Modeling of Neonatal Skull Development Using Computed Tomography Images

Neonatal skull anatomy and its evolution have received less attention with respect to the brain in neuroscience neuroanatomy studies. Meanwhile, their influence on normal development impact results of functional studies been demonstrated by several researches. Such disesteem is due weak appearance cranial bones, fontanels sutures images acquired MRI which presents actually only available aperture for observing neonatal head volume details. This paper an unprecedented retrospective CT-based study modeling during first weeks life a standard space defined model. We create two atlases age ranges 39-40 41-42 week's gestational using symmetric group-wise normalization method. The created allow direct observation ossification patterns precise three-dimensional measurement anatomical features from development. Development has examined here nineteen CT scans neonates two-week 39 40 41 42. Deformation-based morphometry method applied use Jacobian determinant maps identify growth observe specified time interval. Precise measurements anterior fontanel size, scalp eliminated circumference area corresponding fontanel-sutures were performed extracting sutures.