Digital Imaging And Communications In Medicine Files Research Articles

SEGMENTING ROOT CANAL SYSTEMS USING AN OPEN SOURCE SLICER SOFTWARE

Background The development of 3-dimensional (3D) imaging provides exciting opportunities in oral and maxillofacial radiology and endodontics, specifically in regenerative endodontic therapies.1 Objectives The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of creating a virtual 3D model of a molar root canal system by using micro-CT images to produce scaffolds with similar shapes with an open source slicer software. Materials and methods An extracted molar tooth was scanned by using the Bruker Skyscan micro-CT (Kontich, Belgium), at 10 µm resolution, 16 bits depth, and 360 degrees rotation, using a step-and-shoot detector motion at 80 kV. The images were reconstructed by using NRecon software and initially stored as TIFF (tagged Image File Format) files and later converted to DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine). The converted DICOM files were imported into the 3D slicer software. There were difficulties with segmenting these images as the file size was in excess of 1 gigabyte (GB), and the computer was not compatible. The segmentation was done by using 3D slicer software2,3 by selecting the region of interest (ROI) and then using the threshold tool to segment the root canal. All 3D models were stored as STL (stereolithography) files. For these kinds of files, it is recommended that extremely fast computers with a minimum random access memory (RAM) of 32 GB be used for the images to even be displayed. Preliminary results Preliminary results indicate that root canal systems can be segmented accurately from micro-CT images by using segmentation software. Future directions Future research will be expanded to validate these finding by measuring and comparing images of sectioned teeth and 3D printed models of root canals.

Comparison of Imaging Softwares for Upper Airway Evaluation: Preliminary Study.

The interest about upper airway evaluation has increased lately. Therefore, many softwares have been developed aiming to improve and facilitate the analysis of airway volume. The objective of this study was to compare two different softwares packages, Mimics and Dolphin, in their accuracy and precision in upper airway space measurements. Preoperative cone beam computed tomography scans of nine nonsyndromic patients submitted to surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion were included in this study. The imaging exams were converted to DICOM (digital imaging and communications in medicine) files and imported to the softwares. The mean volume for the Dolphin group (G1) was 10.791 cm 3 (SD = 4.269 cm 3 ) and for the Mimics group (G2) was 10.553 cm 3 (SD = 4.564 cm 3 ). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups ( p = 0.105).

Radiomics Prediction of Radiation Treatment Outcomes in Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Clinical and Image Repository in Concert with the Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA)

There is an unmet need for integrating quantitative imaging biomarkers into current risk stratification tools. To explore the correlation between radiomics features – alone or in combination with clinical prognosticators- and tumor outcome, we retrieved clinical meta-data and matched baseline contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scans from a single institution, institutional review board-approved cohort of 495 oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) patients. We opted to publicly share this large curated data set and subsequent radiomics analytical outcome via The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) to serve as a resource for optimized standardization in the radiomics field. Diagnostic CECT images were acquired at our institution between 2005 and 2012 for 495 OPC patients (prior to any active intervention) in Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) format . Expert radiation oncologists manually segmented primary and nodal disease gross volumes (GTVp & GTVn). Structure sets were named per the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) TG-263 recommendations, then retrieved in DICOM RTSTRUCT format. Matched patient, disease, treatment and outcomes data were obtained. Radiomics analysis was performed using an open-source institutionally-developed software that runs on a computer algorithm. Protected health information (PHI) was removed from all DICOM elements in compliance with the DICOM standards committee P.S. 3.15 Annex E, Attribute Confidentiality Profile using the Radiological Society of North America clinical trial processor (RSNA CTP). TCIA’s curation process ensures the DICOM data is free of PHI and all linkages between CT and structure sets are correct. Following curation the data was archived in TCIA as a permanent open-access collection named “HNSCC”. Anonymized data for 495 OPC patients will be made publicly available from TCIA as downloadable DICOM files (N=**), clinical data, and processed outputs, i.e. tumor segmentations and extracted radiomics features. All data attributes can be cross-referenced via the same anonymized subject IDs. We prepared a data dictionary that specifies clinical data attributes, definitions and possible variables per North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) guidelines. Large-scale data curation-anonymization-transfer workflows, as well as advanced image registration algorithms and common ontology data dictionaries, are unmet needs for joint machine-learning/radiomics research projects. If these resources are paired with large, curated data sets, like those provided via open-access mega-data repositories, like TCIA, the potential benefits include identification of imaging-derived radiomics signatures associated with treatment outcomes and normal-tissue complications across various head and neck epidemiologic cohorts.

