Morphometric study of the primary ossification center of the frontal squama in the human fetus

Magdalena Grzonkowska,Michał Szpinda,Mateusz Badura,Marcin Wiśniewski,Mariusz Baumgart

doi:10.1007/s00276-020-02425-7

Magdalena Grzonkowska, Michał Szpinda + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-020-02425-7

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Abstract

PurposesDetailed morphometric data on the development of ossification centers in human fetuses is useful in the early detection of skeletal dysplasias associated with a delayed development of ossification centers and their mineralization. Quantitative analysis of primary ossification centers of cranial bones is sporadic due to limited availability of fetal material.Material and methodsThe size of the primary ossification center of the frontal squama in 37 human (16 males and 21 females) spontaneously aborted human fetuses aged 18–30 weeks was studied by means of CT, digital-image analysis and statistics.ResultsWith neither sex nor laterality differences, the best-fit growth dynamics for the primary ossification center of the frontal squama was modelled by the following functions: y = 13.756 + 0.021 × (age)2 ± 0.024 for its vertical diameter, y = 0.956 + 0.956 × age ± 0.823 for its transverse diameter, y = 38.285 + 0.889 × (age)2 ± 0.034 for its projection surface area, and y = 90.020 + 1.375 × (age)2 ± 11.441 for its volume.ConclusionsOur findings for the primary ossification center of the frontal squama may be conducive in monitoring normal fetal growth and screening for inherited faults and anomalies of the skull in human fetuses.

Highlights

In the prenatal period, an important element of routine ultrasound examinations is the assessment of the fetal facial skeleton, as facial dysmorphia is a common phenomenon in genetic syndromes and chromosomal defects
Numerous congenital defects, including Hajdu–Cheney syndrome, Down’s syndrome, cleidocranial dysplasia, pycnodysostosis and craniosynostosis involve the underdevelopment of the nasomaxillary region, which is often associated with reduced maxillary sinus pneumatization and failed closure of the frontal suture [17]
The timing of ossification of each bone forming the skull is known, no morphometric measurements of the primary ossification center of the frontal squama have been reported. This is the first report in the literature regarding the morphometric analysis of the primary ossification center of the frontal squama in human fetuses based on computed tomography imaging

Summary

Introduction

An important element of routine ultrasound examinations is the assessment of the fetal facial skeleton, as facial dysmorphia is a common phenomenon in genetic syndromes and chromosomal defects. Quantitative analysis of the ossification centers of skull bones are very rare due to limited availability of fetal material [16], but still detailed morphometric data on the development of ossification centers in human fetuses is useful in the early detection of skeletal dysplasias associated with a delayed development of ossification centers and their mineralization [21]. The timing of ossification of each bone forming the skull is known, no morphometric measurements of the primary ossification center of the frontal squama have been reported. This is the first report in the literature regarding the morphometric analysis of the primary ossification center of the frontal squama in human fetuses based on computed tomography imaging

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