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Eccher A, Girolami I, Brunelli M, Novelli L, Mescoli C, Malvi D, D'Errico A, Luchini C, Furian L, Zaza G, Cardillo M, Boggi U, Pantanowitz L. Digital pathology for second opinion consultation and donor assessment during organ procurement: Review of the literature and guidance for deployment in transplant practice. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2020; 34:100562. [PMID: 32576430 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2020.100562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Telepathology has been an important application for second opinion consultation ever since the introduction of digital pathology. However, little is known regarding teleconsultation for second opinion in transplantation. There is also limited literature on telepathology during organ donor procurement, typically utilized when general pathologists on-call request back-up to help assess donor biopsies for organ suitability or to diagnose newly discovered tumors with urgent time constraints. In this review, we searched Pubmed/Embase and websites of transplant organizations to collect and analyze published evidence on teleconsultation for donor evaluation and organ procurement. Of 2725 records retrieved using the key terms 'telepathology', 'second opinion' and 'transplantation', 26 suitable studies were included. Most records were from North America and included validation studies of telepathology being used for remote frozen section interpretation of donor biopsies with whole slide imaging. The data from these published studies supports the transition towards digital teleconsultation in transplant settings where consultations among pathologists are still handled by pathologists being called on site, via telephone and/or email.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albino Eccher
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Girolami
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo Brunelli
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Luca Novelli
- Institute for Histopathology and Molecular Diagnosis, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudia Mescoli
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Deborah Malvi
- Pathology Unit, University of Bologna, Policlinico St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonia D'Errico
- Pathology Unit, University of Bologna, Policlinico St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Luchini
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Furian
- Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University and Hospital Trust of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Zaza
- Renal Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Ugo Boggi
- Division of General and Transplant Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology, UPMC Shadyside Hospital, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Girolami I, Parwani A, Barresi V, Marletta S, Ammendola S, Stefanizzi L, Novelli L, Capitanio A, Brunelli M, Pantanowitz L, Eccher A. The Landscape of Digital Pathology in Transplantation: From the Beginning to the Virtual E-Slide. J Pathol Inform 2019; 10:21. [PMID: 31367473 PMCID: PMC6639852 DOI: 10.4103/jpi.jpi_27_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Digital pathology has progressed over the last two decades, with many clinical and nonclinical applications. Transplantation pathology is a highly specialized field in which the majority of practicing pathologists do not have sufficient expertise to handle critical needs. In this context, digital pathology has proven to be useful as it allows for timely access to expert second-opinion teleconsultation. The aim of this study was to review the experience of the application of digital pathology to the field of transplantation. Methods Papers on this topic were retrieved using PubMed as a search engine. Inclusion criteria were the presence of transplantation setting and the use of any type of digital image with or without the use of image analysis tools; the search was restricted to English language papers published in the 25 years until December 31, 2018. Results Literature regarding digital transplant pathology is mostly about the digital interpretation of posttransplant biopsies (75 vs. 19), with 15/75 (20%) articles focusing on agreement/reproducibility. Several papers concentrated on the correlation between biopsy features assessed by digital image analysis (DIA) and clinical outcome (45/75, 60%). Whole-slide imaging (WSI) only appeared in recent publications, starting from 2011 (13/75, 17.3%). Papers dealing with preimplantation biopsy are less numerous, the majority (13/19, 68.4%) of which focus on diagnostic agreement between digital microscopy and light microscopy (LM), with WSI technology being used in only a small quota of papers (4/19, 21.1%). Conclusions Overall, published studies show good concordance between digital microscopy and LM modalities for diagnosis. DIA has the potential to increase diagnostic reproducibility and facilitate the identification and quantification of histological parameters. Thus, with advancing technology such as faster scanning times, better image resolution, and novel image algorithms, it is likely that WSI will eventually replace LM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Girolami
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Anil Parwani
- Department of Pathology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Valeria Barresi
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Marletta
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Serena Ammendola
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lavinia Stefanizzi
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Luca Novelli
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Histopathology and Molecular Diagnosis, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Arrigo Capitanio
- Department of Clinical Pathology, and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Matteo Brunelli
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology, UPMC Shadyside Hospital, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Albino Eccher
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Wong M, Frye J, Kim S, Marchevsky AM. The Use of Screencasts with Embedded Whole-Slide Scans and Hyperlinks to Teach Anatomic Pathology in a Supervised Digital Environment. J Pathol Inform 2018; 9:39. [PMID: 30607306 PMCID: PMC6289000 DOI: 10.4103/jpi.jpi_44_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an increasing interest in using digitized whole-slide imaging (WSI) for routine surgical pathology diagnoses. Screencasts are digital recordings of computer screen output with advanced interactive features that allow for the preparation of videos. Screencasts that include hyperlinks to WSIs could help teach pathology residents how to become familiar with technologies that they are likely to use in their future career. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty screencasts were prepared with Camtasia 2.0 software (TechSmith, Okemos, MI, USA). They included clinical history, videos of chest X-rays and/or chest computed tomography images, links to WSI digitized with an Aperio Turbo AT scanner (Leica Biosystems, Buffalo Grove, IL, USA), pre- and posttests, and faculty-narrated videos of the WSI in a manner closely resembling a slide seminar and other educational materials. Screencasts were saved in a hospital network, Screencast.com, YouTube.com, and Vimeo.com. The screencasts were viewed by 12 pathology residents and fellows who made diagnoses, answered the quizzes, and took a survey with questions designed to evaluate their perception of the quality of this technology. Quiz results were automatically e-mailed to faculty. Pre- and posttest results were compared using a paired t-test. RESULTS Screencasts can be viewed with Windows PC and Mac operating systems and mobile devices; only videos saved in our network and screencast.com could be used to generate quizzes. Participants' feedback was very favorable with average scores ranging from 4.5 to 4.8 (on a scale of 5). Mean posttest scores (87.0% [±21.6%]) were significantly improved over those in the pretest quizzes (48.5% [±31.2%]) (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Screencasts with WSI that allow residents and fellows to diagnose cases using digital microscopy may prove to be a useful technology to enhance the pathology education. Future studies with larger numbers of screencasts and participants are needed to optimize various teaching strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Wong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joseph Frye
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stacey Kim
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alberto M. Marchevsky
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Vyas NS, Markow M, Prieto-Granada C, Gaudi S, Turner L, Rodriguez-Waitkus P, Messina JL, Jukic DM. Comparing whole slide digital images versus traditional glass slides in the detection of common microscopic features seen in dermatitis. J Pathol Inform 2016; 7:30. [PMID: 27563489 PMCID: PMC4977977 DOI: 10.4103/2153-3539.186909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The quality and limitations of digital slides are not fully known. We aimed to estimate intrapathologist discrepancy in detecting specific microscopic features on glass slides and digital slides created by scanning at ×20. METHODS Hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff glass slides were digitized using the Mirax Scan (Carl Zeiss Inc., Germany). Six pathologists assessed 50-71 digital slides. We recorded objective magnification, total time, and detection of the following: Mast cells; eosinophils; plasma cells; pigmented macrophages; melanin in the epidermis; fungal bodies; neutrophils; civatte bodies; parakeratosis; and sebocytes. This process was repeated using the corresponding glass slides after 3 weeks. The diagnosis was not required. RESULTS The mean time to assess digital slides was 176.77 s and 137.61 s for glass slides (P < 0.001, 99% confidence interval [CI]). The mean objective magnification used to detect features using digital slides was 18.28 and 14.07 for glass slides (P < 0.001, 99.99% CI). Parakeratosis, civatte bodies, pigmented macrophages, melanin in the epidermis, mast cells, eosinophils, plasma cells, and neutrophils, were identified at lower objectives on glass slides (P = 0.023-0.001, 95% CI). Average intraobserver concordance ranged from κ = 0.30 to κ = 0.78. Features with poor to fair average concordance were: Melanin in the epidermis (κ = 0.15-0.58); plasma cells (κ = 0.15-0.49); and neutrophils (κ = 0.12-0.48). Features with moderate average intrapathologist concordance were: parakeratosis (κ = 0.21-0.61); civatte bodies (κ = 0.21-0.71); pigment-laden macrophages (κ = 0.34-0.66); mast cells (κ = 0.29-0.78); and eosinophils (κ = 0.31-0.79). The average intrapathologist concordance was good for sebocytes (κ = 0.51-1.00) and fungal bodies (κ = 0.47-0.76). CONCLUSIONS Telepathology using digital slides scanned at ×20 is sufficient for detection of histopathologic features routinely encountered in dermatitis cases, though less efficient than glass slides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki S Vyas
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Markow
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA
