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Postmortem imaging and neuropathologic correlations
Jean C Augustinack1, André J W van der Kouwe1
1Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA.
Abstract:
Postmortem imaging refers to scanning autopsy specimens using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or optical imaging. This chapter summarizes postmortem imaging and its usefulness in brain mapping. Standard in vivo MRI has limited resolution due to time constraints and does not deliver cortical boundaries (e.g., Brodmann areas). Postmortem imaging offers a means to obtain ultra-high-resolution images with appropriate contrast for delineating cortical regions. Postmortem imaging provides the ability to validate MRI properties against histologic stained sections. This approach has enabled probabilistic mapping that is based on ex vivo MRI contrast, validated to histology, and subsequently mapped on to an in vivo model. This chapter emphasizes structural imaging, which can be validated with histologic assessment. Postmortem imaging has been applied to neuropathologic studies as well. This chapter includes many ex vivo studies, but focuses on studies of the medial temporal lobe, often involved in neurologic disease. New research using optical imaging is also highlighted.
Insights
Postmortem imaging provides ultra-high-resolution brain scans for detailed mapping, validating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) properties against histology. This technique enhances understanding of brain structures, particularly in neuropathologic studies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Histology
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Standard in vivo MRI has limited resolution for detailed cortical boundary delineation.
- Postmortem imaging offers a solution for obtaining ultra-high-resolution images.
- This technique allows for validation of MRI properties against histologic sections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize postmortem imaging techniques and their utility in brain mapping.
- To highlight the advantages of postmortem imaging for achieving high-resolution cortical delineation.
- To discuss the application of postmortem imaging in neuropathologic studies, focusing on the medial temporal lobe.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical imaging on autopsy specimens.
- Acquiring ultra-high-resolution images with enhanced contrast for cortical region delineation.
- Validating ex vivo MRI contrast properties against histologic stained sections.
Main Results:
- Postmortem imaging enables the creation of probabilistic maps based on validated MRI contrast.
- These validated maps can be accurately projected onto in vivo models.
- The approach has been successfully applied to neuropathologic studies, particularly of the medial temporal lobe.
Conclusions:
- Postmortem imaging is a valuable tool for ultra-high-resolution brain mapping and structural validation.
- This method improves the delineation of cortical boundaries compared to standard in vivo MRI.
- Postmortem imaging, combined with optical imaging advancements, holds significant promise for advancing neuropathologic research.
