[Investigation of radiologic lung fine structure by freezing of inflated specimens in liquid nitrogen (author's...

Radiologic pathologic correlation of lung specimens requires a gas content identical to intravital conditions. Methods of air drying and formalin steam fixation are well known but time consuming. A new, quick method is presented: The lungs are inflated with compressed air, frozen in liquid nitrogen, and cut into slices. Radiographs taken in soft tissue technique will demonstrate structural details down to 200--300 mu. The excellent state of preservation enables unusual quality of microscopic slides, as well.