| | - Carlos Prieto-Granada
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA; Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA; Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, USA
| | - Sudeep Gaudi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, James A Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, USA
| | - Leslie Turner
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, James A Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, USA
| | - Paul Rodriguez-Waitkus
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA; Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA
| | - Jane L Messina
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA; Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA; Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, USA; Center for Infection Research in Cancer, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, USA
| | - Drazen M Jukic
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA; Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, James A Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, USA; Georgia Dermatopathology, Savannah, GA, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Abstract
Telepathology is the practice of remote pathology using telecommunication links to enable the electronic transmission of digital pathology images. Telepathology can be used for remotely rendering primary diagnoses, second opinion consultations, quality assurance, education, and research purposes. The use of telepathology for clinical patient care has been limited mostly to large academic institutions. Barriers that have limited its widespread use include prohibitive costs, legal and regulatory issues, technologic drawbacks, resistance from pathologists, and above all a lack of universal standards. This article provides an overview of telepathology technology and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navid Farahani
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Jukić DM, Drogowski LM, Martina J, Parwani AV. Clinical examination and validation of primary diagnosis in anatomic pathology using whole slide digital images. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2011; 135:372-8. [PMID: 21366463 DOI: 10.5858/2009-0678-oa.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Novel anatomic pathology technologies allow pathologists to digitally view and diagnose cases. Although digital pathology advocates champion its strengths and move to integrate it into practice and workflow, the capabilities and limitations of digital slides have not been fully investigated. OBJECTIVES To estimate intrapathologist diagnostic discrepancy between glass and digital slides and to determine pathologists' diagnostic certainty when diagnosing with the 2 formats. DESIGN Intrapathologist diagnostic consistency between glass and digital slides was measured. Three pathologists diagnosed 101 cases digitally and with corresponding glass slides. Discrepancies between formats were evaluated, and diagnostic precision and certainty were compared. RESULTS A total of 606 diagnoses were evaluated in pairs (202 per pathologist). Seven cases did not transfer to the database and were eliminated from further study. We report no discrepancies between media in 75%, 87%, and 83% of the cases diagnosed by the 3 pathologists, respectively; significant discrepancies were identified in 3%, 3%, and 7% of cases by each pathologist. In total, we identified significant clinical and therapeutic discrepancies in 13 of 296 cases (4.4%). The certainty values provided by each pathologist were similar between formats. CONCLUSIONS This study did not detect significant differences between diagnoses based on digital and glass slides. We believe that this study further supports the integration of digital slides into pathology workflow, particularly considering the low rate of discrepancy documented here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drazen M Jukić
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania, 15213, USA.
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Gabril MY, Yousef GM. Informatics for practicing anatomical pathologists: marking a new era in pathology practice. Mod Pathol 2010; 23:349-58. [PMID: 20081805 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2009.190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Informatics can be defined as using highly advanced technologies to improve patient diagnosis or management. Pathology informatics had evolved as a response to the overwhelming amount of information that was available, in an attempt to better use and maintain them. The most commonly used tools of informatics can be classified into digital imaging, telepathology, as well as Internet and electronic data mining. Digital imaging is the storage of anatomical pathology information, either gross pictures or microscopic slides, in an electronic format. These images can be used for education, archival, diagnosis, and consultation. Virtual microscopy is the more advanced form of digital imaging with enhanced efficiency and accessibility. Telepathology is now increasingly becoming a useful tool in anatomical pathology practice. Different types of telepathology communications are available for both diagnostic and consultation services. The spectrum of applications of informatics in the field of anatomical pathology is broad and encompasses medical education, clinical services, and pathology research. Informatics is now settling on solid ground as an important tool for pathology teaching, with digital teaching becoming the standard tool in many institutions. After a slow start, we now witness the transition of informatics from the research bench to bedside. As we are moving into a new era of extensive pathology informatics utilization, several challenges have to be addressed, including the cost of the new technology, legal issues, and resistance of pathologists. It is clear from the current evidence that pathology informatics will continue to grow and have a major role in the future of our specialty. However, it is also clear that it is not going to fully replace the human factor or the regular microscope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Y Gabril
