Fully Automatic Detection and Segmentation Approach for Juxta-Pleural Nodules From CT Images

Early detection of all types of lung nodules with different characters in medical modality images using computer-aided detection is the best acceptable remedy to save the lives of lung cancer sufferers. But accuracy of different types of nodule detection rates is based on chosen segmented procedures for parenchyma and nodules. Separation of pleural from juxta-pleural nodules (JPNs) is difficult as intensity of pleural and attached nodule is similar. This research paper proposes a fully automated method to detect and segment JPNs. In the proposed method, lung parenchyma is segmented using iterative thresholding algorithm. To improve the nodules detection rate separation of connected lung lobes, an algorithm is proposed to separate connected left and right lung lobes. The new method segments JPNs based on lung boundary pixels extraction, concave points extraction, and separation of attached pleural from nodule. Validation of the proposed method was performed on LIDC-CT images. The experimental result confirms that the developed method segments the JPNs with less computational time and high accuracy.

Automated summary

An automated method for detecting and segmenting JPNs was proposed, improving nodule detection rates by segmenting lung parenchyma and separating connected lung lobes. The method achieved high accuracy and required less computational time in segmenting JPNs.