Computer-assisted diagnosis by temporal subtraction in postoperative brain tumor patients: a feasibility study.
OBJECTIVE
To introduce and evaluate a novel, image fusion-based technique that can be used to compare the findings of primary and control brain magnetic resonance imaging scans, with special attention to the differences found in this comparison.


METHODS
A new technique named "colored difference mapping" was applied to the brain examinations of five patients. The possible changes in the magnetic resonance imaging findings were analyzed by the colored difference mapping technique and by using conventional film reading and the results were compared.


RESULTS
Colored difference mapping accurately depicts the differences between successive magnetic resonance images and reveals small changes that are difficult to perceive in a visual evaluation.


CONCLUSIONS
Colored difference mapping is suitable for comparison of images between two different radiologic examinations and helps to show even minimal changes in brain tissues.
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, PL 50, 90029 OYS, Finland. eero.ilkko@ppshp.fi
Eero
E
Ilkko
Kari
K
Suomi
Ari
A
Karttunen
Osmo
O
Tervonen
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003116:Color; D003287:Contrast Media; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D005910:Glioma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006393:Hemangiopericytoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013382:Subtraction Technique
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA