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Ardon O, Asa SL, Lloyd MC, Lujan G, Parwani A, Santa-Rosario JC, Van Meter B, Samboy J, Pirain D, Blakely S, Hanna MG. Understanding the financial aspects of digital pathology: A dynamic customizable return on investment calculator for informed decision-making. J Pathol Inform 2024; 15:100376. [PMID: 38736870 PMCID: PMC11087961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpi.2024.100376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The adoption of digital pathology has transformed the field of pathology, however, the economic impact and cost analysis of implementing digital pathology solutions remain a critical consideration for institutions to justify. Digital pathology implementation requires a thorough evaluation of associated costs and should identify and optimize resource allocation to facilitate informed decision-making. A dynamic cost calculator to estimate the financial implications of deploying digital pathology systems was needed to estimate the financial effects on transitioning to a digital workflow. Methods A systematic approach was used to comprehensively assess the various components involved in implementing and maintaining a digital pathology system. This consisted of: (1) identification of key cost categories associated with digital pathology implementation; (2) data collection and analysis of cost estimation; (3) cost categorization and quantification of direct and indirect costs associated with different use cases, allowing customization of each factor based on specific intended uses and market rates, industry standards, and regional variations; (4) opportunities for savings realized by digitization of glass slides and (5) integration of the cost calculator into a unified framework for a holistic view of the financial implications associated with digital pathology implementation. The online tool enables the user to test various scenarios specific to their institution and provides adjustable parameters to assure organization specific relatability. Results The Digital Pathology Association has developed a web-based calculator as a companion tool to provide an exhaustive list of the necessary concepts needed when assessing the financial implications of transitioning to a digital pathology system. The dynamic return on investment (ROI) calculator successfully integrated relevant cost and cost-saving components associated with digital pathology implementation and maintenance. Considerations include factors such as digital pathology infrastructure, clinical operations, staffing, hardware and software, information technology, archive and retrieval, medical-legal, and potential reimbursements. The ROI calculator developed for digital pathology workflows offers a comprehensive, customizable tool for institutions to assess their anticipated upfront and ongoing annual costs as they start or expand their digital pathology journey. It also offers cost-savings analysis based on specific user case volume, institutional geographic considerations, and actual costs. In addition, the calculator also serves as a tool to estimate number of required whole slide scanners, scanner throughput, and data storage (TB). This tool is intended to estimate the potential costs and cost savings resulting from the transition to digital pathology for business plan justifications and return on investment calculations. Conclusions The digital pathology online cost calculator provides a comprehensive and reliable means of estimating the financial implications associated with implementing and maintaining a digital pathology system. By considering various cost factors and allowing customization based on institution-specific variables, the calculator empowers pathology laboratories, healthcare institutions, and administrators to make informed decisions and optimize resource allocation when adopting or expanding digital pathology technologies. The ROI calculator will enable healthcare institutions to assess the financial feasibility and potential return on investment on adopting digital pathology, facilitating informed decision-making and resource allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orly Ardon
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Sylvia L. Asa
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland OH 44106, USA
| | | | - Giovanni Lujan
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Anil Parwani
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Matthew G. Hanna
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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2
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Maffei E, D'Antonio A, Addesso M, Pandolfo SD, Verze P, Caputo A. Exploring the landscape of urinary tract melanomas: A review for pathologists and clinicians. Urologia 2024:3915603241263215. [PMID: 39045672 DOI: 10.1177/03915603241263215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Melanomas originating within the urinary tract represent a rare and clinically challenging subset of malignancies. Despite extensive research on cutaneous melanomas, urinary tract melanomas remain relatively unexplored, presenting diagnostic dilemmas and limited treatment consensus. In this comprehensive review, we synthesize current knowledge on the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, histopathological characteristics, and treatment strategies specific to this disease. Enhancing clinical awareness, refining diagnostic approaches, and exploring novel therapeutic interventions hold promise for improving outcomes in this challenging malignancy subset.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Addesso
- Department of Pathology, PO Tortora, Pagani (SA), Italy
| | | | - Paolo Verze
- Department of Urology, University Hospital of Salerno, Italy
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3
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Eloy C, Bychkov A, Fraggetta F, Temprana-Salvador J, Pantanowitz L, Vielh P. How many more slides to go until we fully adopt digital cytology? Cytopathology 2024; 35:442-443. [PMID: 38736173 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.13388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Two‐liner/synopsis: The digital cytology hub (DCH) has been established under the umbrella of the Cytopathology journal. DCH will help bring about the crucial changes needed to make digital cytology the way of practicing cytology in our laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Eloy
- Pathology Department, Medical Faculty of University of Porto & Pathology Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Andrey Bychkov
- Department of Pathology, Kameda Medical Center, Chiba, Japan
| | | | | | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Philippe Vielh
- Department of Pathology, Medipath and American Hospital of Paris, Paris, France
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4
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Caputo A, Angeloni M, Merolla F, Vatrano S, Ferrazzi F, Fraggetta F. Digital odyssey: lessons learnt from a reverse transition from a digital to a manual pathology workflow. J Clin Pathol 2024; 77:426-429. [PMID: 38267209 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2023-209382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
In the fully digital Caltagirone pathology laboratory, a reverse shift from a digital to a manual workflow occurred due to a server outage in September 2023. Here, insights gained from this unplanned transition are explored. Surveying the affected pathologists and technicians revealed unanimous preferences for the time-saving and error-reducing capabilities of the digital methodology. Conversely, the return to manual methods highlighted increased dissatisfaction and reduced efficiency, emphasising the superiority of digital workflows. This case study underscores that transition challenges are not inherent to digital workflows but to transitioning itself, advocating for the adoption of digital technologies in all pathology practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Caputo
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Miriam Angeloni
- Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Francesco Merolla
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences Vincenzo Tiberio, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | | | - Fulvia Ferrazzi
- Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Nephropathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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5
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Eccher A, Marletta S, Sbaraglia M, Guerriero A, Rossi M, Gambaro G, Scarpa A, Dei Tos AP. Digital pathology structure and deployment in Veneto: a proof-of-concept study. Virchows Arch 2024:10.1007/s00428-024-03823-7. [PMID: 38744690 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-024-03823-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Nowadays pathology laboratories are worldwide facing a digital revolution, with an increasing number of institutions adopting digital pathology (DP) and whole slide imaging solutions. Despite indeed providing novel and helpful advantages, embracing a whole DP workflow is still challenging, especially for wide healthcare networks. The Azienda Zero of the Veneto Italian region has begun a process of a fully digital transformation of an integrated network of 12 hospitals producing nearly 3 million slides per year. In the present article, we describe the planning stages and the operative phases needed to support such a disruptive transition, along with the initial preliminary results emerging from the project. The ultimate goal of the DP program in the Veneto Italian region is to improve patients' clinical care through a safe and standardized process, encompassing a total digital management of pathology samples, easy file sharing with experienced colleagues, and automatic support by artificial intelligence tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albino Eccher
- Department of Medical and Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefano Marletta
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, P.Leee L.A. Scuro N. 10, 37134, Verona, Italy.
- Division of Pathology, Humanitas Istituto Clinico Catanese, Catania, Italy.
| | - Marta Sbaraglia
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Angela Guerriero
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Mattia Rossi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Gambaro
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, P.Leee L.A. Scuro N. 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Angelo Paolo Dei Tos
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
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6
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Munari E, Scarpa A, Cima L, Pozzi M, Pagni F, Vasuri F, Marletta S, Dei Tos AP, Eccher A. Cutting-edge technology and automation in the pathology laboratory. Virchows Arch 2024; 484:555-566. [PMID: 37930477 PMCID: PMC11062949 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03637-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
One of the goals of pathology is to standardize laboratory practices to increase the precision and effectiveness of diagnostic testing, which will ultimately enhance patient care and results. Standardization is crucial in the domains of tissue processing, analysis, and reporting. To enhance diagnostic testing, innovative technologies are also being created and put into use. Furthermore, although problems like algorithm training and data privacy issues still need to be resolved, digital pathology and artificial intelligence are emerging in a structured manner. Overall, for the field of pathology to advance and for patient care to be improved, standard laboratory practices and innovative technologies must be adopted. In this paper, we describe the state-of-the-art of automation in pathology laboratories in order to lead technological progress and evolution. By anticipating laboratory needs and demands, the aim is to inspire innovation tools and processes as positively transformative support for operators, organizations, and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Munari
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Piazza Del Mercato, 15, 25121, Brescia, BS, Italy.
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Pathology Unit, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - Luca Cima
- Pathology Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Santa Chiara Hospital, APSS, Trento, Italy
| | - Matteo Pozzi
- Bruno Kessler Foundation, Trento, Italy
- University of Trento, CIBIO Department, Trento, Italy
| | - Fabio Pagni
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo Dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Francesco Vasuri
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Marletta
- Pathology Unit, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Pathology, Pederzoli Hospital, Peschiera del Garda, Italy
| | - Angelo Paolo Dei Tos
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Albino Eccher
- Section of Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
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Neto PC, Montezuma D, Oliveira SP, Oliveira D, Fraga J, Monteiro A, Monteiro J, Ribeiro L, Gonçalves S, Reinhard S, Zlobec I, Pinto IM, Cardoso JS. An interpretable machine learning system for colorectal cancer diagnosis from pathology slides. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:56. [PMID: 38443695 PMCID: PMC10914836 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00539-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Considering the profound transformation affecting pathology practice, we aimed to develop a scalable artificial intelligence (AI) system to diagnose colorectal cancer from whole-slide images (WSI). For this, we propose a deep learning (DL) system that learns from weak labels, a sampling strategy that reduces the number of training samples by a factor of six without compromising performance, an approach to leverage a small subset of fully annotated samples, and a prototype with explainable predictions, active learning features and parallelisation. Noting some problems in the literature, this study is conducted with one of the largest WSI colorectal samples dataset with approximately 10,500 WSIs. Of these samples, 900 are testing samples. Furthermore, the robustness of the proposed method is assessed with two additional external datasets (TCGA and PAIP) and a dataset of samples collected directly from the proposed prototype. Our proposed method predicts, for the patch-based tiles, a class based on the severity of the dysplasia and uses that information to classify the whole slide. It is trained with an interpretable mixed-supervision scheme to leverage the domain knowledge introduced by pathologists through spatial annotations. The mixed-supervision scheme allowed for an intelligent sampling strategy effectively evaluated in several different scenarios without compromising the performance. On the internal dataset, the method shows an accuracy of 93.44% and a sensitivity between positive (low-grade and high-grade dysplasia) and non-neoplastic samples of 0.996. On the external test samples varied with TCGA being the most challenging dataset with an overall accuracy of 84.91% and a sensitivity of 0.996.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro C Neto
- Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science (INESC TEC), R. Dr. Roberto Frias, Porto, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal.
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP), R. Dr. Roberto Frias, Porto, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Diana Montezuma
- IMP Diagnostics, Praça do Bom Sucesso, 61, sala 808, Porto, 4150-146, Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 865, Porto, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.
- Doctoral Programme in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences - University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Sara P Oliveira
- Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science (INESC TEC), R. Dr. Roberto Frias, Porto, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal.
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP), R. Dr. Roberto Frias, Porto, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Domingos Oliveira
- IMP Diagnostics, Praça do Bom Sucesso, 61, sala 808, Porto, 4150-146, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Fraga
- Department of Pathology, IPO-Porto, R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 865, Porto, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Monteiro
- IMP Diagnostics, Praça do Bom Sucesso, 61, sala 808, Porto, 4150-146, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Monteiro
- IMP Diagnostics, Praça do Bom Sucesso, 61, sala 808, Porto, 4150-146, Porto, Portugal
| | - Liliana Ribeiro
- IMP Diagnostics, Praça do Bom Sucesso, 61, sala 808, Porto, 4150-146, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia Gonçalves
- IMP Diagnostics, Praça do Bom Sucesso, 61, sala 808, Porto, 4150-146, Porto, Portugal
| | - Stefan Reinhard
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Uni Bern, Murtenstrasse 31, Bern, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Inti Zlobec
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Uni Bern, Murtenstrasse 31, Bern, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Isabel M Pinto
- IMP Diagnostics, Praça do Bom Sucesso, 61, sala 808, Porto, 4150-146, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jaime S Cardoso
- Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science (INESC TEC), R. Dr. Roberto Frias, Porto, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP), R. Dr. Roberto Frias, Porto, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
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Magalhães G, Calisto R, Freire C, Silva R, Montezuma D, Canberk S, Schmitt F. Invisible for a few but essential for many: the role of Histotechnologists in the establishment of digital pathology. J Histotechnol 2024; 47:39-52. [PMID: 37869882 DOI: 10.1080/01478885.2023.2268297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Digital pathology (DP) is indisputably the future for histopathology laboratories. The process of digital implementation requires deep workflow reorganisation which involves an interdisciplinary team. This transformation may have the greatest impact on the Histotechnologist (HTL) profession. Our review of the literature has clearly revealed that the role of HTLs in the establishment of DP is being unnoticed and guidance is limited. This article aims to bring HTLs from behind-the-scenes into the spotlight. Our objective is to provide them guidance and practical recommendations to successfully contribute to the implementation of a new digital workflow. Furthermore, it also intends to contribute for improvement of study programs, ensuring the role of HTL in DP is addressed as part of graduate and post-graduate education. In our review, we report on the differences encountered between workflow schemes and the limitations observed in this process. The authors propose a digital workflow to achieve its limitless potential, focusing on the HTL's role. This article explores the novel responsibilities of HTLs during specimen gross dissection, embedding, microtomy, staining, digital scanning, and whole slide image quality control. Furthermore, we highlight the benefits and challenges that DP implementation might bring the HTLs career. HTLs have an important role in the digital workflow: the responsibility of achieving the perfect glass slide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Magalhães
- Histopathology Department, Portsmouth Hospital University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, School of Health Polytechnic of Porto (ESS|P.PORTO), Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Calisto
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, School of Health Polytechnic of Porto (ESS|P.PORTO), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Catarina Freire
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, School of Health Polytechnic of Porto (ESS|P.PORTO), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Regina Silva
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, School of Health Polytechnic of Porto (ESS|P.PORTO), Porto, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde e Ambiente, ESS,P.PORTO, Porto, Portugal
| | - Diana Montezuma
- Research & Development Unit, IMP Diagnostics, Porto, Portugal
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Sule Canberk
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Signalling & Metabolism, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Schmitt
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Health Research Network, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Portugal
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Eccher A, Becker JU, Pagni F, Cazzaniga G, Rossi M, Gambaro G, L’Imperio V, Marletta S. The Puzzle of Preimplantation Kidney Biopsy Decision-Making Process: The Pathologist Perspective. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:254. [PMID: 38398762 PMCID: PMC10890315 DOI: 10.3390/life14020254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Kidney transplantation is the best treatment for end-stage renal disease since it offers the greatest survival benefit compared to dialysis. The gap between the number of renal transplants performed and the number of patients awaiting renal transplants leads to a steadily increasing pressure on the scientific community. Kidney preimplantation biopsy is used as a component of the evaluation of organ quality before acceptance for transplantation. However, the reliability and predictive value of biopsy data are controversial. Most of the previously proposed predictive models were not associated with graft survival, but what has to be reaffirmed is that histologic examination of kidney tissue can provide an objective window on the state of the organ that cannot be deduced from clinical records and renal functional studies. The balance of evidence indicates that reliable decisions about donor suitability must be made based on the overall picture. This work discusses recent trends that can reduce diagnostic timing and variability among players in the decision-making process that lead to kidney transplants, from the pathologist's perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albino Eccher
- Department of Medical and Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, University Hospital of Modena, 41100 Modena, Italy
| | - Jan Ulrich Becker
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Fabio Pagni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy; (F.P.); (G.C.); (V.L.)
| | - Giorgio Cazzaniga
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy; (F.P.); (G.C.); (V.L.)
| | - Mattia Rossi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy; (M.R.); (G.G.)
| | - Giovanni Gambaro
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy; (M.R.); (G.G.)
| | - Vincenzo L’Imperio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy; (F.P.); (G.C.); (V.L.)
