A simple technique for the measurement of fractal dimensions in histopathological specimens

A computer program has been devised which enables a simple method for the fractal dimension analysis of histological or cytological material to be performed rapidly with relatively inexpensive hardware. The fractal dimension of a structure refers to its self-similarity over a range of scales and appears to be well suited to histopathological preparations. Thus, the fine 'roughness' of object profiles can be assessed more appropriately by this technique than by means of conventional Euclidean geometry. Images of the object(s) to be investigated are firstly digitized after presentation to a high-performance computer via a video camera or a graphics tablet system and then analysed using the computer program, which has its basis in a standard perimeter estimate method. It is proposed that such techniques may find extensive use in investigative and diagnostic histopathology.