Computer-Aided Analysis of Nailfold Capillaroscopy Images

2016 ◽  
pp. 146-158
Author(s):  
Niraj Doshi ◽  
Gerald Schaefer
Keyword(s):  
Image Enhancement ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Noise Removal ◽  
Nailfold Capillaroscopy ◽  
Blood Capillaries ◽  
Rule Based ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Computer Aided Analysis ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Bilateral Filters

Nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) is a non-invasive imaging technique employed to assess the condition of blood capillaries in the nailfold, and is routinely used for the detection of scleroderma spectral disorders, Raynaud's phenomenon and other connective tissue diseases. In this chapter, we present computer-aided approaches for capillary inspection, in particular focussing on the tasks of image enhancement, binarisation and skeletonisation. We evaluate the performance of a number image enhancement/noise removal techniques for NC images, as a pre-cursor to edge detection aimed at identifying capillaries. Results show that bilateral filters and enhancers provide the best overall image quality. Following noise removal, NC images typically get converted into binary form. For this purpose, we employed a difference-of-Gaussian approach before thresholding. The final stage is that of skeletonisation, which can be effectively performed using a rule-based thinning algorithm. Thus the complete imaging pipeling of pre-processing, binarisation and skeletonisation is represented in this chapter.

Automated Categorisation of Nailfold Capillaroscopy Images

2016 ◽  
pp. 134-145
Author(s):  
Niraj Doshi ◽  
Gerald Schaefer
Keyword(s):  
Early Detection ◽  
Texture Analysis ◽  
Ground Truth ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Nailfold Capillaroscopy ◽  
Image Region ◽  
Blood Capillaries ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Voting Strategy

Nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) is a non-invasive imaging technique employed to assess the condition of blood capillaries in the nailfold. It is particularly useful for early detection of scleroderma spectrum disorders and evaluation of Raynaud's phenomenon. While automated approaches to analysing NC images are relatively rare, they are typically based on extraction and analysis of individual capillaries from the images in order to assign a patient to one of the commonly employed scleroderma patterns. In this chapter, we present a different approach that does not rely on individual capillaries but performs interpretation in a holistic way based on information gathered from an image or a selected image region. In particular, our algorithm employs texture analysis to characterise the underlying patterns, coupled with a classification stage to first identify patterns in fingers, and then, through a voting strategy, reach a decision for a patient. Experimental results on a set of NC images with known ground truth demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach.

Computer-aided Analysis of Fundus Photographs

2011 ◽  
Vol 05 (02) ◽  
pp. 104
Author(s):  
Luisa Ribeiro ◽  
Rui Bernardes ◽  
José Cunha-Vaz ◽  
◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Retinal Disease ◽  
Automated Analysis ◽  
Fundus Photography ◽  
Individual Risk ◽  
Invasive Procedures ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Computer Aided Analysis ◽  
Computer Aided

Colour fundus photography is the most frequently used imaging modality because it is non-invasive, well accepted by patients and above all, because it allows documentation and automated analysis of the ophthalmoscopic examination. Colour fundus photography is considered crucial for diabetic retinopathy management to identify disease and its progression in clinical practice. This article focuses on automated computer-aided analysis of fundus digital photographs with special emphasis on microaneurysm dynamics. Together with optical coherence tomography measurements of extracellular space and retinal thickness, both based on non-invasive procedures, this technique allows close follow-up of the main changes in the diabetic retina. Determination of the activity of the retinal disease and individual risk profiles using these non-invasive procedures contribute to personalised management of diabetic retinopathy by identifying eyes at risk from vision-threatening complications, such as macular oedema and proliferative retinopathy.

scholarly journals Nailfold Capillaroscopy in Systemic Diseases: Short Overview for Internal Medicine

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alina Dima ◽  
Ioana Berza ◽  
Daniela Nicoleta Popescu ◽  
Magda Ileana Parvu
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Nailfold Capillaroscopy ◽  
Raynaud Phenomenon ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Invasive Method ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Parallel Fashion

Abstract Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) is now one of the main imaging tools in systemic sclerosis and imposed over time as an easy, non-invasive method for the nailfold microvascular bed assessment. In qualitative NFC normal pattern is characterized by homogeneous, parallel fashion arrangement of the last capillaries row as well as by capillaries with hairpin or non-specific variations like tortuous and/ or crossing shape. Nailfold capillaroscopy is strongly recommended for evaluation of all patients with Raynaud phenomenon. Appearance of giant capillaries is chronologically the first finding relevant for scleroderma spectrum disorders development (systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis, undifferentiated and mixed connective tissue disease). Collapses of the giant loops generate microhemorrhages and further capillary loss with subsequent hypoxia, and neoangiogenesis seen as ramified/ bushy capillaries. Nailfold capillaroscopy is indicated especially in systemic sclerosis, being also included in the classification criteria. Based on these major NFC pathologic findings (giant capillaries, microhemorrhages, avascularity and neoangiogenesis), three evolutive stages were described in systemic sclerosis, namely the early, active, and late scleroderma pattern. In other connective tissue diseases than those scleroderma-related, like systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis, or antiphospholipid syndrome, the interest for capillaroscopy is growing, but the attempts of defining specific characteristics failed until now. Besides qualitative NFC, semiquantitative and quantitative capillaroscopic assessments were proposed for more accurate evaluation. Lately, automated systems are under development. There is still need of more studies to sustain the nailfold capillaroscopy validity as diagnostic and prognostic test.

scholarly journals Computer-Aided Analysis of the “Beautiful” Umbilicus

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 748-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shu Jin Lee ◽  
Saurabh Garg ◽  
Heow Pueh Lee
Keyword(s):  
Computer Aided Analysis ◽  
Computer Aided
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