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PubMed1996

Classification deficits in Alzheimer's disease with special reference to living and nonliving things.

The present study was conducted to assess the hypothesis that visual similarity between exemplars within a semantic category may affect differentially the recognition process of living and nonliving things, according to task demands, in patients with semantic memory disorders. Thirty-nine Alzheimer's patients and 39 normal elderly subjects were presented with a task in which they had to classify pictures and words, depicting either living or nonliving things, at two levels of classification: subordinate (e.g., mammals versus birds or tools versus vehicles) and attribute (e.g., wild versus domestic animals or fast versus slow vehicles). Contrary to previous results (Montañes, Goldblum, & Boller, 1995) in a naming task, but as expected, living things were better classified than nonliving ones by both controls and patients. As expected, classifications at the subordinate level also gave rise to better performance than classifications at the attribute level. Although (and somewhat unexpectedly) no advantage of picture over word classification emerged, some effects consistent with the hypothesis that visual similarity affects picture classification emerged, in particular within a subgroup of patients with predominant verbal deficits and the most severe semantic memory disorders. This subgroup obtained a better score on classification of pictures than of words depicting living items (that share many visual features) when classification is at the subordinate level (for which visual similarity is a reliable clue to classification), but met with major difficulties when classifying those pictures at the attribute level (for which shared visual features are not reliable clues to classification). These results emphasize the fact that some "normal" effects specific to items in living and nonliving categories have to be considered among the factors causing selective category-specific deficits in patients, as well as their relevance in achieving tasks which require either differentiation between competing exemplars in the same semantic category (naming) or detection of resemblance between those exemplars (categorization).

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Feature (gene) selection in gene expression-based tumor classification.

There is increasing interest in changing the emphasis of tumor classification from morphologic to molecular. Gene expression profiles may offer more information than morphology and provide an alternative to morphology-based tumor classification systems. Gene selection involves a search for gene subsets that are able to discriminate tumor tissue from normal tissue, and may have either clear biological interpretation or some implication in the molecular mechanism of the tumorigenesis. Gene selection is a fundamental issue in gene expression-based tumor classification. In the formation of a discriminant rule, the number of genes is large relative to the number of tissue samples. Too many genes can harm the performance of the tumor classification system and increase the cost as well. In this report, we discuss criteria and illustrate techniques for reducing the number of genes and selecting an optimal (or near optimal) subset of genes from an initial set of genes for tumor classification. The practical advantages of gene selection over other methods of reducing the dimensionality (e.g., principal components), include its simplicity, future cost savings, and higher likelihood of being adopted in a clinical setting. We analyze the expression profiles of 2000 genes in 22 normal and 40 colon tumor tissues, 5776 sequences in 14 human mammary epithelial cells and 13 breast tumors, and 6817 genes in 47 acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 25 acute myeloid leukemia samples. Through these three examples, we show that using 2 or 3 genes can achieve more than 90% accuracy of classification. This result implies that after initial investigation of tumor classification using microarrays, a small number of selected genes may be used as biomarkers for tumor classification, or may have some relevance in tumor development and serve as a potential drug target. In this report we also show that stepwise Fisher's linear discriminant function is a practicable method for gene expression-based tumor classification.

Humans↗

PubMed2000

[Does the new UICC classification allow better prognostic assessment for ductal pancreatic carcinoma?].

INTRODUCTION: To compare treatment results an international established classification is necessary. In 1997 the TNM classification of 1992 was modified. METHODS: Between 1983 and 1997, 159 patients with a ductal carcinoma of the pancreas underwent resection. All data of the resected specimens were documented in standardized manner prospectively in a protocol that offered ready transfer of the collected data to a new classification. The TNM categories and stage groupings were transferred to the new UICC classification of 1997 and analyzed in comparison to the classification of 1992. RESULTS: The inclusion of a pT4 category equivalent to the other GI tumors made a new stage grouping necessary. Also division into pN1 a and pN1 b was established. According to the clinical experience only few tumors in early stages (pT1/2 and stage I) were observed in the new classification. There was a significant improval in the patient's distribution to the new stage grouping because of the homogeneous groups. In comparison to the 1992 classification the new stage II shows a relevant prognostic value and a significant difference to stage III. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the new UICC classification relates to prognosis better than the old classification.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1999

[The value of CT in classification and decision making in acetabulum fractures. A systematic analysis].

