JP2011143115A - Medical image processing apparatus, medical image diagnosing apparatus and medical image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve usability of polar map for motor function of a certain internal organ. <P>SOLUTION: The medical image processing apparatus comprises a storage part 45 for a first image data for a range including a certain internal organ of a tested patient obtained by SPECT scanner 7 and a second image data obtained by the CT scanner 9, a function index calculator 25 to calculate function index for motor function of a certain internal organ based on the first image data, a polar map generator 27 to generate a polar map of the function index, a polar model generator 31 to generate a polar model showing a form of surrounding organ of the certain internal organ, a range extractor 29 to extract a range for the surrounding organ from the second image data, a disease index calculator 33 to calculate a disease index showing the seriousness of illness of the surrounding organ based on the range, a marker generator 35 to generate a disease index marker indicated by the polar coordinate system based on the range, and a synthesizing part 37 to synthesize the polar model and the disease index marker on the polar map. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image processing apparatus, a medical image diagnostic apparatus, and a medical image processing program having a function of synthesizing a polar model related to the form of a specific organ on a polar map.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a polar coordinate format called a polar map has been used as a display format in which a function index of the entire heart that is vertically long from the apex to the base can be observed at a time. Polar coordinates represent a plane with (r, θ). r is the distance along the axis from the apex to the base, and θ is the angle around the axis. For example, a polar map created by a nuclear medicine examination or the like can express the function of the entire heart with one image, and is an effective diagram for cardiac function diagnosis. The polar map simply displays the functional distribution of the myocardium (for example, FIG. 4) or displays the dominant region of the coronary artery (for example, FIG. 5).

  With the recent development of computed tomography (hereinafter referred to as CT) of the heart, single photon emission tomography (hereinafter referred to as SPECT) images or positron emission computed tomography (Positron Emission Computed Tomography): Diagnosis by overlay display of an image and an X-ray CT image (hereinafter referred to as PET) is increasing. Further, there is a technique for synthesizing a coronary artery shape based on an X-ray CT image on a polar map based on a SPECT image or a PET image. Thus, improvement of diagnostic accuracy is expected by incorporating the coronary artery form into the polar map.

  However, in an image obtained by mapping the coronary artery shape to a polar map (hereinafter referred to as a conventional image), the coronary artery shape is distorted compared to an SPECT image or an image obtained by simply combining an X-ray CT image with a PET image. It becomes. As a result, there is a problem that it is difficult for an interpreting doctor or the like to grasp a disease such as a stenosis of a coronary artery on a conventional image. Furthermore, there is a problem that the relationship between diseases such as stenosis of coronary arteries and myocardial metabolism and residual myocardial function information by SPECT image or PET image is difficult to understand.

JP 2004-141245 A

  The objective of this invention is improving the usefulness of the polar map regarding the motor function of an organ.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first image data relating to the region including the specific organ of the subject acquired by the first medical image diagnostic apparatus and the specific organ acquired by the second medical image diagnostic apparatus are used. A storage unit that stores second image data relating to a region to be included; a function indicator calculation unit that calculates a function indicator relating to a motor function of the specific organ based on the first image data; and A polar map generating unit that generates a polar map of the function indicator by distributing the function index, and a polar model generating unit that generates a polar model representing a form of a peripheral organ of the specific organ based on the extracted region; A region extracting unit for extracting a region about the peripheral organ from the second image data, and a disease related to the peripheral organ based on the extracted region A disease index calculation unit for calculating a disease index representing a degree, a marker generation unit for generating a disease index marker expressed in the polar coordinate system based on the calculated disease index, the polar model in the polar map, and the A medical image processing apparatus comprising: a synthesis unit that synthesizes a disease index marker.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first image data relating to a region including the heart of the subject acquired by the nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus and a second relating to the region including the heart acquired by the X-ray computed tomography apparatus. A storage unit that stores image data; a function index calculation unit that calculates a function index related to the motor function of the heart based on the first image data; and by distributing the function index in a polar coordinate system, A polar map generating unit that generates a polar map of a function index, a region extracting unit that extracts a region of the coronary artery related to the heart from the second image data, and a form of the coronary artery based on the extracted region A polar model generating unit for generating a polar model representing the disease, and a disease index representing the degree of disease related to the coronary artery based on the extracted region A disease index calculation unit for calculating, a marker generation unit for generating a disease index marker expressed in the polar coordinate system based on the calculated disease index, and synthesizing the polar model and the disease index marker in the polar map A medical image processing apparatus.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first image data generating unit that generates first image data relating to a region including a specific organ of a subject by single photon emission computed tomography or positron emission computed tomography, and an X-ray computer A second image data generating unit for generating second image data relating to a region including the specific organ by tomography; and a function index for calculating a function index relating to the motor function of the specific organ based on the first image data. A calculation unit, a polar map generating unit that generates a polar map of the function index by distributing the function index in a polar coordinate system, and a region about a peripheral organ of the specific organ is extracted from the second image data A polar extractor that generates a polar model representing the form of the surrounding organ based on the extracted region; A Dell occurrence unit, a disease index calculation unit for calculating a disease index representing a degree of a disease related to the surrounding organ based on the extracted region, and a polar coordinate system expressed based on the calculated disease index A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: a marker generating unit that generates a disease index marker; and a combining unit that combines the polar model and the disease index marker with the polar map.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first image data generation unit that generates first image data relating to a region including the heart of a subject by single photon emission computed tomography or positron emission computed tomography, and an X-ray computed tomography. A second image data generation unit that generates second image data relating to the region including the heart by imaging; a function index calculation unit that calculates a function index related to the motor function of the heart based on the first image data; A polar map generator for generating a polar map of the function index by distributing the function index in a polar coordinate system; a region extraction unit for extracting a coronary artery region related to the heart from the second image data; A polar model generating unit that generates a polar model representing the shape of the coronary artery based on the extracted region; Based on the extracted region, a disease index calculation unit that calculates a disease index that represents the degree of the disease related to the coronary artery, and generates a disease index marker expressed in the polar coordinate system based on the calculated disease index A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: a marker generating unit; and a combining unit that combines the polar model and the disease index marker with the polar map.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the first image data relating to the region including the specific organ of the subject acquired by the first medical image diagnostic apparatus and the specific organ acquired by the second medical image diagnostic apparatus are used. A storage unit that stores second image data relating to a region to be included; a function indicator calculation unit that calculates a function indicator relating to a motor function of the specific organ based on the first image data; and A polar map generating unit that generates a polar map of the function index, a region extracting unit that extracts a region around the specific organ from the second image data, and the extracted region And a disease index calculation unit for calculating a disease index representing the degree of disease related to the surrounding organ, and the disease index is added based on the extracted region And polar model generator for generating a polar model representing the form of a serial peripheral organs, a medical image processing apparatus characterized by comprising a synthesizing unit for synthesizing said polar model in the polar map.

  The invention according to claim 9 is a function index calculation function that causes a computer to calculate a function index related to a motor function of the specific organ based on first image data related to a region including the specific organ of the subject; By distributing the index in a polar coordinate system, a polar map generating function for generating a polar map of the function index and a region about the organ surrounding the specific organ are extracted from the second image data relating to the region including the specific organ. A region extraction function, a polar model generation function for generating a polar model representing the form of the peripheral organ based on the extracted region, and a degree of disease related to the peripheral organ based on the extracted region A disease index calculation function for calculating a disease index and the polar coordinate system based on the calculated disease index A marker generating function for generating the patient index markers, a medical image processing program for causing realize a synthesizing function to synthesize the polar model and said disease index marker on the polar map.

