Rapid, label-free detection of intracranial germinoma using multiphoton microscopy
Na Fang1,2, Zanyi Wu3, Xingfu Wang4
1Fujian Normal University, Key Laboratory of OptoElectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Photonics Technology, Fuzhou, China.
Abstract:
Accurate histopathological diagnosis is essential for facilitating the optimal surgical management of intracranial germinoma. Current intraoperative histological methods are time- and labor-intensive and often produce artifacts. Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) is a label-free imaging technique that can produce intraoperative histological images of fresh, unprocessed surgical specimens. We employ an MPM based on second-harmonic generation and two-photon excited fluorescence microscopy to image fresh, unfixed, and unstained human germinoma specimens. We show that label-free MPM is not only capable of identifying various cells in human germinoma tissue but also capable of revealing the characteristics of germinoma such as granuloma, stromal fibrosis, calcification, as well as the abnormal and uneven structures of blood vessels. In conjunction with custom-developed image-processing algorithms, MPM can further quantify and characterize the extent of stromal fibrosis and calcification. Our results provide insight into how MPM can deliver rapid diagnostic histological data that could inform the surgical management of intracranial germinoma.
Insights
Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) offers rapid, label-free intraoperative diagnosis of intracranial germinoma. This advanced imaging technique identifies key pathological features, aiding surgical decisions.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Pathology
Background:
- Accurate histopathological diagnosis is critical for effective surgical management of intracranial germinoma.
- Current intraoperative methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to artifacts.
- Label-free imaging techniques are needed for real-time analysis of fresh surgical specimens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of multiphoton microscopy (MPM) for intraoperative histopathological diagnosis of intracranial germinoma.
- To assess MPM's ability to identify cellular and structural characteristics of germinoma.
- To explore the potential of MPM in guiding surgical management.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a multiphoton microscopy system combining second-harmonic generation and two-photon excited fluorescence.
- Imaged fresh, unfixed, and unstained human intracranial germinoma specimens.
- Employed custom-developed image-processing algorithms for quantitative analysis.
Main Results:
- Label-free MPM successfully identified various cells within human germinoma tissue.
- MPM revealed characteristic pathological features including granuloma, stromal fibrosis, calcification, and abnormal vasculature.
- Image processing enabled quantification of stromal fibrosis and calcification extent.
Conclusions:
- Multiphoton microscopy provides rapid, label-free diagnostic histological data for intracranial germinoma.
- MPM has the potential to significantly inform and improve intraoperative surgical management.
- This technique offers a promising alternative to conventional time-consuming histological methods.