| | - Stefano Marletta
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy;
- Division of Pathology, Humanitas Istituto Clinico Catanese, 95045 Catania, Italy
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L'Imperio V, Casati G, Cazzaniga G, Tarabini A, Bolognesi MM, Gibilisco F, Fraggetta F, Pagni F. Improvements in digital pathology equipment for renal biopsies: updating the standard model. J Nephrol 2024; 37:221-229. [PMID: 36786977 DOI: 10.1007/s40620-023-01568-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Digital pathology can improve the technical and interpretative workflows in nephropathology by creating hub-spoke networks and virtuous collaboration projects among centers in different geographical regions. New high-resolution fast-scanning instruments combined with currently existing equipment were tested in a nephropathology hub to evaluate possible upgrading in the routine processing phases. METHODS The scanning performance of two different instruments (Aperio vs hybrid MIDI II) was evaluated and a comparative quality control check was performed on obtained whole slide images. RESULTS Both with default and custom settings for light microscopy, MIDI II proved to be faster, with only slightly more time required to prepare the scan and larger final file size as compared to Aperio (p < 0.001). No differences were noted in the number of out-of-focus slides per case (p = 0.75). Regarding immunofluorescence, the new scanner required longer preparation time (p = 0.001) with comparable scanning times and final file size (p = 0.169 and p = 0.177, respectively). Quality control showed differences in 3 quality features related to white background and blurriness (p < 0.001). No major discordances in the final diagnosis were recorded after comparing the report obtained with slides scanned using the two instruments, with only one case (4%) showing minor disagreement. CONCLUSION The present report describes the experience of a hub nephropathology center adopting next generation digital pathology tools for the routine assessment of renal biopsies, highlighting the need for a complementary approach towards a philosophy of interoperability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo L'Imperio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, University of Milano-Bicocca, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Gabriele Casati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, University of Milano-Bicocca, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Giorgio Cazzaniga
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, University of Milano-Bicocca, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Andrea Tarabini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, University of Milano-Bicocca, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Maddalena Maria Bolognesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, University of Milano-Bicocca, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Fabio Gibilisco
- Pathology Unit, ASP Catania, "Gravina" Hospital, Caltagirone, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Pagni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, University of Milano-Bicocca, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy.
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Samueli B, Aizenberg N, Shaco-Levy R, Katzav A, Kezerle Y, Krausz J, Mazareb S, Niv-Drori H, Peled HB, Sabo E, Tobar A, Asa SL. Complete digital pathology transition: A large multi-center experience. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:155028. [PMID: 38142526 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transitioning from glass slide pathology to digital pathology for primary diagnostics requires an appropriate laboratory information system, an image management system, and slide scanners; it also reinforces the need for sophisticated pathology informatics including synoptic reporting. Previous reports have discussed the transition itself and relevant considerations for it, but not the selection criteria and considerations for the infrastructure. OBJECTIVE To describe the process used to evaluate slide scanners, image management systems, and synoptic reporting systems for a large multisite institution. METHODS Six network hospitals evaluated six slide scanners, three image management systems, and three synoptic reporting systems. Scanners were evaluated based on the quality of image, speed, ease of operation, and special capabilities (including z-stacking, fluorescence and others). Image management and synoptic reporting systems were evaluated for their ease of use and capacity. RESULTS Among the scanners evaluated, the Leica GT450 produced the highest quality images, while the 3DHistech Pannoramic provided fluorescence and superior z-stacking. The newest generation of scanners, released relatively recently, performed better than slightly older scanners from major manufacturers Although the Olympus VS200 was not fully vetted due to not meeting all inclusion criteria, it is discussed herein due to its exceptional versatility. For Image Management Software, the authors believe that Sectra is, at the time of writing the best developed option, but this could change in the very near future as other systems improve their capabilities. All synoptic reporting systems performed impressively. CONCLUSIONS Specifics regarding quality and abilities of different components will change rapidly with time, but large pathology practices considering such a transition should be aware of the issues discussed and evaluate the most current generation to arrive at appropriate conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benzion Samueli
- Department of Pathology, Soroka University Medical Center, P.O. Box 151, Be'er Sheva 8410101, Israel; Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Be'er Sheva 8410501, Israel.
| | - Natalie Aizenberg
- Department of Pathology, Soroka University Medical Center, P.O. Box 151, Be'er Sheva 8410101, Israel; Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Be'er Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Ruthy Shaco-Levy
- Department of Pathology, Soroka University Medical Center, P.O. Box 151, Be'er Sheva 8410101, Israel; Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Be'er Sheva 8410501, Israel; Department of Pathology, Barzilai Medical Center, 2 Ha-Histadrut St, Ashkelon 7830604, Israel
| | - Aviva Katzav
- Pathology Institute, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428164, Israel
| | - Yarden Kezerle
- Department of Pathology, Soroka University Medical Center, P.O. Box 151, Be'er Sheva 8410101, Israel; Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Be'er Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Judit Krausz
- Department of Pathology, HaEmek Medical Center, 21 Yitzhak Rabin Ave, Afula 183411, Israel
| | - Salam Mazareb
- Department of Pathology, Carmel Medical Center, 7 Michal Street, Haifa 3436212, Israel
| | - Hagit Niv-Drori
- Department of Pathology, Rabin Medical Center, 39 Jabotinsky St, Petah Tikva 4941492, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv 6139001, Israel
| | - Hila Belhanes Peled
- Department of Pathology, HaEmek Medical Center, 21 Yitzhak Rabin Ave, Afula 183411, Israel
| | - Edmond Sabo
- Department of Pathology, Carmel Medical Center, 7 Michal Street, Haifa 3436212, Israel; Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3525433, Israel
| | - Ana Tobar
- Department of Pathology, Rabin Medical Center, 39 Jabotinsky St, Petah Tikva 4941492, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv 6139001, Israel
| | - Sylvia L Asa
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Room 204, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Eloy C. Postponing evolution: why are we choosing to ignore the need for a digital transformation in pathology? Virchows Arch 2023:10.1007/s00428-023-03714-3. [PMID: 38044343 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03714-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Eloy
- Pathology Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
- Pathology Department, Medical Faculty of University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Cazzaniga G, Eccher A, Munari E, Marletta S, Bonoldi E, Della Mea V, Cadei M, Sbaraglia M, Guerriero A, Dei Tos AP, Pagni F, L’Imperio V. Natural Language Processing to extract SNOMED-CT codes from pathological reports. Pathologica 2023; 115:318-324. [PMID: 38180139 PMCID: PMC10767798 DOI: 10.32074/1591-951x-952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The use of standardized structured reports (SSR) and suitable terminologies like SNOMED-CT can enhance data retrieval and analysis, fostering large-scale studies and collaboration. However, the still large prevalence of narrative reports in our laboratories warrants alternative and automated labeling approaches. In this project, natural language processing (NLP) methods were used to associate SNOMED-CT codes to structured and unstructured reports from an Italian Digital Pathology Department. Methods Two NLP-based automatic coding systems (support vector machine, SVM, and long-short term memory, LSTM) were trained and applied to a series of narrative reports. Results The 1163 cases were tested with both algorithms, showing good performances in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score, with SVM showing slightly better performances as compared to LSTM (0.84, 0.87, 0.83, 0.82 vs 0.83, 0.85, 0.83, 0.82, respectively). The integration of an explainability allowed identification of terms and groups of words of importance, enabling fine-tuning, balancing semantic meaning and model performance. Conclusions AI tools allow the automatic SNOMED-CT labeling of the pathology archives, providing a retrospective fix to the large lack of organization of narrative reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Cazzaniga
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - Albino Eccher
- Section of Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Enrico Munari
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Marletta
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Emanuela Bonoldi
- Unit of Surgical Pathology and Cytogenetics, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Della Mea
- Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Moris Cadei
- Pathology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marta Sbaraglia
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Angela Guerriero
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Angelo Paolo Dei Tos
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Fabio Pagni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - Vincenzo L’Imperio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
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14
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Pinto DG, Bychkov A, Tsuyama N, Fukuoka J, Eloy C. Real-World Implementation of Digital Pathology: Results From an Intercontinental Survey. J Transl Med 2023; 103:100261. [PMID: 37839634 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2023.100261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The past 70 years have been characterized by rapid advancements in computer technology, and the health care system has not been immune to this trend. However, anatomical pathology has remained largely an analog discipline. In recent years, this has been changing with the growing adoption of digital pathology, partly driven by the potential of computer-aided diagnosis. As part of an international collaboration, we conducted a comprehensive survey to gain a deeper understanding of the status of digital pathology implementation in Europe and Asia. A total of 127 anatomical pathology laboratories participated in the survey, including 75 from Europe and 52 from Asia, with 72 laboratories having established digital pathology workflow and 55 without digital pathology. Laboratories using digital pathology for diagnostic (n = 29) and nondiagnostic (n = 43) purposes were thoroughly questioned about their implementation strategies and institutional experiences, including details on equipment, storage, integration with laboratory information system, computer-aided diagnosis, and the costs of going digital. The impact of the digital pathology workflow was also evaluated, focusing on turnaround time, specimen traceability, quality control, and overall satisfaction. Laboratories without access to digital pathology were asked to provide insights into their perceptions of the technology, expectations, barriers to adoption, and potential facilitators. Our findings indicate that although digital pathology is still the future for many, it is already the present for some. This decade may be a time when anatomical pathology finally embraces digital revolution on a larger scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gomes Pinto
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Hospital Garcia de Orta, EPE, Almada, Portugal; NOVA Medical School, Lisboa, Portugal; IPATIMUP - Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andrey Bychkov
- Department of Pathology, Kameda Medical Center, Kamogawa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Naoko Tsuyama
- Division of Pathology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junya Fukuoka
- Department of Pathology, Kameda Medical Center, Kamogawa, Chiba, Japan; Department of Pathology Informatics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Catarina Eloy
- IPATIMUP - Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação Em Saúde (i3S) and Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal.
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Schwen LO, Kiehl TR, Carvalho R, Zerbe N, Homeyer A. Digitization of Pathology Labs: A Review of Lessons Learned. J Transl Med 2023; 103:100244. [PMID: 37657651 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2023.100244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathology laboratories are increasingly using digital workflows. This has the potential of increasing laboratory efficiency, but the digitization process also involves major challenges. Several reports have been published describing the individual experiences of specific laboratories with the digitization process. However, a comprehensive overview of the lessons learned is still lacking. We provide an overview of the lessons learned for different aspects of the digitization process, including digital case management, digital slide reading, and computer-aided slide reading. We also cover metrics used for monitoring performance and pitfalls and corresponding values observed in practice. The overview is intended to help pathologists, information technology decision makers, and administrators to benefit from the experiences of others and to implement the digitization process in an optimal way to make their own laboratory future-proof.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Ole Schwen
- Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Tim-Rasmus Kiehl
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rita Carvalho
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Norman Zerbe
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Berlin, Germany
| | - André Homeyer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS, Bremen, Germany
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16
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Caputo A, Fraggetta F, Cretella P, Cozzolino I, Eccher A, Girolami I, Marletta S, Troncone G, Vigliar E, Acanfora G, Zarra KV, Torres Rivas HE, Fadda G, Field A, Katz R, Vielh P, Eloy C, Rajwanshi A, Gupta N, Al-Abbadi M, Bustami N, Arar T, Calaminici M, Raine JI, Barroca H, Canão PA, Ehinger M, Rajabian N, Dey P, Medeiros LJ, El Hussein S, Lin O, D'Antonio A, Bode-Lesniewska B, Rossi ED, Zeppa P. Digital Examination of LYmph node CYtopathology Using the Sydney system (DELYCYUS): An international, multi-institutional study. Cancer Cytopathol 2023; 131:679-692. [PMID: 37418195 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After a series of standardized reporting systems in cytopathology, the Sydney system was recently introduced to address the need for reproducibility and standardization in lymph node cytopathology. Since then, the risk of malignancy for the categories of the Sydney system has been explored by several studies, but no studies have yet examined the interobserver reproducibility of the Sydney system. METHODS The authors assessed interobserver reproducibility of the Sydney system on 85 lymph node fine-needle aspiration cytology cases reviewed by 15 cytopathologists from 12 institutions in eight different countries, resulting in 1275 diagnoses. In total, 186 slides stained with Diff-Quik, Papanicolaou, and immunocytochemistry were scanned. A subset of the cases included clinical data and results from ultrasound examinations, flow cytometry immunophenotyping, and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. The study participants assessed the cases digitally using whole-slide images. RESULTS Overall, the authors observed an almost perfect agreement of cytopathologists with the ground truth (median weighted Cohen κ = 0.887; interquartile range, κ = 0.210) and moderate overall interobserver concordance (Fleiss κ = 0.476). There was substantial agreement for the inadequate and malignant categories (κ = 0.794 and κ = 0.729, respectively), moderate agreement for the benign category (κ = 0.490), and very slight agreement for the suspicious (κ = 0.104) and atypical (κ = 0.075) categories. CONCLUSIONS The Sydney system for reporting lymph node cytopathology shows adequate interobserver concordance. Digital microscopy is an adequate means to assess lymph node cytopathology specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Caputo
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Filippo Fraggetta
- Department of Pathology, Gravina and Santo Pietro Hospital, Caltagirone, Italy
| | - Pasquale Cretella
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Immacolata Cozzolino
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Università Degli Studi Della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Albino Eccher
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Girolami
- Department of Pathology, Provincial Hospital of Bolzano, South Tyrolean Health Care Service-South Tyrol Health Authority, Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
| | - Stefano Marletta
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Elena Vigliar
- Department of Public Health, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Acanfora
- Department of Public Health, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Karen Villar Zarra
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario Del Henares, Coslada, Spain
| | | | - Guido Fadda
- Department of Human Pathology of the Adulthood and Developing Age "Gaetano Barresi", Section of Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Andrew Field
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, St Vincent's Hospital, University of New South Wales and University of Notre Dame, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ruth Katz
- Department of Pathology, Tel HaShomer Hospital, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Catarina Eloy
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Nalini Gupta
- Department of Cytopathology and Gynecologic Pathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Mousa Al-Abbadi
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Nadwa Bustami
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Tala Arar
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Maria Calaminici
- Specialist Integrated Hematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service, Department of Cellular Pathology, Barts Health National Health Service Trust, England, UK
- Center for Hemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Juliet I Raine
- Specialist Integrated Hematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service, Department of Cellular Pathology, Barts Health National Health Service Trust, England, UK
| | - Helena Barroca
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Hospital S João-Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Mats Ehinger
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Pathology, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Nilofar Rajabian
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Pathology, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Pranab Dey
- Department of Cytopathology and Gynecologic Pathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - L Jeffrey Medeiros
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Siba El Hussein
- Department of Pathology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Oscar Lin
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Esther Diana Rossi
- Division of Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Catholic University Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Pio Zeppa
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
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Caputo A, Macrì L, Gibilisco F, Vatrano S, Taranto C, Occhipinti E, Santamaria F, Arcoria A, Scillieri R, Fraggetta F. Validation of full-remote reporting for cervicovaginal cytology: the Caltagirone-Acireale distributed lab. J Am Soc Cytopathol 2023; 12:378-385. [PMID: 37482510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jasc.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, and its prevention is based on vaccination and screening. Screening consists of molecular human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and cytologic analysis of cervical smears, which require expensive equipment and the interaction of numerous professionals such as biologists, cytologists, laboratory technicians, and pathologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS We centralize the cervical samples from more than 51 clinics in 1 main laboratory, where automated HPV testing is performed. HPV-positive cases are collected and used to prepare a liquid-based cytology slide, which is stained and immediately scanned. The resulting whole-slide images (WSIs) are immediately available in a remote laboratory where they are examined by experienced cytologists using virtual microscopy. This setup was validated by making each of the 3 readers independently diagnose 506 specimens in random order, using both conventional light microscopy (CLM) and WSIs, with a minimum wash-out period of 3 weeks and with a final discussion for all cases. RESULTS Intraobserver agreement among CLM and WSI ranged from 0.71 to 0.79, and interobserver agreement for the 3 readers compared with the consensus diagnosis was similar for the 2 modes of assessment. Readers subjectively felt confident in their WSI diagnosis for inadequate and negative cases, but less so in other cases. The perceived difficulty was slightly higher in WSI readings. CONCLUSIONS Interobserver agreement in cervicovaginal cytology is moderate and does not vary if the slides are examined conventionally or digitally. Despite higher reported subjective difficulty and lower confidence in the WSI diagnosis, we did not observe a deterioration in diagnostic performance using WSI compared with CLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Caputo
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D'Aragona", Salerno, Italy; Department of Pathology, Hospital "Gravina e Santo Pietro", Caltagirone, Italy
| | - Luigia Macrì
- Central Cervicovaginal Screening Unit and Center for Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention, Turin, Italy
| | - Fabio Gibilisco
- Department of Pathology, Hospital "Gravina e Santo Pietro", Caltagirone, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, "G. F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Simona Vatrano
- Department of Pathology, Hospital "Gravina e Santo Pietro", Caltagirone, Italy
| | - Chiara Taranto
- Department of Pathology, Hospital "Gravina e Santo Pietro", Caltagirone, Italy
| | | | | | - Angela Arcoria
- Department of Pathology, Hospital "Gravina e Santo Pietro", Caltagirone, Italy
| | | | - Filippo Fraggetta
- Department of Pathology, Hospital "Gravina e Santo Pietro", Caltagirone, Italy.
