An algorithmic approach to the brain biopsy--part II.
BACKGROUND
The formulation of appropriate differential diagnoses for a slide is essential to the practice of surgical pathology but can be particularly challenging for residents and fellows. Algorithmic flow charts can help the less experienced pathologist to systematically consider all possible choices and eliminate incorrect diagnoses. They can assist pathologists-in-training in developing orderly, sequential, and logical thinking skills when confronting difficult cases.


OBJECTIVE
To present an algorithmic flow chart as an approach to formulating differential diagnoses for lesions seen in surgical neuropathology.


METHODS
An algorithmic flow chart to be used in teaching residents.


RESULTS
Algorithms are not intended to be final diagnostic answers on any given case. Algorithms do not substitute for training received from experienced mentors nor do they substitute for comprehensive reading by trainees of reference textbooks. Algorithmic flow diagrams can, however, direct the viewer to the correct spot in reference texts for further in-depth reading once they hone down their diagnostic choices to a smaller number of entities. The best feature of algorithms is that they remind the user to consider all possibilities on each case, even if they can be quickly eliminated from further consideration.


CONCLUSIONS
In Part II, we assist the resident in arriving at the correct diagnosis for neuropathologic lesions containing granulomatous inflammation, macrophages, or abnormal blood vessels.
Prayson
Richard A
RA
Department of Anatomic Pathology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Kleinschmidt-DeMasters
B K
BK
D000465:Algorithms; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000473:pathology; D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology*; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006099:Granuloma / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D007396:Internship and Residency; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008264:Macrophages / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D009336:Necrosis; D010340:Pathology, Surgical / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods*; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000473:pathology