Fetal thymus in the middle and late trimesters: Morphometry and development using post-mortem 3.0T MRI

The present study aimed to investigate the anatomical microstructure, features and signals of the fetal thymus by 3.0T FS-T2 weighted turbo spin echo sequences, which could provide imaging evidence for the evaluation of early-stage development of fetal thymus. In addition, the T2-weighted three-dimensional (3D) sequences and the 3D processing may contribute to the establishment of reference ranges for the fetal thymus. A total of 64 specimens obtained from the fetuses of 16-39 weeks of gestational age (GA) were scanned by 3.0T MRI. Morphological changes and quantitative measurements of the fetal thymus were assessed, including the anteroposterior diameter, width, height, surface area and volume. The shape of fetal thymus varied and the majority were X-shaped, with a narrow top and wide bottom. Morphology measurements demonstrated gradual growth with increasing GA. There were high linear correlations between width, height, surface area and volume and GA. No significant differences were observed between the sexes. Post-mortem 3.0T MRI clearly demonstrated changes in external contours and internal structure with GA. The images and data obtained reflect normal development of the fetal thymus and enrich the imaging data of fetal morphometry.