Visualization and Segmentation of Lung Tissue in DICOM-format CT Images

Abstract

Abstract In this project, two tools were developed as a preliminary step towards the creation of future Computer-Aided Diagnosis systems for the automatic detection of lung diseases. The first methodology aimed to extract information from DICOM-format files using Python and the Jupyter Notebook programming environment. The implemented process enables the generation of images in various anatomical planes, using the pixel matrix in Hounsfield units. Additionally, a custom tool was developed for anonymizing and visualizing file information. The techniques employed are independent of the grayscale image generated and are not reliant on the type of window used. The second tool introduces a lung segmentation technique for chest CT images. The segmentation uses the pixel matrix in Hounsfield units to initially identify lung tissue based on its linear X-ray attenuation. Subsequently, the Watershed algorithm based on markers is employed as the primary foundation of the technique. Various morphological operations and transformations on axial slices are applied, resulting in successful lung segmentation.