Metrically measuring liver biopsy: A chronic hepatitis B and C computer-aided morphologic description

December 31, 2008

Metrically measuring liver biopsy: A chronic hepatitis B and C computer-aided

morphologic description

Dioguardi N, Grizzi F, Fiamengo B, Russo C.

Scientific Superintendence, Istituto Clinico Humanitas IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56,

Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy. nicola.dioguardi@...

AIM: To describe a quantitative analysis method for liver biopsy sections with a

machine that we have named " Dioguardi Histological Metriser " which automatically

measures the residual hepatocyte mass (including hepatocytes vacuolization),

inflammation, fibrosis and the loss of liver tissue tectonics. METHODS: We

analysed digitised images of liver biopsy sections taken from 398 patients. The

analysis with Dioguardi Histological Metriser was validated by comparison with

semi-quantitative scoring system. RESULTS: The method provides: (1) the metrical

extension in two-dimensions (the plane) of the residual hepatocellular set,

including the area of vacuoles pertinent to abnormal lipid accumulation; (2) the

geometric measure of the inflammation basin, which distinguishes intra-basin

space and extra-basin dispersed parenchymal leukocytes; (3) the magnitude of

collagen islets, (which were considered truncated fractals and classified into

three degrees of magnitude); and (4) the tectonic index that quantifies

alterations (disorders) in the organization of liver tissue. Dioguardi

Histological Metriser machine allows to work at a speed of 0.1 mm2/s, scanning a

whole section in 6-8 min. CONCLUSION: The results are the first standardized

metrical evaluation of the geometric properties of the parenchyma, inflammation,

fibrosis, and alterations in liver tissue tectonics of the biopsy sections. The

present study confirms that biopsies are still valuable, not only for diagnosing

chronic hepatitis, but also for quantifying changes in the organization and

order of liver tissue structure.

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