Grading of astrocytomas using a Quantimet 720 image-analysing computer

Cerebral astrocytomas and undifferentiated gliomas were graded by (1) Kernohan classification on the basis of visual microscopy, and (2) optical density/area profiles obtained by automated densitometry with a Quantimet 720 image-analysing computer. In a retrospective study of 44 patients the Quantimet measurements seemed to give a more accurate assessment of prognosis than visual grading.