UNLABELLED: The classification of acetabular fractures and especially the diagnosis of additional lesions can be misleading, when the personal experience is limited and the decisions are based only on conventional radiographs. The introduction of Spiral-CT with multiplanar reformations and 3-D views has improved the quality of visualization. Due to their higher costs, the need of these additional diagnostic tools is frequently questioned. This paper discusses the relevance of plain radiographs, 2-D-CTs, 3-D-CTs and Femursubtraction-CTs (FsCT) for the classification of acetabular fractures, based on a controlled study. METHODS: Thirty physicians with different levels of experience in acetabular surgery were divided in three groups of 10 each: group I comprised residents without operative experience in acetabular surgery, group II was physicians with 3-10 years of operative experience, and group III was experts in acetabular surgery. A total of 10 complete radiographic cases of high quality providing all levels of preoperative diagnostics (plain radiographs, 2-D-CT, CT with multiplanar reformation, 3-D-CT, Fs-CT) of different acetabular fracture types were prepared. The task for each candidate was to classify the fracture according to Letournel and to identify all additional injuries within the hip joint (e.g. marginal impaction, head fractures, etc.). The different diagnostic "levels" could be ordered stepwise according to personal need and no time limit was given. The case was finished when the candidate presented his final diagnosis. The use of the different radiographs, the preliminary diagnosis, the changes in diagnosis, and the final decisions were recorded. These findings were correlated with the different levels of experience and against a "consensus classification" which was generated by thorough discussion, and the use of intraoperative information and postoperative radiographs not accessible to the candidates. RESULTS: The "correct" fracture classification based on plain radiographs was: group I, 11%; group II, 32%; group III, 61%. Based on 2-D-CT a "correct" diagnosis was reached by 30% in group I, by 55% in group II, and by 76% in group III. With consideration of the "transient forms" in acetabular fractures based on Letournel and the 3-D-CT used mainly by group I, the rate of "correct" classifications rose to 65% in group I, 64% in group II and 83% in group III. The modifiers were diagnosed "correctly" in group I by 37%, in group II by 56%, and in group III by 73%. The use of the 3-D-CT and especially the Fs-CT by group I resulted in an improvement in the rate of correct classifications to 61%, whereas in group II the Fs-Ct was used only exceptionally. The 2-D-CT was the basis for the diagnosis of the additional lesions in acetabular fractures within all groups resulting in 73% complete diagnoses in group III. This study showed the importance of CT for the exact analysis and classification of acetabular fractures. In particular, the secondary reformations in CT and the 3-D-views dramatically improved the rate of "correct" classifications in the group of surgeons with limited personal experience in acetabular surgery. This allows the less experienced an acceptable level of "correct" diagnoses, so that the treatment options can be weighed correctly. Among the "experts" a rate of divergent classifications of approximately 20% was observed, especially in "transient" forms of acetabular fractures.

Acetabulum↗

PubMed2004

[Tumor classifications].

The correct use of tumor classifications is one of the key elements of adequate oncological treatment. Tumor classifications comprise: localization, typing, grading staging and stage grouping, classification after neoadjuvant radio(chemo)therapy, TNM classification and R classification. For easier identification and better documentation it is advisable to have a summary of tumor classifications at the end of each tumor concerning pathology report. Experience in clinical use has shown that classification may be incomplete or inadequately used. Not infrequently they are reported in a way which is open for misinterpretation. Some possible mistakes and misuse of tumor classifications are discussed. Users, among which are clinicians and pathologists, have to bear in mind the limitations of tumor classifications. These are for example reflected by the difficulty to classify single tumor entities in a correct way.

Female↗

PubMed2006

Autonomous reovirus strain classification using filament-coupled antibodies.

We previously described a filament-based antibody recognition assay (FARA) that generates ELISA-like sandwich structures immobilized on a filament. FARA allows the coupling of antibodies to precise locations along a filament, on-line fluorescence detection of captured pathogen, and feedback-directed filament motion. These properties suggest that this approach might be useful as an automated means to rapidly classify unknown pathogens. In this report, we describe validation of the novel decision tree aspect of this technology using mammalian reovirus. Based on available antibodies, we developed a decision tree algorithm to detect virus with increasing specificity at each level of the tree. Using three strains of reovirus and a bacteriophage control, our system correctly classified the reovirus strains at a concentration of 2 x 10(12) virions ml(-1) and M13K07 phage at 3 x 10(11) virions ml(-1). Classification of reovirus strain type 3 Dearing (T3D) required three levels of testing: general reovirus classification in level 1, serotype 3 classification in level 2, and final T3D strain classification in level 3. Strain T3SA + also required three levels of testing before a final classification was returned in level 3. Classification of strain type 1 Lang (T1L) required two levels of testing. M13K07 phage detection required only one level of testing for classification. These results indicate that automated pathogen classification using FARA is feasible. Furthermore, the simplicity of the design could be exploited for development of more complex sub-classification networks with additional levels and branches.

Antibodies, Viral↗

PubMed1985

Validity and reproducibility of the Cooperative Cataract Research Group (CCRG) cataract classification system.

The validity and reproducibility with which six classifiers [one experienced (L.T.C.), and five novices (W.G., F.G., W.W., J.W. and O.W.)] used the CCRG cataract classification system was assessed. The validity of index classifications was assessed by computing sensitivities and pairwise interclass correlations between experienced and novice classifiers using the former's classification as the standard. The number of unordered combinations of terms in the CCRG's classification was reduced by combining cortical terms according to the CCRG's accepted system of staged simplification. The number of combinations of terms at each stage is as follows: Stage I (greater than 1000); II (127); III (63); IV (15); V (7); VI and VII (3) and VIII (2). Excellent agreement was obtained between the experienced and novice classifiers for Stages VII and VIII of the classification, good agreement for Stages V and VI and poor agreement for Stages IV, III and II (sensitivities of 97, 96, 72, 59, 40, 24 and 20% respectively). Good agreement was also achieved for the classifications of single lenticular regions, except for subcapsular regions. The intra- and interobserver reproducibility was assessed by computing the Kappa statistic to (1) compare classifications between novice observers and (2) compare repeat classifications made by the same observer by viewing the same cataract once on each of three different days. The novice classifiers had excellent intraobserver reproducibility for Stages VII and VIII (Kappas of 0.87 and 0.97 respectively), good reproducibility for Stages IV, V and VI (Kappas of 0.53, 0.62 and 0.62, respectively) and marginal reproducibility for stages II and III (Kappas of 0.39 and 0.40, respectively). The intraobserver reproducibility of the experienced classifier was superior to the others for virtually all characteristics with excellent reproducibility for Stages IV, V, VI, VII and VIII with Kappas of 0.79, 0.90, 1.0, 1.0 and 1.0, respectively and good reproducibility for Stages II and III (Kappas of 0.55 and 0.64, respectively). These results indicate that the simplified CCRG cataract classification system (Stages IV-VIII) passes the minimum standards for reproducibility. The performance of the experienced classifier far exceeds the minimum standards and indicates the feasibility of improving classifier performance with training and practice.

Cataract↗

PubMed1992

Environmental hazard classification of chemicals.

Information on the environmentally dangerous properties of chemicals is of fundamental importance if the users of chemicals are to take account of the risks to the environment in their choice of chemical products, and to organize the use of chemicals and waste disposal in an environmentally safe manner. In order to assist suppliers of chemicals in setting out their product information and to ensure its consistency, it is important to have rules on classification and labelling. Such rules must be based on criteria for environmental hazard classification. During the 1980s specific classification criteria for the aquatic environment were developed in the Nordic countries and by the Commission of the European Communities. These criteria now form the basis for the regulations on classification and labelling of chemical substances in both the EC and EFTA countries. The regulations entered into force in the EC on 1 July 1992 and will be enforced in the EFTA countries as soon as possible. Besides labelling there are several other areas, e.g. transport regulations, where classification criteria are or will be applied on a national or international scale. International harmonization of criteria at this early stage is highly desirable as it will prevent the development of divergent systems which will require harmonization at a later stage. To this end, the OECD initiated a Clearing House activity on the feasibility of elaborating harmonized approaches to environmental hazard classification. The Clearing House recommended adoption of the current classification criteria, joint development of criteria for other sections of the environment and joint development of procedures for updating and methodologies for classification of chemical preparations. Further international work in this area will be coordinated by IPCS. Harmonization of classification is also a programme area under Chemical Forum with IPCS as coordinator as agreed at UNCED 92.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

[Classification of epileptic seizures. Comparison of two systems].

