Wet SEM: a novel method for rapid diagnosis of brain tumors

Ultrastruct Pathol. 2004 Jul-Aug;28(4):255-60. doi: 10.1080/01913120490515603.

Abstract

The authors present the application of wet SEM for histopathological assessment, a technology for imaging fully hydrated samples at atmospheric pressure in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Both transmission and scanning electron microscopy techniques usually require long and complex sample preparation of the tissues. In marked contrast, a rapid preparation of tissues is described for evaluation by SEM imaging. The wet SEM technology successfully demonstrated both histological and ultrastructural features of several CNS tumors: Rosette formation and intracytoplasmic lumens were observed in ependymoma; numerous fibrillary processes in fibrillary astrocytoma; and focal rosette formation with no intracytoplasmic lumens in medulloblastoma. Application of this method simultaneously with frozen section may improve rapid intraoperative diagnosis of these intracranial tumors.

MeSH terms

  • Astrocytoma / pathology
  • Astrocytoma / ultrastructure
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / ultrastructure*
  • Ependymoma / pathology
  • Ependymoma / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Medulloblastoma / pathology
  • Medulloblastoma / ultrastructure
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / instrumentation*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / methods*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission