Automated method and system for the detection of gross abnormalities and asymmetries in chest images

摘要

A method for the automated detection of gross abnormalities and asymmetries in chest images, including generating image data from radiographic images of the thorax. The image data are then analyzed in order to produce the boundaries of the aerated lung regions in the thorax. This analysis comprises location of the mediastinum and lung apices, iterative global thresholding with centroid testing of contours, local thresholding on regions along initial contours of the aerated lung, correction for regions near the costo- and cardiophrenic angles in the chest, analysis of the areas and density distribution within the aerated lung regions in the chest and determination of the likelihood of the presence of a gross abnormality or asymmetry. Final output could be the computer determined contours of the lungs or the likelihood for abnormality.