Postmortem magnetic resonance imaging

The utility of postmortem radiological imaging in forensic neuropathology practice

The integration of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) into forensic pathology practice has been the discipline's most important advance over the past 25 years. Likewise, postmortem radiological imaging has enhanced forensic neuropathology practice. The strengths and weaknesses of PMCT as applied to forensic neuropathology practice will be discussed.

Single-cell mass cytometry reveals complex myeloid cell composition in active lesions of progressive multiple sclerosis

Myeloid cells contribute to inflammation and demyelination in the early stages of multiple sclerosis (MS), but it is still unclear to what extent these cells are involved in active lesion formation in progressive MS (PMS). Here, we have harnessed the power of single-cell mass cytometry (CyTOF) to compare myeloid cell phenotypes in active lesions of PMS donors with those in normal-appearing white matter from the same donors and control white matter from non-MS donors. CyTOF measurements of a total of 74 targeted proteins revealed a decreased abundance of homeostatic and TNFhi microglia, and an increase in highly phagocytic and activated microglia states in active lesions of PMS donors. Interestingly, in contrast to results obtained from studies of the inflammatory early disease stages of MS, infiltrating monocyte-derived macrophages were scarce in active lesions of PMS, suggesting fundamental differences of myeloid cell composition in advanced stages of PMS.

Post-Mortem MRI and Histopathology in Neurologic Disease: A Translational Approach

In this review, combined post-mortem brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology studies are highlighted, illustrating the relevance of translational approaches to define novel MRI signatures of neuropathological lesions in neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. Initial studies combining post-mortem MRI and histology have validated various MRI sequences, assessing their sensitivity and specificity as diagnostic biomarkers in neurologic disease. More recent studies have focused on defining new radiological (bio)markers and implementing them in the clinical (research) setting. By combining neurological and neuroanatomical expertise with radiological development and pathological validation, a cycle emerges that allows for the discovery of novel MRI biomarkers to be implemented in vivo. Examples of this cycle are presented for multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injury. Some applications have been shown to be successful, while others require further validation. In conclusion, there is much to explore with post-mortem MRI and histology studies, which can eventually be of high relevance for clinical practice.

Normal Aging Brain Collection Amsterdam (NABCA): A comprehensive collection of postmortem high-field imaging, neuropathological and morphometric datasets of non-neurological controls

Well-characterized, high-quality brain tissue of non-neurological control subjects is a prerequisite to study the healthy aging brain, and can serve as a control for the study of neurological disorders. The Normal Aging Brain Collection Amsterdam (NABCA) provides a comprehensive collection of post-mortem (ultra-)high-field MRI (3Tesla and 7 Tesla) and neuropathological datasets of non-neurological controls. By providing MRI within the pipeline, NABCA uniquely stimulates translational neurosciences; from molecular and morphometric tissue studies to the clinical setting. We describe our pipeline, including a description of our on-call autopsy team, donor selection, in situ and ex vivo post-mortem MRI protocols, brain dissection and neuropathological diagnosis. A demographic, radiological and pathological overview of five selected cases on all these aspects is provided. Additionally, information is given on data management, data and tissue application procedures, including review by a scientific advisory board, and setting up a material transfer agreement before distribution of tissue. Finally, we focus on future prospects, which includes laying the foundation for a unique platform for neuroanatomical, histopathological and neuro-radiological education, of professionals, students and the general (lay) audience.

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NABCA provides a collection of correlative post-mortem MRI and pathological datasets.

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Non-neurological control brains for studies on aging and neurological disorders.

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Stimulating micro- to macroscale structural exploration within same patient

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Post-mortem MRI data and tissue available for integrated advanced data analytics