Image Processing in Radiology: Current Applications

This book, written by leading experts from many countries, provides a comprehensive and up-to-date description of how to use 2D and 3D processing tools in clinical radiology. The opening section covers a wide range of technical aspects. In the main section, the principal clinical applications are described and discussed in depth. A third section focuses on a variety of special topics. This book will be invaluable to radiologists of any subspecialty.

Few fields have witnessed such impressive advances as image processing in radiology. The progress achieved has revolutionized diagnosis and greatly facilitated treatment selection and accurate planning of procedures. This book, written by leading experts from many countries, provides a comprehensive and up-to-date description of how to use 2D and 3D processing tools in clinical radiology. The first section covers a wide range of technical aspects in an informative way. This is followed by the main section, in which the principal clinical applications are described and discussed in depth. To complete the picture, a third section focuses on various special topics. The book will be invaluable to radiologists of any subspecialty who work with CT and MRI and would like to exploit the advantages of image processing techniques. It also addresses the needs of radiographers who cooperate with clinical radiologists and should improve their ability to generate the appropriate 2D and 3D processing.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Charles C Matthews, MD(Ochsner Clinic Foundation)
Description:This comprehensive overview of advanced image processing and post-processing in diagnostic imaging covers all modalities and explains the scan parameters, fundamentals of image processing, and clinical applications.
Purpose:The stated purpose is "to provide the radiologist with the information essential to optimizing the use of image processing tools in clinical workflow." Such understanding is critical to the modern radiologist as all modalities and areas of clinical application have undergone tremendous change over the past decade or so. Advanced imaging software has given the field new ways to demonstrate and analyze information about anatomy and pathology. The authors (many experts in the field) succeed in their objective.
Audience:The book is intended primarily for practicing radiologists, although other clinicians, such as cardiologists and oncologic surgeons who use imaging extensively, may benefit as well. The editors are from the University of Pisa and the majority of the contributors are from European universities.
Features:The first section covers all advanced modalities of imaging -- ultrasound, MRI, CT, PET -- going through the scan parameters and fundamentals of image processing. Segmentation, registration, and fusion of images are explained. One chapter uses advanced calculus to explain the processes (bringing back memories of when I was a physics major at Stanford). This is likely more than the average reader will understand. I used to treat the post-processing software as a black box tool -- just let it show me what I want. I now have a much better understanding of the various methods of 3D reconstruction such as volume rendering, virtual endoscopy, and image fusion. The second section covers application of the advanced image processing to a wide range of clinical applications from head to toe. The chapters are clinically oriented, reviewing the published results in various areas of investigation. For example, CT colonography is extensively discussed including various bowel preparations, methods of image processing and review, and results compared to optical colonoscopy. CT and MRI are covered more extensively than ultrasound. The third and final section reviews special topics such as computer-aided diagnosis and robotic assisted interventions. Overall, the book is well written and illustrated with many drawings, tables, and images, both color and gray scale.
Assessment:This book is very useful in explaining workstations, display functions, and advanced image processing. This information is well integrated into the clinical application chapters. Much of this material should be a part of resident education. Previously, I had learned bits and pieces over the years. This high quality book assembles all of the information into a very readable package. Many exam protocols are available for practicing radiologists to implement them into their routine practice.