S M Rahman1, H Itakura. 1. Department of Pathology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Japan.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of morphometry in comparative histologic analysis of diseases, fixing a set of parameters suitable for analysis and to create a general strategy for data storage and economical data management. STUDY DESIGN: To establish the following fundamental principles for morphometric measurements: (1) linear measurements to determine the distance between two points by using an eyepiece graticule with an engraved scale or alternatively with a ruler on a projected microscopic image or photograph; (2) Stereology based on geometric probability, allowing features in three dimensions to be measured from two-dimensional images; and (3) a computerized image processing and analysis system for image capture, storage and analysis using specialized software and hardware. RESULTS: Measurement procedures were demonstrated in different parameters using regenerative nodules of alcoholic cirrhosis as a model. Comparative analysis between primary biliary cirrhosis, alcoholic cirrhosis, posthepatitic cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma showed the highest regenerative activity in posthepatitic cirrhosis. CONCLUSION: With current advances in computer technology, rapid, automatic measurements can be made from tissue sections and a variety of practical applications for the pathology laboratory, such as nuclear morphometry for comparison of different kinds of liver diseases, including classification of hepatocellular carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of morphometry in comparative histologic analysis of diseases, fixing a set of parameters suitable for analysis and to create a general strategy for data storage and economical data management. STUDY DESIGN: To establish the following fundamental principles for morphometric measurements: (1) linear measurements to determine the distance between two points by using an eyepiece graticule with an engraved scale or alternatively with a ruler on a projected microscopic image or photograph; (2) Stereology based on geometric probability, allowing features in three dimensions to be measured from two-dimensional images; and (3) a computerized image processing and analysis system for image capture, storage and analysis using specialized software and hardware. RESULTS: Measurement procedures were demonstrated in different parameters using regenerative nodules of alcoholic cirrhosis as a model. Comparative analysis between primary biliary cirrhosis, alcoholic cirrhosis, posthepatitic cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma showed the highest regenerative activity in posthepatitic cirrhosis. CONCLUSION: With current advances in computer technology, rapid, automatic measurements can be made from tissue sections and a variety of practical applications for the pathology laboratory, such as nuclear morphometry for comparison of different kinds of liver diseases, including classification of hepatocellular carcinoma.