PathMaster: content-based cell image retrieval using automated feature extraction.
OBJECTIVE
Currently, when cytopathology images are archived, they are typically stored with a limited text-based description of their content. Such a description inherently fails to quantify the properties of an image and refers to an extremely small fraction of its information content. This paper describes a method for automatically indexing images of individual cells and their associated diagnoses by computationally derived cell descriptors. This methodology may serve to better index data contained in digital image databases, thereby enabling cytologists and pathologists to cross-reference cells of unknown etiology or nature.


METHODS
The indexing method, implemented in a program called PathMaster, uses a series of computer-based feature extraction routines. Descriptors of individual cell characteristics generated by these routines are employed as indexes of cell morphology, texture, color, and spatial orientation.


METHODS
The indexing fidelity of the program was tested after populating its database with images of 152 lymphocytes/lymphoma cells captured from lymph node touch preparations stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Images of "unknown" lymphoid cells, previously unprocessed, were then submitted for feature extraction and diagnostic cross-referencing analysis.


RESULTS
PathMaster listed the correct diagnosis as its first differential in 94 percent of recognition trials. In the remaining 6 percent of trials, PathMaster listed the correct diagnosis within the first three "differentials."


CONCLUSIONS
PathMaster is a pilot cell image indexing program/search engine that creates an indexed reference of images. Use of such a reference may provide assistance in the diagnostic/prognostic process by furnishing a prioritized list of possible identifications for a cell of uncertain etiology.
Mattie
M E
ME
Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA. mark.mattie@yale.edu
Staib
L
L
Stratmann
E
E
Tagare
H D
HD
Duncan
J
J
Miller
P L
PL
D000043:Abstracting and Indexing / Q000379:methods*; D001330:Electronic Data Processing; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D019044:Image Cytometry; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013358:Subject Headings