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Updated: Aug 25, 2026
High-resolution Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Human Subcortex In Vivo and Postmortem
Published on: December 30, 2015
Postmortem MR imaging of formalin-fixed human brain
Adolf Pfefferbaum1, Edith V Sullivan, Elfar Adalsteinsson
1Neuroscience Program, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. dolf@synapse.sri.com
Abstract:
High-resolution postmortem neuroimaging of the brain can play a role in research programs by providing archival and reslicable images of brain specimens before permanent sectioning. These images can supplement evidence attained from both traditional neuropathological observations and in vivo neuroimaging. Differential brain tissue conspicuity, detectable with MRI, is determined by the density and mobility of water protons. Water content is about 70% in white matter, 80% in gray matter, and 99% in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). To the extent that brain tissue contrast is determined by the number and microenvironment of water protons, timing parameters of MR image acquisition can interrogate this environment. Because the chemical environment of protons is different in living from dead tissue, optimal temporal imaging parameters, for example, for spin-echo imaging, commonly used for in vivo clinical and research study are different from those best for postmortem imaging. Here, we present a series of observations to identify relaxation times and optimal parameters for high-resolution structural imaging of formalin-fixed postmortem brain tissue using commercially available clinical scanners and protocols. Examples of high-resolution images and results from attempts at diffusion imaging are presented.
Insights
High-resolution postmortem MRI provides archival brain images for research. Optimal imaging parameters differ from live subjects due to tissue changes, enabling detailed structural analysis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pathology
Background:
- High-resolution postmortem neuroimaging offers archival, reslicable brain specimen images.
- These images supplement traditional neuropathology and in vivo neuroimaging.
- Brain tissue MRI contrast depends on water proton density and mobility, varying by tissue type.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify optimal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters for high-resolution structural imaging of formalin-fixed postmortem brain tissue.
- To determine relaxation times specific to postmortem brain tissue.
- To adapt commercially available clinical MRI scanners and protocols for postmortem analysis.
Main Methods:
- Investigated differential brain tissue conspicuity using MRI.
- Determined water proton density and mobility in white matter, gray matter, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
- Identified optimal temporal imaging parameters by interrogating the water proton microenvironment in postmortem tissue.
Main Results:
- Established that optimal MRI timing parameters for postmortem imaging differ from those for in vivo imaging.
- Presented examples of high-resolution structural images of formalin-fixed postmortem brain tissue.
- Showcased preliminary results from diffusion imaging attempts on postmortem specimens.
Conclusions:
- High-resolution postmortem MRI is a valuable research tool, providing detailed archival images.
- Specific MRI acquisition parameters are necessary for optimal imaging of fixed postmortem brain tissue.
- This work facilitates enhanced neuropathological research through advanced imaging techniques.
