Fractal characterisation of nuclear morphology in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (dysplasia and carcinoma in situ) in humans

A consistent, quantitative, observer-independent method of characterising the nuclear morphology of squamous epithelial cells representative of Pap smears diagnosed as normal, CIN I, CIN II and CIN III is described. Two hundred and forty-two nuclei were grouped according to their diagnostic classification and subjected to automated image analysis. The method is based on t he calculation of the boundary fractal dimension of the nuclei as derived from the equipaced exploration technique. Statistical analysis of the collected data confirmed that the fractal dimensions associated witht the boundary profiles of all nuclei became greater with increasing grades of dysplasia. The results of the present study suggest that boundary fractal dimensions may prove to be a useful system of classification of Pap smear diagnoses and may also lead to a standardized method of reporting and communicating Pap smear results.

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