Medical information processing apparatus, pet apparatus, and program
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023137542
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-07
Smart Images
Figure 2025031366000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a medical information processing device, a PET device, and a program.
[0002] Conventionally, medical personnel judge the necessity of additional imaging based on PET (Positron Emission Tomography) images. When the same area of the subject is additionally imaged with a PET device, it takes time to perform the additional imaging. Also, when a different area of the subject is additionally imaged with a PET device, it takes time to set up and image the additional imaging.
[0003] However, PET devices require the subject to be administered a drug in advance, and images of the subject are taken a specified time after administration. Medical professionals are required to strictly manage their schedules, and cannot spend much time on additional imaging. Therefore, technology that reduces the burden on medical professionals involved in additional imaging is required. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-178110 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to reduce the burden of additional photography. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] A medical image processing device according to an embodiment includes an acquisition unit, a detection unit, a determination unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires an anatomical image showing the morphology of a subject and a PET image of the subject. The detection unit detects regions of each part of the subject included in the PET image based on the anatomical image. The determination unit determines whether or not additional imaging is required for at least one of the parts included in the PET image based on determination criteria information in which a determination criterion for the necessity of additional imaging is set for each part. The output unit outputs information corresponding to the determination result by the determination unit. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a PET-CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of imaging processing executed by the PET-CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the PET-CT apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of imaging processing executed by the PET-CT apparatus according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0008] Hereinafter, a medical image processing device, a PET device, and a program according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts with the same reference numerals perform similar operations, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.
[0009] For the sake of specificity, the medical information processing apparatus according to the embodiment is assumed to be a PET (Positron Emission Tomography)-CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus. The PET-CT apparatus 1 is an example of a PET apparatus.
[0010] (First embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a PET-CT device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the PET-CT device 1 includes a PET gantry device 10, a CT gantry device 20, a bed device 30, and a console device 40.
[0011] In this embodiment, the central axis of the PET detector 12 or the longitudinal direction of the top board 33 of the bed device 30 is defined as the Z-axis direction, the axial direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and horizontal to the floor surface is defined as the X-axis direction, and the axial direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and perpendicular to the floor surface is defined as the Y-axis direction. For convenience of explanation, multiple PET gantry devices 10 and CT gantry devices 20 are drawn in Fig. 1, but the actual configuration of the PET-CT device 1 includes only one PET gantry device 10 and one CT gantry device 20.
[0012] The PET gantry device 10 has a counting information collecting unit 11 and a PET detector 12. The PET detector 12 detects gamma rays (annihilation gamma rays) emitted from within the subject P. The PET detector 12 is a detector in which a plurality of PET detector modules 12a are arranged in a ring shape so as to surround the subject P.
[0013] The PET detector module 12a emits light by causing scintillation in response to gamma rays emitted from within the subject P. The PET detector module 12a detects the emitted light and converts it into an electrical signal corresponding to the energy.
[0014] The counting information collecting unit 11 generates counting information from the output signal of the PET detector module 12a. Then, the counting information collecting unit 11 stores the generated counting information in the memory 41. The counting information collecting unit 11 is realized by, for example, a processor. For example, the counting information collecting unit 11 collects counting information by generating counting information from the output signal of the PET detector module 12a. This counting information includes the detection position, energy value, and detection time of the gamma ray. Then, the counting information collecting unit 11 transmits the counting information in a data format called single list mode data before coincidence counting is performed to the console device 40.
[0015] More specifically, the counting information collecting unit 11 identifies the emission position (scintillation position) of the gamma ray in the scintillator. When the scintillator pixel and the optical sensor are coupled one-to-one, the counting information collecting unit 11 identifies the emission position by identifying the scintillator pixel corresponding to the optical sensor that output the pulse. Alternatively, when a small number of optical sensors are associated with a large number of scintillator pixels, the counting information collecting unit 11 may estimate the emission position by performing a center of gravity calculation on the outputs from the small number of optical sensors.
[0016] The counting information collecting unit 11 estimates energy from the output pulse output by the optical sensor. The counting information collecting unit 11 estimates energy using an energy integration method that integrates the energy of the range in which the output pulse exceeds a predetermined threshold and converts it into energy. Alternatively, the counting information collecting unit 11 estimates energy using a ToT (Time-over-threshold) method that converts the time range in which the output pulse exceeds a predetermined threshold into energy. The counting information collecting unit 11 specifies the timing at which the output pulse output by the optical sensor exceeds the threshold as the detection time.
[0017] The CT gantry device 20 is a device having an imaging system that irradiates X-rays onto the subject P and collects detection data of the X-rays that have passed through the subject P. The CT gantry device 20 acquires the detection data in order to generate correction data (attenuation map, μ-map) used when reconstructing PET image data.
[0018] The bed device 30 is a device on which the subject P to be scanned is placed and moved, and includes a base 31, a bed driving device 32, a top 33, and a top support frame 34. The base 31 is a housing that supports the top support frame 34 so that it can be moved in the vertical direction. The bed driving device 32 is a motor or actuator that moves the top 33 on which the subject P is placed in the longitudinal direction of the top 33. The bed driving device 32 moves the top 33 under the control of the console device 40, the control of the PET gantry device 10, or the control of the CT gantry device 20. The top 33 provided on the upper surface of the top support frame 34 is a plate on which the subject P is placed. The bed driving device 32 may move the top support frame 34 in the longitudinal direction of the top 33 in addition to the top 33.
[0019] When scanning the subject P, the bed device 30 may move the top 33 using a step-and-shoot method in which scanning and movement of the top 33 are alternated, or the bed device 30 may move the top 33 using a continuous bed movement method in which the top 33 is moved while scanning is being performed.
[0020] The console device 40 has a memory 41, a display 42, an input interface 43, and a processing circuit 44. Note that, although the console device 40 will be described as being separate from the PET gantry device 10 and the CT gantry device 20, the console device 40 or some of the components of the console device 40 may be included in the PET gantry device 10 or the CT gantry device 20.
[0021] The memory 41 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. The memory 41 stores, for example, projection data, CT image data, and PET image data. Also, for example, the memory 41 stores programs for enabling circuits included in the PET-CT device 1 to realize various functions. The memory 41 may be realized by a group of servers (cloud) connected to the PET-CT device 1 via a network.
[0022] The memory 41 also stores criteria information in which criteria for determining whether or not additional imaging is required are set for each body part. The criteria information is information in which criteria for determining whether or not additional imaging is required are set for each body part.
[0023] A site is a part of the subject P. For example, a site may be a specific organ, a specific bone, a specific muscle, a specific blood vessel, or a part showing a specific biological tissue. A site may also be a part obtained by further dividing an organ, etc. For example, a site may be an intestine divided into a large intestine and a small intestine, or a large intestine divided into a colon and a rectum. A site does not have to be a part given a specific name. For example, a site may be a part divided into an upstream side, a downstream side, etc. of a blood vessel of an organ.
[0024] For example, the criterion for determining whether additional imaging is required is whether an image pattern requires additional imaging or not, and whether the maximum SUV (Standardized Uptake Value) value of the associated part is within a threshold value.
[0025] In addition, it is preferable that the judgment criteria are set according to the associated part. For example, when the associated part is the digestive tract, the judgment criteria are set to a relatively broad value in order to inspect the clearance of the digestive tract. When the associated part is the bladder, the judgment criteria are set to a value indicating that the part is relatively difficult to judge and therefore the necessity of additional imaging is not to be judged. When the associated part is the bladder, the judgment criteria are set to an easy-to-reach value in order to judge whether the drug has spread sufficiently inside the body.
[0026] The judgment criteria are not limited to the SUV value, and other information may be set. For example, the judgment criteria may be the standard deviation or average value of pixel values of a part in a Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP) image, the change in count rate of each pixel during the imaging period in the part, the two-dimensional Δ or three-dimensional Δ of pixels in the part, the amount of noise remaining after applying noise reduction processing, etc.
[0027] Furthermore, the judgment criteria are not limited to the state of the associated part, and the states of a plurality of parts may be set. For example, when examining metastasis of cancer, it is preferable to examine a plurality of parts. In such a case, the judgment criteria may be set to the states of a plurality of parts. For example, the judgment criteria may be set to the states of both the liver and the gallbladder, or the states of both the stomach and the lymph nodes.
