Abstract: A method for computer-assisted interpretation of medical images that factor in characteristics of an individual performing the interpretation. The method automatically determines and/or incorporates prevalence-based computer analysis based on an estimated likelihood of a pathological state, e.g., a malignancy. A system implementing the method includes the calculation of features or other characteristics of images in a known database, calculation of features of an unknown case, calculation of the probability (or likelihood) of disease state, calculation of the modified computer output that includes the internal prevalence (or internal decision-making process) of the user (or group of users), and output of the result.

Abstract: An automated method for determining prognosis based on an analysis of abnormality (lesion) features and parenchymal features obtained from medical image data of a patient. The techniques include segmentation of lesions from radiographic images, extraction of lesion features, and a merging of the features (with and without clinical information) to yield as estimate of the prognosis for the specific case. An example is given for the prognosis of breast cancer lesions using mammographic data. A computerized image analysis system for assessing prognosis combines the computerized analysis of medical images of cancerous lesions with the training-based methods of assessing prognosis of a patient, using indicators such as lymph node involvement, presence of metastatic disease, local recurrence, and/or death. It is expected that use of such a system to assess the severity of the disease will aid in improved decision-making regarding treatment options.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium for an intelligent search display into which an automated computerized image analysis has been incorporated. Upon viewing an unknown mammographic case, the display shows both the computer classification output as well as images of lesions with known diagnoses (e.g., malignant vs. benign) and similar computer-extracted features. The similarity index used in the search can be chosen by the radiologist to be based on a single feature, multiple features, or on the computer estimate of the likelihood of malignancy. Specifically the system includes the calculation of features of images in a known database, calculation of features of an unknown case, calculation of a similarity index, display of the known cases along the probability distribution curves at which the unknown case exists.

Abstract: A method of calculating a disease assessment by analyzing a medical image, comprising (1) extracting at least one lesion feature value from the medical image; (2) extracting at least one risk feature value from the medical image; and (3) determining the disease assessment based on the at least one lesion feature value and the at least one risk feature value. The method employs lesion characterization for characterizing the lesion, and risk assessment based on the lesion's surroundings, i.e., the environment local and distal to the lesion. Computerized methods both characterize mammographic lesions and assess the breast parenchymal pattern on mammograms, resulting in improved characterization of lesions for specific subpopulations, combining the benefits of both techniques.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium for an intelligent search display into which an automated computerized image analysis has been incorporated. Upon viewing an unknown mammographic case, the display shows both the computer classification output as well as images of lesions with known diagnoses (e.g., malignant vs. benign) and similar computer-extracted features. The similarity index used in the search can be chosen by the radiologist to be based on a single feature, multiple features, or on the computer estimate of the likelihood of malignancy. Specifically the system includes the calculation of features of images in a known database, calculation of features of an unknown case, calculation of a similarity index, display of the known cases along the probability distribution curves at which the unknown case exists.

Abstract: A method of detecting a candidate abnormality in a sonographic medical image, based on determining a radial gradient index (RGI) at plural pixels, producing an RGI image, thresholding the RGI image, determining a candidate abnormality based on the thresholding step, and locating a center point of the candidate abnormality. The candidate abnormality may be classified by segmenting the candidate abnormality, including determining average radial gradients (ARDs) in the sonographic medical image based on the center point, extracting plural features from the segmented candidate abnormality, and determining a likelihood of the candidate abnormality being an actual abnormality based on the extracted plural features.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium for an intelligent search display into which an automated computerized image analysis has been incorporated. Upon viewing an unknown mammographic case, the display shows both the computer classification output as well as images of lesions with known diagnoses (e.g., malignant vs. benign) and similar computer-extracted features. The similarity index used in the search can be chosen by the radiologist to be based on a single feature, multiple features, or on the computer estimate of the likelihood of malignancy. Specifically the system includes the calculation of features of images in a known database, calculation of features of an unknown case, calculation of a similarity index, display of the known cases along the probability distribution curves at which the unknown case exists.

Abstract: An automated method for determining prognosis based on an analysis of abnormality (lesion) features and parenchymal features obtained from medical image data of a patient. The techniques include segmentation of lesions from radiographic images, extraction of lesion features, and a merging of the features (with and without clinical information) to yield as estimate of the prognosis for the specific case. An example is given for the prognosis of breast cancer lesions using mammographic data. A computerized image analysis system for assessing prognosis combines the computerized analysis of medical images of cancerous lesions with the training-based methods of assessing prognosis of a patient, using indicators such as lymph node involvement, presence of metastatic disease, local recurrence, and/or death. It is expected that use of such a system to assess the severity of the disease will aid in improved decision-making regarding treatment options.

Abstract: A method of calculating a disease assessment by analyzing a medical image, comprising (1) extracting at least one lesion feature value from the medical image; (2) extracting at least one risk feature value from the medical image; and (3) determining the disease assessment based on the at least one lesion feature value and the at least one risk feature value. The method employs lesion characterization for characterizing the lesion, and risk assessment based on the lesion's surroundings, i.e., the environment local and distal to the lesion. Computerized methods both characterize mammographic lesions and assess the breast parenchymal pattern on mammograms, resulting in improved characterization of lesions for specific subpopulations, combining the benefits of both techniques.

Abstract: A method of detecting a candidate abnormality in a sonographic medical image, based on determining a radial gradient index (RGI) at plural pixels, producing an RGI image, thresholding the RGI image, determining a candidate abnormality based on the thresholding step, and locating a center point of the candidate abnormality. The candidate abnormality may be classified by segmenting the candidate abnormality, including determining average radial gradients (ARDs) in the sonographic medical image based on the center point, extracting plural features from the segmented candidate abnormality, and determining a likelihood of the candidate abnormality being an actual abnormality based on the extracted plural features.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium for an intelligent search display into which an automated computerized image analysis has been incorporated. Upon viewing an unknown mammographic case, the display shows both the computer classification output as well as images of lesions with known diagnoses (e.g., malignant vs. benign) and similar computer-extracted features. The similarity index used in the search can be chosen by the radiologist to be based on a single feature, multiple features, or on the computer estimate of the likelihood of malignancy. Specifically the system includes the calculation of features of images in a known database, calculation of features of an unknown case, calculation of a similarity index, display of the known cases along the probability distribution curves at which the unknown case exists.