  According to the present invention, the usefulness of a polar map related to the motor function of an organ is improved.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external appearance of a SPECT / CT apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the SPECT / CT apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for synthesizing a polar model of a coronary artery and a disease index marker representing the degree of disease related to the coronary artery on the polar map in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a polar map generated based on the first image data acquired by the SPECT scanner of FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image in which a polar model of a coronary artery is synthesized on a polar map in the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image obtained by synthesizing predetermined markers corresponding to the disease index in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image in which the stenosis rate of the coronary artery is displayed as a numerical value when the cursor points to the coronary artery on the display image of FIG. 6 in the present embodiment.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be given only when necessary.
(First embodiment)
In this embodiment, a combined apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a SPECT / CT apparatus) of a SPECT apparatus and an X-ray CT apparatus is applied as a medical image diagnostic apparatus. Note that, as a medical image diagnostic apparatus, a combined apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a PET / CT apparatus) of a PET apparatus and an X-ray CT apparatus can be applied instead of the SPECT / CT apparatus. In the present embodiment, the specific organ to be diagnosed is the heart, and the surrounding organ of the specific organ is the coronary artery. The specific organ and peripheral organs are not limited to the heart and coronary arteries, and can be applied to other organs.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a SPECT / CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the SPECT / CT apparatus 1 includes a bed 3, a top plate 5, a SPECT scanner 7, a CT scanner 9, a data processing device 15, and an image processing device 21.

  The bed 3 supports the top 5 on which the subject P is placed so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction, and the vertical direction.

  The SPECT scanner 7 and the CT scanner 9 are respectively formed with a hollow portion 11 and a hollow portion 13 having a substantially cylindrical shape into which the top plate 5 is fed. The SPECT scanner 7 and the CT scanner 9 are arranged so that the center line of the hollow part 11 and the center line of the hollow part 13 substantially coincide.

  The SPECT scanner 7 performs a SPECT scan of the subject P with gamma rays. Specifically, the SPECT scanner 7 is equipped with gamma ray detectors arranged in a ring shape around the hollow portion 11. The gamma ray detector repeatedly detects gamma rays emitted from the radiopharmaceutical administered to the subject P, and repeatedly generates an electrical signal corresponding to the energy of the detected gamma rays.

  The CT scanner 9 scans the subject P with X-rays. Specifically, the CT scanner 9 is equipped with an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector so as to face each other with the hollow portion 13 therebetween. The X-ray tube generates X-rays. The X-ray detector detects X-rays generated from the X-ray tube and transmitted through the subject P, and generates an electrical signal corresponding to the detected X-ray energy. The X-ray tube and the X-ray detector repeat X-ray generation and X-ray detection while rotating around the hollow portion 13.

  The data processing device 15 includes a first image data generation unit 17 and a second image data generation unit 19. The second image data generation unit 19 reconstructs the second image data (volume data related to the X-ray CT image) based on the projection data collected from multiple directions by the CT scanner 9. The first image data generator 17 attenuates and corrects gamma ray count data collected from multiple directions by the SPECT scanner 7 using the second image data, and based on the corrected gamma ray count data, the first image data ( Volume data regarding SPECT images) is reconstructed.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the SPECT / CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the SPECT / CT apparatus 1 includes a SPECT scanner 7, a CT scanner 9, a data processing device 15, and an image processing device 21. The data processing device 15 includes a first image data generation unit 17 and a second image data generation unit 19.

  The image processing apparatus 21 includes a cross-section conversion processing unit 23, a function index calculation unit 25, a polar map generation unit 27, a region extraction unit 29, and a polar model generation unit that generates an image (polar model) expressing the coronary artery morphology in polar coordinates. 31, a disease index calculation unit 33, a marker generation unit 35, a synthesis unit 37, a display unit 39, an interface unit 41, an input device 43, a storage unit 45, and a control unit 47. In addition, a network, an electrocardiograph, or the like may be connected to the image processing apparatus 21 via the interface unit 41. Note that, when the technical idea of the SPECT / CT apparatus 1 is realized by a medical image processing apparatus, for example, it has a configuration within a dotted line. Hereinafter, these components will be described.

  The cross-section conversion processing unit 23 obtains a plurality of slices related to a plurality of slices at regular intervals along the heart axis from the apex to the base from the first image data relating to the region including the heart of the subject. Generate an image. The predetermined interval is a predetermined interval stored in the storage unit 45 in advance. The predetermined interval can be changed as appropriate by the user via the input device 43.

  During the SPECT data collection period, the first image data is collected repeatedly. The slice conversion processing unit 23 generates a plurality of slice images from each of the plurality of first images having different shooting times. Thereby, a plurality of slice images having different photographing times are generated for each slice. A function index for quantifying the heart's motor function is calculated in multiple directions around the heart axis by the function index calculation unit 25 using a plurality of slice images having different imaging times for each slice. The function index includes, for example, left ventricular wall thickness change rate (Wall Thickening), volume change rate (Regional Ejection Fraction), myocardial blood flow evaluation, myocardial viability evaluation, and the like.

  The polar map generation unit 27 plots each of the plurality of function indexes calculated by the function index calculation unit 25 on a polar map template stored in the storage unit 45. This plot generates a polar map. In other words, the polar map is an image whose function index is coordinate-transformed into a polar coordinate system defined by an angle around the heart axis and a distance (slice number) from the apex or base.

  The region extraction unit 29 extracts a region of the coronary artery from the second image data by, for example, threshold processing (gradation processing) for the CT value.

  The polar model generation unit 31 generates a polar model representing the form of the coronary artery on the polar coordinate system based on the coronary artery region extracted by the region extraction unit 29.

  The disease index calculation unit 33 calculates a disease index indicating the degree of a disease related to the coronary artery such as a stenosis rate or a calculus score based on the region of the coronary artery extracted by the region extraction unit 29. As an example, a method for calculating the stenosis rate will be described later.

  The marker generating unit 35 generates a disease index marker by converting the disease index calculated by the disease index calculating unit 33 into a polar coordinate system. The disease index marker corresponds to a predetermined range related to a disease index stored in advance in the storage unit 45, for example. The shape, color, and predetermined range of the disease index marker can be changed as appropriate by the user via the input device 43.

  The synthesizer 37 generates a polar model representing the coronary artery shape generated by the polar model generator 31 and the marker generator 35 on the polar map in which the cardiac function index generated by the polar map generator 27 is plotted. And a disease indicator marker thus synthesized.

  The display unit 39 displays the image synthesized by the synthesis unit 37 (hereinafter referred to as a synthesized image). A composite image obtained by applying a load to the subject (hereinafter referred to as a load composite image) and a composite image obtained when the subject is at rest (hereinafter referred to as a rest composite image) are displayed on one screen. It is also possible. Moreover, it is also possible to display four types of images on one screen using the stenosis rate and the calculus score for each of the load composite image and the rest composite image.

  The interface unit 41 is an interface related to the input device 43, a network, an external storage device (not shown), an electrocardiograph, and the like. Data such as medical images and analysis results obtained by the SPECT / CT apparatus 1 can be transferred to other apparatuses via the network by the interface unit 41.

  The input device 43 is connected to the interface unit 41 and takes various instructions, commands, information, selections, and settings from the user into the SPECT / CT device 1. Although not shown, the input device 43 includes a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, and the like for setting a region of interest. The input device 43 detects the coordinates of the cursor displayed on the display screen, and outputs the detected coordinates to the control unit 47. The input device 43 may be a touch panel provided to cover the display screen. In this case, the input device 43 detects coordinates instructed by a touch reading principle such as an electromagnetic induction type, an electromagnetic distortion type, and a pressure sensitive type, and outputs the detected coordinates to the control unit 47.

  The storage unit 45 includes a control program for the SPECT / CT apparatus 1, a polar map and a disease index marker template, a program for generating a polar map and a polar model, a program for calculating a disease index, and first image data. A second image data, a plurality of slice images, a generated polar map and polar model, a disease index marker corresponding to a range of a predetermined disease index, and a function for synthesizing a disease index on a polar model representing the form of a coronary artery A dedicated program or the like for realizing (a disease index marker function described later) is stored.

