Detecting and quantifying patient motion during tomosynthesis scans

摘要

The effects of patient motion in tomosynthesis scan images are automatically detected and quantified. In at least one embodiment an indication of detection of the effects of patient motion in tomosynthesis scan images is provided shortly after the scan, e.g., before the patient is discharged or before the breast is decompressed. A patient motion score may be calculated as part of motion quantification. The score may be stored for subsequent retrieval. Images may be presented with reference features to help a technician confirm of the effects of motion in images.

主权项

1. Apparatus comprising:
an image acquisition mechanism that generates a plurality of images of an imaging target of an individual in a time series during a scan; an image processor that processes the plurality of images to generate processed images, wherein the processed images are at least one of projection images and reconstructed images; a computer which is configured to display the processed images and which detects and quantifies motion of the target of a magnitude of between about 70 μm to about 420 μm during the scan by comparing an actual location of at least one point of reference in each processed image with an expected location of the at least one point of reference derived from a set of the processed images and by generating a motion score, wherein the at least one point of reference is an intrinsic marker of the individual and wherein the intrinsic marker comprises a plurality of points along a skin line; and a mechanism for comparing the motion score to a threshold and for prompting a responsive action if the motion score exceeds the threshold.