Design and additive manufacturing of patient-specific cranial and pelvic bone implants from computed tomography data

Additive manufacturing processes are being increasingly explored by researchers around the world for a variety of medical applications, such as patient-specific models, implants, prosthetics, orthotics, drug delivery devices and tissue engineering scaffolds. The objective of this study is to obtain patient-specific models and implants from computed tomography (CT) scan data and validate the strength of implant using finite element analysis. For this purpose, CT scan data of two patients were obtained in digital imaging and communication in medicine (DICOM) file format. DICOM files were converted into computer-aided design models using open source image processing software DeVIDE and saved in stereolithography (STL) format. The STL files were cleaned and corrected in Materialise’s Magics RP software. These models were loaded into 3D systems’ Geomagic Freeform software to design the customized implants. Finite element analysis was performed to check the strength of cranium implant. Maximum von Mises stress and deformation were found well below the allowable limit of the material. Finally, physical models of cranium, pelvic bone and implant prototypes, namely cranial, ilium, pubic symphysis and ischium were manufactured in polyamide PA2200 on a selective laser sintering machine. A simulation-based surface roughness evaluation was also performed to assess the range of surface roughness values (Ra) of various implant prototypes. The Ra values for implants were observed between 14.4 and 34.67 µm.

Association of Dose and Frequency on the Survival of Patients on Maintenance of Hemodialysis in China: A Kaplan-Meier and Cox-Proportional Hazard Model Analysis.

BackgroundDialysis frequency and dose are controversial prognostic factors of hemodialysis morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to find out the effect of frequency and dosage of dialysis on mortality and survival in a group of Chinese hemodialysis patients.Material/MethodsIn total, 183 patients seen from February 2008 to January 2018, who were on maintenance hemodialysis for at least 3 months, were included in the study cohort. An anonymized database of age, gender, diabetic status, comorbidities, date of initiation of dialysis, hematological characters, biochemical variables, and status of survived or died was established from DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) files of patients. Kaplan-Meier and Cox-proportional hazard model was used for calculation of survival over time at 95% confidence level.ResultsOverall, the 10-year survival rate was 27%. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed patient survival as 94% at one-year, 59% at 5-years, and 27% at 10-years. Hemoglobin, serum albumin, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, calcium-phosphorous-products, and hemodialysis frequency and the dose had a significant effect on survival. Cox regression proportional hazard model showed that patients with serum albumin level of >4 g/dL were better associated with survival. Patients who underwent twice-weekly hemodialysis had 4.26 times less chance of survival as compared to patients with thrice-weekly hemodialysis. A higher dialysis dose of >1.2 spKt/V offered better survival as compared to a lower dose of <1.2 spKt/V.ConclusionsHypoalbuminemia, hemodialysis time, and hemodialysis frequency were significantly associated with mortality.

Secure corridor for infraacetabular screws in acetabular fracture fixation\u2014a 3-D radiomorphometric analysis of 124 pelvic CT datasets

BackgroundAcetabular fracture surgery is directed toward anatomical reduction and stable fixation to allow for the early functional rehabilitation of an injured hip joint. Recent biomechanical investigations have shown the superiority of using an additional screw in the infraacetabular (IA) region, thereby transfixing the separated columns to strengthen the construct by closing the periacetabular fixation frame. However, the inter-individual existence and variance concerning secure IA screw corridors are poorly understood.MethodsThis computer-aided 3-D radiomorphometric study examined 124 CT Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) datasets of intact human pelves (248 acetabula) to visualize the spatial IA corridors as the sum of all intraosseous screw positions. DICOM files were pre-processed using the Amira® 4.2 visualization software. Final corridor computation was accomplished using a custom-made software algorithm. The volumetric measurement data of each corridor were calculated for further statistical analyses. Correlations between the volumetric values and the biometric data were investigated. Furthermore, the influence of hip dysplasia on the IA corridor configuration was analyzed.ResultsThe IA corridors consistently showed a double-cone shape with the isthmus located at the acetabular fovea. In 97% of male and 91% of female acetabula, a corridor for a 3.5-mm screw could be found. The number of IA corridors was significantly lower in females for screw diameters ≥ 4.5 mm. The mean 3.5-mm screw corridor volume was 16 cm3 in males and 9.2 cm3 in female pelves. Corridor volumes were significantly positively correlated with body height and weight and with the diameter of Köhler’s teardrop on standard AP pelvic X-rays. No correlation was observed between hip dysplasia and the IA corridor extent.ConclusionIA corridors are consistently smaller in females. However, 3.5-mm small fragment screws may still be used as the standard implant because sex-specific differences are significant only with screw diameters ≥ 4.5 mm. Congenital hip dysplasia does not affect secure IA screw insertion. The described method allows 3-D shape analyses with highly reliable results. The visualization of secure IA corridors may support the spatial awareness of surgeons. Volumetric data allow the reliable assessment of individual IA corridors using standard AP X-ray views, which aids preoperative planning.

