Morphometric characterization of endometrial glands using quantitative cytology.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the usefulness of the combination of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), image cytometry and three-dimensional (3D) imaging for analyzing architectural changes indicative of endometrial hyperplasia and grade 1 adenocarcinoma.


METHODS
Papanicolaou-stained endometrial samples (n = 180) were analyzed for specific cellular characteristics and analyzed by CLSM. Confocal images were obtained and then analyzed cytometrically and used for 3D reconstruction.


RESULTS
Values obtained after image cytometry and 3D imaging increased significantly (P < .01) with the degree of cellular atypia.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of CLSM, image cytometry and 3D imaging is a valuable method for differential diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia and grade 1 adenocarcinoma.
Nunobiki
O
O
Department of Pathology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan.
Sato
M
M
Taniguchi
E
E
Nakamura
Y
Y
Mori
I
I
Kakudo
K
K
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000473:pathology; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia / Q000473:pathology; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged