CystAnalyser

CystAnalyser quantifies and profiles cysts in histological images to support analysis of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), Polycystic Liver Disease (PLD), and related cystic disorders.

Key Features:

• Automatic detection and quantification: Automates detection and quantification of cysts in histological images.
• Comprehensive cystic profile: Calculates the cystic index, counts the number of cysts, and determines size profiles and cyst volume/distribution for each sample.
• Robustness and accuracy: Validated on 795 histological kidney and liver images with sensitivity 76.84–93.80% and specificity 63.42–89.66%, showing performance comparable to manual input except for nuanced differentiation between mildly cystic and non-cystic regions.
• Improved estimation versus ImageJ: Provides a more accurate method for estimating cystic indices in histological images by reducing false positives associated with non-cystic regions compared with ImageJ.

Scientific Applications:

• Phenotypical characterization: Quantifies cyst metrics for phenotypical characterization of animal models that mimic human PKD and PLD.
• Mechanistic and therapeutic studies: Facilitates study of molecular mechanisms and evaluation of potential therapeutic approaches through quantitative cyst measurements.
• Correlation with organ function: Enables correlation of cyst volume and distribution with organ function and disease severity.
• Histological quantification: Provides reliable quantification of cystic areas in histological images for basic research and clinical studies.

Methodology:

Employs advanced image processing algorithms for automatic detection and quantification that minimize false positives from non-cystic regions and estimate cystic index in histological images, with performance compared against ImageJ and manual input.