  The control unit 47 functions as the center of the image processing device 21. The control unit 47 includes a CPU and a storage circuit (not shown). The control unit 47 temporarily stores information such as user instructions and image processing conditions sent from the input device 43 via the interface unit 41, and then first and second information based on these information. Collect image data and control display. The control unit 47 reads out a dedicated program for realizing the disease index marker function, a control program for executing predetermined image generation / display, etc. from the storage unit 45 and expands it on its own memory to perform various processing. Perform operations and processing related to

(Disease index marker function)
The disease index marker function is a function for synthesizing a marker of a disease index (stenosis rate, calculus score, etc.) representing a degree of a disease related to a coronary artery together with a polar model on a polar map. Hereinafter, processing according to the disease index marker function (hereinafter referred to as disease index marker processing) will be described.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the disease index marker process.
Prior to the X-ray CT scan and SPECT scan on the subject, the user inputs patient information with the input device 43, sets the conditions for the generated X-rays, and sets the detection conditions for the X-ray and gamma-ray data collection conditions. I do. These settings and updates are stored in the storage unit 45. When these inputs / selections / settings are completed, the control unit 47 performs X-ray CT scan and SPECT scan over a plurality of heartbeats in synchronization with the electrocardiogram waveform.

  By CT scan, X-rays are continuously generated under the control of the control unit 47 for the subject into which the contrast agent is injected by the operator. The generated X-ray passes through the subject and is detected by the X-ray detector. An electrical signal is generated according to the detected X-ray energy. Pre-processing such as logarithmic conversion, sensitivity correction, and beam hardening correction is performed on the generated electrical signal. After the preprocessing, the second image data generation unit 19 reconstructs the second image data (volume data related to the X-ray CT image) (step Sa1).

  The SPECT scan detects gamma rays emitted from the radioisotope administered to the subject. Subsequently, an electrical signal having a peak value corresponding to the energy of the gamma ray is generated. Preprocessing such as uniformity correction, rotation center correction, and scattered ray correction is performed on the generated electrical signal. After the pre-processing, the first image data generation unit 17 attenuates and corrects the gamma ray count data by the second image data, and the first image data (volume relating to the SPECT image) based on the gamma ray count data subjected to the attenuation correction. Data) is reconstructed (step Sa2).

  A perpendicular axis to the cardiac axis along the cardiac axis set manually via the input device 43 or the cardiac axis determined by the cross-section conversion processing unit 23 based on the first image data at the end diastole or end systole A plurality of slices are set at regular intervals. For each of the plurality of set slices, a slice image is generated from the first image data (step Sa3). These slices are numbered along the heart axis from the apex to the base for the convenience of the following description.

  Based on the comparative evaluation of slice images having the same slice number at the end diastole and end systole of the heart, the contractile function of the myocardium is quantified as a function index. Specifically, first, for each of a plurality of slices, an area divided in the circumferential direction around the central axis is set. Next, based on data included in the same area in the two slice images of the end diastole and the end systole, a function index in the area is calculated (step Sa4). The calculated function index is, for example, the difference between the gamma ray count in the left ventricular myocardium at the end diastole and the gamma ray count in the left ventricular myocardium at the end diastole. There is a left ventricular myocardial wall thickness change rate (Wall Thickening) obtained by division (normalization). In addition, there is a volume change rate (Regional Ejection Fraction), which is an index of a blood flow ejection rate calculated from a volume change in each area. In addition to the function index for the contractile function of the heart, there are myocardial blood flow evaluation and myocardial viability evaluation, and any type of function index is selected via the input device 43.

  By calculating the function index over the entire area, the function index in each area on one slice can be obtained. By calculating these processes for all slices, a function index corresponding to each slice number and each area can be obtained. A polar map of the function index is generated by plotting the calculated function index in the polar coordinate system defined by the angle around the heart axis and the distance from the apex (slice number) or the distance from the base. (Step Sa5). Note that a polar map template stored in advance in the storage unit 45 may be used as the polar coordinate system. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a polar map.

