3D reconstruction and quantitation of pathological tissues.

3DR techniques are under continuous development, as is the technology which supports them. Systems developed for engineering and other applications are coming within the price range of many users. Recently publications have started to appear using standard high-quality graphics workstations. As these are coming down in price, more applications will be possible. The advent of new computer technology, notably possible. The advent of new computer technology, notably highly parallel systems and chips such as the Intel i860, offer the prospect of very fast reconstructions and the software to make 3DR a routine technique. Most significant however is the continuing increase in type and numbers of scanning systems, both macroscopic and microscopic. Prior to these systems becoming available, the critical limiting factor inhibiting the wide application of 3DR was generating adequately registered, undistorted, complete sets of serial section data for the reconstruction process. The fact that scanning optical microscopes can produce such datasets easily means that the everyday use of 3DR for studies of pathology is now feasible.