Current status and prospects for quantitative analysis of digital image of pathological specimen using image processing software including artificial intelligence

Abstract

With the development of information technology, digital pathology, including image analysis, and automatic diagnosis of pathological tissue, has developed remarkably. It has become possible to recognize and quantify histopathological features using artificial intelligence (AI). We have attempted to analyze and quantify various histopathological findings using image processing software. In this report, we introduce the latest results of recognition and quantification of various pathological findings in the liver, kidney, and lung using image processing software, including Image-Pro Plus, Tissue Studio, and HALO. HALO is an image analysis platform specialized for the study of pathological tissues, which enables tissue segmentation by using AI. Using HALO, histopathological changes, which are difficult or impossible to analyze with conventional image analysis, could be easily, and accurately analyzed. Quantification of pathological findings by image analysis can contribute to improve objectivity, precision, and persuasiveness of pathological evaluation. Quantification of morphological changes of histopathological findings using digital pathology including AI in robust pathology is a new and innovative evaluation technique. In the future, a versatile and useful tool is expected to enable faster and more efficient pathological evaluation in both non-clinical and clinical fields.