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PubMed2006

Fast splitting alpha-rooting method of image enhancement: tensor representation.

In the tensor representation, a two-dimensional (2-D) image is represented uniquely by a set of one-dimensional (1-D) signals, so-called splitting-signals, that carry the spectral information of the image at frequency-points of specific sets that cover the whole domain of frequencies. The image enhancement is thus reduced to processing splitting-signals and such process requires a modification of only a few spectral components of the image, for each signal. For instance, the alpha-rooting method of image enhancement can be fulfilled through processing separately a maximum of 3N/2 splitting-signals of an image (N x N), where N is a power of two. In this paper, we propose a fast implementation of the a-rooting method by using one splitting-signal of the tensor representation with respect to the discrete Fourier transform (DFT). The implementation is described in the frequency and spatial domains. As a result, the proposed algorithms for image enhancement use two 1-D N-point DFTs instead of two 2-D N x N-point DFTs in the traditional method of alpha-rooting.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2006

Refraction-angle resolution of diffraction enhanced imaging.

As a new method, x-ray diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) has extremely high sensitivity for weakly absorbing low-Z samples in medical and biological fields. Conventional performance parameters, such as spatial resolution and low-contrast resolution, are not enough to describe the characteristics of a DEI system. This paper focuses on refraction-angle resolution which describes the ability of a DEI system to differentiate the x-rays refracted by the sample. The analysis of refraction-angle resolution is composed of two parts: the analysis of the single DEI image measured in a certain position of the rocking curve and the analysis of the refraction-angle image calculated by extraction methods. A 2D computer simulation experiment is performed to prove the results of the analyses. The limitations and conclusions of refraction-angle resolution are described in the end.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2005

Effects of x-ray and CT image enhancements on the robustness and accuracy of a rigid 3D/2D image registration.

A rigid body three-dimensional/two-dimensional (3D/2D) registration method has been implemented using mutual information, gradient ascent, and 3D texturemap-based digitally reconstructed radiographs. Nine combinations of commonly used x-ray and computed tomography (CT) image enhancement methods, including window leveling, histogram equalization, and adaptive histogram equalization, were examined to assess their effects on accuracy and robustness of the registration method. From a set of experiments using an anthropomorphic chest phantom, we were able to draw several conclusions. First, the CT and x-ray preprocessing combination with the widest attraction range was the one that linearly stretched the histograms onto the entire display range on both CT and x-ray images. The average attraction ranges of this combination were 71.3 mm and 61.3 deg in the translation and rotation dimensions, respectively, and the average errors were 0.12 deg and 0.47 mm. Second, the combination of the CT image with tissue and bone information and the x-ray images with adaptive histogram equalization also showed subvoxel accuracy, especially the best in the translation dimensions. However, its attraction ranges were the smallest among the examined combinations (on average 36 mm and 19 deg). Last the bone-only information on the CT image did not show convergency property to the correct registration.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2002

X-ray refraction-enhanced imaging and a method for phase retrieval for a simple object.

Refraction-enhanced imaging is now widely used for imaging low-absorption-contrast specimens in the hard X-ray region. However, the interpretation of the details of a refraction-enhanced image is not always clear. In this paper the theoretical treatment of refraction-enhanced imaging and a method for phase retrieval from refraction-contrast images are discussed in comparison with angular-deflection mapping of the transmitting beam. The problems of thick and complicated objects are also discussed.

Birefringence↗
PubMed2005

Vitreous image enhancement in an ophthalmic sonographic imaging system using Golay coded excitation.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to enhance the weak echoes of low reflective vitreous opacities on ophthalmic sonography. METHODS: A simulation study on a vitreous enhancement algorithm based on coded excitation was performed, with the analysis of the transmit efficiency and motion effects. On the basis of the simulation results, we have implemented a 10-MHz B-mode experimental sonographic platform with coded excitation. In the experimental platform, a field programmable gated array is used to apply a real-time signal-processing and imaging algorithm. RESULTS: A high-frequency ophthalmic sonographic imaging system based on Golay complementary sequence coded excitation is presented. The images of human eyes show appreciable improvement of the contrast resolution of low reflective vitreous opacities while suppressing the noise level. CONCLUSIONS: The images show the effectiveness of the vitreous enhancement algorithm and its potential clinical application.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1982

Evaluation of digital image enhancement techniques for liver scintigrams.

Digital image enhancement techniques were employed in an effort to improve the resolution of Anger camera liver images. The premise employed was that methods which improve lesion detectability in liver phantoms should also do so in actual liver scintigrams. The types of image processing evaluated were: contrast enhancement, finite and infinite impulse response, modulation transfer function correction, homomorphic and median filtering. Observers were used to evaluate each method for its ability to improve lesion detectability using a five category rating system. The Localization Receiver Operating Characteristic (LROC) curve was used as the primary rank ordering method. A point system and analysis of variance were used as corroborative methods, incorporating measures of accuracy and consistency of the observers' answers.

Humans↗
PubMed1994

MR imaging of the musculoskeletal system: technical considerations for enhancing image quality and diagnostic yield.

MR imaging has revolutionized the diagnostic evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders, becoming the study of choice for many indications. Without the use of ionizing radiation, MR imaging can safely produce high-contrast, high-resolution cross-sectional images of the body in virtually any imaging plane. To maximize the diagnostic information of musculoskeletal MR studies, the radiologist must consistently produce the highest quality images possible, which in turn depends on a complex interaction among multiple technical factors. We present our perspectives on some of these factors, stressing the impact each has for specific indications. The material presented herein should be viewed as guidelines for improving image quality and diagnostic yield. However, individual systems and applications vary considerably, and the radiologist must "fine-tune" protocols to reflect the available resources, patient population, and preferences of the referring clinicians.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2006

Diffraction-enhanced imaging of the rat spine.

INTRODUCTION: Diffraction-enhanced imaging (DEI) uses monochromatic synchrotron X-rays to image tissue. This technique has been shown to produce superior bony and soft tissue characterization when compared with conventional absorption radiography. Application of this imaging modality is under investigation, and this study represents the first DEI analysis of the vertebral column. METHODS: Four male Wistar rats were studied. Spine muscle blocks were imaged in 3 of the rats after thoracic laminectomy (n = 1), after lumbar laminectomy (n = 1), and in a control condition (n = 1). The fourth rat was imaged as a whole animal control. Conventional radiography and synchrotron-supported DEI at 40 keV were performed on all specimens. We compared images side by side, using a nonvalidated subjective assessment technique. RESULTS: DEI produced superior visualization of the vertebral anatomy, compared with conventional absorption radiography for all specimens. Greater bony and soft tissue detail was noted, with improved image contrast. In addition to imaging the anatomical structures, DEI showed the polyglactin suture material used for fascial closure in the 2 animals that underwent surgery. Artifact from air bubbles was present on DEI images but not on plain radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: This represents the first use of DEI, a novel imaging modality, to image the vertebral column. It provides excellent anatomic detail with superior contrast and visualization of both bone and soft tissue when compared with conventional radiography. Future applications of this investigational technique may include analysis of spinal fusion as well as degenerative and neoplastic conditions of the spine.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Value of image enhancement and injection of contrast medium for right ventricular volume determination by two-dimensional echocardiography in congenital heart disease.

To determine factors that influence the accuracy of echocardiographically estimated right ventricular volume and to improve the echocardiographic input information by applying image enhancement techniques, quantitative contrast echocardiography (4-chamber view) and biplane angiocardiography were performed in 23 children during routine diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Volumes calculated on the basis of unprocessed and processed echocardiographic cross sections (area-length method and sphere model) underestimated angiocardiographic volumes significantly (p less than 0.01), and more so in end-diastole (50.6%) than in end-systole (35.9%). Thus, ejection fraction was significantly (p less than 0.01) underestimated; mean values were 0.48 +/- 0.12 and 0.60 +/- 0.08, respectively. The best comparison between echocardiography and angiocardiography at end-diastole was achieved with the sphere model using image enhancement techniques and injection of contrast media, where y = 0.54x - 6.8, r = 0.97, sy.x = 7.3. Correlations, however, in which unprocessed echocardiograms were used showed only slightly less good correlations. With the 6 image-enhancement techniques, a more homogeneous structure of the image and a more distinct outline of the internal surface was achieved. The statistical error improved only slightly. The echocardiographic 4-chamber view allows right ventricular volume determination with an acceptable accuracy. Its underestimation is related to inadequate visualization of trabeculations and mainly to the models used. Application of image enhancement techniques allows easier outlining of the internal cavity surface. The advantage gained by the combination of contrast infection and image enhancement techniques does not warrant the routine central injection of available contrast material.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

[An evaluation of computed radiography in contrast-enhanced imaging of the gastric area].

The usefulness of computed radiography (CR) in contrast-enhanced imaging of the stomach was evaluated. First, the spatial resolution and density resolution of CR under the conditions of contrast-enhanced imaging of the digestive tract were examined. Spatial resolution was lower, but density resolution was similar, in comparison with those of conventional film screen (FS). Both were better in CR at a low dose. Evaluation of processing conditions for CR using a gastric phantom indicated that the use of N for gamma type (GT) and T for response type (RT) in the left image and the use of A for GT and F for RT in the right image is recommended. Evaluation of the relationship between the stomach segment and response enhancement (RE) showed that RE should not be very strong in cases where segments to be visualized are limited to the lower part of the stomach. With an optimal RE, the image quality of the gastric segment was better in CR than in FS. When dynamic-range control processing was performed in an area overlapped by colon gas, obscure parts became visually recognizable. CR is considered to be useful also for contrast-enhanced imaging of the digestive tract.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Strategy of extraction methods and reconstruction algorithms in computed tomography of diffraction enhanced imaging.

Computed tomography of diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI-CT) is a novel x-ray phase-contrast computed tomography which is applied to inspect weakly absorbing low-Z samples. Refraction-angle images which are extracted from a series of raw DEI images measured in different positions of the rocking curve of the analyser can be regarded as projections of DEI-CT. Based on them, the distribution of refractive index decrement in the sample can be reconstructed according to the principles of CT. How to combine extraction methods and reconstruction algorithms to obtain the most accurate reconstructed results is investigated in detail in this paper. Two kinds of comparison, the comparison of different extraction methods and the comparison between "two-step" algorithms and the Hilbert filtered backprojection (HFBP) algorithm, draw the conclusion that the HFBP algorithm based on the maximum refraction-angle (MRA) method may be the best combination at present. Though all current extraction methods including the MRA method are approximate methods and cannot calculate very large refraction-angle values, the HFBP algorithm based on the MRA method is able to provide quite acceptable estimations of the distribution of refractive index decrement of the sample. The conclusion is proved by the experimental results at the Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1997

Adaptive mammographic image enhancement using first derivative and local statistics.

This paper proposes an adaptive image enhancement method for mammographic images, which is based on the first derivative and the local statistics. The adaptive enhancement method consists of three processing steps. The first step is to remove the film artifacts which may be misread as microcalcifications. The second step is to compute the gradient images by using the first derivative operators. The third step is to enhance the important features of the mammographic image by adding the adaptively weighted gradient images. Local statistics of the image are utilized for adaptive realization of the enhancement, so that image details can be enhanced and image noises can be suppressed. The objective performances of the proposed method were compared with those by the conventional image enhancement methods for a simulated image and the seven mammographic images containing real microcalcifications. The performance of the proposed method was also evaluated by means of the receiver operating-characteristics (ROC) analysis for 78 real mammographic images with and without microcalcifications.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2006

Ferumoxtran-10-enhanced MR lymphangiography: does contrast-enhanced imaging alone suffice for accurate lymph node characterization?

OBJECTIVE: Ferumoxtran-10 is a lymphotropic MR contrast agent that is currently under investigation. It has been shown to be effective in staging lymph nodes of patients with various primary malignancies. The current technique with ferumoxtran-10 involves imaging before and 24 hr after contrast administration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of ferumoxtran-10-enhanced images alone in characterizing lymph nodes for oncologic staging 24 hr after contrast enhancement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-seven patients (58 men, 19 women) with proven primary cancer (bladder [n = 20], breast [n = 10], endometrial [n = 1], renal [n = 3], penile [n = 4], prostate [n = 31], rectal [n = 1], testicular [n = 5], and ureteral [n = 2]) who were scheduled for surgical lymph node dissection were enrolled in the study. In these patients, 169 lymph nodes (mean size, 11.2 mm) were evaluated on T2*-weighted gradient-refocused echo MRI at l.5 T both before and 24-36 hr after the IV administration of ferumoxtran-10 (2.6 mg Fe/kg). Two blinded reviewers with differing levels of interpreting experience separately performed qualitative image evaluation. A 6-point scale was used to characterize lymph nodes on contrast-enhanced images alone and on combined unenhanced and contrast-enhanced images. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed separately for both reviewers. RESULTS: Of the 169 lymph nodes evaluated, 55 were benign and 114 malignant by histopathologic analysis. The results of the ROC analysis comparing contrast-enhanced images ([A(z) = area under ROC curve] reviewer 1, A(z) = 0.92; reviewer 2, A(z) = 0.94) alone with combined unenhanced and contrast-enhanced images (reviewer 1, A(z) = 0.94; reviewer 2, A(z) = 0.93) showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.01) for reviewer 1 but no difference for reviewer 2 (p = 0.88). Reviewer 2 was more experienced in interpreting ferumoxtran-10-enhanced images than reviewer 1. CONCLUSION: On ferumoxtran-10-enhanced MR lymphangiography, contrast-enhanced images alone may suffice for lymph node characterization. However, a certain level of interpretation experience may be required before contrast-enhanced images can be used alone.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

MR differentiation of hepatic haemangioma and hepatocellular carcinoma: value of delayed-phase Gd-DTPA enhanced images.

