http://www.wjgnet. com/1007- 9327/abstract_ en.asp?f= 7335&v=14

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@ humanitas. it

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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