Computer-assisted image analysis of small cell lymphoma of the thyroid gland - Comparison of nuclear parameters of small lymphocytes in lymphomas andHashimoto's thyroiditis

The nuclear parameters of the small lymphocytes in nine cases of small cell lymphomas of the thyroid gland and 17 cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis wer e assessed by computer-assisted image analysis, The nuclear area, maximal, minimal and averaged Ferret diameters, perimeter, regularity factor and elo ngation factor were gauged. Statistically, the nuclear area was ascertained to be the optimum descriptor discriminating between small neoplastic and r eactive lymphocytes. Application of a novel variable, combining a nuclear a rea cut-off value of 14 mu m(2) with a nuclear averaged Ferret diameter cut -off value of 4.5 mu, allows for the distinction - with a high degree of se nsitivity and specificity - between small neoplastic lymphocytes in thyroid al lymphomas and the reactive lymphocytes in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. (C) 1 999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.