Medical Image Processing

Lecture-16
Introduction to Bio-Medical Engineering
(IBME)

Credit: 2023-BME-121,104,125,115
 INTRODUCTION
The process and technique of imaging the inside of a body for
clinical analysis, medical intervention, and a visual depiction of
how certain organs or tissues function (physiology) is known as
medical imaging. Medical imaging aims to diagnose and treat
illnesses by revealing internal structures that are hidden by the
skin and bones.
 EARLY HISTORY
By the 1950s and early 1960s, the
integration of information technology with
X-ray technology arrived, revolutionizing
medical imaging. Soon after in 1972,
computed tomography (CT) was invented
by British engineer Godfrey Hounsfield and
South African physicians Allan Cormack.
 History
MODERN ERA
• During the 1970s, several years of investigation into
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices also led to
the first MRI image of the brain in 1978.
• The successful development and clinical application of
this imaging technology were particularly important in
the field of neuroscience, where researchers were able
to advance their knowledge and understanding of
various neuroanatomical regions.
• Researchers began to understand human memory
systems, as well as associated neurodegenerative
pathophysiological mechanisms.
CORE AREAS OF MEDICAL
IMAGE PROCESSING
There are numerous concepts and
approaches for structuring the field of
medical image processing that focus on
different aspects of its core areas. These
areas shape three major processes
underlying this field:

I. Image formation
II. Image computing
III. Image management
 Image
Formation and

Interpretation

• Data Acquisition:

The first integral step in the image

formation is an acquisition of raw imaging
data. It contains the original information
about captured physical quantities
describing internal aspects of the body. This
information becomes the primary subject
for all subsequent steps of image
processing.
 Image Image reconstruction is a mathematical process of forming an image using
the acquired raw data. For multidimensional imaging, this process also
Reconstructi includes a combination of multiple data sets captured at different angles or
different time steps. This part of medical image processing deals with inverse
on problems, which is a fundamental subject of the field. There are two primary
algorithms used to solve this type of problems—analytical and iterative.
Image
Computing
Image computing deals with
computational and mathematical
methods operated on
reconstructed imaging data to
extract clinically relevant
information. These methods are
applied for enhancement,
analysis, and visualization of the
imaging results.
Enhancement
Image enhancement refines a transform
representation of an image to improve
interpretability of the contained information. Its
methods can be subdivided into spatial and
frequency domain techniques.
Analysis
Image analysis is the central process in image
computing that uses a broad variety of methods
which can be grouped into three main categories:
image segmentation, image registration, and
image quantification.
Visualizati
on
• The visualization process renders the
image data to visually represent
anatomical and physiological imaging
information in a specific form over
defined dimensions. Through direct
interaction with data, the visualization
can be performed both at the initial and
intermediate phases of imaging
analysis—for instance, to assist
segmentation and registration
processes, and at the final stage to
display the refined results.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

 The final part of medical
image processing deals
with management of the
acquired information and
encompasses various
Image techniques for storage,
retrieval, and

Managem communication of image

data. There are several

ent standards and technologies

developed to address
various aspects of image
management

CT scan
MRI
Examples Ultrasound
PET scanner
X-Ray machine
Fluoroscopy
 Uses

Diagnosing
The HPs utilize medical images to identify and
diagnose medical conditions that may be complicated
or impossible to spot without imaging.

Assistance
Medical images help HPs to plan and prepare for
medical procedures. For example, computed
tomography (CT) scans assist HPs in planning radiation
therapy for cancer patients by enabling the
identification of the location and size of the tumor
regions.
 Monitoring
Medical images have been used to monitor the

Continu
progression of diseases over time. Finally, scientists
can use medical images to study the anatomy and
physiology of the human body and investigate the
effects of diseases and treatments on the body.

e…
Clinical Research
MI is now becoming essential in different biomedical
research and clinical practice fields. Biologists study
cells and generate 3D confocal microscopy data sets.
Choosing the right
technique
Computed tomography (CT)
What it reveals?
Anatomical information from virtually any organ system in the body.

Advantages
Excellent depiction of anatomic detail Very fast exam time With IV contrast can examine organ
enhancement as well as blood vessels Helical CT provides multiplanar and 3-dimensional information.

Disadvantages
Higher radiation dose than radiography May require oral or IV contrast
Relatively expensive.
Chief uses
Screening evaluation of nonspecific symptoms Evaluate for infection and
abdominal and chest trauma Diagnose and monitor cancer
Radiography
What it reveals?
Bony and soft tissue anatomy

Advantages
Low radiation dose Inexpensive Readily available Quick No preparation necessary

Disadvantages
Provides basic anatomic information for only a few tissue densities

Chief uses
Examine skeleton, chest Investigate intra-abdominal disease
Fluoroscopy
What it reveals?
Anatomic and functional information

Advantages
Provides images in real time Widely available

Disadvantage
Radiation dose may be substantial More expensive than radiography

Chief uses
Exclude vesicoureteric reflux Upper and lower gastrointestinal evaluation Therapeutic enemas for
constipation or intussusception reduction
Magnetic resonance (MR)
imaging
What it reveals?
Detailed high-contrast resolution pictures of organs

Advantages
Allows for multiplanar and 3-dimensional evaluation Does not require routine use of IV contrast material for
imaging of abdomen and pelvis (unlike CT) Superior depiction of soft tissue and organ contrast differences No
radiation exposure Painless

Disadvantage
Often requires sedation in children younger than 7 years Expensive Scanner is noisy Monitoring is limited
Requires wait for scheduling Picture quality highly susceptible to child movement

Chief uses
Examination of the central nervous system Musculoskeletal evaluation Cancer evaluation and surveillance
Accuracy

Imaging is very important

because a doctor decides the
treatment according to the results of
this .As the treatment of the patient is
totally dependent on the results of the
imaging so it is very important fo us to
have an eye on the proper functioning
of the machines. As negligence in this
regard can cause disaster in terms of
patients health. So for good treatment
accuracy in the results is required so
that right steps are taken at right times
to save one's life.
 Challenges
Noise reduction: One challenge in medical imaging processing is reducing noise in the images
generated by various imaging modalities such as X-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasound.

Image segmentation: Due to variations in tissue appearance and potential artifacts, segmenting
images accurately poses a significant challenge.

Registration and fusion: The challenge lies in accurately aligning and fusing these images to
provide a comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition and aid in treatment planning.

Artifact correction: Various artifacts, such as motion artifacts, metal artifacts, or scanner-related
artifacts, can corrupt medical images and lead to misinterpretations.

Real-time processing: Ensuring fast and efficient image processing algorithms that can handle the
large volumes of data generated in real-time can be a major challenge.
Future of Medical Image
Processing
Role of AI:
The future of AI holds immense potential and promises to revolutionize various aspects of our lives, including
healthcare, transportation, education, and beyond. In the field of medicine, AI is expected to play a
transformative role, aiding in early disease detection, personalized treatment plans, and improved patient
outcomes.
Future of Medical Image
Processing
AI Algorithms:
AI algorithms have already demonstrated impressive capabilities in medical imaging analysis, enabling more
accurate diagnoses and faster detection of abnormalities. With further advancements, AI models could become
even more proficient at identifying subtle patterns and markers of diseases, potentially surpassing human
experts in diagnostic accuracy.