A semi-automated method for non-invasive internal organ weight estimation by post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging in fetuses, newborns and children

MaRIAS (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Autopsy Study) Collaborative group

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

UNLABELLED: Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging allows minimally invasive autopsy, especially when consent is declined for traditional autopsy. Estimation of individual visceral organ weights is an important component of traditional autopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether a semi-automated can be used for non-invasive internal organ weight measurement using post-mortem MR imaging in fetuses, newborns and children.

METHODS: Phase 1: In vitro scanning of 36 animal organs (heart, liver, kidneys) was performed to check the accuracy of volume reconstruction methodology. Real volumes were measured by water displacement method. Phase 2: Sixty-five whole body post-mortem MR scans were performed in fetuses (n=30), newborns (n=5) and children (n=30) at 1.5T using a 3D TSE T2-weighted sequence. These data were analysed offline using the image processing software Mimics 11.0.

RESULTS: Phase 1: Mean difference (S.D.) between estimated and actual volumes were -0.3 (1.5)ml for kidney, -0.7 (1.3)ml for heart, -1.7 (3.6)ml for liver in animal experiments. Phase 2: In fetuses, newborns and children mean differences between estimated and actual weights (S.D.) were -0.6 (4.9)g for liver, -5.1 (1.2)g for spleen, -0.3 (0.6)g for adrenals, 0.4 (1.6)g for thymus, 0.9 (2.5)g for heart, -0.7 (2.4)g for kidneys and 2.7 (14)g for lungs. Excellent co-correlation was noted for estimated and actual weights (r(2)=0.99, p<0.001). Accuracy was lower when fetuses were less than 20 weeks or less than 300g.

CONCLUSION: Rapid, accurate and reproducible estimation of solid internal organ weights is feasible using the semi-automated 3D volume reconstruction method.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)321-6
Number of pages6
JournalEuropean Journal of Radiology
Volume72
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2009

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • Algorithms
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement/methods
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted/methods
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods
  • Male
  • Organ Size
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A semi-automated method for non-invasive internal organ weight estimation by post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging in fetuses, newborns and children'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this