Digital pathology: Advancing frontiers

摘要

Digital imaging today represents more of an evolution than a revolution in pathology. Emerging and evolving technology has allowed digital images to be manipulated in ways that has allowed ever-expanding applications. At current times, images captured on prepared slides are analyzed utilizing three different ways; (1) captured images either using still images or whole slide scanner are forwarded in digital mode or stored on a shared server, (2) dynamic imaging where in images are evaluated in real-time using a live link, and (3) hybrid where components of dynamic viewing and static images are utilized. In anatomic pathology, these digitized images are utilized in multiple applications including making primary diagnoses, offer consultation, for telepathology, re-review and proficiency testing, archiving and sharing, education and conferencing, image analysis, research and publications, marketing and business purposes). Once a digital image has been acquired, computer applications and deep machine learning can be utilized to develop algorithms that could be utilized to improve accuracy, reliability, specificity, and productivity. Examples to demonstrate use of such activities will be highlighted in the lecture.