Probability mapping of scarred myocardium using texture and intensity features in CMR images.
BACKGROUND
The myocardium exhibits heterogeneous nature due to scarring after Myocardial Infarction (MI). In Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) imaging, Late Gadolinium (LG) contrast agent enhances the intensity of scarred area in the myocardium.


METHODS
In this paper, we propose a probability mapping technique using Texture and Intensity features to describe heterogeneous nature of the scarred myocardium in Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) images after Myocardial Infarction (MI). Scarred tissue and non-scarred tissue are represented with high and low probabilities, respectively. Intermediate values possibly indicate areas where the scarred and healthy tissues are interwoven. The probability map of scarred myocardium is calculated by using a probability function based on Bayes rule. Any set of features can be used in the probability function.


RESULTS
In the present study, we demonstrate the use of two different types of features. One is based on the mean intensity of pixel and the other on underlying texture information of the scarred and non-scarred myocardium. Examples of probability maps computed using the mean intensity of pixel and the underlying texture information are presented. We hypothesize that the probability mapping of myocardium offers alternate visualization, possibly showing the details with physiological significance difficult to detect visually in the original CMR image.


CONCLUSIONS
The probability mapping obtained from the two features provides a way to define different cardiac segments which offer a way to identify areas in the myocardium of diagnostic importance (like core and border areas in scarred myocardium).
Department of Electrical Eng, and Computer Science, University of Stavanger, Stavanger 4036, Norway. lasya.kotu@gmail.com.
Lasya Priya
LP
Kotu
Kjersti
K
Engan
Karl
K
Skretting
Frode
F
Måløy
Stein
S
Orn
Leik
L
Woie
Trygve
T
Eftestøl
D001499:Bayes Theorem; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003287:Contrast Media; D016002:Discriminant Analysis; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009206:Myocardium; D011336:Probability
D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium