, Lu T, Liu GF, Fan F, Peng Z, Chen XQ, Chen TW, Zhan MJ, Shi L, Luo S, Zhang XT, Liu M, Qiu SW, Cong B, Deng ZH. Forensic age prediction and age classification for critical age thresholds via 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging of the knee in the Chinese Han population. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:841-852. [PMID: 35258670 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02797-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the performance of knee MRI for forensic age prediction and classification for 12-, 14-, 16-, and 18-year thresholds. METHODS The ossification stages of distal femoral epiphyses and proximal tibial epiphyses were assessed using an integrated staging system by Schmeling et al. and Kellinghaus et al. for knee 3.0T MRI with T1-weighted turbo spin-echo (T1-TSE) in sagittal orientation among 852 Chinese Han individuals (483 males and 369 females) aged 7-30 years. Regression models for age prediction were constructed and their performances were evaluated based on mean absolute deviation (MAD) values. In addition, the performances of age classification were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. RESULTS The intra- and inter-observer agreement levels were very good (κ > 0.80). The complete fusion of those two types of epiphyses took place before 18.0 years in our study participants. The minimum MAD values were 2.51 years (distal femur) and 2.69 years (proximal tibia) in males, and 2.75 years (distal femur) and 2.87 years (proximal tibia) in females. The specificity values of constructed prediction models were all above 90% for the 12-, 14-, and 16-year thresholds, compared to the 74.8-84.6% for the 18-year threshold. Better performances of age prediction and classification were observed in males by distal femoral epiphyses. CONCLUSIONS Ossification stages via 3.0T MRI of the knee with T1-TSE sequence using an integrated staging system could be a reliable noninvasive method for age prediction or for age classification for 12-, 14-, and 16-year thresholds, especially in males by distal femoral epiphyses. However, assessments based on the full bony fusion of the distal femoral epiphysis and proximal tibial epiphysis seemed not reliable for age classification for the 18-year threshold in the Chinese Han population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dong Deng
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China.,Department of Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Lu
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang-Feng Liu
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Fan
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Peng
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Qian Chen
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Wu Chen
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Jun Zhan
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Luo
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Tao Zhang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Liu
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Wen Qiu
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Cong
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhen-Hua Deng
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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Lu T, Qiu LR, Ren B, Shi L, Fan F, Deng ZH. Forensic age estimation based on magnetic resonance imaging of the proximal humeral epiphysis in Chinese living individuals. Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:2437-2446. [PMID: 34232354 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02653-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Forensic age estimation in living individuals is mainly based on radiological features, but direct radiography and computed tomography lead to a rise in ethical concerns due to radiation exposure. Thus, the contribution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to age estimation of living individuals is a subject of ongoing research. In the current study, MRIs of shoulder were retrospectively collected from a modern Chinese Han population and data from 835 individuals (599 males and 236 females) in the age group 12 to 30 years were obtained. A staging technique based on (Schmidt et al. Int J Legal Med 121(4):321-324, 2007) and (Kellinghaus et al. Int J Legal Med 124(4):321-325, 2010) was used and all images were evaluated with T1-wieghted turbo spin echo (T1-TSE) sequence and T2-weighed fat suppression (T2-FS) sequence. One-sided images were assessed because data from both sides were considered coincidental, as no significant differences were found (P > 0.05). Two MRI sequences were evaluated separately and subsequently compared. Regression models and supportive vector classification (SVC) models were established accordingly. The intraobserver and interobserver agreement levels were good. Compared with T1-TSE sequence, the R2 values of T2-FS sequence were generally higher, while the mean absolute deviation (MAD) values were slightly lower. For T2-FS sequence, the MAD value was 1.49 years in males and 2.19 years in females. With two MRI sequences incorporated, the SVC model obtained with 85.7% correctly classified minors and 96.2% correctly classified adults in males, while 83.3% and 98.0% respectively in females. In conclusion, T2-FS sequence may slightly outperform the T1-TSE sequence in shoulder MRI analysis for age estimation, while shoulder MRIs could be a reliable prediction indicator for the 18-year threshold and two MRI sequences incorporated are encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Lu
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Science & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Rong Qiu
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Science & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Ren
- Department of Paediatric Orthopedics, Sichuan Provincial Orthopedics Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Science & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Fan
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Science & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhen-Hua Deng
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Science & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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Jani G, Lavin WS, Ludhwani S, Johnson A. An Overview of Three Dimensional (3D) Technologies in Forensic Odontology. J Forensic Dent Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.18311/jfds/12/1/2020.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) modalities are frequently applied in forensic practice as it tends to give complete information of the evidence merely by touching which has resulted in increased usage in legal medicine and forensic sciences. A number of sub-disciplines of forensic science utilises 3D modalities in an inter-disciplinary manner viz. forensic anthropology, forensic archaeology, forensic odontology, crime-scene investigation, pattern analysis and recovery, courtroom visualisation and ballistic comparison. With appropriate knowledge and utilisation of 3D scanning, modelling and printing technologies, innovative approaches can be implemented for identification in forensic cases. Given that these technologies are evolving rapidly and changing the face of forensic science, the present article collates current developments, working and applications of non-contact scanning techniques, modeling and 3D printing techniques.