  The second image data corresponding to the cardiac time phase set via the input device 43 is supplied from the storage unit 45 to the region extraction unit 29 under the control of the control unit 47. The second image data supplied to the region extraction unit 29 is subjected to, for example, threshold processing (gradation processing) for the X-ray CT value, thereby extracting a coronary artery region (step Sa6). ).

  Based on the extracted area of the coronary artery, a disease index representing the degree of the disease related to the coronary artery is calculated (step Sa7). The disease index is, for example, a stenosis rate of coronary artery or a calcium score. Hereinafter, a stenosis rate will be described as an example of a disease index. The stenosis rate is obtained by measuring the ratio of the diameter of a blood vessel with stenosis to the diameter of a blood vessel without stenosis. Specifically, first, a cross section perpendicular to the center line of the coronary artery is created. Subsequently, a stenosis ratio that is a ratio of the contrasted stenotic lumen inner diameter to the normal lumen inner diameter in the vicinity of the contrasted stenosis site is calculated. The stenosis rate of the coronary artery calculated in the entire area of the coronary artery is transferred to the marker generating unit 35 or the storage unit 45.

  For each of the plurality of slices set in step Sa3, the position of the coronary artery region extracted in step Sa6 (angle around the cardiac axis) is calculated. Points (hereinafter referred to as arterial points) are plotted on the polar coordinate system in the same manner as the polar map, based on the calculated angle around the axis and the distance from the origin of the polar coordinate corresponding to the slice number. From the origin (apex) to the outside (base), the closest arterial points are connected by a straight line with a concentric circle centered on the origin and having a radius corresponding to the slice number. Subsequently, the closest arterial points are connected by a straight line across the concentric circle from the outer side (base) to the origin (apex). By connecting these arterial points, a polar model of the coronary artery is generated (step Sa8). FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image in which a polar model representing the form of the coronary artery generated in step Sa8 is combined with the polar map generated in step Sa5.

  Disease index markers color-coded according to the stenosis rate of the coronary artery sent to the marker generator 35 are generated on the polar coordinate system in the same manner as the polar map and polar model (step Sa9). The disease index marker on the polar coordinates may be a numerical value representing the stenosis rate or may have a different shape depending on the stenosis rate. In addition, the disease index marker may be obtained by changing the thickness of the polar model according to the stenosis rate. Further, when there is a stenosis of a blood vessel or the like, the shape of the blood vessel or the stenosis of the blood vessel may not be accurate because it is desired to know how the cardiac function of the region under the control of blood flow is affected.

  The polar model generated in step Sa7 and the disease index marker generated in step Sa9 are synthesized with the polar map generated in step Sa5 (step Sa10). FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image obtained by synthesizing the disease index marker in FIG. A table T in FIG. 6 represents a table in which coronary artery stenosis rate ranges and line types are associated with each other. The color and line type of the coronary artery and the range of the stenosis rate in the table T in FIG. 6 can be appropriately changed by the user via the input device 43. When the cursor points to the coronary artery on the display image displayed on the display unit 39, the stenosis rate of the coronary artery can be displayed. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image in which the stenosis rate of the coronary artery is displayed when the cursor C points to the coronary artery on the display image of FIG. 6 and 7 are monochromatic images, the difference in the stenosis rate of the coronary artery is expressed by the difference in the line type, but it can also be expressed as a difference in color.