In spite of its universal acceptance, the international classification of epileptic seizures suffers from certain limitations. The fundamental divisions between partial and generalized seizures on the one hand, and between partial simple and complex seizures on the other, are not always practical, nor useful. The terminology is often cumbersome, and does not contain essential localizing information. Finally, the seizure classification is sometimes dependent on ancillary testing, particularly the EEG. We propose a different seizure classification, which answers the above shortcomings of the international classification, and which has been used for years in major epilepsy centers. In this system, the seizure classification is based exclusively on seizure symptomatology. The terms are generally more concise than those of the international classification, and yet convey more precise information. For example, the term left visual aura-->automotor seizure-->generalized tonic clonic seizure would be equivalent to simple partial seizure with visual symptom evolving into complex partial seizure evolving into generalized tonic clonic seizure. The international classification is longer and omits essential later-alizing information. This classification is easy to apply, and can be an extremely useful complement to the international seizure classification, especially for centers whose emphasis is on surgical treatment of epilepsy.

Behavior↗

PubMed2005

An arrhythmia classification system based on the RR-interval signal.

OBJECTIVE: This paper proposes a knowledge-based method for arrhythmic beat classification and arrhythmic episode detection and classification using only the RR-interval signal extracted from ECG recordings. METHODOLOGY: A three RR-interval sliding window is used in arrhythmic beat classification algorithm. Classification is performed for four categories of beats: normal, premature ventricular contractions, ventricular flutter/fibrillation and 2 degrees heart block. The beat classification is used as input of a knowledge-based deterministic automaton to achieve arrhythmic episode detection and classification. Six rhythm types are classified: ventricular bigeminy, ventricular trigeminy, ventricular couplet, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular flutter/fibrillation and 2 degrees heart block. RESULTS: The method is evaluated by using the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database. The achieved scores indicate high performance: 98% accuracy for arrhythmic beat classification and 94% accuracy for arrhythmic episode detection and classification. CONCLUSION: The proposed method is advantageous because it uses only the RR-interval signal for arrhythmia beat and episode classification and the results compare well with more complex methods.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2006

Gait classification in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review.

This systematic review of the literature evaluates the validity of existing classifications of gait deviations in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Numerous efforts have been made to develop classification systems for gait in CP to assist in diagnosis, clinical decision-making and communication. The internal and external validity of gait classifications in 18 studies were examined, including their sampling methods, content validity, construct validity, reliability and clinical utility. Half of the studies used qualitative pattern recognition to construct the gait classification and the remainder used statistical techniques such as cluster analysis. Few adequately defined their samples or sampling methods. Most classifications were constructed using only sagittal plane gait data. Many did not provide adequate guidelines or evidence of reliability and validity of the classification system. No single classification addressed the full magnitude or range of gait deviations in children with CP. Although gait classification in CP can be useful in clinical and research settings, the methodological limitations of many classifications restrict their clinical and research applicability.

Cerebral Palsy↗

PubMed2006

A clinically applicable fracture classification for distal humeral fractures.

