Automated 3-D method for the correction of axial artifacts in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images

The 3-D spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images of the retina often do not reflect the true shape of the retina and are distorted differently along the x and y axes. In this paper, we propose a novel technique that uses thin-plate splines in two stages to estimate and correct the distinct axial artifacts in SD-OCT images. The method was quantitatively validated using nine pairs of OCT scans obtained with orthogonal fast-scanning axes, where a segmented surface was compared after both datasets had been corrected. The mean unsigned difference computed between the locations of this artifact-corrected surface after the single-spline and dual-spline correction was 23.36 ± 4.04 μm and 5.94 ± 1.09 μm, respectively, and showed a significant difference (p < 0.001 from two-tailed paired t-test). The method was also validated using depth maps constructed from stereo fundus photographs of the optic nerve head, which were compared to the flattened top surface from the OCT datasets. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were noted between the artifact-corrected datasets and the original datasets, where the mean unsigned differences computed over 30 optic-nerve-head-centered scans (in normalized units) were 0.134 ± 0.035 and 0.302 ± 0.134, respectively.     

True four-dimensional analysis of thoracic aortic displacement and distension using model-based segmentation of computed tomography angiography

Previous analyses of aortic displacement and distension using computed tomography angiography (CTA) were performed on double-oblique multi-planar reformations and did not consider through-plane motion. The aim of this study was to overcome this limitation by using a novel computational approach for the assessment of thoracic aortic displacement and distension in their true four-dimensional extent. Vessel segmentation with landmark tracking was executed on CTA of 24 patients without evidence of aortic disease. Distension magnitudes and maximum displacement vectors (MDV) including their direction were analyzed at 5 aortic locations: left coronary artery (COR), mid-ascending aorta (ASC), brachiocephalic trunk (BCT), left subclavian artery (LSA), descending aorta (DES). Distension was highest for COR (2.3 ± 1.2 mm) and BCT (1.7 ± 1.1 mm) compared with ASC, LSA, and DES (p < 0.005). MDV decreased from COR to LSA (p < 0.005) and was highest for COR (6.2 ± 2.0 mm) and ASC (3.8 ± 1.9 mm). Displacement was directed towards left and anterior at COR and ASC. Craniocaudal displacement at COR and ASC was 1.3 ± 0.8 and 0.3 ± 0.3 mm. At BCT, LSA, and DES no predominant displacement direction was observable. Vessel displacement and wall distension are highest in the ascending aorta, and ascending aortic displacement is primarily directed towards left and anterior. Craniocaudal displacement remains low even close to the left cardiac ventricle.     

Three-dimensional reconstructed images using multidetector computed tomography in evaluation of the biliary tract

The recent development of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and the parallel escalation in the capabilities of the workstation allow the use of high-quality multiplanar and three-dimensional reconstruction images. As a noninvasive technique, MDCT dedicated to the biliary tract represents an alternative to magnetic resonance cholangiography. The usefulness of three-dimensional reconstructed images using MDCT in evaluating biliary tract abnormality is illustrated.     

Three-dimensional motion correction using speckle and phase for in vivo computed optical interferometric tomography

Over the years, many computed optical interferometric techniques have been developed to perform high-resolution volumetric tomography. By utilizing the phase and amplitude information provided with interferometric detection, post-acquisition corrections for defocus and optical aberrations can be performed. The introduction of the phase, though, can dramatically increase the sensitivity to motion (most prominently along the optical axis). In this paper, we present two algorithms which, together, can correct for motion in all three dimensions with enough accuracy for defocus and aberration correction in computed optical interferometric tomography. The first algorithm utilizes phase differences within the acquired data to correct for motion along the optical axis. The second algorithm utilizes the addition of a speckle tracking system using temporally- and spatially-coherent illumination to measure motion orthogonal to the optical axis. The use of coherent illumination allows for high-contrast speckle patterns even when imaging apparently uniform samples or when highly aberrated beams cannot be avoided.OCIS codes: (100.5090) Phase-only filters, (110.3010) Image reconstruction techniques, (110.3175) Interferometric imaging, (110.3200) Inverse scattering, (110.4280) Noise in imaging systems, (110.4500) Optical coherence tomography     

In vitro measurements of flow using multislice computed tomography (MSCT)

To examine in vitro whether an assessment of flow in normal and obstructed vessels is essentially possible using modern multislice CT-scanners. An experimental model allowed known stenoses to be perfused at defined flow rates. Aorta and coronary arteries were simulated by silicone tubes. A pulsatile pump was used to perfuse water through the system with intermittent injection of a bolus of radio-opaque contrast agent. CT-measurements were carried out with slice orientation perpendicular to the tubes. 50–90% concentric stenoses were examined 5 times at 4 different stenosis slice distances. A mathematical algorithm calculated the temporal density changes within a ROI in the tube cross-sections. Quantitative assessment of the data simultaneously acquired with the 16-slice system for the “coronary” and “aortal” time-density curves showed that the model allowed for exclusion of a ≥ 80% stenosis grade with a 99% probability when the slopes of the density increase quotient was > 0.79; a stenosis grade of ≥ 90% could be excluded when the slopes of the density increase quotient was > 0.52. A Quotient > 0.94 for “peak density” was associated with a 99% probability of a stenosis grade ≥ 70%. The 64-slice system allowed stenosis grades of ≥ 80% to be discriminated from lower grades. The general feasibility of the in vitro approach was verified in an in vivo model. The spatial, contrast and temporal resolution of CT scanners with at least 16 detector rows enables qualitative and semiquantitative assessment of stenotic changes in flow.     

Noninvasive monitoring of local drug release in a rabbit radiofrequency (RF) ablation model using X-ray computed tomography

In this study, X-ray computed tomography (CT) was utilized as a noninvasive method to directly examine local drug release kinetics in livers before and following radiofrequency thermal ablation. Iohexol, a CT contrast agent, was used as a drug-mimicking molecule. Release of iohexol in healthy and ablated rabbit livers over 48 h was quantified and correlated with the release profiles from phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) in vitro. The results show that iohexol release in ablated livers is significantly slower than both release in normal livers and in vitro. The time at which 50% of the drug was released (t(1/2)) into ablated liver (20.6+/-5.9 h) was 1.7 times longer than in normal liver (12.1+/-5.4 h) and approximately two times longer than that in PBS (10.1+/-1.2 h). The slower release in ablated livers is a result of severe tissue damage inflicted by thermal ablation, as supported by histological examination. This data suggests that a noninvasive imaging method provides a superior measurement over in vitro release studies in accurately quantifying the local release kinetics of an agent in an altered physiological system in vivo. Because the development of a successful local drug therapy is dependent on the understanding of the agent release kinetics at the implantation site, the noninvasive data may be indispensable in effectively predicting the implant behavior in a physiological system.     

Automated tracking of the mitral valve annulus motion in apical echocardiographic images using multidimensional dynamic programming

We developed a semiautomatic method for tracking the mitral valve annulus (MVA) in echocardiographic images, in particular, tracking the septal and the lateral mitral valve hinge points. The algorithm is based on multidimensional dynamic programming combined with apodized block matching. The method was tested on single-beat apical four chamber image sequences of 20 patients with acute myocardial infarction. The automated tracking results were evaluated by comparing them with the average manual tracking results of two experts. The mitral valve hinge point displacements and the total mitral excursions obtained by the automatic technique agreed well with those obtained manually and outperformed two commonly used tracking methods (forward tracking and minimum tracking). In conclusion, this novel semiautomatic tracking method is clinically valuable and capable of tracking the MVA motion within the limits of interobserver variability. The technique is robust, even in low frame rate, redigitized VCR images of clinical quality.     

Compensation of motion artifacts in intracoronary optical frequency domain imaging and optical coherence tomography

Intracoronary optical coherence tomography and optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) have been utilized for two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging of vascular microanatomy. Image quality and the spatial accuracy of multidimensional reconstructions, however, can be degraded due to artifacts resulting from relative motion between the intracoronary catheter and the vessel wall. To track the relative motion of a catheter with regard to the vessel, a motion tracking system was incorporated with a standard OFDI system by using wavelength division multiplexing techniques. Motion of the vessel was acquired by a frequency shift of the backscattered light caused by the Doppler effect. A single monochromatic beam was utilized for tracking the relative longitudinal displacements of a catheter-based fiber probe with regard to the vessel. Although two tracking beams are, in general, required to correct for longitudinal motion artifacts, the accurate reconstruction in a longitudinal view was achieved by the Doppler frequency information of a single beam. Our results demonstrate that the single beam based motion tracking scheme is a cost-effective, practical approach to compensating for longitudinal distortions due to cardiac dynamics, thus leading to accurate quantitative analysis of 3D intracoronary OFDI.     

Determination of the dominant arch by computational fluid dynamics analysis using computed tomography images in double aortic arch

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis using computed tomography images canreveal the details of the blood flow in cardiovascular disease. In double aortic arch, it isdifficult to assess the hemodynamics because of the strong influence of variousanatomical features, such as the angle of the aortic bifurcation. In the present study,we reported that CFD analysis is a valuable method for hemodynamic assessment inpatients with double aortic arch.

     

基于CT扫描及CAD技术建立下腰椎三维有限元模型

背景：近年来,计算机技术和有限元理论的飞速发展为构建腰椎模型提供了技术支持,有限元模型的精确性和可靠性显著提高,为研究椎间盘、椎板切除、腰椎融合、脊柱内固定材料等临床相关的生物力学问题提供了更好的平台。目的：应用三维有限元法建立L3～5腰椎活动节段力学模型。方法：通过CT扫描、Unigraphics V18.0软件进行影像边界记录、定标等方法,按照点、线、面、体的顺序重建三维结构,采用CAD数据处理技术,输入相关的材料特性,验证重建模型的有效性。结果与结论：建立下腰椎的三维有限元模型（L3～5）,分析结果证明其在仿真分析中是可行的,可以模拟生物力学实验。建立的模型共有6482个节点,31326个单元,生成网格时利用网格生成器的扫掠和优化功能,尽量依据模型的几何外形,使网格生成的最少,兼顾了对建模准确性和计算可行性,同时又能充分满足对腰椎的生物力学研究。     

基于CT扫描及CAD技术建立下腰椎三维有限元模型

背景:近年来,计算机技术和有限元理论的飞速发展为构建腰椎模型提供了技术支持,有限元模型的精确性和可靠性显著提高,为研究椎间盘、椎板切除、腰椎融合、脊柱内固定材料等临床相关的生物力学问题提供了更好的平台。目的:应用三维有限元法建立L3～5腰椎活动节段力学模型。方法:通过CT扫描、Unigraphics V18.0软件进行影像边界记录、定标等方法,按照点、线、面、体的顺序重建三维结构,采用CAD数据处理技术,输入相关的材料特性,验证重建模型的有效性。结果与结论:建立下腰椎的三维有限元模型(L3～5),分析结果证明其在仿真分析中是可行的,可以模拟生物力学实验。建立的模型共有6482个节点,31326个单元,生成网格时利用网格生成器的扫掠和优化功能,尽量依据模型的几何外形,使网格生成的最少,兼顾了对建模准确性和计算可行性,同时又能充分满足对腰椎的生物力学研究。     

Errors and artifacts encountered in the monitoring of fetal respiratory movements using untrasound.

A study is described of the possible sources of error and artifact arising in the monitoring of fetal respiratory movements using ultrasound, and their effect upon the clinical usefulness of the technique.Major artifacts arose from attempts to use the instrument controls to compensate for a poor choice of insonation direction, and from the use of a belt-mounted transducer.Critical requirements of the necessary instrumentation are discussed, together with the limitations of commercially-available equipment.     

Atlas-based shape analysis and classification of retinal optical coherence tomography images using the functional shape (fshape) framework

We propose a novel approach for quantitative shape variability analysis in retinal optical coherence tomography images using the functional shape (fshape) framework. The fshape framework uses surface geometry together with functional measures, such as retinal layer thickness defined on the layer surface, for registration across anatomical shapes. This is used to generate a population mean template of the geometry-function measures from each individual. Shape variability across multiple retinas can be measured by the geometrical deformation and functional residual between the template and each of the observations. To demonstrate the clinical relevance and application of the framework, we generated atlases of the inner layer surface and layer thickness of the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) of glaucomatous and normal subjects, visualizing detailed spatial pattern of RNFL loss in glaucoma. Additionally, a regularized linear discriminant analysis classifier was used to automatically classify glaucoma, glaucoma-suspect, and control cases based on RNFL fshape metrics.     

Effect of dose reduction on image quality and diagnostic performance in coronary computed tomography angiography

