Histogram-based selective deblurring to improve computed tomography imaging of calcifications.
OBJECTIVE
Computed tomography (CT) imaging of small high-density structures, eg, calcifications, is hampered by image blur. This study aims to deconvolve calcifications in the transverse and longitudinal directions while avoiding noise amplification and edge-ringing artifacts in the surrounding low-density structures.


METHODS
A method referred to as histogram-based selective deblurring (HiSD) has been developed to generate a restored image by combining the low-intensity (ie, Hounsfield Units) information of the original image with the high-intensity information of the deconvolved image. HiSD is evaluated on phantom and in vitro atherosclerotic plaque CT images by comparing the original and restored images with their corresponding reference micro-CT images both qualitatively and quantitatively.


RESULTS
HiSD reduces calcification blur in the transverse and longitudinal directions without introducing noise and ringing-artifacts in the surrounding tissues. Calcification area and volume measurements are significantly improved in the restored images (reducing on average overestimation by 32% and 83%, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
HiSD significantly improves CT visualization and quantification of small high-density structures imaged in vitro.
Rollano-Hijarrubia
Empar
E
Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. m.rollanohijarrubia@erasmusmc.nl
Niessen
Wiro
W
Weinans
Harrie
H
van der Lugt
Aad
A
Stokking
Rik
R
D000465:Algorithms; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed