Publication: Interobserver variation in classifying lymphomas among hematopathologists
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Issued Date
2014
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eng
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Mahidol University
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BioMed Central
Bibliographic Citation
Diagnostic Pathology. Vol. 9, (2014), 162
Suggested Citation
Tawatchai Pongpruttipan, Sanya Sukpanichnant, Thamathorn Assanasen, Lertlakana Bhoopat, Kanita Kayasut, Wasana Kanoksil, Pongsak Wannakrairot Interobserver variation in classifying lymphomas among hematopathologists. Diagnostic Pathology. Vol. 9, (2014), 162. doi:10.1186/s13000-014-0162-3 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/2660
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Title
Interobserver variation in classifying lymphomas among hematopathologists
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Abstract
Background: Lymphomas are common malignancies that have various subtypes with many overlapping histologic,
immunophenotypic and genetic features. Therefore, discordance in classifying lymphoma among pathologists may
be encountered. But this issue is not well characterized. We conducted the present study to demonstrate
discordances among Thai hematopathologists as well as to highlight common arguing points for classifying
lymphomas.
Methods: The 117 lymphoma cases were randomly retrieved and individually reviewed by 7 hematopathologists,
members of the “Thai Hematopathologist Group,” without knowing the original diagnoses. The consensus
diagnoses were given from a discussion by all members. In each case, the diagnosis from each participant was
compared with the consensus diagnosis and classified into 4 categories as follow: 1) concordance, 2) minor
discordance, 3) major discordance and 4) serious discordance.
Results: There were approximately 11% discordances between original and consensus diagnoses. The average
discordances among all pathologists according to minor, major and serious discordances were 10%, 3.5% and 0.3%,
respectively. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma had the least discordance (7%). Small biopsies had been found to
increase discordances in some lymphoma subtypes.
Conclusions: The present study reveals some degrees of interobserver variation in classifying of lymphoma by
using the 2008 WHO classification among hematopathologists. Some types of lymphomas on small biopsies were
found to have a significant higher discordance rate. This study also described some common diagnostic
discordances regarded as potential pitfalls in classifying lymphomas.
Virtual Slides: The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/
vs/13000_2014_162