Quantification of Ki-67 in PitNET (pituitary neuroendocrine tumors)/adenomas

Abstract

This study is the first to compare the determination of the Ki-67 index in pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNET)/pituitary adenomas by pathologists with acomputerized method (Cognition MasterSuite from VMScope, Berlin, Germany). PitNET/pituitary adenomas often show alow proliferation index. Observer variability is high, especially when estimating in this low percentage range. Amore reliable determination would be possible using the four-eyes principle, but this cannot be realized continuously; thus, digital image analysis is a promising solution. In the study, there was clear agreement between the Ki-67 estimate by two experienced pathologists and the determination with the aid of digital image analysis. The digital image analysis system is excellent for determining the proliferation rate of PitNET/pituitary adenomas and can therefore be used to determine the "third" and "fourth eye".