From macro-scale to micro-scale computational anatomy: a perspective on the next 20 years

Area of Science:

• Computational anatomy
• Medical image analysis
• Microscopic imaging

Background:

• Computational anatomy has significantly improved human anatomy recognition and understanding using conventional clinical images.
• Current applications include quantitative organ shape analysis, surgical navigation, and population studies.
• Existing anatomical models primarily focus on millimeter-scale shapes, with limited advancements in 3D scanning resolution over 25 years.

Discussion:

• While millimeter-scale computational anatomy has been dominated by medical image analysis, a shift towards micro-scale is proposed.
• Human anatomy exhibits structures at various scales, from millimeter-scale pulmonary features to 10-µm-scale alveoli.
• Advancements in CT scanning have improved Z-axis resolution, but in-plane resolution remains largely unchanged.

Key Insights:

• The paper advocates for a future focus on micro-scale computational anatomy.
• This shift is motivated by the potential to analyze finer anatomical details previously inaccessible.
• Experimental results highlight possibilities within microscopic computational anatomy.

Outlook:

• The next two decades present an opportunity to expand computational anatomy into the micro-scale domain.
• This expansion promises novel applications and a deeper understanding of human anatomy.
• Continued research in micro-scale computational anatomy is encouraged for medical advancements.