[Histo-morphometry of bone mass and cellularity using image analysis: characterization of infiltration patterns in CLL].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate a possible influence of lymphocytic infiltration in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) on bone mass, according to the infiltration patterns.


METHODS
We have studied histological preparations from decalcified and paraffin included bone biopsies and used a histomorphometric study through a mixed (interactive-automatic) image analysis, in order to quantify bone trabecular (BT/TV) and cellular volume (CV). Preparations were visualized via a 2.5 objective; a video camera was adapted and connected to a computer with analogical-digital converter incorporated. After the image was captured, a binarization was made by trabecular and medullary spaces segmentation; automatically, we calculated trabecular area (TA) and cellular area (CA). Expressions indicated above were used to calculate BV/TV and CV, expressed in percentage: BV/TV (%) = [TA/(TA + CA)] x 100, and CV (%) = [CA/(TA + CA)] x 100.


RESULTS
92 normal biopsies and 79 CLL biopsies were studied (Nodular 12, Diffuse 22, Interstitial 23, Mixed 22). BT/TV in normal subjects age over 45, was 18.40%; it was lower in CLL subjects, 17.25%. CV was 33.62% in normal cases and significantly higher in CLL with 42.95%. According to the infiltration patterns, Nodular pattern showed similar value to normal biopsies, versus Diffuse pattern with BT/TV of 16.19% and CV of 51.49%. Significantly, a high CV value was accompanied of a low B/TV value, in normal and CLL subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
We analyzed histomorphometrically trabecular volume as expression of bone mass in undecalcified biopsies. CLL infiltration tended to show a lower trabecular volume. Diffuse pattern presented the higher cellular infiltration and bone mass destruction.
Molina
M A
MA
Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada.
Cabrera
A
A
Esquivias
J J
JJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000703:Analog-Digital Conversion; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D015519:Bone Density; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000473:pathology; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000473:pathology*; D017254:Leukemic Infiltration; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies