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Histology by magnetic resonance microscopy
G A Johnson1, H Benveniste, R D Black
1Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710.
Magnetic Resonance Quarterly
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) is now a practical tool for histology, offering high-resolution imaging of tissues. Advances in technology enable detailed, nondestructive studies of both living and fixed samples.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical imaging
- Histology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) has evolved from a technical challenge to a valuable tool in basic sciences.
- Its application in histological studies is the focus of this review.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the advancements and applications of MRM in histological studies.
- To discuss the technical improvements enabling higher resolution and routine use.
Main Methods:
- Overcoming signal-to-noise limitations with improved radio-frequency (rf) coil design and 3D Fourier Transform (3DFT) encoding.
- Addressing motion artifacts in in vivo studies via enhanced physiologic monitoring and projection encoding.
- Utilizing unique proton contrasts (T1, T2, diffusion weighting) for water state examination.
Main Results:
- Routine in vivo MRM studies are now possible down to 50 microns.
- In vitro studies of fixed tissues achieve resolutions as fine as 10 microns.
- Nondestructive nature allows repeated, retrospective, and registered studies on the same specimen.
Conclusions:
- MRM provides unique insights into tissue histology by examining the state of water.
- The 3D nature of MRM allows for novel perspectives in histologic examination.
- Ongoing technological developments promise routine MRM histology with 1-micron resolution in the near future.