A statistical model for the determination of the optimal metric in factor analysis of medical image sequences (FAMIS).

A statistical model is added to the conventional physical model underlying factor analysis of medical image sequences (FAMIS). It allows a derivation of the optimal metric to be used for the orthogonal decomposition involved in FAMIS. The oblique analysis of FAMIS is extended to take this optimal metric into account. The case of scintigraphic image sequences is used. We derive in this case that the optimal decomposition is obtained by correspondence analysis. A scintigraphic dynamic study illustrates the practical consequences of the use of the optimal metric in FAMIS.