Computer-assisted image analysis of small cell lymphoma of the thyroid gland: Comparison of nuclear parameters of small lymphocytes in lymphomas and Hashimotos thyroiditis
The nuclear parameters of the small lymphocytes in nine cases of small cell lymphomas of the thyroid gland and 17 cases of Hashimotos thyroiditis were assessed by computer-assisted image analysis. The nuclear area, maximal, minimal and averaged Ferret diameters, perimeter, regularity factor and elongation factor were gauged. Statistically, the nuclear area was ascertained to be the optimum descriptor discriminating between small neoplastic and reactive lymphocytes. Application of a novel variable, combining a nuclear area cut-off value of 14?m2 with a nuclear averaged Ferret diameter cut-off value of 4.5?, allows for the distinction  with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity  between small neoplastic lymphocytes in thyroidal lymphomas and the reactive lymphocytes in Hashimotos thyroiditis.
small cell lymphoma of the thyroid gland hashimotos thyroiditis malignant lymphoma histomorphometry nuclear parameters of small neoplastic and reactive lymphocytes