CT imaging on development of the fetal spinal canal of T12 vertebrae

Abstract

Objective To explore the normal developmental condition of the fetal spinal canal of T12 vertebrae by using CT and analyze their development changes. Methods Spines of 30 fetal specimens of 23-40 weeks were scanned by 64-slices CT. Axial plane of the spinal canal of T12 vertebrae were reconstructed. There was no structural abnormality of the spine in these fetuses. Measurements obtained from the axial CTs included spinal canal anterior-posterior diameter, spinal canal width, and spinal cross-sectional area. Pearson correlation was made between gestational age and spinal canal. Results The spinal canal anterior-posterior diameter, width, and area of T12 vertebrae increased linearly with gestational age, the anterior-posterior diameter, equations of linear regression were: Ŷ(mm)=0.126+ 0.26×Xage(W), R2=0.857, P<0.01 ; the width, Ŷ(mm)=-0.411+ 0.274×Xage(W); R2=0.822, P<0.01; the area, Ŷ(mm2)=-52.09+ 3.43×Xage(W), R2=0.911, P<0.01, respectively. Conclusions The normal morphology of the spinal canal of T12 vertebrae can be clearly showed by CT, and the size of the spinal canal has a good correlation with gestational age. The diameter of the spinal canal of T12 vertebrae measured on CT imaging can be used to assess the spine development. Key words: Fetal development; Thoracic vertebrae; Spinal canal; Tomography, spiral computed