Published in:
Open Access 01-04-2006 | Research article
A three-dimensional multivariate image processing technique for the analysis of FTIR spectroscopic images of multiple tissue sections
Published in: BMC Medical Imaging | Issue 1/2006
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Background
Three-dimensional (3D) multivariate Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) image maps of tissue sections are presented. A villoglandular adenocarcinoma from a cervical biopsy with a number of interesting anatomical features was used as a model system to demonstrate the efficacy of the technique.
Methods
Four FTIR images recorded using a focal plane array detector of adjacent tissue sections were stitched together using a MATLAB® routine and placed in a single data matrix for multivariate analysis using Cytospec™. Unsupervised Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (UHCA) was performed simultaneously on all 4 sections and 4 clusters plotted. The four UHCA maps were then stacked together and interpolated with a box function using SCIRun software.
Results
The resultant 3D-images can be rotated in three-dimensions, sliced and made semi-transparent to view the internal structure of the tissue block. A number of anatomical and histopathological features including connective tissue, red blood cells, inflammatory exudate and glandular cells could be identified in the cluster maps and correlated with Hematoxylin & Eosin stained sections. The mean extracted spectra from individual clusters provide macromolecular information on tissue components.
Conclusion
3D-multivariate imaging provides a new avenue to study the shape and penetration of important anatomical and histopathological features based on the underlying macromolecular chemistry and therefore has clear potential in biology and medicine.