The purpose of this study was to design a clinically applicable classification for distal humeral fractures that would provide guidance to the surgeon with regard to surgical approach and operative management. The new classification was assessed by use of the original radiographs from a study comparing distal humeral fracture classifications undertaken in Oxford, England, and was validated by use of the exact methodology of that study. Nine independent assessors were asked to classify 33 sets of radiographs on 2 separate occasions using the classifications of Riseborough and Radin, Mehne and Jupiter, and the AO, as well as the new classification system. With the use of the kappa statistic, the level of interobserver and intraobserver agreement was determined. The new classification system was found to be both substantially reliable (kappa, 0.664) and reproducible (kappa, 0.732). The new classification achieved superior interobserver and intraobserver agreement compared with the other 3 classification systems, with a low proportion of unclassifiable fractures. Used in conjunction with a management algorithm, we believe that the new classification aids the surgical decision-making process for these complex fractures.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Validation of American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for knee osteoarthritis using arthroscopically defined cartilage damage scores.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the ability of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) clinical classification criteria and the ACR clinical plus radiographic classification criteria for osteoarthritis of the knee to predict articular cartilage damage. METHODS: Ninety subjects with knee osteoarthritis (OA) who were enrolled in a prospective study determining the therapeutic efficacy of arthroscopic irrigation were characterized as to whether they fulfilled the ACR clinical classification criteria or the ACR clinical plus radiographic classification criteria. Ten rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients were included as controls. Cartilage damage was defined using the ACR/Knee Arthroscopy Osteoarthritis Scale (ACR/KAOS) system, which is a validated outcome instrument for knee OA based on arthroscopic visualization. Mean values of the damage scores in each group were calculated and compared by t-test to determine statistical significance between the 3 groups. RESULTS: The mean ACR/KAOS score for the 10 RA patients was 1.8 [SD 1.22; range 0 to 4]. Of the 90 OA patients who underwent arthroscopy, only 73 patients had sufficient videotape to make an accurate assessment by the blinded assessor. The mean ACR/KAOS score for the 6 OA patients who fulfilled only the ACR clinical classification was 17.4 [SD 11.3; range 5 to 34.3] and the mean ACR/KAOS score for the 67 patients who fulfilled the ACR clinical plus radiographic classification criteria was 42.0 [SD 29.1; range 5.1 to 118.4]. These differences were statistically significant (RA versus OA clinical P=0.02; RA versus OA clinical+radiographic P<or=0.01). Nonparametric multivariate analysis did not reveal significant correlations between ACR/KAOS scores and WOMAC global scores (r=0.11, P=0.39), patient VAS (r=0.29, P=0.022), and age (r=0.29, P=0.08). CONCLUSIONS: The ACR clinical and clinical plus radiographic criteria for OA of the knee accurately predict cartilage damage as assessed by arthroscopy. Furthermore, the ACR clinical classification criteria identify OA patients with cartilage damage before any radiographic change, while the ACR clinical plus radiographic classification criteria identify OA patients with more severe cartilage damage. RELEVANCE: The ACR classification criteria correlates well with articular cartilage damage in patients with OA.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Comparison of Quality of Well-Being scale and NYHA functional status classification in patients with atrial fibrillation. New York Heart Association.

BACKGROUND: There is an increased need to provide appropriate outcomes evaluations. Although designed as a clinical assessment tool, the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification is often used as an outcome measure. In this study the performance of the NYHA classification is compared with that of the Quality of Well-being scale (QWB), a standard outcome instrument. METHODS: Subjects from a clinical trial were administered both the NYHA classification and the QWB. Scores for patients with NYHA classification I, II, and III were compared by use of an ordinal regression model. RESULTS: There were significant differences in mean QWB score by NYHA classification (p < 0.0001). However, each NYHA classification score was associated with a wide range of QWB scores, limiting the potential usefulness of the NYHA classification as an outcome measure. CONCLUSIONS: The NYHA classification is not a sensitive measure of health-related quality of life, and its use as an outcome measure, although providing some insights, may result in misleading findings. The NYHA classification should not be used as the sole outcome measure.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1997

Blunt urethral trauma: a unified, anatomical mechanical classification.

PURPOSE: We propose a simple, anatomically based classification of blunt urethral injury as a replacement for currently used classifications, which are not comprehensive, anatomically inconsistent or based on a mixed anatomical/mechanistic formula. The latter are difficult to learn and use, and have not been universally adopted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed most of the currently used general uroradiological, emergency radiological and urological textbooks to define the classification of urethral injuries that is most widely accepted. Most authors use the Colapinto and McCallum classification, modifications thereof or the older surgical classification of urethral injuries, which simply divides such injuries anatomically into anterior and posterior. However, there is little consensus about the best classification and none includes all of the blunt injuries of the urethra. To correct these difficulties we devised a comprehensive and anatomically consistent classification. RESULTS: The proposed classification categorizes blunt urethral trauma as I-posterior urethra intact but stretched (Colapinto and McCallum type I), II-partial or complete pure posterior injury with tear of membranous urethra above the urogenital diaphragm (Colapinto and McCallum type II), III-partial or complete combined anterior/posterior urethral injury with disruption of the urogenital diaphragm (Colapinto and McCallum type III), IV-bladder neck injury with extension into the urethra, IVA-injury of the base of the bladder with periurethral extravasation simulating a true type IV urethral injury and V-partial or complete pure anterior urethral injury. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed classification is anatomically valid and includes all of the common types of blunt urethral injuries. Universal adoption of this system should permit comparison of various management/treatment modalities at various institutions.

