A customizable MR brain imaging atlas of structure and function for decision support

Abstract

We present a MR brain atlas for structure and function (diffusion weighted images). The atlas is customizable for contrast and orientation to match the current patient images. In addition, the atlas also provides normative values of MR parameters (T1, T2 and ADC values). The atlas is designed on informatics principles to provide context sensitive decision support at the time of primary image interpretation. Additional support for diagnostic interpretation is provided by a list of expert created most relevant 'Image Finding Descriptors' that will serve as cues to the user. The architecture of the atlas module is integrated into the image workflow of a radiology department to provide support at the time of primary diagnosis.

Figure 1

The diffusion weighted atlas can be displayed to highlight different information: (i) eigenvalues of the diffusion tensor (top row), (ii) color map of the fiber directions (bottom right, left), (iii) color map of diffusion anisotropy, and (iv) as the fractional anisotropy.

Figure 2

The atlas customized to the contrast and orientation of the patient (center image of top panel) is shown on the left. The original atlas before customization is shown on the right at the same image number. The level of the customized atlas is matched to that of the patient but local differences still exist since only a global alignment is performed. A structure (lateral ventricles highlighted) can be selected from the list (right, lower panel) and will be displayed on the customized atlas. Alternatively all structures at each level can be shown outlined. The substructures belonging to the selected structure are shown on the left panel as well as the average values of MR relaxometric and diffusion data for the selected structure.

Figure 3

A portion of the ‘Image Finding Descriptors (IFD)’ list for abnormalities of white or gray matter tissue. The list appropriate to a structure is displayed from the Atlas module (Figure 2, Button ‘IFD’). This cues the user to look for abnormality attributes listed in the ‘IFD’ while examining any region (structure) in the current patient study.