Abstract:
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Rapid advances in informatics and technological improvements
have led to the development of high-throughput whole-slide
imaging (WSI) scanners able to produce high-quality digital
images, which allow achieving a correct diagnosis of the
biopsies using virtual viewers. This technology is currently
prepared to be introduced in the departments of pathology for
routine diagnosis. The aim of this review is to analyze the
current evidence regarding the use of WSI in primary or routine
diagnosis in the different subspecialties of pathology. An
increasing number of studies have shown almost perfect inter-
and intraobserver agreement between the diagnoses obtained with
WSI and the classical diagnoses based on conventional light
microscopy. The only exception seems to be cytology, which still
requires some technological development. Although validation
studies are needed in some areas of pathology, growing evidence
indicates that WSI is a reliable tool for routine diagnosis.
Pathologists have a positive perception of the ergonomics of the
workstations, the low magnification of WSI and the possibility
of making annotations and measurements. WSI can be used from any
device and anywhere, thereby providing great opportunities for
teleconsultation. New technologies such as the recognition of
histopathology patterns using image analysis may facilitate
diagnosis and improve the reproducibility among pathologists in
the future. |