According to the configuration described above, the following effects can be obtained.
According to this medical image diagnostic apparatus, by synthesizing a polar model that represents the function of the heart and a polar model that represents the form of the coronary artery and a disease index marker that represents the stenosis rate that represents the degree of disease related to the coronary artery, The problem that it is difficult to grasp the stenosis of the coronary artery in the polar model is solved. In addition, there is a relationship between coronary artery stenosis and SPECT image functional information, that is, the relationship between the coronary artery stenosis and the peripheral function of the coronary artery, myocardial motility, and myocardial viability. Become clear. From the above, the usefulness of the polar map relating to the motor function of the heart is improved. Further, the diagnosis of the coronary artery based on the SPECT image diagnosis and the X-ray CT image can be performed at the same time, and the diagnosis efficiency is improved. Furthermore, diagnostic accuracy such as determination of treatment indication, determination of therapeutic effect, and prognosis prediction by evaluating myocardial viability is improved.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, you may combine the component covering different embodiment suitably. As an example, the difference from the first embodiment is as follows. This is a case where the disease index calculated in step Sa7 in FIG. 3 is added to the straight line connected in step Sa8 to generate a coronary artery polar model having the disease index. The disease index in this modified example is represented by a polar model, for example, as a difference in color or line type. Further, since the marker generator 35 in FIG. 2 is not necessary, the apparatus can be simplified. Further, the medical image processing apparatus realized by the technical idea of the medical image diagnostic apparatus has components in dotted lines in FIG. 2, for example. The processing in the disease index marker function is processing from step Sa3 to step Sa10 in which step Sa1 and step Sa2 in FIG. 3 are deleted.

  In addition, each function according to each embodiment can also be realized by installing a program for executing the processing in a computer such as a workstation and developing the program on a memory. At this time, a program that can cause the computer to execute the processing is stored in a storage medium such as a magnetic disk (floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), or a semiconductor memory. It can also be distributed.

  The present invention is an X-ray CT apparatus alone, a combined examination of an X-ray CT apparatus and a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus (SPECT / CT apparatus, PET / CT apparatus, X-ray CT apparatus and SPECT apparatus, X-ray CT apparatus and PET apparatus) The medical image processing apparatus can be used in the field of generating a polar map regarding the motor function of an organ.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... SPECT / CT apparatus, 3 ... Bed, 5 ... Top plate, 7 ... SPECT scanner, 9 ... CT scanner, 11 ... Hollow part, 13 ... Hollow part, 15 ... Data processing apparatus, 17 ... 1st image data generation part , 19 ... second image data generation unit, 21 ... image processing device, 23 ... cross-section conversion processing unit, 25 ... function index calculation unit, 27 ... polar map generation unit, 29 ... region extraction unit, 31 ... polar model generation unit, 33 ... disease index calculation unit, 35 ... marker generation unit, 37 ... synthesis unit, 39 ... display unit, 41 ... interface unit, 43 ... input device, 45 ... storage unit, 47 ... control unit

Claims (9)

