Spatially constrained distance regularized level set evolution method for segmentation of hydrops fetalis from ultrasound fetal heart images

Abstract

Hydrops Fetalis is an abnormal condition in the fetus by an accretion of unusual fluid or edema in two or more fetal cavities for instance ascites, pericardial and pleural effusion. Accumulation of atypical fluid above 2 mm needs extra attention of radiologists. Ultrasound imaging technique helps to diagnose the fluid accumulation within the pericardial tissues. The trained medicinal practitioners also find difficult to analyse the hydrops due to the low assessment gray scale ultrasound images. The segmentation of hydrops fetalis from the fetal heart ultrasound image helps the sonographists and pediatrists to diagnose easily and effectively at the early stage itself. The low quality and poor resolution ultrasound image, make the segmentation process difficult. We use the spatially constrained-distance regularized level set evolution algorithm for segmenting the hydrops region.