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Jain E, Patel A, Parwani AV, Shafi S, Brar Z, Sharma S, Mohanty SK. Whole Slide Imaging Technology and Its Applications: Current and Emerging Perspectives. Int J Surg Pathol 2024; 32:433-448. [PMID: 37437093 DOI: 10.1177/10668969231185089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Background. Whole slide imaging (WSI) represents a paradigm shift in pathology, serving as a necessary first step for a wide array of digital tools to enter the field. It utilizes virtual microscopy wherein glass slides are converted into digital slides and are viewed by pathologists by automated image analysis. Its impact on pathology workflow, reproducibility, dissemination of educational material, expansion of service to underprivileged areas, and institutional collaboration exemplifies a significant innovative movement. The recent US Food and Drug Administration approval to WSI for its use in primary surgical pathology diagnosis has opened opportunities for wider application of this technology in routine practice. Main Text. The ongoing technological advances in digital scanners, image visualization methods, and the integration of artificial intelligence-derived algorithms with these systems provide avenues to exploit its applications. Its benefits are innumerable such as ease of access through the internet, avoidance of physical storage space, and no risk of deterioration of staining quality or breakage of slides to name a few. Although the benefits of WSI to pathology practices are many, the complexities of implementation remain an obstacle to widespread adoption. Some barriers including the high cost, technical glitches, and most importantly professional hesitation to adopt a new technology have hindered its use in routine pathology. Conclusions. In this review, we summarize the technical aspects of WSI, its applications in diagnostic pathology, training, and research along with future perspectives. It also highlights improved understanding of the current challenges to implementation, as well as the benefits and successes of the technology. WSI provides a golden opportunity for pathologists to guide its evolution, standardization, and implementation to better acquaint them with the key aspects of this technology and its judicial use. Also, implementation of routine digital pathology is an extra step requiring resources which (currently) does not usually result increased efficiency or payment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekta Jain
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, CORE Diagnostics, Gurgaon, India
| | - Ankush Patel
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anil V Parwani
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Saba Shafi
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Zoya Brar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, CORE Diagnostics, Gurgaon, India
| | - Shivani Sharma
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, CORE Diagnostics, Gurgaon, India
| | - Sambit K Mohanty
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, CORE Diagnostics, Gurgaon, India
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Kim D, Sundling KE, Virk R, Thrall MJ, Alperstein S, Bui MM, Chen-Yost H, Donnelly AD, Lin O, Liu X, Madrigal E, Michelow P, Schmitt FC, Vielh PR, Zakowski MF, Parwani AV, Jenkins E, Siddiqui MT, Pantanowitz L, Li Z. Digital cytology part 1: digital cytology implementation for practice: a concept paper with review and recommendations from the American Society of Cytopathology Digital Cytology Task Force. J Am Soc Cytopathol 2024; 13:86-96. [PMID: 38158316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jasc.2023.11.006] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Digital cytology and artificial intelligence (AI) are gaining greater adoption in the cytopathology laboratory. However, peer-reviewed real-world data and literature are lacking regarding the current clinical landscape. The American Society of Cytopathology in conjunction with the International Academy of Cytology and the Digital Pathology Association established a special task force comprising 20 members with expertise and/or interest in digital cytology. The aim of the group was to investigate the feasibility of incorporating digital cytology, specifically cytology whole slide scanning and AI applications, into the workflow of the laboratory. In turn, the impact on cytopathologists, cytologists (cytotechnologists), and cytology departments were also assessed. The task force reviewed existing literature on digital cytology, conducted a worldwide survey, and held a virtual roundtable discussion on digital cytology and AI with multiple industry corporate representatives. This white paper, presented in 2 parts, summarizes the current state of digital cytology and AI practice in global cytology practice. Part 1 of the white paper presented herein is a review and offers best practice recommendations for incorporating digital cytology into practice. Part 2 of the white paper provides a comprehensive review of AI in cytology practice along with best practice recommendations and legal considerations. Additionally, the results of a global survey regarding digital cytology are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kim
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Kaitlin E Sundling
- The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Renu Virk
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Michael J Thrall
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Susan Alperstein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Marilyn M Bui
- The Department of Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | | | - Amber D Donnelly
- Diagnostic Cytology Education, University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Allied Health Professions, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Oscar Lin
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Xiaoying Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Emilio Madrigal
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pamela Michelow
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Pathology, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Fernando C Schmitt
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty of Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Philippe R Vielh
- Department of Pathology, Medipath and American Hospital of Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Anil V Parwani
