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High-resolution Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Human Subcortex In Vivo and Postmortem
Published on: December 30, 2015
MRI artifacts in human brain tissue after prolonged formalin storage.
Sara van Duijn1, Rob J A Nabuurs, Sanneke van Rooden
1Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. S.van_duijn@lumc.nl
Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
|February 10, 2011
Summary
Formalin fixation artifacts in brain tissue can mimic pathology on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Prolonged formalin storage causes MRI hypointensities, requiring cautious interpretation of postmortem scans.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neuropathology
- Histology
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for diagnosing brain pathology.
- Ex vivo formalin-fixed brain tissue is often used for MRI interpretation.
- Distinct MR hypointensities in fixed tissue require pathological correlation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the pathological basis of MR hypointensities in formalin-fixed brain tissue.
- To investigate the relationship between hypointensities, amyloid-beta deposits, and tissue fixation.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution 9.4 T MRI scanning of formalin-fixed human brain cortex.
- Effective transverse relaxation time-weighted imaging protocols.
- Electron microscopy for ultrastructural analysis of tissue alterations.
Main Results:
- MRI hypointensities corresponded to areas of absent neuropil, replaced by membrane/myelin sheath remnants.
- These alterations were not linked to amyloid-beta deposits.
- Hypointensities strongly correlated with prolonged formalin fixation time, indicating artifact.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged formalin fixation of brain tissue induces subtle histological artifacts.
- These artifacts manifest as MRI hypointensities, mimicking genuine neuropathology.
- Postmortem MRI interpretation necessitates careful consideration of tissue preservation history.