To evaluate the effect of radiation dose reduction on image quality and diagnostic accuracy of coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography. Coronary CT angiography studies of 40 patients with (n = 20) and without (n = 20) significant (≥50 %) stenosis were included (26 male, 14 female, 57 ± 11 years). In addition to the original clinical reconstruction (100 % dose), simulated images were created that correspond to 50, 25 and 12.5 % of the original dose. Image quality and diagnostic performance in identifying significant stenosis were determined. Receiver–operator-characteristics analysis was used to assess diagnostic accuracy at different dose levels. The identification of patients with significant stenosis decreased consistently at doses of 50, 25 and 12.5 of the regular clinical acquisition (100 %). The effect was relatively weak at 50 % dose, and was strong at dose levels of 25 and 12.5 %. At lower doses a steady increase was observed for false negative findings. The number of coronary artery segments that were rated as diagnostic decreased gradually with dose, this was most prominent for smaller segments. The area-under-the-curve (AUC) was 0.90 (p = 0.4) at 50 % dose; accuracy decreased significantly with 25 % (AUC 0.70) and 12.5 % dose (AUC 0.60) (p < 0.0001), with underestimation of patients having significant stenosis. The clinical acquisition protocol for evaluation of coronary artery stenosis with CT angiography represents a good balance between image quality and patient dose. A potential for a modest (<50 %) reduction of tube current might exist. However, more substantial reduction of tube current will reduce diagnostic performance of coronary CT angiography substantially.     

Comparison of contrast-enhanced power Doppler ultrasound (Levovist) and computed tomography in alveolar echinococcosis

Background To date, no study has compared unenhanced and contrast-enhanced (Levovist) power Doppler ultrasound with three-phase helical computed tomography (CT) for the analysis of the vascularization of hepatic lesions in patients who have alveolar echinococcosis.Methods Fifteen patients (11 female and four male; average age, 45.8 years) with confirmed Echinococcus multilocularis infection underwent unenhanced and contrast-enhanced (Levovist) power Doppler ultrasound (2- to 5-MHz transducer head) and three-phase helical CT. The largest identified lesion in each patient was studied.Results CT visualized vascularization peripheral or central to the largest echinococcal lesions in 11 of 15 patients. Vascularization in the area of the echinococcal lesions was not visualized by unenhanced or contrast-enhanced power Doppler ultrasound in any of the 15 patients studied.Conclusion Three-phase helical CT visualizes the vascularization associated with Echinococcus multilocularis lesions in the liver. Neither unenhanced nor contrast-enhanced ultrasound in power mode is suitable for this application.     

CT扫描及计算机辅助设计技术建立的颈椎三维有限元模型

通过CT扫描、Unigraphics V18.0 软件进行影像边界记录、定标等方法,按照点、线、面、体的顺序重建三维结构,采用计算机辅助设计数据处理技术,输入相关的材料特性,通过计算机分析颈椎C_(3~4)的应力分布.验证重建模型的有效性.建立了颈椎C_(3~4)三维有限元模型,分析结果证明其在仿真分析中是可行的.结果提示,建立的颈椎三维有限元模型可以模拟生物力学实验,可为计算机分析该模型的局部结构在各种受力情况下的生物力学表现创造力条件.     

Speckle reduction with edge preservation in medical ultrasonic images using a homogeneous region growing mean filter (HRGMF)

In this paper, we propose a new post formation adaptive image filtering technique, to be called the homogeneous region growing mean filter, in order to reduce speckle noise with edge preservation in medical ultrasonic images. First, to find a proper seed region, an initially assumed seed region, which is larger than the average speckle size around a given filtering point, is successively contracted according to a certain local homogeneity criterion. Once the seed region is determined, the next step is to grow the homogeneous region successively based on some measures of local homogeneity and similarity of the neighboring region. The output of the proposed filter for each filtering point is obtained from the arithmetic mean of the grown locally homogeneous region. Several simulation results are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed filter. They show that the proposed technique effectively smoothes ultrasonic speckle and completely suppresses isolated impulsive noise over the entire texture in addition to preserving the edge information.     

The role of computed tomography in diagnosis of blunt intestinal and mesenteric trauma (BIMT)

Blunt intestinal mesenteric trauma (BIMT) is a rare injury with a high morbidity and mortality. It is a diagnostic dilemma for Trauma Surgeons and Emergency Physicians. This study was undertaken to assess the role of computed tomography (CT) in BIMT. Data were analyzed from 1995 to 2002. Thirty-six cases of BIMT were identified: 16 isolated and 20 non-isolated injuries. Initial CT scan was abnormal in 74% (17 out of 23), and 83% on retrospect (2 additional cases). CT scans were abnormal (initial and repeat) in 96% (22 out of 23). The most common abnormalities were free fluid (78%), mesenteric stranding or edema (39%), bowel wall hematoma, or edema (30%). Free air was seen in 31% and oral contrast extravasation in 15% of cases of bowel perforation. CT scan findings in BIMT can be subtle and non-specific. Suspicion of BIMT warrants close observation and probably further diagnostic testing.