A simple and rapid method for postmortem radiographic investigation of lung fine structure.
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, rapid method is presented: the lungs are inflated with compressed air, frozen in liquid nitrogen, and cut into slices. Radiographs taken with soft tissue technique demonstrate structural details down to 200-300 mu. The excellent state of preservation also permits excellent quality of microscopic slides.
D000388:Air; D001344:Autopsy; D005615:Freezing; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008722:Methods; D011312:Pressure; D011859:Radiography