Abdominal Image Analysis
The purpose of this work is development of a non-invasive technique for measurement of renal parenchymal (kidney) volume. This volume measurement may assist in clinical decisions, such as whether to operate on a patient or not. It has been applied to pediatric patients with suspected hydronephrosis.
The computer vision system has been equipped with a model that describes the kidneys and other relevant abdominal anatomy. This system is capable of automatically segmenting the kidneys in CT datasets and can then measure renal parenchymal volume.
Intravenous contrast is injected prior to imaging to provide an attenuation difference between the renal parenchyma, collecting system and adjacent organs (liver and spleen).
The kidney volume measurements have been validated in an animal model.
Original and automated segmentation results from contrast-enhanced abdominal CT images.
3D rendered view of segmented kidneys.
