title: Formulating spatially varying performance in the statistical fusion framework.
abstract: To date, label fusion methods have primarily relied either on global [e.g., simultaneous truth and performance level estimation (STAPLE), globally weighted vote] or voxelwise (e.g., locally weighted vote) performance models. Optimality of the statistical fusion framework hinges upon the validity of the stochastic model of how a rater errs (i.e., the labeling process model). Hitherto, approaches have tended to focus on the extremes of potential models. Herein, we propose an extension to the STAPLE approach to seamlessly account for spatially varying performance by extending the performance level parameters to account for a smooth, voxelwise performance level field that is unique to each rater. This approach, Spatial STAPLE, provides significant improvements over state-of-the-art label fusion algorithms in both simulated and empirical data sets.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA. andrew.j.asman@vanderbilt.edu
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Asman
authors.forename: Bennett A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Landman
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D008579:Meningioma / Q000473:pathology*; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013382:Subtraction Technique