COMPUTER-ASSISTED AND VISUAL METHODS OF ASSESSING CELLULAR PROLIFERATION IN TISSUE-SECTIONS FROM NON-HODGKINS-LYMPHOMA - A COMPARISON

OBJECTIVE: To compare computer-assisted and visual methods of assessin g cellular proliferation using tissue sections from non-Hodgkin's lymp homa (NHL). STUDY DESIGN: The study group consisted of 20 specimens of NHL (10 indolent and 10 aggressive). Three-micrometer serial sections were prepared and labeled for Ki-67 (MIB1) and argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs). Labeling was assessed by classic visual i nspection and quantitative image analysis. RESULTS: Computer-assisted and visual Ki-67 labeling indices were significantly higher in aggress ive than indolent NHL and were linearly related (r = .850, P < .0001). Although the visual and computer-assisted AgNOR counts were significa ntly higher in aggressive than indolent NHL, the correlation between t hese two counting methods was not significant (r = .407, P < .075). Li near regression analysis demonstrated a significant correlation betwee n the Ki-67 visual labeling index and visual AgNOR count (r = .630, P < .003); however, no such relationship could be demonstrated between t he remaining methods. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest th at visual and computer-assisted methods of immunohistochemical and AgN OR analysis may not yield comparable results. This fact may be related to the method of analysis and the computer-assisted technique.