Development of present and future of telepathology in Hungary

Pathologists in Hungary evaluate several hundred thousand histological specimens yearly, and a second opinion is requested in 5-10 percent of cases. Application of multimedia systems (i.e. telepathology) is convenient and efficient to establish a correct diagnosis in such cases. The first telepathology connection in Hungary has been established between the 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University and the Department of Pathology, Central Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior. Further development occurred in the course of various projects, supported by the EU (Inter-path, Re-transplant, Be Pro): new stations were established in three university institutes and six county hospitals. Electronic fixation of the images and their transmission by telephone line (ISDN) is easily available and an important feature of the multimedia system applied in telepathology. The system used by us is suited to evaluate frozen or paraffin-embedded histologic sections, as well as immunohistochemical and cytologic specimens, if necessary supplemented with transmission of macroscopic pictures. Our experience with bilateral consultations has proven the importance of telepathology. The telepathology system established in Hungary is now ready to join the telepathology network of the EU.