Open AccessMethodological approach to the 3D ultrasound reconstruction of human fetal thymus: a preliminary study
Author(s) -
Elena Olearo,
Pietro Gaglioti,
Manuela Oberto,
G.L. Panattoni,
Tullia Todros
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of biological research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.218
H-Index - 6
eISSN - 2284-0230
pISSN - 1826-8838
DOI - 10.4081/jbr.2011.4694
Subject(s) - fetus , involution (esoterism) , 3d ultrasound , gestational age , ultrasound , conical surface , 3d model , anatomy , biology , pregnancy , medicine , physiology , radiology , computer science , mathematics , geometry , neuroscience , genetics , consciousness , artificial intelligence
The aim of this preliminary study is to propose a new methodological approach to the study of thymic morphology and volume in human fetus by ultrasound, using mathematical three-dimensional (3D) models and comparing them to the volumes obtained by Virtual Organ Computer-aided (VOCAL). Thymic volume and morphology of two fetuses at 21 and at 28 weeks of gestational age were reconstructed using VOCAL system and two different 3D models of fetal thymus were created with a CAD 3D software by an addition of geometrical solids: a conical model for the 21 weeks thymus; an elliptical model for the 28 weeks thymus. We believe that dysmorphism, volume and involution of fetal thymus should be investigated by this method during pregnancy. The relationship between the volumes obtained by VOCAL and those obtained with 3D models should be confirmed by further studies