Ryutaro Hashimoto1, Yoshikazu Uchiyama2, Keiichi Uchimura1, Gou Koutaki1, Tomoki Inoue1. 1. Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1, Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto, 860-8555, Japan. 2. Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Life Science, Kumamoto University, 4-24-1 Kuhonji, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, 862-0976, Japan. y_uchi@kumamoto-u.ac.jp.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Using image processing to extract nodular or linear shadows is a key technique of computer-aided diagnosis schemes. This study proposes a new method for extracting nodular and linear patterns of various sizes in medical images. METHODS: We have developed a morphology filter bank that creates multiresolution representations of an image. Analysis bank of this filter bank produces nodular and linear patterns at each resolution level. Synthesis bank can then be used to perfectly reconstruct the original image from these decomposed patterns. RESULTS: Our proposed method shows better performance based on a quantitative evaluation using a synthesized image compared with a conventional method based on a Hessian matrix, often used to enhance nodular and linear patterns. In addition, experiments show that our method can be applied to the followings: (1) microcalcifications of various sizes in mammograms can be extracted, (2) blood vessels of various sizes in retinal fundus images can be extracted, and (3) thoracic CT images can be reconstructed while removing normal vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Our proposed method is useful for extracting nodular and linear shadows or removing normal structures in medical images.
PURPOSE: Using image processing to extract nodular or linear shadows is a key technique of computer-aided diagnosis schemes. This study proposes a new method for extracting nodular and linear patterns of various sizes in medical images. METHODS: We have developed a morphology filter bank that creates multiresolution representations of an image. Analysis bank of this filter bank produces nodular and linear patterns at each resolution level. Synthesis bank can then be used to perfectly reconstruct the original image from these decomposed patterns. RESULTS: Our proposed method shows better performance based on a quantitative evaluation using a synthesized image compared with a conventional method based on a Hessian matrix, often used to enhance nodular and linear patterns. In addition, experiments show that our method can be applied to the followings: (1) microcalcifications of various sizes in mammograms can be extracted, (2) blood vessels of various sizes in retinal fundus images can be extracted, and (3) thoracic CT images can be reconstructed while removing normal vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Our proposed method is useful for extracting nodular and linear shadows or removing normal structures in medical images.
Authors: Joes Staal; Michael D Abràmoff; Meindert Niemeijer; Max A Viergever; Bram van Ginneken Journal: IEEE Trans Med Imaging Date: 2004-04 Impact factor: 10.048
Authors: Michael F McNitt-Gray; Samuel G Armato; Charles R Meyer; Anthony P Reeves; Geoffrey McLennan; Richie C Pais; John Freymann; Matthew S Brown; Roger M Engelmann; Peyton H Bland; Gary E Laderach; Chris Piker; Junfeng Guo; Zaid Towfic; David P-Y Qing; David F Yankelevitz; Denise R Aberle; Edwin J R van Beek; Heber MacMahon; Ella A Kazerooni; Barbara Y Croft; Laurence P Clarke Journal: Acad Radiol Date: 2007-12 Impact factor: 3.173