Long‐term effects of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy and tibial tuberosity advancement on tibial plateau subchondral bone density in dogs

To evaluate long-term loading patterns using subchondral bone density (SBD) distribution of the tibial plateau after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA). Cross-sectional study. Adult (> 2 years), medium to large breed dogs (>20 kg) that had been treated with TPLO or TTA at least 1 year prior to the study were recruited. A normal cohort of similar age and weight dogs with normal physical and orthopedic examinations served as control. Dogs were sedated for computed tomography (CT) of the stifle, and DICOM (digital imaging and communications in medicine) files were processed for CT osteoabsorptiometry (CTOAM). Tibial plateaus were sampled at 6 zones, and CTOAM was used to determine regional and maximal areas of SBD as a marker of joint loading. Data were collected on 48 stifles in 31 dogs (15 TPLO, 11 TTA, 22 control). Lower Hounsfield unit (HU) values were measured in the caudal and mid-region of the lateral tibial plateau after TPLO and compared to normal. HU values did not differ between joints treated with TTA and those in the control group. TPLO may alter stifle load distribution relative to the normal control group. There were no differences between TTA and the control group. Despite ongoing osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs after surgical intervention for cranial cruciate disease, changes in tibial SBD are minor and may not correlate with clinical function.

Enhancing the Security of Exchanging and Storing DICOM Medical Images on the Cloud

Medical image information can be exchanged remotely through cloud-based medical imaging services. Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) is considered to be the most commonly used medical image format among hospitals. The objective of this article is to enhance the secure transfer and storage of medical images on the cloud by using hybrid encryption algorithms, which are a combination of symmetric encryption algorithms and asymmetric encryption algorithms that make the encryption process faster and more secure. To this end, three different algorithms are chosen to build the framework. These algorithms are simple and suitable for hardware or software implementation because they require low memory and low computational power yet provide high security. Also, security was increased by using a digital signature technique. The results of the analyses showed that for a DICOM file with size 12.5 Mb, 2.957 minutes was required to complete the process. This was totaled from the encryption process took 1.898 minutes, and the decryption process took 1.059 minutes.

P19.01: Application of different frame rates in two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking in fetal echocardiography and their influence on strain analysis

Frame rates (FR) used for strain analysis assessed by speckle tracking in fetal echocardiography show a huge variation. Due to high fetal heart rates, appropriate high FR are requested for application in the fetus. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the FR on strain analysis in two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking. A prospective cross-sectional study was performed. Based on an apical or basal four-chamber view of the fetal heart, cine loops were acquired on a Toshiba Aplio 500 system. Each loop was digitally stored twice: firstly as a DICOM (digital imaging and communications in medicine) file with a FR of 60 frames per second (fps), secondly with the original FR (acoustic FR = AFR). For each loop, fetal global longitudinal peak systolic strain (LPSS) values of both, left (LV) and right ventricle (RV), were assessed by 2D Wall Motion tracking. A total of n=48 healthy fetuses were included. Mean gestational age was 26.5 ± 5.5 weeks. The AFR was 129 ± 23 fps. Relating to global LPSS values of both ventricles, there was a significant difference between DICOM FR and AFR (LV: -17.3% ± 3.6% (DICOM FR) vs. -15.0% ± 3.1% (AFR); RV: -15.9% ± 3.2% (DICOM FR) vs. -14.0% ± 3.1% (AFR); p<0.001). Fetal LPSS values of both, LV and RV, assessed with high AFR, were significantly lower than the corresponding LPSS value analysed with DICOM 60 fps. Ongoing studies need to clarify the correlation of LPSS values acquired with different FR.

