PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - W R Nemzek
AU  - H A Brodie
AU  - B W Chong
AU  - C J Babcook
AU  - S T Hecht
AU  - S Salamat
AU  - W G Ellis
AU  - J A Seibert
TI  - Imaging findings of the developing temporal bone in fetal specimens.
DP  - 1996 Sep 01
TA  - American Journal of Neuroradiology
PG  - 1467--1477
VI  - 17
IP  - 8
4099  - http://www.ajnr.org/content/17/8/1467.short
4100  - http://www.ajnr.org/content/17/8/1467.full
SO  - Am. J. Neuroradiol.1996 Sep 01; 17
AB  - PURPOSE To trace the development of the normal fetal temporal bone by means of plain radiography, MR, and CT.METHODS Eighteen formalin-fixed fetal specimens, 13.5 to 24.4 weeks' gestational age, were examined with a mammographic plain film technique, CT, and MR imaging at 1.5 T. Temporal bone development and ossification were assessed.RESULTS The membranous labyrinth grows with amazing rapidity and attains adult size by the middle of the gestation period. The cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canals are very prominent and easily recognized on MR images. The otic capsule develops from a cartilage model. Ossification of the otic capsule proceeds rapidly between 18 and 24 weeks from multiple ossification centers that replace the cartilaginous framework. The mastoid, internal auditory canal, vestibular aqueduct, and external auditory canal continue to grow after birth.CONCLUSION The study of fetal developmental anatomy may lead to a better understanding of congenital disorders of the ear. Faster MR scanning techniques may provide a method for in utero evaluation of the fetal temporal bone.