Segmentation of the biliary tree in MRCP data
Kevin D. Robinson, Paul F. Whelan, John R. Stack · Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE · 2003
Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a type of MR imaging which utilizes protocols designed to enhance stationary fluids in the imaged volume. In this way it visualizes the pancreatobiliary tract by highlighting the bile and pancreatic juices in the system. Current practice sees this data being assessed directly, with little or no processing being performed prior to review. MRCP data presents three main difficulties when it comes to image processing. The first is the relatively noisy nature of the data. Second is its low spatial resolution, especially in the inter-slice direction. And third, the variability observed between MRCP studies, which makes consistent results difficult to attain. This paper describes the initial phase of research which aims to develop assistive image analysis techniques to aid in the interpretation of MRCP data. The first stage in this process is the robust segmentation of the pancreatobiliary system. To this end a segmentation procedure has been developed using an approach based on the tools and techniques of the mathematical morphology. This paper examines the task at hand and presents initial results, describing and assessing the segmentation approach developed.