Automated mass detection in contrast-enhanced CT colonography: an approach based on contrast and volume.
The purpose of this feasibility study was to design and test an algorithm for automating mass detection in contrast-enhanced CT colonography (CTC). Five patients with known colorectal masses underwent a pre-surgical contrast-enhanced (120 ml volume 1.6 g iodine/s injection rate, 60 s scan delay) CTC in high spatial resolution (16-slice CT: collimation: 16x0.75 mm, tablefeed: 24 mm/0.5 s, reconstruction increment: 0.5 mm). A CT-density- and volume-based algorithm searched for masses in the colonic wall, which was extracted before by segmenting and dilating the colonic air lumen and subtracting the inner air. A radiologist analyzed the detections and causes of false positives. All masses were detected, and false positives were easy to identify. Combining CT density with volume as a cut-off is a promising approach for automating mass detection that should be further refined and also tested in contrast-enhanced MR colonography. More information under http://www.screening.info.
Luboldt
W
W
Clinic and Policlinic of Angiology, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122, Essen, Germany. luboldt@med.uni-essen.de
Tryon
C
C
Kroll
M
M
Toussaint
T L
TL
Holzer
K
K
Hoepffner
N
N
Vogl
T J
TJ
D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D001331:Automation; D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003287:Contrast Media; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D003287:Contrast Media