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Singh R, Yadav SK, Kapoor N. Analysis of application of digital image analysis in histopathology quality control. J Pathol Inform 2023; 14:100322. [PMID: 37457593 PMCID: PMC10339183 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpi.2023.100322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction A correct histopathological diagnosis is dependent on an array of technical variables. The quality and completeness of a histological section on a slide is extremely prudent for correct interpretation. However, this is mostly done manually and depends largely on the expertise of histotechnician. In this study, we analysed the application of digital image analysis for quality control of histological section as a proof-of-concept. Material and methods Images of 1000 histological sections and their corresponding blocks were captured. Area of the section was measured from these digital images of tissue block (Digiblock) and slide (Digislide). The data was analysed to calculate DigislideQC score, dividing the area of tissue on the slide by the tissue area on the block and it was compared with the number of recuts done for incomplete section. Results Digislide QC score ranged from 0.1 to 0.99. It showed an area under curve (AUC) of 98.8%. A cut-off value of 0.65 had a sensitivity of 99.6% and a specificity of 96.7%. Conclusion Digiblock and Digislide images can provide information about quality of sections. DigislideQC score can correctly identify the slides which require recuts before it is sent for reporting and potentially reduce histopathologists' slide screening effort and ultimately turnaround time. These can be incorporated in routine histopathology workflows and lab information systems. This simple technology can also improve future digital pathology and telepathology workflows.
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Caputo A, L’Imperio V, Merolla F, Girolami I, Leoni E, Mea VD, Pagni F, Fraggetta F. The slow-paced digital evolution of pathology: lights and shadows from a multifaceted board. Pathologica 2023; 115:127-136. [PMID: 37387439 PMCID: PMC10462988 DOI: 10.32074/1591-951x-868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The digital revolution in pathology represents an invaluable resource fto optimise costs, reduce the risk of error and improve patient care, even though it is still adopted in a minority of laboratories. Barriers include concerns about initial costs, lack of confidence in using whole slide images for primary diagnosis, and lack of guidance on transition. To address these challenges and develop a programme to facilitate the introduction of digital pathology (DP) in Italian pathology departments, a panel discussion was set up to identify the key points to be considered. Methods On 21 July 2022, an initial conference call was held on Zoom to identify the main issues to be discussed during the face-to-face meeting. The final summit was divided into four different sessions: (I) the definition of DP, (II) practical applications of DP, (III) the use of AI in DP, (IV) DP and education. Results Essential requirements for the implementation of DP are a fully tracked and automated workflow, selection of the appropriate scanner based on the specific needs of each department, and a strong commitment combined with coordinated teamwork (pathologists, technicians, biologists, IT service and industries). This could reduce human error, leading to the application of AI tools for diagnosis, prognosis and prediction. Open challenges are the lack of specific regulations for virtual slide storage and the optimal storage solution for large volumes of slides. Conclusion Teamwork is key to DP transition, including close collaboration with industry. This will ease the transition and help bridge the gap that currently exists between many labs and full digitisation. The ultimate goal is to improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Caputo
- Department of Pathology, Ruggi University Hospital, Salerno, Italy
- Pathology Unit, Gravina Hospital Caltagirone ASP, Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo L’Imperio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, University of Milan-Bicocca, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Francesco Merolla
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Ilaria Girolami
- Department of Pathology, Provincial Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Bolzano-Bozen, Italy; Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität
| | - Eleonora Leoni
- Pathology Unit, Busto Arsizio Hospital, Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Della Mea
- Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Fabio Pagni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, University of Milan-Bicocca, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
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Rizzo PC, Caputo A, Maddalena E, Caldonazzi N, Girolami I, Dei Tos AP, Scarpa A, Sbaraglia M, Brunelli M, Gobbo S, Marletta S, Pantanowitz L, Della Mea V, Eccher A. Digital pathology world tour. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231194551. [PMID: 37654717 PMCID: PMC10467307 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231194551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Digital pathology (DP) is currently in the spotlight and is rapidly gaining ground, even though the history of this field spans decades. Despite great technological progress, the adoption of DP for routine clinical diagnostic use remains limited. Methods A systematic search was conducted in the electronic databases Pubmed-MEDLINE and Embase. Inclusion criteria were all published studies that encompassed any application of DP. Results Of 4888 articles retrieved, 4041 were included. Relevant articles were categorized as "diagnostic" (147/4041, 4%) where DP was utilized for routine diagnostic workflow and "non-diagnostic" (3894/4041, 96%) for all other applications. The "non-diagnostic" articles were further categorized according to DP application including "artificial intelligence" (33%), "education" (5%), "narrative" (17%) for reviews and editorials, and "technical" (45%) for pure research publications. Conclusion This manuscript provided temporal and geographical insight into the global adoption of DP by analyzing the published scientific literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Chiara Rizzo
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Caputo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Eddy Maddalena
- Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Nicolò Caldonazzi
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Girolami
- Department of Pathology, Provincial Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
- Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Angelo Paolo Dei Tos
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marta Sbaraglia
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Brunelli
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Gobbo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Marletta
- Department of Pathology, Pederzoli Hospital, Peschiera del Garda, Verona, Italy
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Della Mea
- Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Albino Eccher
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Alchami FS, Iqbal Z, Björkhammer CN, Saeed MO, Ramakrishnan R, Clelland C, Ahmad F, Charles A. Whole Slide Imaging Integration with Lab Information Systems, a Study of the Requirements, Processes and Procedures Enabling a Reporting-Based Workflow. PATHOLOGY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE INTERNATIONAL 2023. [DOI: 10.2147/plmi.s388981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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22
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Caputo A, Pepe L, Fraggetta F. Current State of Cytologic-Histologic Correlation Implementation for North American and International Laboratories. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2023; 147:15-16. [PMID: 36577092 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2022-0262-le] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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23
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Caputo A, Gibilisco F, Belmonte B, Mondello A, L'Imperio V, Fraggetta F. Real-world digital pathology: considerations and ruminations of four young pathologists. J Clin Pathol 2023; 76:68-70. [PMID: 35470253 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2022-208218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Caputo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Fabio Gibilisco
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Beatrice Belmonte
- Department of Pathology, Gravina Hospital, Caltagirone, Italy.,Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Science and Promotion of Health and Maternal Infancy "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Mondello
- Department of Pathology, Gravina Hospital, Caltagirone, Italy
| | - Vincenzo L'Imperio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Lombardia, Italy.,Department of Pathology, ASST Monza, Monza, Lombardia, Italy
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Tommasino F, Cardamone C, Tortora V, Sabbatino F, Di Sarno C, Caputo A. Diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis on cytological examination of cerebrospinal fluid: Report of the first case. Diagn Cytopathol 2022; 50:E377-E381. [PMID: 35950687 DOI: 10.1002/dc.25040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a disease of unknown etiology characterized by a proliferation of histiocytic cells resembling dendritic Langerhans cells. LCH can be unifocal or multifocal, with one- or many-organ involvement. The serous fluids are rarely involved. Cytological diagnosis of LCH is possible and relies on recognition of the typical cytomorphological features and subsequent immunocytochemical confirmation. Given the possibility of multisystem involvement, after diagnosing LCH it is necessary to carry out staging exams such as a bone survey, abdominal ultrasound, complete blood count, screening for diabetes insipidus and pulmonary function tests. We present the first case of LCH where the diagnosis was reached on cytological material from the cerebrospinal fluid. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such case reported in the international literature to date. The morphological and immunocytochemical characteristics of our case are described, and the relevant literature is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Cardamone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Tortora
- Department of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Di Sarno
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Naples "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Caputo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy.,Department of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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25
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Bolognesi MM, Capitoli G, Galimberti S, Cattoretti G, Bajema I, Bruijn JA, Cook HT, Noel LH, Pagni F, Ferrario F, Wester Trejo M, L'Imperio V. Dissecting the histological features of lupus nephritis highlights new common patterns of injury in class III/IV. Ann Rheum Dis 2022; 81:1704-1711. [PMID: 35940846 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-222620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society classification is the gold standard for the characterisation of lupus nephritis (LN) on renal biopsy, with therapeutic repercussions. Its recent revision simplified the current class subdivisions, eliminating the S/G forms of class IV, although data on a possible pathogenetic/clinical value of this subdivision are still contradictory. METHODS 353 renal biopsies from Belimumab International Study in LN were assessed through central pathology review. Univariate logistic models and a decision tree were performed on 314 adequate biopsies to evaluate the impact of histological features on focal/diffuse classes. Removing class I/II (n=6) and 'pure' class V (n=34), principal component analysis (PCA) and heatmap were used to explore similarities among III, IVS and IVG biopsies either incorporating or not the mixed classes (+V, n=274). Finally, a method aimed at partitioning the cases into k clusters based on their similarity (KMeans), was used to study features from the cohort of 'pure' class III/IVS/IVG cases (n=214) to determine alternative subdivisions based on phenotypic data. RESULTS Segmental endocapillary hypercellularity (EH) was prevalent in class III, global EH, wire loops, hyaline thrombi and double contours were hallmarks of class IVG, with IVS cases showing intermediate characteristics. Heatmap and PCA confirmed the segregation of these features among classes, showing better segregation for focal/diffuse LN as compared with the mixed classes (+V). KMeans revealed the presence of two main clusters, membranoproliferative-like (n=83) or vasculitis-like (n=131). CONCLUSIONS This study reveals new phenotypic forms of LN surpassing the traditional classes as determined by the current classification. Future validation and confirmation are required to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giulia Capitoli
