Fetal developmental anatomy of the human cardiovascular and central nervous systems using Lugol’s iodine staining and micro‐computed tomography (923.6)

Abstract

Iodine staining with Lugol’s solution is a fast‐developing technique that is revolutionizing imaging studies, because it provides the opportunity to distinguish between soft tissues through soaking of the specimen followed by computed tomography (CT scanning). Earlier protocols that resulted in marked tissue shrinkage have been modified by treating specimens with a buffered sucrose solution prior to staining with isotonic Lugol’s, yielding excellent results. This technique was used to compare the cardiovascular and central nervous systems of a series of human fetal specimens ranging from six weeks to 28 weeks (ages approximated by crown‐rump measurements). Anatomical structures were analyzed and segmented using the computer program Avizo, providing the basis for the generation of labeled images, 3D reconstructions, 3D interactive PDFs, movies, and other forms of digital representations of the information provided in the CT scan data. Results include all representations which lead to a catalog of developing anatomy from the late embryonic stage well into the fetal stage of gestation. The catalog created provides students and educators with multiple forms of media to study the fetal anatomy of these two systems and allows professionals to better visualize and interact with the reconstructed versions of key organ systems. The study of both normal and teratological anatomy will lead to greater knowledge of any defects and could potentially lead to improved treatment and surgical plans.Grant Funding Source: Supported by a grant to AS from the Ohio University Honors Tutorial College and to LMW from NSF