Digital pathology in veterinary clinical pathology: A review

Abstract

Digital pathology has rapidly evolved in the field of veterinary medicine. Although digital histology advancements are widely discussed, clinical pathology specimens are also being digitized for a variety of purposes. These digital images can be used for diagnostic evaluation, teaching, training, and research. With recent advancements in artificial intelligence technologies, there is also potential for image analysis of clinical pathology specimens. In contrast to histologic specimens, veterinary practices can process and digitize cytologic specimens in-house. This creates workflows and analytical considerations that differ greatly from the digital pathology process in anatomic pathology. Through the evaluation of published literature, conference proceedings, and commercially advertised services or analyzers, this review summarizes available digital diagnostic services, discusses virtual microscopy in education and research, and explains the concepts of image analysis. We also highlight gaps in the literature regarding digitizing clinical pathology specimens. Finally, we review the overall benefits and limitations of digitization, focusing on the unique aspects of veterinary clinical pathology.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; cytology; image analysis; telecytology; virtual microscopy.