Implementation of pre-captured videos for remote cytological evaluation of salivary gland lesions

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of implementing videos captured by static telecytological applications for remote cytological evaluation of fine needle aspiration specimens from salivary gland lesions. Methods The current study was carried out on 102 fine needle aspiration specimens from salivary gland lesions with histological confirmation (benign lesions, 11; benign neoplasms, 68; malignant neoplasms, 23), retrospectively selected from the department’s registry. Videos were transferred via file transfer protocol to password-protected accounts for remote review by three independent cytopathologists. In addition to diagnosis, reviewers commented on overall digital video quality. Contributor’s and reviewer’s diagnoses were collected, recorded and statistically evaluated. Results Statistical evaluation of cytological diagnoses detected no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between the diagnoses proffered on the basis of pre-captured videos and conventional slides. The overall interobserver agreement was ranging from substantial to almost perfect with κ values of 0.71–0.89. Conclusions Video production by static telecytology applications can be used as an alternative method for telecytological diagnosis of salivary gland fine needle aspirations. Videos of salivary gland fine needle aspirations can be used for rapid and accurate diagnosis, by diminishing turn-around times and improving the quality indices of small cytology departments. They can also be used for archiving, teleconsultation, educational and second opinion purposes, improving the performance of the already existing static telecytology stations.