Spline based inhomogeneity correction for 11C-PIB PET segmentation using expectation maximization

Med Image Comput Comput Assist Interv. 2007;10(Pt 1):228-35. doi: 10.1007/978-3-540-75757-3_28.

Abstract

With the advent of biomarkers such as 11C-PIB and the increase in use of PET, automated methods are required for processing and analyzing datasets from research studies and in clinical settings. A common preprocessing step is the calculation of standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) for inter-subject normalization. This requires segmented grey matter (GM) for VOI refinement. However 11C-PIB uptake is proportional to amyloid build up leading to inhomogeneities in intensities, especially within GM. Inhomogeneities present a challenge for clustering and pattern classification based approaches to PET segmentation as proposed in current literature. In this paper we modify a MR image segmentation technique based on expectation maximization for 11C-PIB PET segmentation. A priori probability maps of the tissue types are used to initialize and enforce anatomical constraints. We developed a Bézier spline based inhomogeneity correction techniques that is embedded in the segmentation algorithm and minimizes inhomogeneity resulting in better segmentations of 11C-PIB PET images. We compare our inhomogeneity with a global polynomial correction technique and validate our approach using co-registered MRI segmentations.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Algorithms
  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aniline Compounds*
  • Artifacts
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Likelihood Functions
  • Male
  • Pattern Recognition, Automated / methods*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Thiazoles*

Substances

  • 2-(4'-(methylamino)phenyl)-6-hydroxybenzothiazole
  • Aniline Compounds
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Thiazoles