MR histological correlation: a method for cutting specimens along the imaging plane in animal or ex vivo experiments

PURPOSE: To assess a method aimed at cutting histological specimens along the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging plane. MATERIAL AND 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. CONCLUSION: Our methodology can be used to cut specimens along the imaging plane with high accuracy.