Process Chain for the Fabrication of a Custom 3D Barrier for Guided Bone Regeneration

Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) is a surgical procedure that consists in the use of barrier membranes to cover bone defects caused by trauma, periodontal disease and other pathologies. These barriers allow the proliferation of bone cells, and prevent the invasion of the defect by non-osteogenic cells (connective and epithelium) in patients with a lack of horizontal and/or vertical bone. This process is essential for the successful dental implant placement. Additive manufacturing (AM) is emerging as an important tool for biomedical applications, especially for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. This paper proposes a process chain for the fabrication of a custom barrier from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) files obtained from a patient with vertical bone resorption of the anterior maxilla. DICOM files have been processed with Invesalius 3.0 to obtain the tridimensional (3D) anatomy of the region of interest. This 3D model was cleaned, fixed, and smoothed. The prototyped model of the patient's bone defect was further processed in Rhinoceros to offer a 3D architecture for cell growth. To obtain information of the thermal and mechanical properties a finite element method (FEM) was assessed. The prototype obtained was produced with fused deposition modeling (FDM) an additive manufacturing technology.

Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Cone Beam Computed Tomography Images Using Oscar-Analysis On 36 Projections

The use of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scanner has become powerful tools for medical imaging techniques. This will allow medical surgeons and radiologist assistants to diagnose patients before any treatment can be taken place. However, the CBCT concepts require high demand for computer resources to reconstruct three-dimensional (3D) model from two-dimensional (2D) images. Based on this problem, Open Source Cone-Beam Reconstructor (OSCaR) was used to train medical and biomedical engineering students in understanding the concepts of computed tomography scanner. This software requires only a small capacity of computer resources, thus allowing students to practise using their own computer. With a small number of projections, the authors evaluated the performance of OSCaR to reconstruct 36 numbers of 2D x-ray images. By using the cone-beam x-ray tube, 36 images of lemon and chicken bone were captured and saved into Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) files. The DICOM files were then imported to the OSCaR software for the reconstruction process. Based on the results, this study successfully reconstructed 3D images of lemon and chicken bone. In conclusion, higher number of projections would produce better results in terms of accuracy and high resolution. However, the use of 36 numbers of 2D images is adequate for students to understand the concepts of computed tomography scanner.

QUANTIFICATION OF CSF VELOCITY THROUGH THE NARROWEST POINT IN AQUEDUCT OF SYLVIA FOR NORMAL AND NORMAL PRESSURE HYDROCEPHALUS PATIENT BY CFD ANALYSIS

&lt;p class="lead"&gt;The aim of this comprehensive study is to quantify the velocity variation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for narrowest point in aqueduct of Sylvia (AqSylv) of normal patients and normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) patient by corresponds to its concave shapes of anteriorly and inferiorly. T1-weighted 3-T magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the head in DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) format were taken from three controlled patients whose were admitted to Thammasat Hospital, Thailand. Patients were 29 to 52 y of age with two normal patients and one (NPH) patient. DICOM files were three-dimensionally reconstructed by using 3D slicer software, and geometric information of an aqueduct for all three cases was noted. Solid models of the aqueduct for both normal patient and NPH condition were developed based on the geometric information. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) were analyzed to quantify the CSF velocity variation throughout the narrowest point of the aqueduct for both cases, i.e. normal and NPH condition. Retrospective results of “mathematical model for dynamics of CSF through the aqueduct of Sylvia based on an analogy of arterial dilation and contraction” were used as initial data for ANSYS CFX analysis. The results showed the CSF flow through the aqueduct in a pulsatile pattern in both cases. At the narrowest point of the aqueduct, amplitude of peak CSF velocity for NPH patients was significantly higher than that of normal patient. CSF velocity variation throughout the aqueduct co-relates with the pressure gradient inside the aqueduct and increased in the third ventricle direction.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Feasibility study of patient-specific quality assurance system for high-dose-rate brachytherapy in patients with cervical cancer

This study was conducted for the purpose of establishing a quality-assurance (QA) system for brachytherapy that can ensure patient-specific QA by enhancing dosimetric accuracy for the patient’s therapy plan. To measure the point-absorbed dose and the 2D dose distribution for the patient’s therapy plan, we fabricated a solid phantom that allowed for the insertion of an applicator for patient-specific QA and used an ion chamber and a film as measuring devices. The patient treatment plan was exported to the QA dose-calculation software, which calculated the time weight of dwell position stored in the plan DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) file to obtain an overall beam quality correction factor, and that correction was applied to the dose calculations. Experiments were conducted after importing the patient’s treatment planning source data for the fabricated phantom and inserting the applicator, ion chamber, and film into the phantom. On completion of dose delivery, the doses to the ion chamber and film were checked against the corresponding treatment plan to evaluate the dosimetric accuracy. For experimental purposes, five treatment plans were randomly selected. The beam quality correction factors for ovoid and tandem brachytherapy applicators were found to be 1.15 and 1.10 − 1.12, respectively. The beam quality correction factor in tandem fluctuated by approximately 2%, depending on the changes in the dwell position. The doses measured by using the ion chamber showed differences ranging from −2.4% to 0.6%, compared to the planned doses. As for the film, the passing rate was 90% or higher when assessed using a gamma value of the local dose difference of 3% and a distance to agreement of 3 mm. The results show that the self-fabricated phantom was suitable for QA in clinical settings. The proposed patient-specific QA for the treatment planning is expected to contribute to reduce dosimetric errors in brachytherapy and, thus, to enhancing treatment accuracy.

Normal Mastoid Air Cell System Geometry: Has Surface Area Been Overestimated?

Objectives The aim of this study was to emphasize the necessity of a standard in segmentation threshold and algorithm for measuring volume and surface area of mastoid air cell system (MACS).Methods First, we obtained axial computed tomography scans of 54 normal temporal bones from 27 subjects. Then, we manipulated Hounsfield units (HU) image data in DICOM (digital imaging and communications in medicine) files directly using our program. The volume and surface area of MACS were computed and compared at segmentation thresholds (HU) from –700 to 0 at intervals of 50 using 2 algorithms; square pixel based (SP) algorithm and marching square (MS) algorithm.Results No significant difference was found between the volumes computed by SP and MS algorithms at each segmentation threshold. The surface area computed by SP algorithm, however, was significantly larger than that by MS algorithm. We could minimize this significant difference through a modification of the SP algorithm. As the lower HU threshold value was set, the smaller volume was measured. The surface area showed a plateau at a threshold of approximately –200 HU. The segmentation threshold had greater influence on the measured volume of MACS than the algorithm did.Conclusion A standard method for measuring volume and surface area of MACS is thought to be necessary. We suggest that the MS algorithm and –200 HU of the threshold could be a standard in the measurement of volume and surface area of MACS.

Fast processing of digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) metadata using multiseries DICOM format.

The digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) information model combines pixel data and its metadata in a single object. There are user scenarios that only need metadata manipulation, such as deidentification and study migration. Most picture archiving and communication system use a database to store and update the metadata rather than updating the raw DICOM files themselves. The multiseries DICOM (MSD) format separates metadata from pixel data and eliminates duplicate attributes. This work promotes storing DICOM studies in MSD format to reduce the metadata processing time. A set of experiments are performed that update the metadata of a set of DICOM studies for deidentification and migration. The studies are stored in both the traditional single frame DICOM (SFD) format and the MSD format. The results show that it is faster to update studies' metadata in MSD format than in SFD format because the bulk data is separated in MSD and is not retrieved from the storage system. In addition, it is space efficient to store the deidentified studies in MSD format as it shares the same bulk data object with the original study. In summary, separation of metadata from pixel data using the MSD format provides fast metadata access and speeds up applications that process only the metadata.

The Effect of Hinge Position on Posterior Tibial Slope in Medial Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy

To evaluate whether hinge position affects the change in posterior tibial slope in medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO). We retrospectively evaluated 19 knees from 17 patients who underwent medial open-wedge HTO by 3-dimensional computed tomography scan before and after surgery. A 3-dimensional image model was constructed by applying reverse-engineering software to the computed tomography DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) files. The hinge axis (i.e., the position of the hinge compared with the anteroposterior axis on an axial view), posterior tibial slope, medial-proximal tibial angle, and gap ratio (i.e., the ratio of anterior gap to posterior gap in the opened wedge) were measured. The mean hinge axis was 4.92° ± 3.86°. Posterior tibial slope increased from 7.29° ± 2.56° preoperatively to 10.48° ± 3.01° postoperatively (P= .001). The mean medial-proximal tibial angle was 85.96° ± 1.97° preoperatively and 93.13° ± 3.17° postoperatively (P= .001). The mean gap ratio was 62.48% ± 7.26%. Linear regression analysis determined that the hinge axis (P= .0001) was a significant factor changing posterior tibial slope. Hinge position affected the change in posterior tibial slope in medial open-wedge HTO; in particular, a posterolateral hinge position led to an increase in posterior tibial slope. Level IV, therapeutic study.

Reconstruction of organ dose for external radiotherapy patients in retrospective epidemiologic studies

Organ dose estimation for retrospective epidemiological studies of late effects in radiotherapy patients involves two challenges: radiological images to represent patient anatomy are not usually available for patient cohorts who were treated years ago, and efficient dose reconstruction methods for large-scale patient cohorts are not well established. In the current study, we developed methods to reconstruct organ doses for radiotherapy patients by using a series of computational human phantoms coupled with a commercial treatment planning system (TPS) and a radiotherapy-dedicated Monte Carlo transport code, and performed illustrative dose calculations. First, we developed methods to convert the anatomy and organ contours of the pediatric and adult hybrid computational phantom series to Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM)-image and DICOM-structure files, respectively. The resulting DICOM files were imported to a commercial TPS for simulating radiotherapy and dose calculation for in-field organs. The conversion process was validated by comparing electron densities relative to water and organ volumes between the hybrid phantoms and the DICOM files imported in TPS, which showed agreements within 0.1 and 2%, respectively. Second, we developed a procedure to transfer DICOM-RT files generated from the TPS directly to a Monte Carlo transport code, x-ray Voxel Monte Carlo (XVMC) for more accurate dose calculations. Third, to illustrate the performance of the established methods, we simulated a whole brain treatment for the 10 year-old male phantom and a prostate treatment for the adult male phantom. Radiation doses to selected organs were calculated using the TPS and XVMC, and compared to each other. Organ average doses from the two methods matched within 7%, whereas maximum and minimum point doses differed up to 45%. The dosimetry methods and procedures established in this study will be useful for the reconstruction of organ dose to support retrospective epidemiological studies of late effects in radiotherapy patients.

Intraosseous Vascularization of Anterior Mandible

The anterior mandible was initially considered a safe zone from a surgical point of view. Over time, serious complications resulting from dental implantology procedures have been reported. This has led to a greater focus on vascularization of the interforaminal region. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the anterior mandibular region in relation to the presence of canals perforating the buccal and lingual cortical plates. DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) files of 100 cone beam computed tomography scans were analyzed by imaging software. All radiographic cross-sections between the mental foramina were examined to detect the presence and location of perforating buccal or lingual canals. Lingual perforating canals are present in 98% of the cohort. The most common site is the symphysis region. The presence of 2 lingual canals cranially and caudally to the genial apophysis has been found in 39%. Vestibular perforating canals are absent in 61%. The anterior mandible has several lingual perforating canals, which are variable in number and location. Imaging software is a valuable aid in presurgical planning. Because of the higher prevalence of perforating canals in the symphysis region, this site should be preserved.

Lossless color medical image compression using adaptive block-based encoding for human computed tomographic images

The advancement in medical imaging systems such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emitted tomography (PET), and computed radiography (CR) produces huge amount of volumetric images about various anatomical structure of human body. There exists a need for lossless compression of these images for storage and communication purposes. The major issue in medical image is the sequence of operations to be performed for compression and decompression should not degrade the original quality of the image, it should be compressed loss lessly. In this article, we proposed a lossless method of volumetric medical image compression and decompression using adaptive block-based encoding technique. The algorithm is tested for different sets of CT color images using Matlab. The Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images are compressed using the proposed algorithm and stored as DICOM formatted images. The inverse process of adaptive block-based algorithm is used to reconstruct the original image information loss lessly from the compressed DICOM files. We present the simulation results for large set of human color CT images to produce a comparative analysis of the proposed methodology with block-based compression, and JPEG2000 lossless image compression technique. This article finally proves the proposed methodology gives better compression ratio than block-based coding and computationally better than JPEG 2000 coding. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 23, 227–234, 2013

A System for Improving the Management of the Lesion and Test Images of Patients

Nowadays, almost every hospital utilizes picture archiving and communications system (PACS) and electronic medical record (EMR) system to manage patient’s data digitally. However, patient’s pictures taken by nurses or physicians to monitor lesions or various test results are not managed well in general. Although for some disease, these pictures provide meaningful information in diagnosis and treatment. In this paper, we propose a management system for these images to improve the accessibility and storability. To manage the images efficiently, the proposed methods utilized the PACS system in the hospital. After sending the image data of each patient to a local monitoring computer, the patient’s information, such as, name, age, male, and registration number were attached on the image. This file was then converted to a DICOM (digital imaging and communications in medicine) files and transferred to the PACS Server. The proposed system promises easy and convenient access on the images of lesions and various test results of patients to support fast and appropriate treatment.