Three-dimensional analysis of lung areas using thin-slice CT images

The lung area has very complicated structure which consists of the bronchus, the pulmonary artery, and the pulmonary vein. So it is difficult for even medical doctor to understand the spatial relationships among the tumor, the bronchus, and the blood vessels. Here we present a 3D image analysis method of lung areas using thin slice CT images, and we apply this system to the differential diagnosis such as malignant or benign decision of abnormal tissues. This system consists of two steps: 1) the analysis of the structure of the lung area; and 2) the visualization of classified pulmonary organs for quantitative analysis.

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