Advances in imaging technology and development have recently enabled high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) imaging of embryos and fetuses. Embryos and fetuses stored at the Congenital Anomaly Research Center (Kyoto Collection of Human Embryos, Kyoto, Japan) were imaged using multiple modalities including magnetic resonance imaging, episcopic fluorescence image capture, and X-ray computed tomography, both in absorption and phase-contrasted configurations. Using the acquired images, 3D computer graphics were generated and a movie was created to gain further insight into understanding the developmental process. For educational purposes, self-learning materials were also produced. The present review article briefly discusses each project and the results of imaging studies performed using specimens from the Kyoto Collection of Human Embryos. Anat Rec, 301:1004-1011, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Morphogenesis mainly occurs during embryonic stage, and congenital anomalies also occur at that time. The Kyoto Collection, one of the largest collections of human embryos, including a lot of those with congenital anomalies, is significantly helpful for analyzing embryonic growth. From the collection, normal and abnormal embryos have been selectively presented in this chapter. Recently developed imaging technology enabled three-dimensional (3D) imaging of embryos and fetuses in high resolution. The devices available for embryonic and fetal imaging and the results obtained therefrom are introduced in this chapter. In addition, new strategies for diagnosing congenital anomalies, such as autopsy imaging and genetic analyses, are discussed.

The spleen has variations in its morphology and is considered to acquire a defined shape in the third month of gestation. However, few studies have investigated spleen development during the first 3 months of fetal life. This study aimed to determine the three‐dimensional (3D) morphogenesis of the spleen during the third month of gestation. In this study, 30 fetal specimens (crown–rump length [CRL]: 22–103 mm) were subjected to magnetic resonance imaging analysis. We manually segmented the spleen, stomach, and adrenal gland, reconstructed 3D models, and analyzed the volume and shape of these organs. The results showed that the variation in spleen size was large compared to that in other organs. Spleen morphology was classified into six types based on the number of splenic surfaces as follows: two‐faced, three‐faced, four‐faced, five‐faced, ovoid, and irregular. Two‐faced spleens were only observed in small specimens, whereas three‐ and four‐faced spleens were observed in larger specimens. We also revealed that the number of fetal splenic surfaces increased as CRL enlarged. Additionally, 3D models indicated that some specimens formed their splenic surfaces without contact with the adjacent organs. This suggested that the splenic surface may be caused not only by pressure from the faced organs but also by an intrinsic program. This study may provide a better understanding of the normal development of the spleen during the early fetal period, and may potentially assist future studies in investigating congenital morphological anomalies of the spleen.

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