Automated low-contrast pattern recognition algorithm for magnetic resonance image quality assessment.

Saved in:

Bibliographic Details
Title:	Automated low-contrast pattern recognition algorithm for magnetic resonance image quality assessment.
Authors:	Ehman, Morgan O.¹, Bao, Zhonghao², Stiving, Scott O.², Kasam, Mallik¹, Lanners, Dianna¹, Peterson, Teresa¹, Jonsgaard, Renee¹, Carter, Rickey³, McGee, Kiaran P.¹
Source:	Medical Physics. Aug2017, Vol. 44 Issue 8, p4009-4024. 16p.
Subjects:	Magnetic resonance imaging, Image quality analysis, Pattern recognition systems, Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, Quality assurance
Abstract:	Purpose Low contrast ( LC) detectability is a common test criterion for diagnostic radiologic quality control ( QC) programs. Automation of this test is desirable in order to reduce human variability and to speed up analysis. However, automation is challenging due to the complexity of the human visual perception system and the ability to create algorithms that mimic this response. This paper describes the development and testing of an automated LC detection algorithm for use in the analysis of magnetic resonance ( MR) images of the American College of Radiology ( ACR) QC phantom. Methods The detection algorithm includes fuzzy logic decision processes and various edge detection methods to quantify LC detectability. Algorithm performance was first evaluated using a single LC phantom MR image with the addition of incremental zero mean Gaussian noise resulting in a total of 200 images. A c-statistic was calculated to determine the role of CNR to indicate when the algorithm would detect ten spokes. To evaluate inter-rater agreement between experienced observers and the algorithm, a blinded observer study was performed on 196 LC phantom images acquired from nine clinical MR scanners. The nine scanners included two MR manufacturers and two field strengths (1.5 T, 3.0 T). Inter-rater and algorithm-rater agreement was quantified using Krippendorff's alpha. Results For the Gaussian noise added data, CNR ranged from 0.519 to 11.7 with CNR being considered an excellent discriminator of algorithm performance (c-statistic = 0.9777). Reviewer scoring of the clinical phantom data resulted in an inter-rater agreement of 0.673 with the agreement between observers and algorithm equal to 0.652, both of which indicate significant agreement. Conclusions This study demonstrates that the detection of LC test patterns for MR imaging QC programs can be successfully developed and that their response can model the human visual detection system of expert MR QC readers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
	Copyright of Medical Physics is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database:	Engineering Source

Description
Abstract:	Purpose Low contrast ( LC) detectability is a common test criterion for diagnostic radiologic quality control ( QC) programs. Automation of this test is desirable in order to reduce human variability and to speed up analysis. However, automation is challenging due to the complexity of the human visual perception system and the ability to create algorithms that mimic this response. This paper describes the development and testing of an automated LC detection algorithm for use in the analysis of magnetic resonance ( MR) images of the American College of Radiology ( ACR) QC phantom. Methods The detection algorithm includes fuzzy logic decision processes and various edge detection methods to quantify LC detectability. Algorithm performance was first evaluated using a single LC phantom MR image with the addition of incremental zero mean Gaussian noise resulting in a total of 200 images. A c-statistic was calculated to determine the role of CNR to indicate when the algorithm would detect ten spokes. To evaluate inter-rater agreement between experienced observers and the algorithm, a blinded observer study was performed on 196 LC phantom images acquired from nine clinical MR scanners. The nine scanners included two MR manufacturers and two field strengths (1.5 T, 3.0 T). Inter-rater and algorithm-rater agreement was quantified using Krippendorff's alpha. Results For the Gaussian noise added data, CNR ranged from 0.519 to 11.7 with CNR being considered an excellent discriminator of algorithm performance (c-statistic = 0.9777). Reviewer scoring of the clinical phantom data resulted in an inter-rater agreement of 0.673 with the agreement between observers and algorithm equal to 0.652, both of which indicate significant agreement. Conclusions This study demonstrates that the detection of LC test patterns for MR imaging QC programs can be successfully developed and that their response can model the human visual detection system of expert MR QC readers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	00942405
DOI:	10.1002/mp.12370