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | - Momin T Siddiqui
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| | - Zaibo Li
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
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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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Miguel R, Gregorio B, Santos C, Andriotti C, Valle L, Saieg M. Validation of cytopathology specimens for digital pathology. Cytopathology 2023; 34:302-307. [PMID: 36974500 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.13234] [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: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Digital cytopathology is being progressively implemented in centres worldwide, but impediments such as the three-dimensionality of specimens and the size of scanned images have prevented its use from becoming widespread. This study aimed to validate the use of digital whole slide image scanning of cytopathology samples for routine sign-out. METHODS Specimens were scanned using the Leica Aperio GT 450 System. The following sample types were used: liquid-based cytology, direct conventional smears from fine needle aspirates and cytospins. Cases were validated by the same pathologist who originally rendered the conventional diagnosis, with a washout of at least 3 months. Final digital diagnoses were compared to the original analogical diagnoses, and cases were considered concordant up to a one-degree difference between the original and digital diagnoses. Reasons for the unsuccessful scanning of slides were also noted. The technical procedures followed the College of American Pathologists' guidelines for digital pathology validation. RESULTS A total of 730 slides from 383 cases (337 female, 51 male; median age 42) were successfully scanned. These cases consisted of the following sample types: 81 (21.1%) conventional smears, 240 (62.7%) liquid-based cytology samples and 62 (16.2%) cytospins. There were only five discordant cases, with a 98.7% agreement between original and digital diagnoses using the difference rate of up to one degree. Seventy-seven slides (10.5%) had to be rescanned due to technical problems. The main reasons for unsuccessful scanning were paucicellular samples (44; 57.1%), the thickness of the smears (18; 23.4%) and issues with the coverslip (15; 19.5%). CONCLUSION Cytological specimens can be successfully scanned and used for digital pathology, with excellent agreement with the original diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mauro Saieg
- Fleury Group, São Paulo, Brazil
- Santa Casa Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
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Chiou PZ, Jia Y. Evaluating the use of virtual microscopy in cytology education. J Am Soc Cytopathol 2023; 12:181-188. [PMID: 36990845 DOI: 10.1016/j.jasc.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Whole slide imaging is a promising tool for cytology. In the present study, we assessed the performance of and user experience with virtual microscopy (VM) to determine its feasibility and usage in an educational setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS From January 1 through August 31, 2022, 46 Papanicolaou slides, of which 22 (48%) were abnormal, 23 (50%) were negative, and 1 (2%) was unsatisfactory, were reviewed by the students using both VM and light microscopy (LM) platforms. In addition to assessing VM's overall performance, the SurePath imaged slides' accuracy was reviewed as a potential alternative to ThinPrep because of its cloud storage advantage. Finally, the students' weekly feedback logs were analyzed to gain insights for improving the digital screening experience. RESULTS The overall diagnostic concordance difference was significant between the 2 screening platforms (Z = 5.38; P < 0.001), favoring LM (86% correct diagnosis) over VM (70% correct diagnosis). The overall sensitivity of VM and LM was 54.0% and 89.6%, respectively. VM also had an overall higher specificity (91.8%) compared with LM (81.3%). LM performed better than whole slide imaging for the correct identification of an organism when one was present, with 77.6% sensitivity compared with 58.9% for the digital platform. The rate of agreement for the SurePath imaged slides with the reference diagnosis was 74.3% compared with 65.7% for the ThinPrep slides. Finally, 4 themes were discerned from reviewing the user logs, with issues about image quality and the lack of fine focus functionality most frequently mentioned, followed by themes associated with a higher learning curve and novelty associated with the digital screening. CONCLUSIONS Although the VM results were poorer than the LM results in our validation, its use in an educational setting is promising considering the continued technological improvements and the renewed focus on improving the digital user experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Z Chiou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Medical Imaging Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey.
| | - Yuane Jia
- Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Health Professions, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey
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Saini T, Bansal B, Dey P. Digital cytology: Current status and future prospects. Diagn Cytopathol 2023; 51:211-218. [PMID: 36594526 DOI: 10.1002/dc.25099] [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: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AIMS In this paper, we reviewed the basic principle and the currentstatus of digital cytopathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed the published papers on digitalcytology and analysed its future prospects. RESULTS Virtualcytology using digital platform is being increasingly used to render diagnosisrather than conventional glass slide microscopy. Whole slide imaging (WSI)offers the prospect of true virtual microscopy and in the near future, may evenreplace glass slides in routine practice. It may be pivotal in diagnosing andtraining pathology graduates faster and more accurately. CONCLUSION The digital cytopathology is a promising field and may have great impact indiagnosis, research and teaching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarunpreet Saini
- Department of Cytology and Gynecological Pathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Baneet Bansal
- Department of Cytology and Gynecological Pathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Pranab Dey
