MR histological correlation: a method for cutting specimens along the imaging plane in animal or ex vivo experiments.
OBJECTIVE
To assess a method aimed at cutting histological specimens along the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging plane.


METHODS
The method is performed in two steps: the imaging plane (defined by three acrylic paint markers) is made horizontal under MR guidance by using a mobile platform that can be rotated in three directions (PlaneFinder device [PFD]); then, the specimen is embedded in wax and cut horizontally. Three-dimensional images parallel to the markers' plane were obtained on 31 pork muscles containing a central hole with a pyramidal shape, with a technique of reference (RT images) and with PFD (PF images), before and after fixation. The last 17 fixed specimens were cut in the markers' plane (tissue section [TS] images). The central hole area (CHA) in the markers' plane was used to compare RT, PF, and TS images. Using a workstation, PF images were rotated and translated to estimate the shift along each direction that could explain the entire CHA difference between RT, PF, and TS images (maximum error, worst-case scenario).


RESULTS
Excellent correlation was found between RT and PF images (r = 0.989, slope = 1.0175), PF and TS images (r = 0.991, slope = 1.0058), and RT images on fresh specimens and TS images (r = 0.979, slope = 1.0732). For each step, the maximum angle error was < or = 3 degrees in 88-95% of the specimens.


CONCLUSIONS
Our methodology can be used to cut specimens along the imaging plane with high accuracy.
Rouvière
Olivier
O
MRI Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. olivier.rouviere@netcourrier.com
Reynolds
Carol
C
Hulshizer
Thomas
T
Rossman
Phillip
P
Le
Yuan
Y
Felmlee
Joel P
JP
Ehman
Richard L
RL
D000179:Acrylates; D000818:Animals; D016591:Histocytological Preparation Techniques; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009132:Muscles / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010150:Paint; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013552:Swine
D000179:Acrylates