An improved graph cut segmentation method for cervical lymph nodes on sonograms and its relationship with node's shape assessment.
A modified graph cut was proposed under the elliptical shape constraint to segment cervical lymph nodes on sonograms, and its effect on the measurement of short axis to long axis ratio (S/L) was investigated by using the relative ultimate measurement accuracy (RUMA). Under the same user inputs, the proposed algorithm successfully segmented all 60 sonograms tested, while the traditional graph cut failed. The mean RUMA resulted from the developed method was comparable to that resulted from the manual segmentation. Results indicated that utilizing the elliptical shape prior could appreciably improve the graph cut for nodes segmentation, and the proposed method satisfied the accuracy requirement of S/L measurement.
Zhang
Junhua
J
Department of Electronic Engineering, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China. jhzhang_2006@yahoo.com.cn
Wang
Yuanyuan
Y
Shi
Xinling
X
D000465:Algorithms; D001185:Artificial Intelligence; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D009333:Neck; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*