CT angiography image segmentation for 3D volume reconstruction

ABSTRACTA computerized scheme for the automated segmentation of contrast enhanced arteries is developed for computerized tomographic angiography (CTA) data. Segmentation is performed withtwo-dimensional (2D) images on a slice-by-slice base. Image processing techniques include gray-levelthresholding, eight-point connectivity tracking, region growing, moment analysis and morphological erosion. The results enable the generation of separated three-dimensional (3D) displays of bothvascular and non-vascular structures. The method has been applied to several clinical cases and has shown great promises. 1. INTRODUCTION Computerized tomography (CT) has served as the primary diagnostic imaging tool for a wide variety of diseases. Until recently, however, conventional CT has not been employed for angiographicapplications on a routine basis, mostly due to the lengthy time required to scan a volume-of-interest. The interscan delay time between slices of conventional CT limits the ability to capture the entirevolume during the contrast bolus and consequently limits the detectability of the vascular structure.