Multi-Modality fiducial marker for validation of registration of medical images with histology

A multi-modality fiducial marker is presented in this work, which can be used for validating the correlation of histology images with medical images. This marker can also be used for landmark-based image registration. Seven different fiducial markers including a catheter, spaghetti, black spaghetti, cuttlefish ink, and liquid iron are implanted in a mouse specimen and then investigated based on visibility, localization, size, and stability. The black spaghetti and the mixture of cuttlefish ink and flour are shown to be the most suitable markers. Based on the size of the markers, black spaghetti is more suitable for big specimens and the mixture of the cuttlefish ink, flour, and water injected in a catheter is more suitable for small specimens such as mouse tumours. These markers are visible on medical images and also detectable on histology and optical images of the tissue blocks. The main component in these agents which enhances the contrast is iron.