Semi-automatic detection of calcifications using nonlinear stretching on x-ray images

Lars A. Conrad-Hansen; Marleen de Brujne; Mads Nielsen; Maria Petrou

doi:10.1117/12.708443

30 March 2007 Semi-automatic detection of calcifications using nonlinear stretching on x-ray images

Lars A. Conrad-Hansen, Marleen de Brujne, Mads Nielsen, Maria Petrou

Proceedings Volume 6514, Medical Imaging 2007: Computer-Aided Diagnosis; 65142N (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.708443
Event: Medical Imaging, 2007, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

A central problem in the development of a mass-screening tool for atherosclerotic plaque is automatic calcification detection. The mass-screening aspect implies that the detection process should be fast and reliable. In this paper we present a first step in this direction by introducing a semi-automatic calcification classification tool based on non-linear stretching, an image enhancement method that focusses on local image statistics. The calcified areas are approximated by a coarse brush, which in our case is mimicked by taking the ground truth, provided by radiologists, and dilating it with circular structuring elements of varying sizes. Thresholds are then examined for the different structuring elements, that yield optimal results on the enhanced image. The results in this preliminary study which contains 19 images of varying calcification degree, fully annotated by medical experts, show a significant increase in accuracy when the methodology is validated on a region of interest containing the areas of a simulated coarse brush.

Citation Download Citation

Lars A. Conrad-Hansen, Marleen de Brujne, Mads Nielsen, and Maria Petrou "Semi-automatic detection of calcifications using nonlinear stretching on x-ray images", Proc. SPIE 6514, Medical Imaging 2007: Computer-Aided Diagnosis, 65142N (30 March 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.708443

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