- Department of Cytology and Gynecological Pathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Vassilakos P, Clarke H, Murtas M, Stegmüller T, Wisniak A, Akhoundova F, Sando Z, Orock GE, Sormani J, Thiran JP, Petignat P. Telecytologic diagnosis of cervical smears for triage of self-sampled human papillomavirus-positive women in a resource-limited setting: concept development before implementation. J Am Soc Cytopathol 2023; 12:170-180. [PMID: 36922319 DOI: 10.1016/j.jasc.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cytology is an option for triaging human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive women. The interpretation of cytologic slides requires expertise and financial resources that are not always available in resource-limited settings. A solution could be offered by manual preparation and digitization of slides on site for real-time remote cytologic diagnosis by specialists. In the present study, we evaluated the operational feasibility and cost of manual preparation and digitization of thin-layer slides and the diagnostic accuracy of screening with virtual microscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Operational feasibility was evaluated on 30 cervical samples obtained during colposcopy. The simplicity of the process and cellularity and quality of digitized thin-layer slides were evaluated. The diagnostic accuracy of digital versus glass slides to detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse was assessed using a cohort of 264 HPV-positive Cameroonian women aged 30 to 49 years. The histologic results served as the reference standard. RESULTS Manual preparation was found to be feasible and economically viable. The quality characteristics of the digital slides were satisfactory, and the mean cellularity was 6078 squamous cells per slide. When using the atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or worse threshold for positivity, the diagnostic performance of screening digital slides was not significantly different statistically compared with the same set of slides screened using a light microscope (P = 0.26). CONCLUSIONS We have developed an innovative triage concept for HPV-positive women. A quality-ensured telecytologic diagnosis could be an effective solution in areas with a shortage of specialists, applying a same day "test-triage-treat" approach. Our results warrant further on-site clinical validation in a large prospective screening trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Vassilakos
- Gynecology Division, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland; Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Holly Clarke
- Gynecology Division, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Micol Murtas
- Gynecology Division, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Stegmüller
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ania Wisniak
- Gynecology Division, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Farida Akhoundova
- Gynecology Division, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Zacharie Sando
- Gyneco-Obstetrics and Paediatric Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Jessica Sormani
- Gynecology Division, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Patrick Petignat
- Gynecology Division, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
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Antonini P, Santonicco N, Pantanowitz L, Girolami I, Rizzo PC, Brunelli M, Bellevicine C, Vigliar E, Negri G, Troncone G, Fadda G, Parwani A, Marletta S, Eccher A. Relevance of the College of American Pathologists guideline for validating whole slide imaging for diagnostic purposes to cytopathology. Cytopathology 2023; 34:5-14. [PMID: 36082410 PMCID: PMC10087327 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.13178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Whole slide imaging (WSI) allows pathologists to view virtual versions of slides on computer monitors. With increasing adoption of digital pathology, laboratories have begun to validate their WSI systems for diagnostic purposes according to reference guidelines. Among these the College of American Pathologists (CAP) guideline includes three strong recommendations (SRs) and nine good practice statements (GPSs). To date, the application of WSI to cytopathology has been beyond the scope of the CAP guideline due to limited evidence. Herein we systematically reviewed the published literature on WSI validation studies in cytology. A systematic search was carried out in PubMed-MEDLINE and Embase databases up to November 2021 to identify all publications regarding validation of WSI in cytology. Each article was reviewed to determine if SRs and/or GPSs recommended by the CAP guideline were adequately satisfied. Of 3963 retrieved articles, 25 were included. Only 4/25 studies (16%) satisfied all three SRs, with only one publication (1/25, 4%) fulfilling all three SRs and nine GPSs. Lack of a suitable validation dataset was the main missing SR (16/25, 64%) and less than a third of the studies reported intra-observer variability data (7/25, 28%). Whilst the CAP guideline for WSI validation in clinical practice helped the widespread adoption of digital pathology, more evidence is required to routinely employ WSI for diagnostic purposes in cytopathology practice. More dedicated validation studies satisfying all SRs and/or GPSs recommended by the CAP are needed to help expedite the use of WSI for primary diagnosis in cytopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Antonini
- Section of Pathology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Nicola Santonicco
- Section of Pathology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ilaria Girolami
- Department of Pathology, Provincial Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
| | - Paola Chiara Rizzo
- Section of Pathology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo Brunelli
- Section of Pathology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Elena Vigliar
- Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Negri
- Department of Pathology, Provincial Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
| | | | - Guido Fadda
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "G. Barresi", University Hospital G. Martino, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Anil Parwani
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Stefano Marletta
- Section of Pathology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Albino Eccher
