[Fractal analysis in the diagnosis of breast tumors]

Chirurgia (Bucur). 2007 Jan-Feb;102(1):27-30.
[Article in Romanian]

Abstract

Last years studies made by researchers from over the world show that fractal geometry is a viable alternative for image analysis. Fractal features of natural forms give to fractal analysis new valences in various fields, medical imaging being a very important one. This paper intend to prove that fractal dimension, as a way to characterize the complexity of a form, can be used for diagnosis of mammographic lesions classified BI-RADS 4, further investigations being not necessary. The experiments made on 30 cases classified BI-RADS 4 confirmed that 89% of benign lesions have an average fractal dimension under the threshold 1.4, meanwhile malign lesions are characterized, in a similar percentage, by an average fractal dimension over that threshold.

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / classification
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Fractals*
  • Humans
  • Mammography*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
  • Sensitivity and Specificity