Microcalcifications in breast core biopsy specimens: disappearance at radiography after storage in formaldehyde.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether radiographically proved calcifications in core biopsy specimens are better preserved in a nonaqueous fixative than in aqueous solutions.


METHODS
One hundred fifty core biopsy specimens were taken from two female breast specimens that had been preserved in ethanol. Forty-one of the specimens with radiographically proved microcalcifications were divided into four groups and deposited in four different solutions: 10% formaldehyde, 0.9% sodium chloride, electrolyte solution, and 74.1% ethanol with 10% 2-propanol. The core specimens were radiographed again after 1 and 3 days. Five ethanol-preserved specimens were also reexamined radiographically after 2 weeks.


RESULTS
Within 3 days, total radiographic disappearance of microcalcifications was observed in all core biopsy specimens that were immersed in solutions with high water content. In those core specimens preserved in ethanol, microcalcifications showed no change.


CONCLUSIONS
A nonaqueous fixative, such as ethanol, is a better preservative of microcalcifications in breast core biopsy specimens than various aqueous solutions, possibly because calcium compounds are water-soluble.
Moritz
J D
JD
Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Göttingen, Germany.
Luftner-Nagel
S
S
Westerhof
J P
JP
Oestmann
J W
JW
Grabbe
E
E
D001706:Biopsy; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D004573:Electrolytes; D000431:Ethanol; D005260:Female; D005557:Formaldehyde; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D011859:Radiography; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013997:Time Factors; D014021:Tissue Preservation; D014867:Water
D004573:Electrolytes; D014867:Water; D005557:Formaldehyde; D000431:Ethanol; D012965:Sodium Chloride