title: [3D-computed tomography for spatial arrangement of the cranial bones of the human fetus].
abstract: Aim of the study was to assess the value of in vitro three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) as a new method for the depiction of the fetal skull. 3D-CT images of a fetal head of 24 weeks gestational age were generated with the implemented software on the basis of contiguous CT slices of 1 mm thickness. 3D-CT gave real three-dimensional information about morphology and spatial arrangement of the cranial bones. Using cutting and rotating procedures fast evaluation of all imaged ossified structures in arbitrary views without disturbing superpositions was possible, thus allowing easy identification and accurate description of the cranial bones and making isolated examinations of particular macroscopic sections of the specimens unnecessary. Advantages of 3D-CT over other evaluation techniques for the fetal cranium and its limitations are discussed. In conclusion, 3D-CT promises to be an effective tool for the investigation of fetal cranial development.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Röntgendiagnostik, Klinikum der Albrecht-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Neumann
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Temminghoff
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Radlanski
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Langer
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bier
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Stöblen
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Müller
mesh_terms: D005333:Fetus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012886:Skull / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology*; D012984:Software; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
vernacular_title: Die 3D-Computertomographie zur räumlichen Darstellung des Kopfskelettes eines menschlichen Feten.