Mi. Shafi et al., DIGITAL IMAGING COLPOSCOPY, IMAGE-ANALYSIS AND QUANTIFICATION OF THE COLPOSCOPIC IMAGE, British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology, 101(3), 1994, pp. 234-238
Objective To investigate the use of a digital imaging system for colpo
scopy, its use for image analysis and quantification of the colposcopi
c features that may predict histological outcome as defined by large l
oop excision of transformation zone. Design Prospective programme stud
y of all patients undergoing colposcopy for cytological abnormalities.
Setting Dudley Road Hospital, Birmingham. Subjects Fifty consecutive
patients having cytological and colposcopic abnormality treated with l
arge loop excision of transformation zone formed the study group. Main
outcome measures Pretreatment and colposcopic features correlated wit
h histological diagnosis of excised transformation zone. Results Index
cytology and current smoking status are the most important variables
for prediction of histological diagnosis. Other important variables ar
e focality of lesion, surface pattern, intercapillary distance and deg
ree of acetowhiteness. Conclusion Digital imaging colposcopy allows im
age capture, processing and objective analysis. This methodology holds
advantages for basic and clinical research, teaching, diagnostics and
clinical audit. The system can act as a quality control tool for colp
oscopy units. This system should prove invaluable for further quantita
tive studies, for natural history studies and for those patients with
deferred treatment of their cytological and colposcopic abnormalities.
The statistical models described may be incorporated into the system
and can aid the colposcopist in management of the woman with abnormal
cervical cytology and colposcopic abnormality.