Scanning electron microscopy—a powerful imaging technique for the clinician

Abstract

Since its first use several decades ago, scanning electron microscopy has been used in numerous investigations dedicated to biological systems. This contribution focuses on observations on pathological calcifications in order to review several major applications of primary importance to the clinician. Among these, we highlight such observations as medical diagnostic tools in pathologies arising from primary hyperoxaluria and urinary infections.

Keywords

• Scanning electron microscopy
• Pathological calcifications
• Kidney stones
• Breast calcifications
• Breast cancer