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MR histological correlation: a method for cutting specimens along the imaging plane in animal or ex vivo experiments
Olivier Rouvière1, Carol Reynolds, Thomas Hulshizer
1MRI Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. olivier.rouviere@netcourrier.com
Purpose:
To assess a method aimed at cutting histological specimens along the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging plane.
Material And Methods:
The method is performed in two steps: the imaging plane (defined by three acrylic paint markers) is made horizontal under MR guidance by using a mobile platform that can be rotated in three directions (PlaneFinder device [PFD]); then, the specimen is embedded in wax and cut horizontally. Three-dimensional images parallel to the markers' plane were obtained on 31 pork muscles containing a central hole with a pyramidal shape, with a technique of reference (RT images) and with PFD (PF images), before and after fixation. The last 17 fixed specimens were cut in the markers' plane (tissue section [TS] images). The central hole area (CHA) in the markers' plane was used to compare RT, PF, and TS images. Using a workstation, PF images were rotated and translated to estimate the shift along each direction that could explain the entire CHA difference between RT, PF, and TS images (maximum error, worst-case scenario).
Results:
Excellent correlation was found between RT and PF images (r = 0.989, slope = 1.0175), PF and TS images (r = 0.991, slope = 1.0058), and RT images on fresh specimens and TS images (r = 0.979, slope = 1.0732). For each step, the maximum angle error was < or = 3 degrees in 88-95% of the specimens.
Conclusion:
Our methodology can be used to cut specimens along the imaging plane with high accuracy.
Insights
This study presents an accurate method for cutting histological specimens precisely along the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging plane. The PlaneFinder device (PFD) ensures high accuracy in tissue sectioning for improved research.
Area of Science:
- Histopathology
- Medical Imaging
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Accurate histological specimen preparation is crucial for diagnostic and research purposes.
- Aligning tissue cuts with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging planes can enhance spatial correlation.
- Existing methods may lack precision in orienting specimens for sectioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel method for precisely cutting histological specimens along the MR imaging plane.
- To assess the accuracy and reliability of the PlaneFinder device (PFD) in achieving MR-plane-guided sectioning.
- To provide a method for improved spatial orientation in histological analysis.
Main Methods:
- The PlaneFinder device (PFD) was used to orient specimens in three directions under MR guidance.
- Specimens were embedded in wax and sectioned horizontally along the defined imaging plane.
- Three-dimensional images (RT, PF, TS) were acquired and analyzed to quantify positional accuracy.
Main Results:
- Excellent correlation (r > 0.979) was observed between reference, PFD, and tissue section images.
- The maximum angle error was consistently below or equal to 3 degrees for most specimens (88-95%).
- The methodology demonstrated high accuracy in aligning cuts with the MR imaging plane.
Conclusions:
- The developed methodology enables accurate cutting of histological specimens along the MR imaging plane.
- This technique offers a reliable approach for precise tissue sectioning in research and diagnostics.
- The PlaneFinder device facilitates improved spatial accuracy in histopathology.
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