- Bicocca Bioinformatics Biostatistics and Bioimaging B4 Center, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Stefania Galimberti
- Bicocca Bioinformatics Biostatistics and Bioimaging B4 Center, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giorgio Cattoretti
- Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,Pathology Department, ASST Monza - San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Ingeborg Bajema
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan A Bruijn
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - H Terence Cook
- Department for Immunology and Inflammation, Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Fabio Pagni
- Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,Pathology Department, ASST Monza - San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Franco Ferrario
- Pathology Department, ASST Monza - San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Maria Wester Trejo
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Vincenzo L'Imperio
- Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,Pathology Department, ASST Monza - San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
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Patel AU, Shaker N, Mohanty S, Sharma S, Gangal S, Eloy C, Parwani AV. Cultivating Clinical Clarity through Computer Vision: A Current Perspective on Whole Slide Imaging and Artificial Intelligence. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12081778. [PMID: 35892487 PMCID: PMC9332710 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12081778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic devices, methodological approaches, and traditional constructs of clinical pathology practice, cultivated throughout centuries, have transformed radically in the wake of explosive technological growth and other, e.g., environmental, catalysts of change. Ushered into the fray of modern laboratory medicine are digital imaging devices and machine-learning (ML) software fashioned to mitigate challenges, e.g., practitioner shortage while preparing clinicians for emerging interconnectivity of environments and diagnostic information in the era of big data. As computer vision shapes new constructs for the modern world and intertwines with clinical medicine, cultivating clarity of our new terrain through examining the trajectory and current scope of computational pathology and its pertinence to clinical practice is vital. Through review of numerous studies, we find developmental efforts for ML migrating from research to standardized clinical frameworks while overcoming obstacles that have formerly curtailed adoption of these tools, e.g., generalizability, data availability, and user-friendly accessibility. Groundbreaking validatory efforts have facilitated the clinical deployment of ML tools demonstrating the capacity to effectively aid in distinguishing tumor subtype and grade, classify early vs. advanced cancer stages, and assist in quality control and primary diagnosis applications. Case studies have demonstrated the benefits of streamlined, digitized workflows for practitioners alleviated by decreased burdens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankush U. Patel
- Mayo Clinic Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-206-451-3519
| | - Nada Shaker
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (N.S.); (S.G.); (A.V.P.)
| | - Sambit Mohanty
- CORE Diagnostics, Gurugram 122016, India; (S.M.); (S.S.)
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Bareilly 243001, India
| | - Shivani Sharma
- CORE Diagnostics, Gurugram 122016, India; (S.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Shivam Gangal
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (N.S.); (S.G.); (A.V.P.)
- College of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Catarina Eloy
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho, 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S Consortium), Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Anil V. Parwani
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (N.S.); (S.G.); (A.V.P.)
- Cooperative Human Tissue Network (CHTN) Midwestern Division, Columbus, OH 43240, USA
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Albuquerque T, Moreira A, Barros B, Montezuma D, Oliveira SP, Neto PC, Monteiro J, Ribeiro L, Goncalves S, Monteiro A, Pinto IM, Cardoso JS. Quality Control in Digital Pathology: Automatic Fragment Detection and Counting. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2022; 2022:588-593. [PMID: 36085930 DOI: 10.1109/embc48229.2022.9871208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Manual assessment of fragments during the pro-cessing of pathology specimens is critical to ensure that the material available for slide analysis matches that captured during grossing without losing valuable material during this process. However, this step is still performed manually, resulting in lost time and delays in making the complete case available for evaluation by the pathologist. To overcome this limitation, we developed an autonomous system that can detect and count the number of fragments contained on each slide. We applied and compared two different methods: conventional machine learning methods and deep convolutional network methods. For conventional machine learning methods, we tested a two-stage approach with a supervised classifier followed by unsupervised hierarchical clustering. In addition, Fast R-CNN and YOLOv5, two state-of-the-art deep learning models for detection, were used and compared. All experiments were performed on a dataset comprising 1276 images of colorec-tal biopsy and polypectomy specimens manually labeled for fragment/set detection. The best results were obtained with the YOLOv5 architecture with a map@0.5 of 0.977 for fragment/set detection.
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28
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Rizzo PC, Girolami I, Marletta S, Pantanowitz L, Antonini P, Brunelli M, Santonicco N, Vacca P, Tumino N, Moretta L, Parwani A, Satturwar S, Eccher A, Munari E. Technical and Diagnostic Issues in Whole Slide Imaging Published Validation Studies. Front Oncol 2022; 12:918580. [PMID: 35785212 PMCID: PMC9246412 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.918580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveDigital pathology with whole-slide imaging (WSI) has many potential clinical and non-clinical applications. In the past two decades, despite significant advances in WSI technology adoption remains slow for primary diagnosis. The aim of this study was to identify common pitfalls of WSI reported in validation studies and offer measures to overcome these challenges.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in the electronic databases Pubmed-MEDLINE and Embase. Inclusion criteria were all validation studies designed to evaluate the feasibility of WSI for diagnostic clinical use in pathology. Technical and diagnostic problems encountered with WSI in these studies were recorded.ResultsA total of 45 studies were identified in which technical issues were reported in 15 (33%), diagnostic issues in 8 (18%), and 22 (49%) reported both. Key technical problems encompassed slide scan failure, prolonged time for pathologists to review cases, and a need for higher image resolution. Diagnostic challenges encountered were concerned with grading dysplasia, reliable assessment of mitoses, identification of microorganisms, and clearly defining the invasive front of tumors.ConclusionDespite technical advances with WSI technology, some critical concerns remain that need to be addressed to ensure trustworthy clinical diagnostic use. More focus on the quality of the pre-scanning phase and training of pathologists could help reduce the negative impact of WSI technical difficulties. WSI also seems to exacerbate specific diagnostic tasks that are already challenging among pathologists even when examining glass slides with conventional light microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Chiara Rizzo
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Marletta
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Pathology, Pederzoli Hospital, Peschiera del Garda, Italy
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology & Clinical Labs, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Pietro Antonini
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo Brunelli
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Nicola Santonicco
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Tumino
- Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Anil Parwani
- Department of Pathology, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Swati Satturwar
- Department of Pathology, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Albino Eccher
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
- *Correspondence: Albino Eccher,
| | - Enrico Munari
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Neto PC, Oliveira SP, Montezuma D, Fraga J, Monteiro A, Ribeiro L, Gonçalves S, Pinto IM, Cardoso JS. iMIL4PATH: A Semi-Supervised Interpretable Approach for Colorectal Whole-Slide Images. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102489. [PMID: 35626093 PMCID: PMC9139905 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Nowadays, colorectal cancer is the third most incident cancer worldwide and, although it can be detected by imaging techniques, diagnosis is always based on biopsy samples. This assessment includes neoplasia grading, a subjective yet important task for pathologists. With the growing availability of digital slides, the development of robust and high-performance computer vision algorithms can help to tackle such a task. In this work, we propose an approach to automatically detect and grade lesions in colorectal biopsies with high sensitivity. The presented model attempts to support slide decision reasoning in terms of the spatial distribution of lesions, focusing the pathologist’s attention on key areas. Thus, it can be integrated into clinical practice as a second opinion or as a flag for details that may have been missed at first glance. Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis is based on samples obtained from biopsies, assessed in pathology laboratories. Due to population growth and ageing, as well as better screening programs, the CRC incidence rate has been increasing, leading to a higher workload for pathologists. In this sense, the application of AI for automatic CRC diagnosis, particularly on whole-slide images (WSI), is of utmost relevance, in order to assist professionals in case triage and case review. In this work, we propose an interpretable semi-supervised approach to detect lesions in colorectal biopsies with high sensitivity, based on multiple-instance learning and feature aggregation methods. The model was developed on an extended version of the recent, publicly available CRC dataset (the CRC+ dataset with 4433 WSI), using 3424 slides for training and 1009 slides for evaluation. The proposed method attained 90.19% classification ACC, 98.8% sensitivity, 85.7% specificity, and a quadratic weighted kappa of 0.888 at slide-based evaluation. Its generalisation capabilities are also studied on two publicly available external datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro C. Neto
- Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science (INESC TEC), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (S.P.O.); (J.S.C.)
