Nonrigid registration and classification of the kidneys in 3D dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MR images

Abstract

We have applied image analysis methods in the assessment of human kidney perfusion based on 3D dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI data. This approach consists of 3D non-rigid image registration of the kidneys and fuzzy C-mean classification of kidney tissues. The proposed registration method reduced motion artifacts in the dynamic images and improved the analysis of kidney compartments (cortex, medulla, and cavities). The dynamic intensity curves show the successive transition of the contrast agent through kidney compartments. The proposed method for motion correction and kidney compartment classification may be used to improve the validity and usefulness of further model-based pharmacokinetic analysis of kidney function.

Renal Functional MRI and Its Application

“…In addition, registration is a necessary step to correct the effect of kidney motion, and nonrigid registration is more accurate. Many image registration algorithms show their application prospect …”

Measurement of single-kidney glomerular filtration function from magnetic resonance perfusion renography

“…In a postprocessing step, image registration algorithms [12] can be employed to address the movement. A new algorithm of 3D non-rigid image registration of the kidneys based on 3D dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI data proposed by Yang et al [13] showed an optimum application prospect. In our study, patients to be trained to breathe slightly (as possible as thoracic breathing) and sand bag were put on the abdomen to deduce the upper abdomen movement led by breath, and the breath artifacts were evidently deduced.…”

Registration of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI of the common carotid artery using a fixed‐frame template‐based squared‐difference method

“…Many registration methods have been developed for the alignment of DCE-MRI of organs such as the heart and kidneys (11). However, these methods cannot be directly applied to current vascular DCE-MRI protocols, because of the small size of the carotid arteries (less than 1 cm in diameter) with respect to other organs, and the prominent use of two-dimensional (2D) multislice, instead of 3D volumetric, acquisitions (12).…”