First image data relating to a region including a specific organ of a subject acquired by the first medical image diagnostic apparatus; second image data relating to a region including the specific organ acquired by the second medical image diagnostic apparatus; A storage unit for storing
A function index calculator that calculates a function index related to the motor function of the specific organ based on the first image data;
A polar map generator for generating a polar map of the function index by distributing the function index in a polar coordinate system;
Based on the extracted region, a polar model generating unit that generates a polar model representing the morphology of the surrounding organ of the specific organ;
A region extraction unit for extracting a region about the surrounding organ from the second image data;
Based on the extracted region, a disease index calculation unit that calculates a disease index representing the degree of disease related to the surrounding organs;
A marker generating unit for generating a disease index marker expressed in the polar coordinate system based on the calculated disease index;
A synthesizing unit that synthesizes the polar model and the disease index marker in the polar map;
A medical image processing apparatus comprising: The first medical diagnostic imaging apparatus is a single photon emission computed tomography apparatus or a positron emission computed tomography apparatus,
The second medical image diagnostic apparatus is an X-ray computed tomography apparatus;
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the disease index marker has color information corresponding to the disease index. A numerical value of the disease index is displayed together with the disease index marker;
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1. A storage unit for storing first image data related to a region including the heart of the subject acquired by the nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus and second image data related to the region including the heart acquired by the X-ray computed tomography apparatus; ,
A function index calculating unit that calculates a function index related to the motor function of the heart based on the first image data;
A polar map generator for generating a polar map of the function index by distributing the function index in a polar coordinate system;
A region extraction unit for extracting a region of a coronary artery related to the heart from the second image data;
A polar model generating unit that generates a polar model representing the form of the coronary artery based on the extracted region;
Based on the extracted region, a disease index calculation unit that calculates a disease index representing the degree of disease related to the coronary artery,
A marker generating unit for generating a disease index marker expressed in the polar coordinate system based on the calculated disease index;
A synthesizing unit that synthesizes the polar model and the disease index marker in the polar map;
A medical image processing apparatus comprising: A first image data generating unit for generating first image data relating to a region including a specific organ of a subject by single photon emission computed tomography or positron emission computed tomography;
A second image data generation unit for generating second image data relating to a region including the specific organ by X-ray computed tomography;
A function index calculator that calculates a function index related to the motor function of the specific organ based on the first image data;
A polar map generator for generating a polar map of the function index by distributing the function index in a polar coordinate system;
A region extracting unit for extracting a region about a surrounding organ of the specific organ from the second image data;
Based on the extracted region, a polar model generating unit that generates a polar model representing the morphology of the surrounding organs;
Based on the extracted region, a disease index calculation unit that calculates a disease index representing the degree of disease related to the surrounding organs;
A marker generating unit for generating a disease index marker expressed in the polar coordinate system based on the calculated disease index;
A synthesizing unit that synthesizes the polar model and the disease index marker in the polar map;
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: A first image data generator for generating first image data relating to a region including the heart of the subject by single photon emission computed tomography or positron emission computed tomography;
A second image data generator for generating second image data relating to the region including the heart by X-ray computed tomography;
A function index calculating unit that calculates a function index related to the motor function of the heart based on the first image data;
A polar map generator for generating a polar map of the function index by distributing the function index in a polar coordinate system;
A region extraction unit for extracting a region of a coronary artery related to the heart from the second image data;
A polar model generating unit that generates a polar model representing the form of the coronary artery based on the extracted region;
Based on the extracted region, a disease index calculation unit that calculates a disease index representing the degree of disease related to the coronary artery,
A marker generating unit for generating a disease index marker expressed in the polar coordinate system based on the calculated disease index;
A synthesizing unit that synthesizes the polar model and the disease index marker in the polar map;
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: First image data relating to a region including a specific organ of a subject acquired by the first medical image diagnostic apparatus; second image data relating to a region including the specific organ acquired by the second medical image diagnostic apparatus; A storage unit for storing
A function index calculator that calculates a function index related to the motor function of the specific organ based on the first image data;
A polar map generator for generating a polar map of the function index by distributing the function index in a polar coordinate system;
A region extracting unit for extracting a region about a surrounding organ of the specific organ from the second image data;
Based on the extracted region, a disease index calculation unit that calculates a disease index representing the degree of disease related to the surrounding organs;
Based on the extracted region, a polar model generation unit that generates a polar model representing the form of the peripheral organ to which the disease index is added;
A synthesis unit that synthesizes the polar model with the polar map;
A medical image processing apparatus comprising: On the computer,
A function index calculation function for calculating a function index related to the motor function of the specific organ based on the first image data regarding the region including the specific organ of the subject;
A polar map generating function for generating a polar map of the function index by distributing the function index in a polar coordinate system;
A region extraction function for extracting a region about a peripheral organ of the specific organ from second image data relating to the region including the specific organ;
Based on the extracted region, a polar model generation function for generating a polar model representing the morphology of the surrounding organs;
Based on the extracted region, a disease index calculation function for calculating a disease index representing the degree of disease related to the surrounding organs;
A marker generating function for generating a disease index marker expressed in the polar coordinate system based on the calculated disease index;
A synthesis function for synthesizing the polar model and the disease index marker in the polar map;
A medical image processing program characterized by realizing the above.

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