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Mastrosimini MG, Eccher A, Nottegar A, Montin U, Scarpa A, Pantanowitz L, Girolami I. elcome@123WSI validation studies in breast and gynecological pathology. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 240:154191. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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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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Kim D, Burkhardt R, Alperstein SA, Gokozan HN, Goyal A, Heymann JJ, Patel A, Siddiqui MT. Evaluating the role of Z-stack to improve the morphologic evaluation of urine cytology whole slide images for high-grade urothelial carcinoma: Results and review of a pilot study. Cancer Cytopathol 2022; 130:630-639. [PMID: 35584402 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whole slide imaging (WSI) adoption has been slower in cytopathology due, in part, to challenges in multifocal plane scanning on 3-dimensional cell clusters. ThinPrep and other liquid-based preparations may alleviate the issue by reducing clusters in a concentrated area. This study investigates the use of Z-stacked images for diagnostic assessment and the experience of evaluating urine ThinPrep WSI. METHODS Thirty ThinPrep urine cases of high-grade urothelial carcinoma (n = 22) and cases of negative for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (n = 8) were included. Slides were scanned at 40× magnification without Z-stack and with Z-stack at 3 layers, 1 μm each. Six cytopathologists and 1 cytotechnologist evaluated the cases in 2 rounds with a 2-week wash-out period in a blinded manner. A Cohen's Kappa (CK) calculated concordance rates. A survey after each round evaluated participant experience. RESULTS CK with the original report ranged from 0.606 to 1.0 (P < .05) without Z-stack and 0.533 to 1.0 (P < .05) with Z-stack both indicating substantial-to-perfect concordance. For both rounds, interobserver CK was moderate-to-perfect (0.417-1.0, P < .05). Intraobserver CK was 0.697-1.0 (P < 0.05), indicating substantial to perfect concordance. The average scan time and file size for slides without Z-stack and with Z-stack are 6.27 minute/0.827 GB and 14.06 minute/2.650 GB, respectively. Surveys demonstrated a range in comfort and use with slightly more favorable opinions for Z-stacked cases. CONCLUSIONS Z-stack images provide minimal diagnostic benefit for urine ThinPrep WSI. In addition, Z-stacked urine WSI does not justify the prolonged scan times and larger storage needs compared to those without Z-stack.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kim
- Division of Cytopathology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Robert Burkhardt
- Division of Cytopathology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Susan A Alperstein
- Division of Cytopathology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hamza N Gokozan
- Division of Cytopathology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Abha Goyal
- Division of Cytopathology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jonas J Heymann
- Division of Cytopathology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ami Patel
- Division of Cytopathology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Momin T Siddiqui
- Division of Cytopathology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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12
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Chantziantoniou N. BestCyte® Cell Sorter Imaging System: Primary and Adjudicative Whole Slide Image Rescreening Review Times of 500 ThinPrep Pap Test Thin-layers - An Intra-observer, Time-Surrogate Analysis of Diagnostic Confidence Potentialities. J Pathol Inform 2022; 13:100095. [PMID: 36268084 PMCID: PMC9576977 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpi.2022.100095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The novel Artificial Intelligence-driven BestCyte® Cell Sorter Imaging System (BestCyte) enables hybrid digital screening through classification and sorting of tiles depicting cells in 8 galleries or whole slide image (WSI) reviews. Objectives (1) Analyze expenditures of time (minutes) for primary BestCyte cell sorter screening and adjudicative WSI rescreening of 500 blinded, randomized ThinPrep thin-layers to determine review times per Bethesda nomenclature; (2) Analyze review times for NILM qualifier diagnoses reflecting increasing interpretive complexity (i.e., Inflammation, Reactive/Repair, Bacterial cytolysis, Bacterial vaginosis, Atrophy, and Atrophic vaginitis); (3) Challenge accuracy of primary diagnoses (Downgraded, Upheld, and Upgraded) following adjudicative WSI rescreening to assess correlated review times as surrogate indicators of diagnostic confidence in BestCyte functionality (i.e., learning curve); and (4) Correlate primary and adjudicative diagnoses to calculate intra-observer reproducibility Kappa coefficients per Bethesda nomenclature. Results Of 500 thin-layers, the mean [primary/adjudicative rescreening review times (minutes)] were: Overall study [1.38/3.94], NILM [1.23/3.02], ASCUS [1.18/2.53], ASC-H [1.73/4.86], AGUS [1.84/6.34], LSIL [1.49/4.16], HSIL [1.52/4.10], CA [0.65/2.57]. Of 500 primary Bethesda diagnoses: 2 (0.40%) downgraded; 483 (96.6%) upheld; 15 (3.00%) upgraded after adjudicative WSI rescreening. Of 354 NILM diagnoses: 0 downgraded; 344 (97.2%) upheld; 10 (2.82%) upgraded. Of 34 ASCUS diagnoses: 2 (5.88%) downgraded; 28 (82.4%) upheld; 4 (11.8%) upgraded. Of 17 ASC-H diagnoses: 0 downgraded; 16 (94.1%) upheld; 1 (5.88%) upgraded. Of AGUS (n=1), LSIL (n=24), HSIL (n=52), CA (n=1), UNSAT (n=17): 100% upheld. Kappa coefficients with 95% (Confidence Intervals): Overall study 0.9305 (0.8983–0.9627), NILM 0.9429 (0.9110–0.9748), ASCUS 0.8378 (0.7393–0.9363), ASC-H 0.9112 (0.8113–0.9999), AGUS 1.0 (1.0–1.0), LSIL 0.9189 (0.8400–0.9978), HSIL 0.9894 (0.9685–0.9999), CA 1.0 (1.0–1.0), UNSAT 1.0 (1.0–1.0). Primary BestCyte cell image review time trends for NILM, ASCUS, LSIL, and HSIL, revealed plateaus relative to decreasing respective adjudicative WSI rescreening times. Conclusions Given innovative robustness, BestCyte accommodates interpretive fundamentals, enabling shorter ThinPrep thin-layer review times with optimal intra-observer concordance per Bethesda nomenclature through classifying, ranking, sorting, and displaying clinically relevant cells efficiently in galleries. BestCyte fosters continuously optimizing diagnostic confidence learning curves; may supplant manual microscopy for primary screening.
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13
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Khairkhah N, Bolhassani A, Najafipour R. Current and future direction in treatment of HPV-related cervical disease. J Mol Med (Berl) 2022; 100:829-845. [PMID: 35478255 PMCID: PMC9045016 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-022-02199-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the world. About 70% of cervical cancers are caused by the most oncogenic HPV genotypes of 16 and 18. Since available prophylactic vaccines do not induce immunity in those with established HPV infections, the development of therapeutic HPV vaccines using E6 and E7 oncogenes, or both as the target antigens remains essential. Also, knocking out the E6 and E7 oncogenes in host genome by genome-editing CRISPR/Cas system can result in tumor growth suppression. These methods have shown promising results in both preclinical and clinical trials and can be used for controlling the progression of HPV-related cervical diseases. This comprehensive review will detail the current treatment of HPV-related cervical precancerous and cancerous diseases. We also reviewed the future direction of treatment including different kinds of therapeutic methods and vaccines, genome-editing CRISPR/Cas system being studied in clinical trials. Although the progress in the development of therapeutic HPV vaccine has been slow, encouraging results from recent trials showed vaccine-induced regression in high-grade CIN lesions. CRISPR/Cas genome-editing system is also a promising strategy for HPV cancer therapy. However, its safety and specificity need to be optimized before it is used in clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloofar Khairkhah
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.,Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza Najafipour
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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14
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Eloy C, Bychkov A, Pantanowitz L, Fraggetta F, Bui MM, Fukuoka J, Zerbe N, Hassell L, Parwani A. DPA-ESDIP-JSDP Task Force for Worldwide Adoption of Digital Pathology. J Pathol Inform 2022; 12:51. [PMID: 35070480 PMCID: PMC8721866 DOI: 10.4103/jpi.jpi_65_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Eloy
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty of Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andrey Bychkov
- Department of Pathology, Kameda Medical Center, Kamogawa, Japan
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Marilyn M Bui
- Department of Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Junya Fukuoka
- Department of Pathology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Norman Zerbe
- Charité - University Medicine Berlin & Research IT Services, Berlin Institute of Health & Institute of Pathology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lewis Hassell
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Anil Parwani
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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15
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Kusta O, Rift CV, Risør T, Santoni-Rugiu E, Brodersen JB. Lost in digitization – A systematic review about the diagnostic test accuracy of digital pathology solutions. J Pathol Inform 2022; 13:100136. [PMID: 36268077 PMCID: PMC9577136 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpi.2022.100136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Girolami I, Neri S, Eccher A, Brunelli M, Hanna M, Pantanowitz L, Hanspeter E, Mazzoleni G. Frozen section telepathology service: Efficiency and benefits of an e-health policy in South Tyrol. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221116776. [PMID: 35923756 PMCID: PMC9340333 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221116776] [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: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective/Background Telepathology has been widely adopted to allow intraoperative pathology
examinations to be performed remotely and for obtaining second opinion
teleconsultation. In the Italian northern region of South Tyrol, the
widespread geographical distances and consequent cost for the health system
of having a travelling pathologist cover intraoperative consultations in
peripheral hospitals was a key driver for the implementation of a
telepathology system. Methods In 2010, four Menarini D-Sight whole slide scanners to digitize entire
pathology slides were placed in the peripheral hospitals of Merano,
Bressanone, Brunico, and in the hub hospital of Bolzano. Digital
workstations were also installed to allow pathologists to remotely perform
intraoperative consultations with digital slides. This study reviews the
outcome after 12 years of telepathology for this intended clinical use. Results After an initial validation phase with 100 cases which yielded a sensitivity
of 65% (CI 43–84%) and specificity of 100% (CI 95–100%), there were 2058
intraoperative consultations handled by telepathology. The cases evaluated
were mainly breast sentinel lymph nodes, followed by urological,
gynecological and general surgical pathology frozen section specimens. There
were no false-positive cases and 165 (8%) false-negative cases, yielding an
overall sensitivity and specificity of 65% (CI 61–69%) and 100% (CI
99–100%), respectively. Conclusion Telepathology is reliable for remote intraoperative diagnosis and, despite
technical issues and initial acquaintance issues, proved beneficial for
patient care in satellite hospitals, improved standardization, promoted
innovation, and resulted in cost savings for the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Girolami
- Department of Pathology, Provincial Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
| | - Stefania Neri
- Department of Pathology, Provincial Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
| | - Albino Eccher
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo Brunelli
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Mattew Hanna
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology & Clinical Labs, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Esther Hanspeter
- Department of Pathology, Provincial Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
| | - Guido Mazzoleni
- Department of Pathology, Provincial Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
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17
