Nuclear morphometry and texture analysis on cytological smears of thyroid neoplasms: a study of 50 cases
- Author:
Lopamudra Deka
;
Shilpa Gupta
;
Kusum Gupta
;
Cj Kaur Md
;
Sompal Singh
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
morphometry, texture analysis, thyroid, aspiration cytology
- From:The Malaysian Journal of Pathology
2017;39(1):33-37
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a reliable and reproducible diagnostic
technique for thyroid lesions with certain limitations. Computed morphometric methods have been
introduced with a view to improve the diagnostic yield of thyroid aspirates. However, a review of
the existing literature revealed conflicting reports regarding morphometric parameters in thyroid
neoplasms. Materials and Methods: This study included 50 cases of thyroid lesions (20 cases of
colloid goitre, 15 of follicular adenoma, 5 of follicular carcinoma and 10 papillary carcinomas).
Digital images of cytologic smears of these cases were captured using a dedicated photomicrography
system and nuclear profiles traced manually. With self-designed image analysis software, nuclear
morphometric measurements, including texture analysis, were performed. Discriminant analysis
was performed including the morphometric parameters and percentage of correctly classified nuclei
noted. Results: Nuclear morphometry parameters showed that papillary thyroid carcinoma had the
highest perimeter, area, radius and elongation factor compared to other thyroid lesions. Discriminant
analysis revealed that altogether 77.9% of cells could be correctly classified to their lesion category
based on the nuclear morphometric and textural parameters. Of the neoplastic cases, 84.5% of cells
of follicular neoplasms and 72.5% of papillary carcinoma were classified to the respective category.
Conclusion: Nuclear morphometry, including texture analysis, can assist in the cytologic diagnosis
of thyroid lesions, considering the high degree of accuracy of classification. Further studies and
methodological refinements can achieve higher accuracy.
- Full text:P020170515573106967871.pdf
