Automatic removal of extrameningeal tissues from MR images of human brain

An automatic technique for removal of extrameningeal tissues from MR images of human brain is described. The algorithm is based on the segmentation of images acquired with a fast dual-echo pulse sequence, which incorporates both fluid attenuation and magnetization transfer contrast for superior brain/extrameningeal tissue contrast compared to conventional MR sequences. Evaluation of this technique using MR images of six volunteers indicates rapid and consistent removal of extrameningeal tissues.