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Assessment of factors that confound MRI and neuropathological correlation of human postmortem brain tissue
Lea T Grinberg1, Edson Amaro, Stefan Teipel
1Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract:
In spite of considerable technical advance in MRI techniques, the optical resolution of these methods are still limited. Consequently, the delineation of cytoarchitectonic fields based on probabilistic maps and brain volume changes, as well as small-scale changes seen in MRI scans need to be verified by neuronanatomical/neuropathological diagnostic tools. To attend the current interdisciplinary needs of the scientific community, brain banks have to broaden their scope in order to provide high quality tissue suitable for neuroimaging- neuropathology/anatomy correlation studies. The Brain Bank of the Brazilian Aging Brain Research Group (BBBABSG) of the University of Sao Paulo Medical School (USPMS) collaborates with researchers interested in neuroimaging-neuropathological correlation studies providing brains submitted to postmortem MRI in-situ. In this paper we describe and discuss the parameters established by the BBBABSG to select and to handle brains for fine-scale neuroimaging-neuropathological correlation studies, and to exclude inappropriate/unsuitable autopsy brains. We tried to assess the impact of the postmortem time and storage of the corpse on the quality of the MRI scans and to establish fixation protocols that are the most appropriate to these correlation studies. After investigation of a total of 36 brains, postmortem interval and low body temperature proved to be the main factors determining the quality of routine MRI protocols. Perfusion fixation of the brains after autopsy by mannitol 20% followed by formalin 20% was the best method for preserving the original brain shape and volume, and for allowing further routine and immunohistochemical staining. Taken to together, these parameters offer a methodological progress in screening and processing of human postmortem tissue in order to guarantee high quality material for unbiased correlation studies and to avoid expenditures by post-imaging analyses and histological processing of brain tissue.
Insights
Brain banks require specific protocols for processing postmortem brains for neuroimaging studies. Optimal MRI quality depends on minimizing postmortem interval and using perfusion fixation with mannitol and formalin.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Current MRI techniques have limited optical resolution, necessitating neuropathological verification for detailed brain analysis.
- Brain banks play a crucial role in providing high-quality tissue for interdisciplinary neuroimaging-neuropathology correlation studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and discuss parameters for selecting and handling postmortem brains for fine-scale neuroimaging-neuropathological correlation.
- To assess the impact of postmortem factors on MRI quality and determine optimal fixation protocols.
Main Methods:
- Investigated 36 brains to evaluate the influence of postmortem interval and corpse temperature on MRI quality.
- Assessed different fixation protocols, including perfusion fixation with mannitol 20% and formalin 20%.
Main Results:
- Postmortem interval and low body temperature were identified as key factors affecting routine MRI quality.
- Perfusion fixation using mannitol 20% followed by formalin 20% best preserved brain shape, volume, and suitability for staining.
Conclusions:
- Established parameters ensure high-quality postmortem brain tissue for unbiased correlation studies.
- Methodological advancements in screening and processing minimize costs associated with post-imaging and histological analyses.
