The right-left symmetry axis of the brain on CT

Abstract

The location of the brain's symmetry axis on computerized tomography (CT) images was mathematically formulated. A series of computer programs were written to “peel off” the skull and artifacts external to the skull. Image lines were then tested for right-left symmetry and in each line a pixel was selected which best represented the center of symmetry of the skull contents. The resultant calculated symmetry line of images with and without pathology was comparable to the visually determined symmetry axis. This method permits computed screening for right-left asymmetry.