Abstract
The use of a simple form of Computerized Interactive Morphometry (CIM) is proposed as a tool to achieve a reproducible classification of non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas. This system combines a random sampling method for cells with simple size measurements and additional subjective criteria such as shape, mitotic counts, and follicular or diffuse features. In this system, which utilizes a high resolution touch screen as interactive peripheral, the video image of the specimen is superimposed to a computer generated reference system which consists of a test area and four fixed points for random sampling of cells and a series of concentric circles to serve as internal standard for nuclear size; the computer tabulates and facilitates data processing. Forty‐four lymphoid lesions have been characterized with the CIM system and specific criteria for diagnoses according to the Working Formulation of non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas for clinical usage are derived. Studies of inter‐ and intraobserver variations in data collection are discussed, and a diagnostic algorithm that categorizes non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas according to the relative proportions of various lymphoid cells and densities of mitotic counts is proposed. The potential applications of touch screen‐based CIM for the study of malignant lymphomas and its practical technical advantages over other quantitative systems based on either gray‐level analysis or tracings of cell contours on photographs or digitizer pads are emphasized. Cancer 57:1544–1549, 1986.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1544-1549 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Cancer |
Volume | 57 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 15 Apr 1986 |
Externally published | Yes |