Computer Assisted Morphological Analysis of Opacities on the International Labor Organization Standard Radiographs for the Pneumoconiosis

Details

• Personal Author:
  James D ; Ketai L ; Pattichis CS ; Pattichis MS ; Soliz P
• Description:
  The International Labor Organization (ILO) standard for scoring chest radiographs requires visual determination of opacity size, shape and perfusion. Inter- and intra-reader variability is one limitation of this method of classifying radiographs. A computer-based technique was developed to accurately and consistently characterize opacities associated with pneumoconiosis. Methods Morphological image processing techniques allow one to use a computer to make quantitative measurements of opacities. The sharp peaks in the morphological pattern spectra were used for assessing opacity size and perfusion. Opacity size corresponds to the location of the peaks, while perfusion is proportional to the heights of the peaks. Opacity shape is assessed through the use of multiple, representative, geometrical elements The ILO standard chest radiographs were digitized and regions of interest (ROIs) over which there was a known opacity population were selected by two B-readers. