Implementation and evaluation of a bony structure suppression software tool for chest X-ray imaging

Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references.This project proposed to implement a bony structure suppression tool and analyse its effects on a texture-based classification algorithm in order to assist in the analysis of chest X-ray images. The diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) often includes the evaluation of chest X-ray images, and the reliability of image interpretation depends upon the experience of the radiologist. Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) may be used to increase the accuracy of diagnosis. Overlapping structures in chest X-ray images hinder the ability of lung texture analysis for CAD to detect abnormalities. This dissertation examines whether the performance of texturebased CAD tools may be improved by the suppression of bony structures, particularly of the ribs, in the chest region

Computer-aided diagnosis of tuberculosis in paediatric chest X-rays using local textural analysis

Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 99-103).This report presents a computerised tool to analyse the appearance of the lung fields in paediatric chest X-rays to detect the presence of tuberculosis. The computer aided diagnosis (CAD) tool consists of 4 phases: 1) lung field segmentation; 2) lung field subdivision; 3) feature extraction and 4) classification. Lung field segmentation is performed using a semi-automatic implementation of the active shape model algorithm. Two approaches to subdividing the lung fields into regions of interest are compared. The first divides each lung field into 21 overlapping regions of varying sizes, resulting in a total of 42 regions per image; this approach is called the big region approach. The second approach divides the lung fields into a large number of overlapping circular regions of interest. The circular regions have a radius of 32 pixels and are placed on an 8 x 8 pixel grid. This approach is called the circular region approach. Textural features are extracted from each of the regions using the moments of responses to a multiscale bank of Gaussian filters. Additional positional features are added to the circular regions

CT Scanning

Since its introduction in 1972, X-ray computed tomography (CT) has evolved into an essential diagnostic imaging tool for a continually increasing variety of clinical applications. The goal of this book was not simply to summarize currently available CT imaging techniques but also to provide clinical perspectives, advances in hybrid technologies, new applications other than medicine and an outlook on future developments. Major experts in this growing field contributed to this book, which is geared to radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, engineers, and clinical and basic researchers. We believe that CT scanning is an effective and essential tools in treatment planning, basic understanding of physiology, and and tackling the ever-increasing challenge of diagnosis in our society

Tuberculosis in black and white : using pre-antibiotic casefiles and radiographs to explore tuberculosis in children

Tuberculosis is one of the oldest diseases still in existence today and is currently the leading cause of death by infectious disease. The understanding of tuberculosis in past populations is, however, limited by the uncertainty with which it can be diagnosed macroscopically in archaeological human remains. Musculoskeletal tuberculosis is the most visible form of the disease and it has been highlighted in historical research as being most common in children. Still, the issues associated with uncovering non-adult skeletal remains have made the study of tuberculosis in children inherently difficult. This relative dearth of information regarding musculoskeletal tuberculosis in children is further compounded historiographically. Historical literature has been dominated by pulmonary tuberculosis and since this occurs most frequently in young adults, it has been this age group that have received the greatest attention. This research aims to bring balance to the historical study of tuberculosis through the study of musculoskeletal tuberculosis in children using a collection of sanatorium records from the mid-twentieth century.As an interdisciplinary study this research presents a new methodological approach for the study of disease in the past. Using clinical radiographs and their corresponding casefiles, it demonstrates the comparative and integrative application of such records as an adjunct to macroscopic examination of skeletal lesions. This presents further scope for understanding musculoskeletal tuberculosis, in recognising the various stages of destruction and healing associated with it. Additionally, this research has created a broader view of musculoskeletal tuberculosis in children during the first half of the twentieth century. Intrinsically, it demonstrates the value of integrative research, using archival medical records and radiographs, to develop knowledge of disease experience. The impact of this lies in the continuity or fluidity of medical practice through historical and heritage-based disciplines towards further understanding past disease and its contribution towards disease eradication in the present

Development of an adult chest imaging protocol for Lodox x-ray systems at trauma units in South Africa

Thesis (PhD) - University of Pretoria, 2022The Lodox (Lodox® Systems (Pty) Ltd, South Africa) digital x-ray system was initially developed to assist in the detection of diamonds smuggled by employees in mines but was later adopted as a screening tool at hospital trauma units. Although one-third of patients are sent for additional chest x-ray imaging using a conventional x-ray machine, previous research has shown that the Lodox x-ray system can produce chest images of superior quality. The Lodox x-ray system also produces ten times less harmful radiation, although requesting additional images after a Lodox imaging has been performed increases the radiation dose to the patient. This study aimed at developing an adult chest referral pathway (imaging protocol) guidelines for the Lodox x-ray system used at trauma units in South Africa. The objectives were to assess the diagnostic similarities and quality of images acquired with a Lodox x-ray system compared to those acquired with a conventional x-ray system; then to formulate and verify the referral pathway (imaging protocol) guidelines for adult chest imaging using a Lodox x-ray system in trauma units. This research used a descriptive, correlation design, including content analysis, a structured observation, and an e-Delphi technique. When comparing the two sets of images obtained from the Lodox and conventional x-ray systems respectively, the Lodox images were superior to those from the conventional x-ray images for showing thoracic structures such as lung parenchyma, and thoracic cage, soft tissue outline, and the mediastinal structures. In contrast, conventional x-ray images were better than the Lodox x-ray images for pulmonary effusion, extra-luminal air, and pneumothorax. Both imaging systems were similar for the visualization of other thoracic structures. No significant differences were found in the factors affecting image quality for the two systems. Hence it was recommended that clinical indications should inform the referral of patients for Lodox imaging. The results confirmed that although both x-ray systems produced chest images of high quality, the Lodox x-ray system produced images of superior quality to conventional images for the viewing of some the thoracic structures such as fractures of the clavicle, nodules, effusions, retro-cardiac structures, mediastinum structures, pneumothorax, interstitial diseases, and fractures of ribs, fractures of clavicle and lung parenchyma. Additionally, following the e-Delphi process, a referral pathway (imaging protocol) for patients undergoing Lodox imaging was developed. The referral pathway (imaging protocol) suggested that after chest imaging with the Lodox x-ray system, computed tomography (CT) imaging of the chest and Ultrasound imaging should be requested. However, for certain cases, the patient could be referred directly for CT- and Ultrasound imaging of the chest, particularly in critically injured patients, where the rapid initiation of treatment could be lifesaving. The study confirmed that adult chest images obtained using the Lodox x-ray system in trauma units were of diagnostic quality. Hence, it was recommended that not all patients should automatically be referred for additional imaging with a conventional x-ray system. Instead, the Lodox images together with the clinical condition of the patient should inform the referral of the patient for additional imaging. Following these results, a referral pathway (imaging protocol) was developed for Lodox imaging at trauma units at hospitals in South Africa.National Research Foundation (NRF) - South AfricaRadiographyPhDUnrestricte