Digital photography in anatomical pathology.

TLDR

Digital imaging has transformed anatomical pathology by replacing photographic prints and Kodachromes, enabling faster, cheaper, and versatile incorporation of macroscopic and microscopic images into reports, and allowing remote consultation, quality assurance, education, full slide digitization, and 3‑D specimen visualization. The integrated computer‑based systems enable objective, automated quantitation of morphological and immunohistological parameters for research. Early studies demonstrate that medical vision systems can automatically generate computer‑based histopathological diagnoses and support quality assurance.

Abstract

Digital imaging has made major inroads into the routine practice of anatomical pathology and replaces photographic prints and Kodachromes for reporting and conference purposes. More advanced systems coupled to computers allow greater versatility and speed of turnaround as well as lower costs of incorporating macroscopic and microscopic pictures into pathology reports and publications. Digital images allow transmission to remote sites via the Internet for consultation, quality assurance and educational purposes, and can be stored on and disseminated by CD-ROM. Total slide digitisation is now a reality and will replace glass slides to a large extent. Three-dimensional images of gross specimens can be assembled and posted on websites for interactive educational programmes. There are also applications in research, allowing more objective and automated quantitation of a variety of morphological and immunohistological parameters. Early reports indicate that medical vision systems are a reality and can provide for automated computer-generated histopathological diagnosis and quality assurance.