Detection of 3D point landmarks in human brain magnetic resonance images using the dual-tree complex wavelet transform

• Grant number: 15/26512-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2016
• End date: June 30, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Computer Science - Computing Methodologies and Techniques
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo José Ferrari
• Grantee: Nicole Zafalon Kovacs
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a fundamental tool for the study and diagnosis of various diseases and syndromes of the central nervous system (CNS), like for instance, Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer´s disease. To allow for a fast and accurate diagnosis, as well as to follow up the evolution of these diseases, it is necessary to segment and measure the volume of important brain structures. Among the approaches proposed in the literature for the segmentation of brain structures in MR images, the ones based on geometric deformable models are among the techniques presenting the best results. However, a major difficulty applying geometric deformable models for medical image segmentation is the proper initial positioning of the model. Therefore, the main goal of this research project is the development of an automatic technique for the detection of point landmarks in 3D brain MR images. If well succeeded, the developed technique could be used for the initialization of geometric deformable models. (AU)