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Sornapudi S, Addanki R, Stanley RJ, Stoecker WV, Long R, Zuna R, Frazier SR, Antani S. Automated Cervical Digitized Histology Whole-Slide Image Analysis Toolbox. J Pathol Inform 2021; 12:26. [PMID: 34447606 PMCID: PMC8356709 DOI: 10.4103/jpi.jpi_52_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is regarded as a potential precancerous state of the uterine cervix. Timely and appropriate early treatment of CIN can help reduce cervical cancer mortality. Accurate estimation of CIN grade correlated with human papillomavirus type, which is the primary cause of the disease, helps determine the patient's risk for developing the disease. Colposcopy is used to select women for biopsy. Expert pathologists examine the biopsied cervical epithelial tissue under a microscope. The examination can take a long time and is prone to error and often results in high inter-and intra-observer variability in outcomes. Methodology: We propose a novel image analysis toolbox that can automate CIN diagnosis using whole slide image (digitized biopsies) of cervical tissue samples. The toolbox is built as a four-step deep learning model that detects the epithelium regions, segments the detected epithelial portions, analyzes local vertical segment regions, and finally classifies each epithelium block with localized attention. We propose an epithelium detection network in this study and make use of our earlier research on epithelium segmentation and CIN classification to complete the design of the end-to-end CIN diagnosis toolbox. Results: The results show that automated epithelium detection and segmentation for CIN classification yields comparable results to manually segmented epithelium CIN classification. Conclusion: This highlights the potential as a tool for automated digitized histology slide image analysis to assist expert pathologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir Sornapudi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, USA
| | - Ravitej Addanki
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, USA
| | - R Joe Stanley
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, USA
| | | | - Rodney Long
- Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rosemary Zuna
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Shellaine R Frazier
- Department of Surgical Pathology, University of Missouri Hospitals and Clinics, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Sameer Antani
- Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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18
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Bertram CA, Stathonikos N, Donovan TA, Bartel A, Fuchs-Baumgartinger A, Lipnik K, van Diest PJ, Bonsembiante F, Klopfleisch R. Validation of digital microscopy: Review of validation methods and sources of bias. Vet Pathol 2021; 59:26-38. [PMID: 34433345 PMCID: PMC8761960 DOI: 10.1177/03009858211040476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Digital microscopy (DM) is increasingly replacing traditional light microscopy (LM) for performing routine diagnostic and research work in human and veterinary pathology. The DM workflow encompasses specimen preparation, whole-slide image acquisition, slide retrieval, and the workstation, each of which has the potential (depending on the technical parameters) to introduce limitations and artifacts into microscopic examination by pathologists. Performing validation studies according to guidelines established in human pathology ensures that the best-practice approaches for patient care are not deteriorated by implementing DM. Whereas current publications on validation studies suggest an overall high reliability of DM, each laboratory is encouraged to perform an individual validation study to ensure that the DM workflow performs as expected in the respective clinical or research environment. With the exception of validation guidelines developed by the College of American Pathologists in 2013 and its update in 2021, there is no current review of the application of methods fundamental to validation. We highlight that there is high methodological variation between published validation studies, each having advantages and limitations. The diagnostic concordance rate between DM and LM is the most relevant outcome measure, which is influenced (regardless of the viewing modality used) by different sources of bias including complexity of the cases examined, diagnostic experience of the study pathologists, and case recall. Here, we review 3 general study designs used for previous publications on DM validation as well as different approaches for avoiding bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christof A Bertram
- University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Abstract
Whole slide imaging (WSI), ever since its first introduction about two decades ago, has been validated for a number of applications in the field of pathology. The recent approval of US FDA to a WSI system for use in primary surgical pathology diagnosis has opened avenues for wider acceptance and application of this technology in routine practice. The ongoing technological advances in digital scanners, image visualization methods, and the integration of artificial intelligence-derived algorithms with these systems provide opportunities of its newer applications. Its benefits are innumerable such as ease of access through internet, avoidance of physical storage space, and no risk of deterioration of staining quality or breakage of slides to name a few. Various barriers such as the high cost, technical glitches, and professional hesitation to adopt a new technology have hindered its use in pathology. This review article summarizes the technical aspects of WSI, its applications in diagnostic pathology, training, and research along with future perspectives. It highlights the benefits, limitations, and challenges delaying the use of this technology in routine practice. The review is targeted at students, residents, and budding pathologists to better acquaint them with the key aspects of state-of-the-art technology and enable them to implement WSI judiciously.
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20
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The histopathological diagnosis of atypical meningioma: glass slide versus whole slide imaging for grading assessment. Virchows Arch 2020; 478:747-756. [PMID: 33305338 PMCID: PMC7990834 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-020-02988-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Limited studies on whole slide imaging (WSI) in surgical neuropathology reported a perceived limitation in the recognition of mitoses. This study analyzed and compared the inter- and intra-observer concordance for atypical meningioma, using glass slides and WSI. Two neuropathologists and two residents assessed the histopathological features of 35 meningiomas-originally diagnosed as atypical-in a representative glass slide and corresponding WSI. For each histological parameter and final diagnosis, we calculated the inter- and intra-observer concordance in the two viewing modes and the predictive accuracy on recurrence. The concordance rates for atypical meningioma on glass slides and on WSI were 54% and 60% among four observers and 63% and 74% between two neuropathologists. The inter-observer agreement was higher using WSI than with glass slides for all parameters, with the exception of high mitotic index. For all histological features, we found median intra-observer concordance of ≥ 79% and similar predictive accuracy for recurrence between the two viewing modes. The higher concordance for atypical meningioma using WSI than with glass slides and the similar predictive accuracy for recurrence in the two modalities suggest that atypical meningioma may be safely diagnosed using WSI.
