Three dimensional reconstruction in dermatology. A view of new possibilities in the routine histological diagnosis

Background and Objective. The combination of digital image-analysis and com puter-reconstruction of the three-dimensional architecture of the human ski n can make this method usable on an acceptable time scale. Patients/Methods. We used biopsies of different diseases (malignant melanom a, lichen planus, psoriasis) and of normal skin. Immunhistologically staine d sections were digitized and adjusted with respect to features of interest using the interlaced mode of an commercial image analysis system (Lucia G, Nikon GmbH, Dusseldorf). The sections have been segmented and the resultin g three dimensional data sets were visualized on a UNIX based work station. Results. Three dimensional reconstruction provides a different view into th e architecture of normal and diseased skin:for example, the course of the d uct of sweat glands or the perforation of a malignant melanoma through the underlying infiltrate. Conclusions. A new rapid reconstruction method is presented producing multi dimensional histological images of the skin within a few hours. This automa tion is of interest in basic research and should find its way into routine histological diagnosis.