Humans↗

PubMed2003

Comparison of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification with the Charlson score as predictors of survival after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA) classification with the Charlson score in the radical prostatectomy setting. The ASA classification is a widely accepted way to evaluate perioperative risk. At present, the Charlson score is probably the most frequently used comorbidity measure to predict long-term survival after radical prostatectomy. METHODS: A total of 444 consecutive patients were enrolled in this study. The ASA classification was obtained from the anesthesia chart, and the Charlson score was assigned based on conditions noted during the preoperative cardiopulmonary risk assessment or mentioned on the discharge document. Kaplan-Meier time-event curves and Mantel-Haenszel hazard ratios were estimated for comorbid (noncancer) and overall survival. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 5.9 years, both classifications were able to predict comorbid and overall survival in dose-response patterns. The ASA classification was superior in terms of a clearer discrimination of the survival curves (lower P values, higher hazard ratios). Both classifications identified a high-risk group (ASA 3 and Charlson score 2 or more), but only the ASA classification sufficiently defined a low-risk group (ASA 1). CONCLUSIONS: In experienced hands, the ASA classification is a promising tool to improve the classification of prognostic comorbidity in the radical prostatectomy setting and may be used as an alternative to the Charlson score.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1997

Classification of ulnar deficiency according to the thumb and first web.

Fifty-five ulnar-deficient upper extremities in 45 patients treated at the St. Louis Shriner's Hospital were reviewed in order to evaluate the hand abnormalities. Thumb and first-web abnormalities were noted in 73% of hands. The majority of operations (28 of 53) were recommended to improve functional deficits associated with abnormalities of the thumb and first web. A classification of the ulnar-deficient hand based upon the characteristics of the thumb and first web is presented. When used in combination with any of the six current forearm/elbow classification schemes, this classification more completely describes ulnar deficiency of the upper extremity. Four classification types are proposed based upon progressive involvement of the thumb and first web. In type A, the thumb and first web are normal; in type B, the first web space has mild deficiency and the thumb has mild involvement. Extrinsic tendon function is intact and opposition function is present. In type C, the thumb has varying degrees of involvement. The first web has moderate to severe deficiency, including thumb-index syndactyly, and is often associated with malrotation of the thumb into the plane of the other digits, loss of opposition, and dysfunction of the extrinsic tendons. In type D, the thumb is absent. Previous classifications of ulnar deficiency neglect the radial hand anomalies that have been noted by several authors in a high percentage of affected extremities. Our premise for this classification is that the thumb and first-web abnormalities are related to the complexity of the hand problem and that the frequently noted radial hand abnormalities require the majority of surgical procedures. Such a classification based on the thumb and first-web deformities will focus the surgeon's attention on those deficiencies that are most important for the restoration of function. It is proposed that ulnar deficiency be classified by one of the classification schemes that describes the anatomy of the forearm and/or elbow supplemented by the hand classification type.

Elbow Joint↗

PubMed2005

Staging and classification of lymphoma.

In 2004, new cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the United States were estimated at 54,370, representing 4% of all cancers and resulting 4% of all cancer deaths, and new cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma were estimated at 7,880. The appropriate staging and management of lymphomas greatly depend on an accurate pathological diagnosis and classification. The recently established Revised European-American Classification of Lymphoid Neoplasms (REAL) and the subsequently adopted and updated World Health Organization (WHO) classification include modern cytogenetic, molecular, and immunologic techniques and knowledge and reach an international consensus on the classification of lymphomas. This classification scheme represents an advance in our understanding of lymphomas and serves as an operative guideline for studying and diagnosing lymphomas. Imaging techniques always have served as staging and monitoring tools for the clinical management of lymphomas. The understanding and adoption of the current classification system is important in refining the role of imaging modalities in the management of specific lymphoma. To help one understand the current classification, this current review gives a brief history of lymphoma classifications and summaries the recent classification schemes, including new entities, clinical staging methods, and clinical prognostic criteria.

Animals↗