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21
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Chong Y, Kim DC, Jung CK, Kim DC, Song SY, Joo HJ, Yi SY. Recommendations for pathologic practice using digital pathology: consensus report of the Korean Society of Pathologists. J Pathol Transl Med 2020; 54:437-452. [PMID: 33027850 PMCID: PMC7674756 DOI: 10.4132/jptm.2020.08.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital pathology (DP) using whole slide imaging (WSI) is becoming a fundamental issue in pathology with recent advances and the rapid development of associated technologies. However, the available evidence on its diagnostic uses and practical advice for pathologists on implementing DP remains insufficient, particularly in light of the exponential growth of this industry. To inform DP implementation in Korea, we developed relevant and timely recommendations. We first performed a literature review of DP guidelines, recommendations, and position papers from major countries, as well as a review of relevant studies validating WSI. Based on that information, we prepared a draft. After several revisions, we released this draft to the public and the members of the Korean Society of Pathologists through our homepage and held an open forum for interested parties. Through that process, this final manuscript has been prepared. This recommendation contains an overview describing the background, objectives, scope of application, and basic terminology; guidelines and considerations for the hardware and software used in DP systems and the validation required for DP implementation; conclusions; and references and appendices, including literature on DP from major countries and WSI validation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosep Chong
- Department of Hospital Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dae Cheol Kim
- Department of Pathology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Chan Kwon Jung
- Department of Hospital Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong-Chul Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul Clinical Laboratories, Yongin, Korea
| | - Sang Yong Song
- Department of Pathology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Jae Joo
- Department of Pathology, TCM Laboratory, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Sang-Yeop Yi
- Department of Pathology, Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Gangneung, Korea
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Eccher A, Girolami I. Current state of whole slide imaging use in cytopathology: Pros and pitfalls. Cytopathology 2020; 31:372-378. [PMID: 32020667 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.12806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Whole slide imaging (WSI) allows generation of large whole slide images and their navigation with zoom in and out like a true virtual microscope. It has become widely used in surgical pathology for many purposes, such as education and training, research activity, teleconsultation, and primary diagnosis. However, in cytopathology, the use of WSI has been lagging behind histology, mainly due to the cytological specimen's characteristics, as groups of cells of different thickness are distributed throughout the slide. To allow the same focusing capability of light microscope, slides have to be scanned at multiple focal planes, at the cost of longer scan times and larger file size. These are the main technical pitfalls of WSI for cytopathology, partly overcome by solutions like liquid-based preparations. Validation studies for the use in primary diagnosis are less numerous and more heterogeneous than in surgical pathology. WSI has been proved effective for training students and successfully used in proficiency testing, allowing the creation of digital cytology atlases. Longer scan times are also a barrier for use in rapid on-site evaluation, but WSI retains its advantages of easy sharing of images for consultation, multiple simultaneous viewing in different locations, the possibility of unlimited annotations and easy integration with medical records. Moreover, digital slides set the laboratory free from reliance on a physical glass slide, with no more concern of fading of stain or slide breakage. Costs are still a problem for small institutions, but WSI can also represent the beginning of a more efficient way of working.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albino Eccher
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Girolami
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Girolami I, Pantanowitz L, Marletta S, Brunelli M, Mescoli C, Parisi A, Barresi V, Parwani A, Neil D, Scarpa A, Rossi ED, Eccher A. Diagnostic concordance between whole slide imaging and conventional light microscopy in cytopathology: A systematic review. Cancer Cytopathol 2020; 128:17-28. [DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Girolami
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics University and Hospital Trust of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology UPMC Shadyside Hospital University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
| | - Stefano Marletta
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics University and Hospital Trust of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Matteo Brunelli
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics University and Hospital Trust of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Claudia Mescoli
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit Department of Medicine University and Hospital Trust of Padua Padua Italy
| | - Alice Parisi
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics University and Hospital Trust of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Valeria Barresi
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics University and Hospital Trust of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Anil Parwani
- Department of Pathology Ohio State University Columbus Ohio
| | - Desley Neil
- Department of Histopathology University Hospital Birmingham National Health Service Foundation Trust Birmingham United Kingdom
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics University and Hospital Trust of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Esther Diana Rossi
- Division of Anatomic Pathology and Histology Catholic University of Sacred Heart Agostino Gemelli School of Medicine Rome Italy
| | - Albino Eccher
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics University and Hospital Trust of Verona Verona Italy
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Fiehn AMK, Clausen LN, Engel U, Munck LK, Kristensson M, Engel PJH. Establishment of digital cutoff values for intraepithelial lymphocytes in biopsies from colonic mucosa with lymphocytic colitis. Pathol Res Pract 2019; 215:152580. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2019.152580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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3D image analysis reveals differences of CD30 positive cells and network formation in reactive and malignant human lymphoid tissue (classical Hodgkin Lymphoma). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224156. [PMID: 31648255 PMCID: PMC6812863 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The examination of histological sections is still the gold standard in diagnostic pathology. Important histopathological diagnostic criteria are nuclear shapes and chromatin distribution as well as nucleus-cytoplasm relation and immunohistochemical properties of surface and intracellular proteins. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of three-dimensional imaging of CD30+ cells in classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) in comparison to CD30+ lymphoid cells in reactive lymphoid tissues. MATERIALS AND RESULTS Using immunoflourescence confocal microscopy and computer-based analysis, we compared CD30+ neoplastic cells in Nodular Sclerosis cHL (NScCHL), Mixed Cellularity cHL (MCcHL), with reactive CD30+ cells in Adenoids (AD) and Lymphadenitis (LAD). We confirmed that the percentage of CD30+ cell volume can be calculated. The amount in lymphadenitis was approx. 1.5%, in adenoids around 2%, in MCcHL up to 4,5% whereas the values for NScHL rose to more than 8% of the total cell cytoplasm. In addition, CD30+ tumour cells (HRS-cells) in cHL had larger volumes, and more protrusions compared to CD30+ reactive cells. Furthermore, the formation of large cell networks turned out to be a typical characteristic of NScHL. CONCLUSION In contrast to 2D histology, 3D laser scanning offers a visualisation of complete cells, their network interaction and spatial distribution in the tissue. The possibility to differentiate cells in regards to volume, surface, shape, and cluster formation enables a new view on further diagnostic and biological questions. 3D includes an increased amount of information as a basis of bioinformatical calculations.
