Related Experiment Videos
Segmentation of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy lesions in fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic
1Department of Computer Science, University of Southern California, Hedco Neuroscience Building, Room 30A, 3641 Watt Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2520, USA. itti@pollux.usc.edu
Background And Purpose:
The authors compared the reproducibility of a manual and a semiautomated technique for the quantitation of white-matter lesions in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Methods:
Volumes of white-matter lesions were determined using fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI in 23 AIDS patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Manual outlining was compared to an automated method based on region growing and adaptive thresholding.
Results:
Lesion volumes from the 2 methods correlated well (61 lesions, r = 0.99, P < 10(-4)), although the volumes differed substantially (12.8% +/- 13.7%). Interscan, intrasubject reproducibility was better for the automated than the manual method (2.9% +/- 3.2% vs 12.4% +/- 16.2% volume difference, P = .02).
Conclusion:
The automated algorithm appeared more reproducible, which renders it superior to the manual method for longitudinal studies.
Insights
An automated method for quantifying white matter lesions on MRI scans showed better reproducibility than manual outlining in AIDS patients. This automated technique is superior for tracking disease progression in longitudinal studies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Radiology
- Medical Image Analysis
Background:
- White matter lesions are a key indicator in neurological conditions like progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
- Accurate quantitation of these lesions is crucial for monitoring disease progression and treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the reproducibility of manual versus semiautomated techniques for quantifying white matter lesions.
- To determine which method is more reliable for longitudinal studies in patients with PML.
Main Methods:
- Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used in 23 AIDS patients with PML.
- White matter lesion volumes were measured using manual outlining and an automated method (region growing and adaptive thresholding).
Main Results:
- Both methods showed strong correlation in lesion volume (r = 0.99), but with substantial differences (12.8% +/- 13.7%).
- The automated method demonstrated significantly better interscan, intrasubject reproducibility (2.9% +/- 3.2% volume difference) compared to the manual method (12.4% +/- 16.2%).
Conclusions:
- The automated algorithm for white matter lesion quantitation is more reproducible than manual outlining.
- This enhanced reproducibility makes the automated method preferable for longitudinal studies monitoring neurological disease progression.