Planar Nuclear Medicine Lesion Localization via Depth Code Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional SPECT-CT systems have long acquisition times and increased motion artifacts, requiring repeated imaging scans that increase radioactive exposure and struggle to accurately locate lesions due to the lack of depth information in 2D planar nuclear medicine images.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that acquire planar nuclear medicine images and 3D CT volume images, using a processor to create a 3D CT attenuation ratio map and derive a depth profile from the planar images to accurately locate regions of interest, reducing acquisition time and radiopharmaceutical dose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 3D SPECT imaging is used to locate lesions, then depth information and 3D localization accuracy are improved, but acquisition time increases significantly and motion artifacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses 2D planar NM images to represent 3D lesion locations by projecting depth information onto 2D images with depth codes. Instead of acquiring full 3D SPECT data, the system captures 2D images from multiple angles and encodes depth information in the images themselves, achieving 3D localization without the time penalty of full 3D acquisition
Solution Approach 2:
The system acquires only the necessary 2D planar images from limited angles rather than complete 360-degree SPECT projections. By taking a partial set of measurements (anterior, posterior, and lateral views) and using depth code encoding, the system achieves sufficient localization accuracy with reduced acquisition time
2Measurement precision
If 3D SPECT imaging is performed, then lesion depth localization is improved, but patient exposure to radiopharmaceutical increases due to repeated scans
Solution Approach 1:
The system obtains sufficient depth localization information from a partial set of 2D planar images rather than requiring multiple repeated 3D SPECT scans. By using depth code encoding in 2D images, the system achieves the necessary localization precision with a single acquisition, reducing radiopharmaceutical exposure
3Productivity
If 2D planar NM images are used, then acquisition time is reduced, but depth information and 3D location accuracy are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds 3D depth information within 2D planar images by adding depth codes to the image data. The 2D images maintain their fast acquisition advantage while containing encoded depth information that enables 3D lesion localization when combined with CT anatomical images
Solution Approach 2:
Depth codes serve as an intermediary that bridges 2D planar images and 3D lesion localization. These codes encode depth information in a format that can be processed by the image processing system to determine 3D coordinates, acting as a mediator between the limited 2D data and the required 3D output
4Shape
If 3D anatomical images are used alone, then anatomical detail is improved, but lesion detection difficulty increases due to low contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges 2D planar NM images with 3D CT anatomical images to combine the high lesion contrast of NM imaging with the detailed anatomical context of CT. The NM images show lesions with high radiotracer uptake contrast, while the CT provides detailed anatomical structures, and their integration allows accurate lesion localization within the anatomy
Solution Approach 2:
The system projects 3D CT anatomical information onto 2D planes that match the NM image perspectives, creating a unified 2D display that shows both NM lesion contrast and CT anatomical detail. This dimensional alignment allows radiologists to correlate lesion positions with anatomical structures in the same view
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for faster acquisition times, reduced radiopharmaceutical dose, and improved accuracy in locating lesions by correlating 2D planar images with 3D anatomical images, enhancing diagnostic capability.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring planar nuclear medicine (NM) images of a subject from an NM system
Implementation Method 2
acquiring a three-dimensional (3D) x-ray Computed Tomography (CT) volume image of the subject from an x-ray CT system
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for locating a region of interest in an object are provided. One method includes acquiring planar nuclear medicine (NM) images of a subject from an NM system, wherein the planar NM images include at least one identified region of interest. The method also includes acquiring a three-dimensional (3D) x-ray Computed Tomography (CT) volume image of the subject from an x-ray CT system and locating the region of interest within the 3D CT volume image using the planar NM images.