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Jani G, Johnson A, Marques J, Franco A. Three-dimensional(3D) printing in forensic science–An emerging technology in India. ANNALS OF 3D PRINTED MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.stlm.2021.100006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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De Tobel J, Bauwens J, Parmentier GIL, Franco A, Pauwels NS, Verstraete KL, Thevissen PW. Magnetic resonance imaging for forensic age estimation in living children and young adults: a systematic review. Pediatr Radiol 2020; 50:1691-1708. [PMID: 32734341 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-020-04709-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The use of MRI in forensic age estimation has been explored extensively during the last decade. The authors of this paper synthesized the available MRI data for forensic age estimation in living children and young adults to provide a comprehensive overview that can guide age estimation practice and future research. To do so, the authors searched MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science, along with cited and citing articles and study registers. Two authors independently selected articles, conducted data extraction, and assessed risk of bias. They considered study populations including living subjects up to 30 years old. Fifty-five studies were included in qualitative analysis and 33 in quantitative analysis. Most studies had biases including use of relatively small European (Caucasian) populations, varying MR approaches and varying staging techniques. Therefore, it was not appropriate to pool the age distribution data. The authors found that reproducibility of staging was remarkably lower in clavicles than in any other anatomical structure. Age estimation performance was in line with the gold standard, radiography, with mean absolute errors ranging from 0.85 years to 2.0 years. The proportion of correctly classified minors ranged from 65% to 91%. Multifactorial age estimation performed better than that based on a single anatomical site. The authors found that more multifactorial age estimation studies are necessary, together with studies testing whether the MRI data can safely be pooled. The current review results can guide future studies, help medical professionals to decide on the preferred approach for specific cases, and help judicial professionals to interpret the evidential value of age estimation results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannick De Tobel
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences-Radiology, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Imaging and Pathology-Forensic Odontology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Oral Diseases and Maxillofacial Surgery, Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Jeroen Bauwens
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences-Radiology, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Griet I L Parmentier
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences-Radiology, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ademir Franco
- Department of Imaging and Pathology-Forensic Odontology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nele S Pauwels
- Ghent Knowledge Centre for Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koenraad L Verstraete
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences-Radiology, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Patrick W Thevissen
- Department of Imaging and Pathology-Forensic Odontology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Lu T, Shi L, Zhan MJ, Fan F, Peng Z, Zhang K, Deng ZH. Age estimation based on magnetic resonance imaging of the ankle joint in a modern Chinese Han population. Int J Legal Med 2020; 134:1843-1852. [PMID: 32594229 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02364-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To expand the database on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis of distal tibial and calcaneal epiphyses as proposed by Saint-Martin et al. and investigate a more elaborate staging technique to establish regression models for age estimation in a modern Chinese Han population. MATERIALS AND METHODS T1-weighted ankle MRIs were retrospectively collected from April 2008 to July 2019, and data from 590 individuals (372 males and 218 females; aged from 8 to 25 years old) were obtained. One-sided sagittal images were assessed because data from both sides were considered coincidental, as no significant differences were found (P > 0.05). Three-stage and six-stage staging techniques were applied separately and subsequently compared. A subset was re-assessed a second time and by a different observer. Regression models were established accordingly. RESULTS Our results showed very good repeatability and consistency of two staging techniques (all Cohen's kappa values were more than 0.8). By comparison, the values of the coefficient of determination (R2) of the six-stage technique were generally higher than those of the three-stage technique. Compared with the distal tibia and two ankle bones combined, the calcaneus decreased the mean absolute deviation (MAD) with the six-stage technique. In males, incorporating only the calcaneus resulted in a MAD of 2.15 years, with correct classification rates of 87.5% adults and 50.0% among minors. In females, the corresponding results were 1.67 years, 100.0%, and 44.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The six-stage technique may outperform the three-stage technique in MRI analysis of ankle bones for age estimation, while age estimation based on the calcaneus may perform better than that based on the distal tibia or both ankle bones in a modern Chinese Han population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Lu
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Jun Zhan
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Fan
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Peng
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Kui Zhang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhen-Hua Deng
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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The four-minute approach revisited: accelerating MRI-based multi-factorial age estimation. Int J Legal Med 2019; 134:1475-1485. [PMID: 31858261 PMCID: PMC7295718 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02231-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Objectives This feasibility study aimed to investigate the reliability of multi-factorial age estimation based on MR data of the hand, wisdom teeth and the clavicles with reduced acquisition time. Methods The raw MR data of 34 volunteers—acquired on a 3T system and using acquisition times (TA) of 3:46 min (hand), 5:29 min (clavicles) and 10:46 min (teeth)—were retrospectively undersampled applying the commercially available CAIPIRINHA technique. Automatic and radiological age estimation methods were applied to the original image data as well as undersampled data to investigate the reliability of age estimates with decreasing acquisition time. Reliability was investigated determining standard deviation (SSD) and mean (MSD) of signed differences, intra-class correlation (ICC) and by performing Bland-Altman analysis. Results Automatic age estimation generally showed very high reliability (SSD < 0.90 years) even for very short acquisition times (SSD ≈ 0.20 years for a total TA of 4 min). Radiological age estimation provided highly reliable results for images of the hand (ICC ≥ 0.96) and the teeth (ICC ≥ 0.79) for short acquisition times (TA = 16 s for the hand, TA = 2:21 min for the teeth), imaging data of the clavicles allowed for moderate acceleration (TA = 1:25 min, ICC ≥ 0.71). Conclusions The results demonstrate that reliable multi-factorial age estimation based on MRI of the hand, wisdom teeth and the clavicles can be performed using images acquired with a total acquisition time of 4 min.
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