Rollano-Hijarrubia E, Niessen W, Weinans H, van der Lugt A, Stokking R. Histogram-Based Selective Deblurring to Improve Computed Tomography Imaging of Calcifications.
Invest Radiol 2007;
42:8-22. [PMID:
17213744 DOI:
10.1097/01.rli.0000248894.94242.96]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Computed tomography (CT) imaging of small high-density structures, eg, calcifications, is hampered by image blur. This study aims to deconvolve calcifications in the transverse and longitudinal directions while avoiding noise amplification and edge-ringing artifacts in the surrounding low-density structures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A method referred to as histogram-based selective deblurring (HiSD) has been developed to generate a restored image by combining the low-intensity (ie, Hounsfield Units) information of the original image with the high-intensity information of the deconvolved image. HiSD is evaluated on phantom and in vitro atherosclerotic plaque CT images by comparing the original and restored images with their corresponding reference micro-CT images both qualitatively and quantitatively.
RESULTS
HiSD reduces calcification blur in the transverse and longitudinal directions without introducing noise and ringing-artifacts in the surrounding tissues. Calcification area and volume measurements are significantly improved in the restored images (reducing on average overestimation by 32% and 83%, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
HiSD significantly improves CT visualization and quantification of small high-density structures imaged in vitro.
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