Texture Analysis of CT Images

Medical imaging is both expensive because of capital costs and easy to perform because of its noninvasive nature. It is clearly very important to extract the maximum possible information from any image obtained. However, image processing modes based on scan sections or radiographic views do not completely provide diagnostic information in advance, when it would be easier to control a disease, make a therapeutic decision, or perform surgery. This lack of timely information is, in part, due to a the fact that grey level differences in tissues are small compared to the accuracy with which the measurements may be carried out for a reasonable patient dose of x-rays. These limitations necessitate development of new analysis techniques that will improve diagnostic ability. One promising technique is texture analysis, which characterizes tissues to determine changes in functional characteristics of organs at the onset of disease.