Abstract
ObjectivesTo determine the advantages of radiological imaging of a collection of full-term teratological fetuses in order to increase their scientific and educational value.BackgroundAnatomical museums around the world exhibit full-term teratological fetuses. Unfortunately, these museums are regularly considered as “morbid cabinets”. Detailed dysmorphological information concerning the exhibited specimens is often lacking. Moreover, fetuses with severe and complex congenital anomalies are frequently diagnosed incompletely, incorrectly or not at all. MethodsIn order to verify diagnoses and to enrich their educational and scientific value, we imaged 41 out of the 72 teratological specimens present in the collection of our Anatomy and Pathology Museum in Nijmegen (The Netherlands) by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). Additionally, contemporary dysmorphological insights and 3D models are implemented in the teratology education of medical students and residents.ConclusionsFull-term teratological fetuses have become increasingly rare and deserve a prominent place in every anatomical museum; they are suitable for contemporary teratological research and education. Modern radiological techniques markedly enhance their scientific and didactic value.Teaching Points• To explore the scientific and educational potential of institutionalised teratological collections• To understand the additional value of radiological imaging in diagnosing teratological specimens• To learn about the specific settings of MRI parameters when scanning fixed specimens• To recognise specific internal dysmorphology in several congenital anomalies
Highlights
Many anatomical museums around the world exhibit teratological specimens of third trimester fetuses
Full-term teratological fetuses have become increasingly rare and deserve a prominent place in every anatomical museum; they are suitable for contemporary teratological research and education
Especially noteworthy are the eighteenth century collection of the Federal Pathological Anatomy Museum in Vienna (Austria) [1, 2], the eighteenth century collection of the Hunterian Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons in London [3] and the nineteenth century Vrolik collection residing in the Vrolik Museum at the University Medical Centre of Amsterdam [4]
Summary
Many anatomical museums around the world exhibit teratological specimens of third trimester fetuses. Especially noteworthy are the eighteenth century collection of the Federal Pathological Anatomy Museum in Vienna (Austria) [1, 2], the eighteenth century collection of the Hunterian Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons in London [3] and the nineteenth century Vrolik collection residing in the Vrolik Museum at the University Medical Centre of Amsterdam [4] They all contain a rich trove of teratological specimens. One could question whether historical teratological specimens still have a contemporary value in a period of daily evolving medical innovations and molecular technology These are issues anatomical museums have to deal with on a daily basis [7, 8]. Fetuses with severe and complex congenital anomalies are frequently diagnosed incompletely, incorrectly or not at all
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