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Sara P. Oliveira
- Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science (INESC TEC), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (S.P.O.); (J.S.C.)
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Diana Montezuma
- IMP Diagnostics, 4150-146 Porto, Portugal; (D.M.); (A.M.); (L.R.); (S.G.); (I.M.P.)
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO-Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Fraga
- Department of Pathology, IPO-Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Ana Monteiro
- IMP Diagnostics, 4150-146 Porto, Portugal; (D.M.); (A.M.); (L.R.); (S.G.); (I.M.P.)
| | - Liliana Ribeiro
- IMP Diagnostics, 4150-146 Porto, Portugal; (D.M.); (A.M.); (L.R.); (S.G.); (I.M.P.)
| | - Sofia Gonçalves
- IMP Diagnostics, 4150-146 Porto, Portugal; (D.M.); (A.M.); (L.R.); (S.G.); (I.M.P.)
| | - Isabel M. Pinto
- IMP Diagnostics, 4150-146 Porto, Portugal; (D.M.); (A.M.); (L.R.); (S.G.); (I.M.P.)
| | - Jaime S. Cardoso
- Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science (INESC TEC), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (S.P.O.); (J.S.C.)
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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Ferreira D, Vale J, Curado M, Polónia A, Eloy C. The impact of different coverslipping methods in the quality of the whole slide images used for diagnosis in pathology. J Pathol Inform 2022; 13:100098. [PMID: 36268095 PMCID: PMC9576983 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpi.2022.100098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital pathology workflow aims to create whole slide images (WSIs) for diagnosis. The quality of the WSIs depends primarily on the quality of the glass slides produced by the pathology laboratory, where the coverslipping method plays an important role. In this study we compare the glass, the film, and the liquid coverslipping methods to evaluate which ones are suitable to create WSIs for diagnosis. The study included 18 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks. Of each block, 3 consecutive sections were covered using 1 of the 3 methods. The slides were scanned and evaluated for quality criteria by 2 pathologists experienced in digital pathology. The coverslipping method interferes with the quality of the WSIs, as well as with the scanning time and the file size of the WSIs. All coverslipping methods were found suitable for diagnosis. The glass and liquid methods were manual and had similar results concerning the presence of air bubbles/polymer accumulation, air drying artefacts, tissue exposed, and staining alterations. The glass method was the one with more air bubbles. The liquid method was associated with more alterations on the WSIs, but with the lowest file sizes. Automation of coverslipping and calibration of the scanner for the coverslipping method chosen by the pathology laboratory are relevant for the final quality of the WSIs.
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Temprana-Salvador J, López-García P, Castellví Vives J, de Haro L, Ballesta E, Rojas Abusleme M, Arrufat M, Marques F, Casas JR, Gallego C, Pons L, Mate JL, Fernández PL, López-Bonet E, Bosch R, Martínez S, Ramón y Cajal S, Matias-Guiu X. DigiPatICS: Digital Pathology Transformation of the Catalan Health Institute Network of 8 Hospitals—Planification, Implementation, and Preliminary Results. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12040852. [PMID: 35453900 PMCID: PMC9025604 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12040852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Complete digital pathology transformation for primary histopathological diagnosis is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. Its advantages are clear with more efficient workflows, but there are many technical and functional difficulties to be faced. The Catalan Health Institute (ICS) has started its DigiPatICS project, aiming to deploy digital pathology in an integrative, holistic, and comprehensive way within a network of 8 hospitals, over 168 pathologists, and over 1 million slides each year. We describe the bidding process and the careful planning that was required, followed by swift implementation in stages. The purpose of the DigiPatICS project is to increase patient safety and quality of care, improving diagnosis and the efficiency of processes in the pathological anatomy departments of the ICS through process improvement, digital pathology, and artificial intelligence tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Temprana-Salvador
- Department of Pathology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, CIBERONC, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (J.C.V.); (S.R.y.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-93-274-68-09
| | - Pablo López-García
- Functional Competence Center, Information Systems, Catalan Health Institute (Institut Català de la Salut), 08006 Barcelona, Spain; (P.L.-G.); (L.d.H.); (E.B.)
| | - Josep Castellví Vives
- Department of Pathology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, CIBERONC, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (J.C.V.); (S.R.y.C.)
| | - Lluís de Haro
- Functional Competence Center, Information Systems, Catalan Health Institute (Institut Català de la Salut), 08006 Barcelona, Spain; (P.L.-G.); (L.d.H.); (E.B.)
| | - Eudald Ballesta
- Functional Competence Center, Information Systems, Catalan Health Institute (Institut Català de la Salut), 08006 Barcelona, Spain; (P.L.-G.); (L.d.H.); (E.B.)
| | - Matias Rojas Abusleme
- Center for Telecommunications and Information Technology (Centre de Telecomunicacions i Tecnologies de la Informació, CTTI), Catalan Health Institute (Institut Català de la Salut), 08006 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Miquel Arrufat
- Economic and Financial Management, Catalan Health Institute (Institut Català de la Salut), 08006 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Ferran Marques
- Image Processing Group, Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain; (F.M.); (J.R.C.)
| | - Josep R. Casas
- Image Processing Group, Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain; (F.M.); (J.R.C.)
| | - Carlos Gallego
- Digital Medical Imaging System of Catalonia (SIMDCAT), TIC Salut, 08005 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Laura Pons
- Department of Pathology, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.P.); (J.L.M.); (P.L.F.)
| | - José Luis Mate
- Department of Pathology, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.P.); (J.L.M.); (P.L.F.)
| | - Pedro Luis Fernández
- Department of Pathology, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.P.); (J.L.M.); (P.L.F.)
| | - Eugeni López-Bonet
- Department of Pathology, Doctor Josep Trueta Hospital of Girona, 17007 Girona, Spain;
| | - Ramon Bosch
- Department of Pathology, Verge de la Cinta Hospital of Tortosa, 43500 Tarragona, Spain;
| | - Salomé Martínez
- Department of Pathology, Joan XXIII University Hospital of Tarragona, 43005 Tarragona, Spain;
| | - Santiago Ramón y Cajal
- Department of Pathology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, CIBERONC, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (J.C.V.); (S.R.y.C.)
| | - Xavier Matias-Guiu
- Department of Pathology, Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
- Department of Pathology, Bellvitge University Hospital, CIBERONC, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
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Digital Pathology Implementation in Private Practice: Specific Challenges and Opportunities. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020529. [PMID: 35204617 PMCID: PMC8871027 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital pathology (DP) is being deployed in many pathology laboratories, but most reported experiences refer to public health facilities. In this paper, we report our experience in DP transition at a high-volume private laboratory, addressing the main challenges in DP implementation in a private practice setting and how to overcome these issues. We started our implementation in 2020 and we are currently scanning 100% of our histology cases. Pre-existing sample tracking infrastructure facilitated this process. We are currently using two high-capacity scanners (Aperio GT450DX) to digitize all histology slides at 40×. Aperio eSlide Manager WebViewer viewing software is bidirectionally linked with the laboratory information system. Scanning error rate, during the test phase, was 2.1% (errors detected by the scanners) and 3.5% (manual quality control). Pre-scanning phase optimizations and vendor feedback and collaboration were crucial to improve WSI quality and are ongoing processes. Regarding pathologists' validation, we followed the Royal College of Pathologists recommendations for DP implementation (adapted to our practice). Although private sector implementation of DP is not without its challenges, it will ultimately benefit from DP safety and quality-associated features. Furthermore, DP deployment lays the foundation for artificial intelligence tools integration, which will ultimately contribute to improving patient care.
