Quantitative evaluation of aortic arch development using digital-image analysis

Abstract

This study was performed on 80 spontaneously aborted human fetuses of a gestational period of between 17 and 27 weeks. The procedure was based on latex filled arteries, which were preserved in formalin, and then later dissected. Data collection was accomplished using digital imaging. The specific measurements of the aortic arch diameter, length and volume were obtained using a computer program, written solely for the purpose of this study. Results indicated that the collected figures correlated with the fetal age through 3 sets of 4-week intervals. Diameter and length of the aortic arch varied from 2.5 to 4.1 mm and from 6.7 to 10.3 mm, respectively. Both parameters showed statistically significant (p<0.05) linear growth and differences between age groups. The volumetric growth of the aortic arch followed a square root function with its values ranging from 35.7 to 136.8 mm3, which were also statistically significant (p < 0.05). The diameter of the aortic isthmus was measured and compared to the diameters of the ascending and descending aorta thus allowing an estimation ratio between those parameters. Concluding analyses suggest that the aortic isthmus becomes narrower during fetal development.