Three-dimensional reconstruction and analysis of gastric biopsy specimens by electronic slides of consecutive sections and virtual microscopy

Background: The application of an electric slide and a software simulated virtual microscope can contribute to a more efficient and convenient histological objects.

Material and methods: From routine gastrointestinal biopsy specimens 5 micron thick, H/E stained, 50 to 300 serial sections were prepared and barcode labeled. A fully computer controlled scanning microscope was used for the scanning. A program called 3D-SCOPE was developed for the virtual microscopy orientation, analysis of the sections. Using the mathematical modules for automated surface epithelia, gland, non-epithelial tissue determinations, tissue component specific 3D insights were prepared.

Results: During the serial 2D evaluation of the gastrointestinal specimens minor changes in the diagnosis and slightly different diagnostic classes could be detected as compared to routine glass slide based analysis. 3D reconstruction of the serial sections was informative only demonstrating structures of epithelial origins switching off the lamina propria. By this way glandular alterations were better identified.

Conclusions: 3D reconstruction of serial sections using digital slides can support the more detailed analysis of histological specimens.