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Stain normalization in digital pathology: Clinical multi-center evaluation of image quality. J Pathol Inform 2022; 13:100145. [PMID: 36268060 PMCID: PMC9577129 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpi.2022.100145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In digital pathology, the final appearance of digitized images is affected by several factors, resulting in stain color and intensity variation. Stain normalization is an innovative solution to overcome stain variability. However, the validation of color normalization tools has been assessed only from a quantitative perspective, through the computation of similarity metrics between the original and normalized images. To the best of our knowledge, no works investigate the impact of normalization on the pathologist’s evaluation. The objective of this paper is to propose a multi-tissue (i.e., breast, colon, liver, lung, and prostate) and multi-center qualitative analysis of a stain normalization tool with the involvement of pathologists with different years of experience. Two qualitative studies were carried out for this purpose: (i) a first study focused on the analysis of the perceived image quality and absence of significant image artifacts after the normalization process; (ii) a second study focused on the clinical score of the normalized image with respect to the original one. The results of the first study prove the high quality of the normalized image with a low impact artifact generation, while the second study demonstrates the superiority of the normalized image with respect to the original one in clinical practice. The normalization process can help both to reduce variability due to tissue staining procedures and facilitate the pathologist in the histological examination. The experimental results obtained in this work are encouraging and can justify the use of a stain normalization tool in clinical routine.
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Digital pathology all stars. J Pathol Inform 2022; 13:100125. [PMID: 36268076 PMCID: PMC9577047 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpi.2022.100125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital pathology plays an important role in accelerating the progression of healthcare and the potential benefits of adopting digital technologies have been solidly established. Despite this, real-world data suggest that a fully digital approach to the histological workflow has been implemented in a minority only of pathology laboratories. The e-learning event “Digital Pathology All Stars” was conceived by the University and Hospital Trust of Verona and comprised traditional lectures made by well-recognized experts in Digital Pathology from all over the world. The meeting aimed to promote the exchange of knowledge to support and strengthen digital pathology adoption and implementation.
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Fraggetta F, L’Imperio V, Ameisen D, Carvalho R, Leh S, Kiehl TR, Serbanescu M, Racoceanu D, Della Mea V, Polonia A, Zerbe N, Eloy C. Best Practice Recommendations for the Implementation of a Digital Pathology Workflow in the Anatomic Pathology Laboratory by the European Society of Digital and Integrative Pathology (ESDIP). Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:2167. [PMID: 34829514 PMCID: PMC8623219 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11112167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The interest in implementing digital pathology (DP) workflows to obtain whole slide image (WSI) files for diagnostic purposes has increased in the last few years. The increasing performance of technical components and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of systems for primary diagnosis led to increased interest in applying DP workflows. However, despite this revolutionary transition, real world data suggest that a fully digital approach to the histological workflow has been implemented in only a minority of pathology laboratories. The objective of this study is to facilitate the implementation of DP workflows in pathology laboratories, helping those involved in this process of transformation to identify: (a) the scope and the boundaries of the DP transformation; (b) how to introduce automation to reduce errors; (c) how to introduce appropriate quality control to guarantee the safety of the process and (d) the hardware and software needed to implement DP systems inside the pathology laboratory. The European Society of Digital and Integrative Pathology (ESDIP) provided consensus-based recommendations developed through discussion among members of the Scientific Committee. The recommendations are thus based on the expertise of the panel members and on the agreement obtained after virtual meetings. Prior to publication, the recommendations were reviewed by members of the ESDIP Board. The recommendations comprehensively cover every step of the implementation of the digital workflow in the anatomic pathology department, emphasizing the importance of interoperability, automation and tracking of the entire process before the introduction of a scanning facility. Compared to the available national and international guidelines, the present document represents a practical, handy reference for the correct implementation of the digital workflow in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Fraggetta
- European Society of Digital and Integrative Pathology (ESDIP), Rua da Constituição n°668, 1° Esq/Traseiras, 4200-194 Porto, Portugal; (F.F.); (V.L.); (D.A.); (R.C.); (S.L.); (T.-R.K.); (M.S.); (D.R.); (V.D.M.); (A.P.); (N.Z.)
- Pathology Unit, “Gravina” Hospital, Caltagirone, ASP Catania, Via Portosalvo 1, 95041 Caltagirone, Italy
| | - Vincenzo L’Imperio
- European Society of Digital and Integrative Pathology (ESDIP), Rua da Constituição n°668, 1° Esq/Traseiras, 4200-194 Porto, Portugal; (F.F.); (V.L.); (D.A.); (R.C.); (S.L.); (T.-R.K.); (M.S.); (D.R.); (V.D.M.); (A.P.); (N.Z.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, ASST Monza, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - David Ameisen
- European Society of Digital and Integrative Pathology (ESDIP), Rua da Constituição n°668, 1° Esq/Traseiras, 4200-194 Porto, Portugal; (F.F.); (V.L.); (D.A.); (R.C.); (S.L.); (T.-R.K.); (M.S.); (D.R.); (V.D.M.); (A.P.); (N.Z.)
- Imginit SAS, 152 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Rita Carvalho
- European Society of Digital and Integrative Pathology (ESDIP), Rua da Constituição n°668, 1° Esq/Traseiras, 4200-194 Porto, Portugal; (F.F.); (V.L.); (D.A.); (R.C.); (S.L.); (T.-R.K.); (M.S.); (D.R.); (V.D.M.); (A.P.); (N.Z.)
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Leh
- European Society of Digital and Integrative Pathology (ESDIP), Rua da Constituição n°668, 1° Esq/Traseiras, 4200-194 Porto, Portugal; (F.F.); (V.L.); (D.A.); (R.C.); (S.L.); (T.-R.K.); (M.S.); (D.R.); (V.D.M.); (A.P.); (N.Z.)
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies Vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies Vei 87, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Tim-Rasmus Kiehl
- European Society of Digital and Integrative Pathology (ESDIP), Rua da Constituição n°668, 1° Esq/Traseiras, 4200-194 Porto, Portugal; (F.F.); (V.L.); (D.A.); (R.C.); (S.L.); (T.-R.K.); (M.S.); (D.R.); (V.D.M.); (A.P.); (N.Z.)
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mircea Serbanescu
- European Society of Digital and Integrative Pathology (ESDIP), Rua da Constituição n°668, 1° Esq/Traseiras, 4200-194 Porto, Portugal; (F.F.); (V.L.); (D.A.); (R.C.); (S.L.); (T.-R.K.); (M.S.); (D.R.); (V.D.M.); (A.P.); (N.Z.)
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Daniel Racoceanu
- European Society of Digital and Integrative Pathology (ESDIP), Rua da Constituição n°668, 1° Esq/Traseiras, 4200-194 Porto, Portugal; (F.F.); (V.L.); (D.A.); (R.C.); (S.L.); (T.-R.K.); (M.S.); (D.R.); (V.D.M.); (A.P.); (N.Z.)
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau—Paris Brain Institute—ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Inria Team “Aramis”, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Vincenzo Della Mea
- European Society of Digital and Integrative Pathology (ESDIP), Rua da Constituição n°668, 1° Esq/Traseiras, 4200-194 Porto, Portugal; (F.F.); (V.L.); (D.A.); (R.C.); (S.L.); (T.-R.K.); (M.S.); (D.R.); (V.D.M.); (A.P.); (N.Z.)
- Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Antonio Polonia
- European Society of Digital and Integrative Pathology (ESDIP), Rua da Constituição n°668, 1° Esq/Traseiras, 4200-194 Porto, Portugal; (F.F.); (V.L.); (D.A.); (R.C.); (S.L.); (T.-R.K.); (M.S.); (D.R.); (V.D.M.); (A.P.); (N.Z.)
- Ipatimup Diagnostics, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of Porto University (Ipatimup), 4200-804 Porto, Portugal
- Medical Faculty, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Norman Zerbe
- European Society of Digital and Integrative Pathology (ESDIP), Rua da Constituição n°668, 1° Esq/Traseiras, 4200-194 Porto, Portugal; (F.F.); (V.L.); (D.A.); (R.C.); (S.L.); (T.-R.K.); (M.S.); (D.R.); (V.D.M.); (A.P.); (N.Z.)
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Catarina Eloy
- European Society of Digital and Integrative Pathology (ESDIP), Rua da Constituição n°668, 1° Esq/Traseiras, 4200-194 Porto, Portugal; (F.F.); (V.L.); (D.A.); (R.C.); (S.L.); (T.-R.K.); (M.S.); (D.R.); (V.D.M.); (A.P.); (N.Z.)
- Ipatimup Diagnostics, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of Porto University (Ipatimup), 4200-804 Porto, Portugal
- Medical Faculty, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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