Extraction of multiple sclerosis lesions in MR images based on active contours

Abstract

In this study, a semi automatic segmentation of multiple sclerosis lesions in magnetic resonance (MR) images based on active contours is done. Based on the seed area selection by the user, the parametric active contours which rely on energy minimization, try to shrink and bend the snake resulting in boundary curve (capture region). The method is tested in MATLAB firstly on simulation data, and the precision of internal and external contour extraction is verified. Next, real brain MR images are investigated based on active contours (snakes) for segmentation of lesions. The method is discussed according the active contour implementation findings of the simulation and the real data.