The efficacy of three different approaches (precontrast and delayed-phase postcontrast T1-weighted (T1-W) images, measurement of T2 value, and dynamic FLASH imaging) for differentiation between hepatic haemangiomas and hepatocellular carcinomas, was compared. Most haemangiomas (89%) showed iso- or hypointensity on precontrast T1-W images and hyperintensity on delayed-phase postcontrast T1-W images. By using both pre/postcontrast T1-W images and T2 measurement, 30 out of 32 lesions (94%) were correctly differentiated. The dynamic FLASH imaging did not significantly improve the overall accuracy although it played a critical role in a few problematic cases. It is concluded that the combination of pre/postcontrast T1-W images is a promising approach for differentiation of small hepatic tumours, and plays a complementary role with T2 measurement.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

A micro-tomography method based on X-ray diffraction enhanced imaging for the visualization of micro-organs and soft tissues.

Diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) is one of the phase contrast imaging methods using the monochromatic X-ray from synchrotron, which provides information on the out-of-plane angular deviation of X-ray. DEI allows the investigation of micro-structures inside weakly absorbing samples at high spatial resolution without serious radiation exposure. Tomographic techniques can be applied readily to phase contrast images. The combination of DEI and tomography allows for a reconstruction of refractive index gradient distribution inside weakly absorbing samples with micrometer resolution, particularly suited for the 3D observation of micro-organisms and tissues. The existing phase contrast tomography methods based on DEI use phase contrast images as projections, such images contain not only the phase information, but also the absorption information. A novel method (DEI in the tomography mode) was developed to greatly increase the proportion of refraction information in phase contrast images by computing the difference between the two sets of images acquired at different angles of the rocking curve to adopt the projections with a complete set (2pi) for reconstruction. The reconstructed images of cochlea of a guinea pig showed the spatial structures and the micro-features inside the samples. The new method reveals higher spatial resolution compared to the conventional phase contrast tomography methods and is more suitable to the investigation of micro-structures of micro-organisms and tissue materials.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2004

Image enhancement in the JPEG domain for people with vision impairment.

An image enhancement algorithm for low-vision patients was developed for images compressed using the JPEG standard. The proposed algorithm enhances the images in the discrete cosine transform domain by weighting the quantization table in the decoder. Our specific implementation increases the contrast at all bands of frequencies by an equal factor. The enhancement algorithm has four advantages: 1) low computational cost; 2) suitability for real-time application; 3) ease of adjustment by end-users (for example, adjusting a single parameter); and 4) less severe block artifacts as compared with conventional (post compression) enhancements. Experiments with visually impaired patients show improved perceived image quality at moderate levels of enhancement but rejection of artifacts caused by higher levels of enhancement.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2004

A knowledge-based framework for image enhancement in aviation security.

The main aim of this paper is to present a knowledge-based framework for automatically selecting the best image enhancement algorithm from several available on a per image basis in the context of X-ray images of airport luggage. The approach detailed involves a system that learns to map image features that represent its viewability to one or more chosen enhancement algorithms. Viewability measures have been developed to provide an automatic check on the quality of the enhanced image, i.e., is it really enhanced? The choice is based on ground-truth information generated by human X-ray screening experts. Such a system, for a new image, predicts the best-suited enhancement algorithm. Our research details the various characteristics of the knowledge-based system and shows extensive results on real images.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2000

MRI screening for acoustic neuroma: a comparison of fast spin echo and contrast enhanced imaging in 1233 patients.

Gadolinium enhanced MRI is the gold standard investigation for the detection of acoustic neuroma. Non-contrast MRI sequences have been suggested as an alternative for screening examinations. In order to determine the utility of fast spin echo imaging, both gadolinium enhanced T1 weighted images and fast spin echo T2 weighted images were acquired in 1233 consecutive patients referred for exclusion of acoustic neuroma. Two radiologists independently recorded their findings. Fast spin echo T2 weighted images were evaluated with respect to the visibility of nerves within the internal auditory canals and allocated a confidence score for the presence or absence of acoustic neuroma. 33 acoustic neuromas were identified. Only 56% were confidently identified on fast spin echo T2 weighted images alone; gadolinium enhanced T1 weighted images were required to confirm the diagnosis in 44% of the cases, including 9 of the 10 intracanalicular tumours. However, when identification of two normal intracanalicular nerves is employed as the criterion of normality, the single fast spin echo T2 weighted sequence excluded acoustic neuroma in 59% of this screened population. It is concluded that an imaging strategy intended to identify small intracanalicular acoustic neuromas cannot rely on fast spin echo T2 weighted imaging alone. Gadolinium enhanced T1 weighted imaging could be restricted to patients where fast spin echo images do not exclude acoustic neuroma but this strategy requires continuous supervision by an experienced radiologist. In most practices the screening examination should continue to include a gadolinium enhanced sequence in order to optimize the detection of small acoustic neuromas.

Adolescent↗