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Stathonikos N, Nguyen TQ, Spoto CP, Verdaasdonk MAM, van Diest PJ. Being fully digital: perspective of a Dutch academic pathology laboratory. Histopathology 2019; 75:621-635. [PMID: 31301690 PMCID: PMC6856836 DOI: 10.1111/his.13953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of fast and robust whole slide scanners has facilitated the implementation of ‘digital pathology’ with various uses, the final challenge being full digital diagnostics. In this article, we describe the implementation process of a fully digital workflow for primary diagnostics in 2015 at the University Medical Centre in Utrecht, The Netherlands, as one of the first laboratories going fully digital with a future‐proof complete digital archive. Furthermore, we evaluated the experience of the first 2 years of working with the system by pathologists and residents. The system was successfully implemented in 6 months, including a European tender procedure. Most pathologists and residents had high confidence in working fully digitally, the expertise areas lagging behind being paediatrics, haematopathology, and neuropathology. Reported limitations concerned recognition of microorganisms and mitoses. Neither the age of respondents nor the number of years of pathology experience was correlated with the confidence level regarding digital diagnostics. The ergonomics of digital diagnostics were better than those of traditional microscopy. In this article, we describe our experiences in implementing our fully digital primary diagnostics workflow, describing in depth the implementation steps undertaken, the interlocking components that are required for a fully functional digital pathology system (laboratory management, hospital information systems, data storage, and whole slide scanners), and the changes required in workflow and slide production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolas Stathonikos
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tri Q Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Clothaire P Spoto
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Paul J van Diest
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Hanna MG, Pantanowitz L. Feasibility of using the Omnyx digital pathology system for cytology practice. J Am Soc Cytopathol 2019; 8:182-189. [PMID: 31272601 DOI: 10.1016/j.jasc.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Whole slide imaging systems have focused mostly on surgical pathologic evaluation. However, for pathology laboratories to become fully digital, cytology slides will also need to be digitized, managed, viewed, and analyzed. Our aim was to determine the feasibility of using the Omnyx whole slide imaging system for various purposes in cytology. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our institution implemented the Omnyx digital pathology system, which was tested for feasibility and not implemented for clinical use in cytology. Glass slides (n = 18), scanned using various whole slide scanners, were uploaded into the Omnyx system. The system was evaluated for its feasibility with cytology case management, digital slide navigation and annotation, telecytology, and cytologic-histologic correlation. RESULTS The Omnyx software was able to manage cases similar to a laboratory information system. Users were able to electronically distribute, search, and sort the clinical cases. A graphic dashboard approach and virtual slide tray is available for end users to evaluate cases. The ability to create custom folders and drag-and-drop images into these folders fulfilled clinical, quality assurance, education, and research needs. Innovative tools for digital slide navigation and annotation (eg, auto-pan, adding text to annotation, hiding annotations, image coregistration) offered innovative methods to work with slides. Omnyx also provided a mechanism for sharing images with others to perform teleconsultation. CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated the feasibility of using the Omnyx whole slide imaging system for various purposes in cytology practice. The application supported, not only case management, but also the ability to perform cytologic-histologic correlation and telecytology. The viewer offered many features that improved digital slide navigation and annotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G Hanna
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Pantanowitz L, Sharma A, Carter AB, Kurc T, Sussman A, Saltz J. Twenty Years of Digital Pathology: An Overview of the Road Travelled, What is on the Horizon, and the Emergence of Vendor-Neutral Archives. J Pathol Inform 2018; 9:40. [PMID: 30607307 PMCID: PMC6289005 DOI: 10.4103/jpi.jpi_69_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost 20 years have passed since the commercial introduction of whole-slide imaging (WSI) scanners. During this time, the creation of various WSI devices with the ability to digitize an entire glass slide has transformed the field of pathology. Parallel advances in computational technology and storage have permitted rapid processing of large-scale WSI datasets. This article provides an overview of important past and present efforts related to WSI. An account of how the virtual microscope evolved from the need to visualize and manage satellite data for earth science applications is provided. The article also discusses important milestones beginning from the first WSI scanner designed by Bacus to the Food and Drug Administration approval of the first digital pathology system for primary diagnosis in surgical pathology. As pathology laboratories commit to going fully digitalize, the need has emerged to include WSIs into an enterprise-level vendor-neutral archive (VNA). The different types of VNAs available are reviewed as well as how best to implement them and how pathology can benefit from participating in this effort. Differences between traditional image algorithms that extract pixel-, object-, and semantic-level features versus deep learning methods are highlighted. The need for large-scale data management, analysis, and visualization in computational pathology is also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ashish Sharma
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Emory University, GA, USA
| | - Alexis B. Carter
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tahsin Kurc
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Alan Sussman
- Department of Computer Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Joel Saltz
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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