- Department of Pathology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Canada
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Bhati CS, Wigmore SJ, Reddy S, Mayer DA, Buckels JAC, Derek M, Mirza DF. Web-based image transmission: a novel approach to aid communication in split liver transplantation. Clin Transplant 2009; 24:98-103. [PMID: 19878514 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0012.2009.01125.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Split liver transplantation (SLT) is technically demanding and requires good communication between transplant centers. The recipient surgeon receiving a shipped split liver needs detailed information on allocation of inflow and outflow vessels. We describe the first use of an image transmission system to facilitate SLT. METHODS Twenty cadaver livers undergoing ex situ splitting were studied. Fifteen were shared between the geographically separate Birmingham adult and pediatric centers and five were shared with other UK centers. RESULTS A total of six to eight images of each split graft were taken with a camera at standardized settings using the National Organ Retrieval Imaging System (NORIS), showing details of appearance, size, and anatomy of allocated inflow and outflow vessels. These were uploaded using a personal digital assistant to a secure website (http://www.noris.org.uk). The remote recipient surgeon then viewed these images by logging onto the password-protected website. Minimum time interval between division of the hilar vessels and completion of the split procedure was two h, allowing remote surgeon to view their allocated "shipped" graft in advance of commencing surgery. CONCLUSION This advanced yet simple image transmission system has the potential for routine application in transplant surgery, not only for splitting but also for reporting injuries and graft steatosis.
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Liang WY, Hsu CY, Lai CR, Ho DMT, Chiang IJ. Low-cost telepathology system for intraoperative frozen-section consultation: our experience and review of the literature. Hum Pathol 2008; 39:56-62. [PMID: 17900654 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2007.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2007] [Revised: 04/09/2007] [Accepted: 04/09/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We have established a low-cost noncommercial system of dynamic real-time telepathology for light microscopic diagnosis that was used to aid intradepartmental consultation for frozen-section diagnosis. Fifty cases were performed. For each case, multiple diagnoses were made and compared, namely, those made by the pathologist on duty (D1), by a subspecialist or senior using telepathology (D2), by the same pathologist using a light microscope (D3), and the final diagnosis (D4). A comparison of D1 and D2 revealed that 37 cases (74%) were diagnosed more precisely by D2. In 9 (18%) of 50 cases, there was a positive major impact on the operation as a result of teleconsultation. The results of D2 and D3 showed good agreement (kappa = 0.97). The average time span required for telepathology is short compared with routine intradepartmental consultation. Our experience showed that telepathology is a good tool for frozen-section consultation and imposes little additional cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yih Liang
- Department of Pathology, Taipei Veteran General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Marchevsky AM, Nelson V, Martin SE, Greaves TS, Raza AS, Zeineh J, Cobb CJ. Telecytology of fine-needle aspiration biopsies of the pancreas: a study of well-differentiated adenocarcinoma and chronic pancreatitis with atypical epithelial repair changes. Diagn Cytopathol 2003; 28:147-52. [PMID: 12619097 DOI: 10.1002/dc.10247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Four experienced cytopathologists provided consultations using telecytology and routine microscopy. Twenty-seven fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) from patients with chronic pancreatitis with atypical epithelial repair changes (n = 9) and pancreatic low-grade adenocarcinomas (LG-AC) (n = 18) were studied. False-positive and false-negative diagnostic rates were 19.4% and 12.5% by microscopy and 11.1% and 2.8% by telecytology. Comparisons of agreements between the correct diagnoses and consultations rendered by the two methods and among the diagnoses rendered on the same cases by the two modalities yielded kappa coefficients ranging from 0.444-1.000. Telecytology yielded slightly better kappa coefficients than microscopy. This method, which to our knowledge has not been previously applied to pancreatic FNAB, provides a potentially useful consultative tool for the interpretation of these difficult specimens. The diagnosis of FNAB from patients with chronic pancreatitis and LG-AC is difficult even for experienced consultants, as underscored by the considerable intraobserver and interobserver variability encountered in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto M Marchevsky
- Department of Pathology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles, California 90048, USA
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