CT and SPECT Image Fusion for Ischemic Region Detection

The patent combines CT image data with SPECT image data to perform integrated analysis. The CT data provides anatomical structure information for blood vessel extraction, while SPECT data provides functional information about myocardial perfusion. By merging these two data sources, the system achieves accurate blood vessel extraction and myocardial state analysis that overcomes the resolution limitations of CT alone, without requiring complex alternative imaging systems.

The patent introduces a mismatch detection mechanism as an intermediary step between CT-based morphological analysis and SPECT-based functional analysis. This intermediary detects discrepancies between the two data sets, allowing the system to identify and correct errors in blood vessel extraction or myocardial state assessment, thereby improving overall accuracy without fundamentally changing the imaging modalities.

The patent performs preliminary mismatch detection between CT and SPECT data before final treatment strategy determination. By early in the analysis process, the system identifies discrepancies between morphological and functional data, allowing corrective actions to be taken before committing to a treatment plan. This preliminary check ensures reliability without requiring complete re-analysis of all data.

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the results from SPECT functional analysis are used to validate and correct the CT-based morphological analysis. The mismatch detection module provides feedback about inconsistencies, which then triggers re-extraction or re-analysis of specific regions. This feedback loop ensures that treatment strategies are based on accurate, validated information rather than potentially erroneous single-modality analysis.

The patent merges CT-based anatomical analysis with SPECT-based functional analysis to identify ischemic regions. Instead of relying solely on coronary artery form from CT images, the system combines this with SPECT perfusion data that directly shows blood flow to myocardial tissue. This combination allows accurate ischemic region identification even when CT resolution is insufficient to clearly define coronary artery boundaries, as the SPECT data provides complementary functional information.

The patent applies area expansion analysis not just to the visible coronary artery form in CT images, but also to regions suggested by SPECT perfusion abnormalities. When SPECT indicates potential ischemia in a region where CT coronary artery definition is uncertain, the system performs partial area expansion analysis in those specific regions to ensure no ischemic areas are missed, going beyond what strict CT-based analysis would provide.