[0028] The criteria information may set a priority for additional imaging for each part. For example, there are parts for which diagnosis using PET images is easy and parts for which diagnosis is difficult. Therefore, the criteria information may set a priority for each part according to the degree of ease of diagnosis. In this way, when it is determined that additional imaging is necessary for multiple parts if there is time, the PET-CT device 1 can identify the part to be additionally imaged according to the priority. Note that the priority is not limited to the degree of ease of diagnosis, and may indicate other degrees.
[0029] The display 42 displays various information. For example, the display 42 outputs medical images (CT images, PET images) generated by the processing circuit 44, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations from an operator, and the like. For example, as the display 42, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence display (OLED), a plasma display, or any other arbitrary display can be used as appropriate. The display 42 may be provided in the PET gantry device 10 or the CT gantry device 20. The display 42 may be a desktop type, or may be configured as a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the console device 40 main body.
[0030] The input interface 43 accepts various input operations from an operator, converts the accepted input operations into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuitry 44. For example, the input interface 43 accepts from the operator acquisition conditions for acquiring projection data, reconstruction conditions for reconstructing a CT image, image processing conditions for generating a post-processed image from the CT image, and the like. As the input interface 43, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a switch, a button, a joystick, a touch pad, a touch panel display, and the like can be appropriately used.
[0031] In this embodiment, the input interface 43 is not limited to one having physical operation parts such as a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a switch, a button, a joystick, a touchpad, and a touch panel display. For example, an example of the input interface 43 includes an electric signal processing circuit that receives an electric signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs the electric signal to the processing circuit 44. The input interface 43 is also an example of an input unit. The input interface 43 may be provided in the PET gantry device 10 or the CT gantry device 20. The input interface 43 may be configured with a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the console device 40 main body. The input interface 43 may be provided in the PET gantry device 10 or the CT gantry device 20. The input interface 43 may be configured with a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the console device 40 main body.
[0032] The processing circuitry 44 controls the operation of the entire PET-CT device 1. The processing circuitry 44 has, for example, a system control function 441, a coincidence identification function 442, a correction data acquisition function 443, an image reconstruction function 444, a pre-processing function 445, a reconstruction function 446, an image acquisition function 447, a region extraction function 448, an additional determination function 449, an additional imaging function 450, and a display control function 451. In the embodiment, each processing function performed by the system control function 441, the coincidence identification function 442, the correction data acquisition function 443, the image reconstruction function 444, the pre-processing function 445, the reconstruction function 446, the image acquisition function 447, the region extraction function 448, the additional determination function 449, the additional imaging function 450, and the display control function 451 is stored in the memory 41 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The processing circuitry 44 is a processor that realizes a function corresponding to each program by reading and executing a program from the memory 41. In other words, the processing circuit 44 in a state in which each program has been read out has each function shown in the processing circuit 44 of FIG.
[0033] 1, the system control function 441, the coincidence identification function 442, the correction data acquisition function 443, the image reconstruction function 444, the preprocessing function 445, the reconstruction function 446, the image acquisition function 447, the part extraction function 448, the additional determination function 449, the additional photographing function 450, and the display control function 451 are realized by a single processor, but a plurality of independent processors may be combined to configure the processing circuit 44, and each processor may execute a program to realize the function. Also, in FIG. 1, the single storage circuit such as the memory 41 stores the programs corresponding to the respective processing functions, but a plurality of storage circuits may be distributed and the processing circuit 44 may read out the corresponding programs from the individual storage circuits.
[0034] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to a circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). The processor achieves its function by reading and executing a program stored in memory 41. Note that instead of storing a program in memory 41, the processor may be configured to directly incorporate the program into its circuit. In this case, the processor achieves its function by reading and executing the program incorporated in the circuit.
[0035] The system control function 441 controls various functions of the processing circuit 44 based on input operations received from an operator via the input interface 43 .
[0036] The coincidence counting identification function 442 generates list mode data by finding coincidences of events in the single list mode data generated by the counting information collecting unit 11. The coincidence counting identification function 442 pairs events detected within a predetermined time window (on the order of ps) to identify two events detected almost simultaneously. Note that the coincidence counting identification function 442 is not limited to being included in the processing circuit 44, and may be included in the counting information collecting unit 11. In other words, the counting information collecting unit 11 may transmit counting information in a data format called list mode data to the console device 40.
