The 4D Human Embryonic Brain Atlas

Early detection of (patho)physiological variation during prenatal neuro-development is challenging due to the limited knowledge of the normal physiological development of the embryonic and early fetal brain. To provide a detailed picture of normal embryonic and early fetal brain development, we created the 4D Human Embryonic Brain Atlas: a spatiotemporal atlas based on three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound images acquired between 8 and 12 weeks of gestational age. The 4D Human Embryonic Brain Atlas was created using a deep learning approach for groupwise image registration, which takes into account the rapid morphological changes during the first trimester. The 4D Human Embryonic Brain Atlas was created and validated using 831 3D ultrasound volumes from 402 subjects of the Rotterdam Periconceptional cohort. The 4D Human Embryonic Brain Atlas provides unique insight into the crucial early life period and has the potential to enhance the detection, prevention, and treatment of prenatal neurodevelopmental disorders.