[Virtual histopathology of the pancreas: 3D insights using synchrotron-based imaging]

Conventional histopathology faces methodological limitations when assessing complex three-dimensional tissue architectures. In particular, for heterogeneous tissues such as the pancreas or in complex tissue pathologies, restriction to two-dimensional sections hampers comprehensive recognition of morphological features.

This study aims to demonstrate the potential of synchrotron-based phase-contrast imaging (SRµCT) as a tool for high-resolution visualization of pancreatic tissue. Three representative case examples were analyzed to capture morphological parameters volumetrically and correlate them with immunohistochemical marker profiles.

Tissue cores from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded human pancreatic samples were volumetrically assessed using SRµCT. The investigated material was further processed as microarrays. Serial sections and immunohistochemical stains were correlated with the 3D datasets.

SRµCT enabled detailed spatial visualization of functional compartments and neoplastic infiltration patterns. Non-neoplastic tissue revealed distinct morphological compartments. A well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor exhibited trabecular architecture, whereas ductal adenocarcinoma displayed infiltrative growth with diffuse, heterogeneous architecture, irregular duct formations and stromal desmoplasia. Virtual slicing permitted orientation-independent analyses. Correlation with immunohistochemical profiles validated the morphofunctional findings.

SRµCT is a sensitive, non-invasive technique providing label-free 3D insights into pancreatic architecture. It opens new perspectives for research, teaching, and potentially advanced diagnostic applications.