[0037] The correction data acquisition function 443 acquires projection data from the CT gantry device 20 and performs reconstruction to acquire a CT image as correction data. Here, the correction data is used when reconstructing PET image data. Examples of the correction data include an attenuation map or a μ-map.
[0038] The image reconstruction function 444 generates PET image data by reconstructing the counting information generated by the coincidence identification function 442. For example, the image reconstruction function 444 executes reconstruction using a maximum likelihood-expectation maximization (ML-EM) method or an ordered subset-expectation maximization (OS-EM) method that is a faster version of the ML-EM method.
[0039] The pre-processing function 445 generates data by performing pre-processing such as logarithmic conversion processing, offset correction processing, sensitivity correction processing between channels, and beam hardening correction on the detection data output from the CT gantry device 20. Note that the data before pre-processing (detection data) and the data after pre-processing may be collectively referred to as projection data.
[0040] The reconstruction function 446 generates CT image data by executing reconstruction processing using a filtered back projection method, an iterative reconstruction method, or the like, on the projection data generated by the preprocessing function 445 .
[0041] The image acquisition function 447 acquires CT image data showing the morphology of the subject P and PET image data corresponding to the CT image data. The image acquisition function 447 is an example of an acquisition unit. The CT image displayed by the CT image data is an example of a morphological image. Here, the PET gantry device 10 and the CT gantry device 20 are arranged side by side in the insertion direction of the subject P, that is, in the Z-axis direction. The PET gantry device 10 and the CT gantry device 20 capture images of the subject P when the subject P is inserted into the opening. In this capture, the image acquisition function 447 acquires PET image data generated by the image reconstruction function 444 based on the data output from the PET gantry device 10 and CT image data generated by the reconstruction function 446 based on the data output from the CT gantry device 20.
[0042] The part extraction function 448 extracts each part of the subject P included in the PET image data based on the CT image data.
[0043] More specifically, the part extraction function 448 detects the position of each part of the subject P included in the CT image data acquired by the image acquisition function 447. In other words, the part extraction function 448 detects the region of each part of the subject P included in the PET image data based on the CT image data. The part extraction function 448 is an example of a detection unit. The part extraction function 448 may detect the position of each part of the subject P from the CT image data by any method. For example, the part extraction function 448 may detect the position of each part of the subject P by a trained model, may detect the position of each part of the subject P by anatomical landmarks, or may detect the position of each part of the subject P by another method.
[0044] Here, the voxels of the CT image data acquired by inserting the subject P between the CT gantry device 20 and the PET gantry device 10 correspond to the voxels of the PET image data. Thus, the part extraction function 448 can identify which part of the subject P the voxels of the PET image data correspond to by detecting the position of each part of the subject P included in the CT image data. Thus, the part extraction function 448 can extract each part of the subject P included in the PET image data by detecting the position of each part of the subject P included in the CT image data.
[0045] The additional determination function 449 determines whether or not additional imaging is required for at least one region included in the PET image data extracted by the region extraction function 448, based on the determination criterion information stored in the memory 41. The additional determination function 449 is an example of a determination unit. For example, the additional determination function 449 determines whether or not additional imaging is required for each region included in the PET image data. In other words, the additional determination function 449 determines whether the region to be determined conforms to the criteria information, whether additional imaging is required or not.
[0046] More specifically, the additional determination function 449 performs the determination using a trained model trained by an algorithm such as a B-ary tree method, a Support Vector Machine (SVM), a Deep Neural Network (DNN), or a logistic regression, using the determination criterion information as teacher data. The additional determination function 449 may perform the determination based on a rule base or a case base.
[0047] Furthermore, the additional determination function 449 is not limited to the two classifications of whether additional imaging is necessary or not, and may be classified into three or more classifications. For example, the additional determination function 449 may determine the priority of additional imaging for a target part of additional imaging. For example, the additional determination function 449 may classify into any of the following: additional imaging is necessary, additional imaging will be performed if there is remaining time, and additional imaging is not required. The additional determination function 449 determines whether additional imaging is necessary for a part for which additional imaging will be performed if there is remaining time, according to the time required for additional imaging and the priority set in the determination criterion information.
[0048] The additional determination function 449 may determine whether additional imaging is required for a region based on the priority set in the determination criterion information, the time determined by the drug administered to the subject P, and the time secured for imaging the PET image of the subject P. The time determined by the drug administered to the subject P is the time during which PET imaging is possible, which is determined by the date and time of the drug administered to the subject P, the type of drug administered, and the amount of the drug administered. The time secured for imaging the PET image of the subject P is the time allocated to the subject P in the schedule of the multiple subjects P by the PET-CT device 1. That is, the additional determination function 449 determines that additional imaging is required for the corresponding region when PET imaging is possible within the time determined by the drug administered to the subject P and within the time secured for imaging the PET image of the subject P.
[0049] In addition, when the conditions of multiple parts are set in the judgment criteria of the judgment criteria information, the additional judgment function 449 judges whether or not additional imaging is necessary for each part of the PET image data based on the judgment criteria in which the conditions of the multiple parts of the judgment criteria information are set and the conditions of the corresponding multiple parts.
[0050] The additional imaging function 450 executes additional imaging of the target region when the additional determination function 449 determines that additional imaging is necessary. The additional imaging function 450 is an example of an execution unit. More specifically, the additional imaging function 450 generates an examination plan including the target region of additional imaging in the imaging range. The additional imaging function 450 is an example of a generation unit. Here, the examination plan is information indicating the settings of PET imaging by the PET gantry device 10. That is, the PET gantry device 10 executes PET imaging according to the examination plan.
[0051] For example, the additional imaging function 450 generates an examination plan in which the target part of the additional imaging is located at the approximate center of the PET image data. Then, the additional imaging function 450 transmits the generated examination plan to the PET gantry device 10. That is, the additional imaging function 450 outputs information according to the determination result by the additional determination function 449. The additional imaging function 450 is an example of an output unit. As a result, the additional imaging function 450 causes the PET gantry device 10 to image the target part of the additional imaging. Furthermore, the additional imaging function 450 may transmit the generated examination plan to the CT gantry device 20 when causing the CT gantry device 20 to also image. That is, the examination plan may be information indicating the setting of CT imaging by the CT gantry device 20. Furthermore, the examination plan may be separate information for the PET gantry device 10 and the CT gantry device 20.
[0052] In addition, when the target of additional imaging is a plurality of parts, the additional imaging function 450 may generate an examination plan that includes the plurality of parts in the imaging range in one imaging, or may generate an examination plan that includes the plurality of parts in the imaging range in multiple imaging. In addition, when a numerical value indicating the degree of necessity of additional imaging is calculated for the plurality of parts of additional imaging, the additional imaging function 450 may generate an examination plan that images the plurality of parts in the order indicated by the degree of necessity of additional imaging.
[0053] The display control function 451 displays the PET image captured by the additional imaging on the display 42. The display control function 451 also displays the PET image, which is the subject of the determination of the necessity of additional imaging acquired by the image acquisition function 447, and the PET image acquired by the additional imaging so that they can be compared. The display control function 451 is an example of a display control unit.
[0054] For example, the display control function 451 may display the PET image for which the need for additional imaging is to be determined and the PET image captured by additional imaging side by side, or may display them superimposed, or may display the PET images in a switchable manner by operation.
[0055] Furthermore, the display control function 451 may display a difference image showing a difference between the PET image data for which the necessity of additional imaging is to be determined and the PET image data captured by the additional imaging. When the additional imaging is performed three or more times, the display control function 451 may display the PET images for which the necessity of additional imaging is to be determined for the first, second, and third times so as to be contrastive.
[0056] Next, the processing executed by the PET-CT apparatus 1 will be described.
[0057] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of imaging processing executed by the PET-CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.
[0058] The system control function 441 acquires an examination plan for the first imaging of each of the CT gantry device 20 and the PET gantry device 10 (step S1). For example, the system control function 441 may acquire the examination plan by generating it based on a user's operation, or may acquire an examination plan created in advance.
[0059] The system control function 441 transmits the obtained examination plan to the CT gantry device 20, thereby instructing imaging such as a Herculis scan (step S2).
[0060] The system control function 441 transmits the obtained examination plan to the PET gantry device 10 to instruct imaging (step S3).
[0061] The image acquisition function 447 acquires CT image data based on the data output from the CT gantry device 20 and PET image data based on the data output from the PET gantry device 10 (step S4).
[0062] The region extraction function 448 detects the position of each region of the subject P to be included in the CT image data (step S5).
[0063] The part extraction function 448 extracts each part of the subject P from the PET image data based on the detection result of the position of each part of the subject P (step S6).
[0064] The additional determination function 449 determines whether additional imaging is required for each part of the subject P based on the determination criterion information (step S7). If additional imaging is not required (step S7; No), the additional determination function 449 ends the imaging process.
[0065] If additional imaging is required (step S7; Yes), the additional imaging function 450 generates an examination plan including the target region for additional imaging in the imaging range (step S8).
[0066] The additional imaging function 450 transmits the generated examination plan to the PET gantry device 10 to execute additional PET imaging (step S9).
[0067] The display control function 451 displays the initial PET image captured in step S3 and the PET image acquired by the additional capturing so as to be contrasted (step S10).
[0068] With the above, the PET-CT device 1 ends the imaging process.
[0069] As described above, the PET-CT device 1 according to the first embodiment acquires a CT image showing the morphology of the subject P and a PET image of the subject P. The PET-CT device 1 detects the regions of each part of the subject P included in the PET image based on the CT image. The PET-CT device 1 determines whether or not additional imaging is required for at least one part included in the PET image based on criteria information in which criteria for determining whether or not additional imaging is required are set for each part of the subject P. The PET-CT device 1 then outputs an examination plan instructing the execution of additional imaging to the PET gantry device 10 according to the determination result. Therefore, the PET-CT device 1 can reduce the burden of additional imaging.
[0070] Second embodiment The PET-CT apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment notifies the necessity of additional imaging when it is determined that additional imaging is necessary. Then, the PET-CT apparatus 1a executes the additional imaging when it receives an operation to instruct additional imaging.
[0071] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a PET-CT apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment.
[0072] As in the first embodiment, when the additional determination function 449 determines that additional imaging is necessary, the additional imaging function 450a possessed by the processing circuit 44a generates an examination plan such that the area to be subjected to additional imaging is positioned approximately in the center of the PET image data.
[0073] The additional photographing function 450a notifies the necessity of additional photographing. The additional photographing function 450a is an example of a notification unit. For example, the additional photographing function 450a may display a notification image notifying the necessity of additional photographing on the display 42. For example, the notification image includes a message notifying the necessity of additional photographing. For example, the message indicates the part to be photographed for additional photographing, the judgment criterion contained in the judgment criterion information, and that the additional photographing should be performed because the judgment criterion is met.
[0074] The notification image may also include the contents of the examination plan generated for the additional imaging. That is, the notification image may propose the generated examination plan. Here, the system control function 441 accepts an operation to instruct the execution of additional imaging with the generated examination plan. The system control function 441 is an example of an operation unit. Then, when the additional imaging function 450a accepts an operation to instruct the execution of additional imaging with the generated examination plan, it transmits the generated examination plan to the PET gantry device 10. As a result, the additional imaging function 450a causes the additional imaging to be executed with the generated examination plan.
[0075] Furthermore, when the additional photographing function 450a receives an operation to cancel the generated examination plan, the additional photographing function 450a displays a created image for manually creating an examination plan. This causes the additional photographing function 450a to prompt the user to create an examination plan. The additional photographing function 450a may display a created image in which an examination plan is set in which the part to be photographed for additional photographing is located at the approximate center of the photographing range. This setting may be switchable by the user.
[0076] The notification image may include a PET image acquired by the previous PET imaging. Furthermore, the additional imaging function 450a may highlight and display the target part of the additional imaging in the PET image. For example, the additional imaging function 450a may add a color, an image, or a message to the target part of the additional imaging in the PET image.
[0077] The additional imaging function 450a may notify in a display form according to the priority of additional imaging. When the additional determination function 449 classifies the region into a region that requires additional imaging, a region that will be additionally imaged if there is time, and a region that does not require additional imaging, the additional imaging function 450a may display a PET image in a display form according to the classification result of each region. For example, when the region that requires additional imaging is red, the region that will be additionally imaged if there is time is green, and the region that does not require additional imaging is unchanged in color, the additional imaging function 450a displays a PET image in which the region that requires additional imaging is highlighted in red and the region that will be additionally imaged if there is time is highlighted in green. Note that the colors of the region that requires additional imaging, the region that will be additionally imaged if there is time, and the region that does not require additional imaging are only examples, and the additional imaging function 450a may display a PET image highlighted in any color. For example, the additional imaging function 450a may display a PET image in which the region that requires additional imaging is highlighted in yellow and the region that will be additionally imaged if there is time is highlighted in orange. Furthermore, the additional image capturing function 450a may highlight the area not requiring additional image capturing in any color. Furthermore, the additional image capturing function 450a may highlight and display the area in a manner other than changing the color.
[0078] Next, the process executed by the PET-CT apparatus 1a will be described.
[0079] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of imaging processing executed by the PET-CT apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment.
[0080] In steps S21 to S27, the processing circuit 44a executes the same processes as those in steps S1 to S7 of the photographing process shown in FIG.
[0081] If additional imaging is not required (step S27; No), the PET-CT device 1a ends the imaging process. On the other hand, if additional imaging is required (step S27; Yes), the additional imaging function 450a generates an examination plan including the target part of additional imaging in the imaging range (step S28).
[0082] The additional shooting function 450a notifies the necessity of additional shooting (step S29).
[0083] The additional photographing function 450a determines whether or not an operation to instruct execution of additional photographing has been received (step S30). If an operation to instruct not to execute additional photographing has been received (step S30; No), the additional photographing function 450a ends the photographing process.
[0084] When an operation to instruct execution of additional imaging is accepted (step S30; Yes), the additional imaging function 450a transmits the generated examination plan to the PET gantry device 10, thereby causing additional PET imaging to be executed (step S31).
[0085] The display control function 451 displays the initial PET image captured in step S23 and the PET image acquired by the additional capturing so as to be contrasted (step S32).
[0086] With the above, the PET-CT device 1a ends the imaging process.
[0087] As described above, the PET-CT device 1a according to the second embodiment notifies the necessity of additional imaging. Furthermore, when the PET-CT device 1a receives an operation to instruct the execution of additional imaging, the PET-CT device 1a outputs an examination plan to instruct the execution of additional imaging to the PET gantry device 10. Therefore, the PET-CT device 1a can reduce the burden of additional imaging.
[0088] (Variation 1) In the first and second embodiments, the PET-CT apparatus 1, 1a having the CT gantry apparatus 20 and the PET gantry apparatus 10 have been described as an example. However, the PET gantry apparatus 10 is not limited to the CT gantry apparatus 20, and may be combined with other apparatuses. For example, the PET gantry apparatus 10 may be combined with an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus. The MRI apparatus can evaluate blood flow. This allows the MRI apparatus to detect a region where blood of the subject P is stagnating. The region where blood is stagnating may be added to the criteria for determining whether additional imaging is required. That is, the additional determination function 449 may determine whether additional imaging is required based on the determination result between the determination criteria information and the region included in the PET image, and blood flow information indicating the blood flow of the subject P.
[0089] Furthermore, the display control function 451 may highlight the area where blood is stagnating and display it on the display 42. For example, the display control function 451 may display the area where blood is stagnating in a different color.
[0090] (Variation 2) In the first and second embodiments, the additional determination function 449 determines whether additional imaging is required based on the determination criteria information and the PET image of each part extracted by the part extraction function 448. However, the additional determination function 449 may determine whether additional imaging is required including other information. For example, the additional determination function 449 may determine whether additional imaging is required including patient information on the subject P who is a patient. The patient information is information such as medical history, past examination results, body fat percentage, and examination purpose.
[0091] For example, the additional determination function 449 determines whether additional imaging is required based on the determination criteria information, the determination results of the PET images of each part extracted by the part extraction function 448, and patient information. Patient information is an example of subject information. For example, if the purpose of the examination is to observe the progress of the treatment part, the additional determination function 449 gives a low priority to additional imaging of parts other than the treatment part. On the other hand, if the purpose of the examination is to examine the metastasis of cancer, the additional determination function 449 gives a high priority to additional imaging of parts other than the treatment part. In this way, the additional determination function 449 can determine whether additional imaging is required depending on the characteristics and condition of the patient.
[0092] (Variation 3) In the first and second embodiments, the additional determination function 449 determines whether or not additional imaging is required for CT image data and PET image data based on the determination criterion information and noise included in the CT image. For example, the additional determination function 449 may determine whether or not additional imaging is required by including the presence or absence of artifacts and body movement information indicating the body movement of the subject P as noise included in the CT image. In this way, the additional determination function 449 can determine whether or not additional imaging should be performed by the PET gantry device 10 without causing the CT gantry device 20 to perform additional imaging.
[0093] For example, the correction data acquisition function 443 corrects the PET image using the CT image. However, if there is an artifact in the CT image, the correction data acquisition function 443 cannot improve the image much even if a PET image is acquired by additional imaging. Therefore, the additional imaging determination function 449 determines whether additional imaging is required, including the presence or absence of an artifact and body movement information indicating the body movement of the subject P. This allows the additional imaging determination function 449 to determine whether additional imaging is required for the CT gantry device 20.
[0094] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the burden of additional imaging can be reduced.
[0095] Although some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]
[0096] 1, 1a PET-CT device 10 PET Mounting Device 20 CT Mounting Device 40 Console device 41 Memory 42 Display 43 Input Interface 44, 44a Processing circuit 441 System Control Functions 442 Coincidence Identification Function 443 Correction data acquisition function 444 Image reconstruction function 445 Pre-processing function 446 Reconfiguration function 447 Image Acquisition Function 448 Part extraction function 449 Additional Judgment Function 450, 450a additional shooting function 451 Display control function P Subject
Claims
1. an acquisition unit that acquires a morphological image showing a morphology of a subject and a PET image of the subject; a detection unit that detects an area of each part of the subject included in the PET image based on the anatomical image; a determination unit that determines whether or not additional imaging is required for at least one of the regions included in the PET image based on determination criteria information in which a determination criterion for the necessity of additional imaging is set for each of the regions; an output unit that outputs information according to a result of the determination by the determination unit; A medical information processing device comprising:
2. A generation unit that generates an examination plan including the part to be additionally photographed in an imaging range, The output unit outputs the inspection plan. The medical information processing device according to claim 1 .
3. A notification unit that notifies the user of the necessity for additional photographing is further provided. The medical information processing device according to claim 1 .
4. an operation unit that receives an operation to instruct execution of the additional photographing, the output unit outputs information according to a result of the determination by the determination unit when the operation is accepted by the operation unit. The medical information processing device according to claim 3 .
5. The determination unit determines a priority of additional imaging for the part to be subjected to additional imaging. The medical information processing device according to claim 1 .
6. The determination unit determines whether or not additional imaging is required for the region based on the priority, a time determined by a drug administered to the subject, and a time secured for imaging the PET image of the subject. The medical information processing device according to claim 5 .
7. the determination unit determines whether or not additional imaging is required based on the determination criterion information, a determination result between the region included in the PET image, and blood flow information indicating blood flow in the subject. The medical information processing device according to claim 1 .
8. The determination unit determines whether or not additional imaging is required based on the determination criterion information, a determination result between the site included in the PET image, and subject information related to the subject. The medical information processing device according to claim 1 .
9. The determination unit determines whether or not additional imaging of the anatomical image and the PET image is required based on the determination criterion information and noise included in the anatomical image. The medical information processing device according to claim 1 .
10. The PET image acquired by the acquisition unit and the PET image acquired by additional imaging are displayed in a comparative manner. The medical information processing device according to claim 1 .
11. an acquisition unit that acquires a morphological image of a subject and a PET image of the subject; a detection unit that detects an area of each part of the subject included in the PET image based on the anatomical image; a determination unit that determines whether or not additional imaging is required for at least one of the regions included in the PET image based on determination criteria information in which a determination criterion for the necessity of additional imaging is set for each of the regions; an execution unit that executes additional photography in response to a result of the determination by the determination unit; A PET device comprising:
12. On the computer, acquiring a morphological image of a subject and a PET image of the subject; Detecting regions of each part of the subject included in the PET image based on the morphological image; determining whether or not additional imaging is required for at least one of the regions included in the PET image based on determination criteria information in which a determination criterion for determining whether or not additional imaging is required is set for each of the regions; Output information according to the judgment result. A program to make this happen.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Information processing device and medical image system
JP2021178110A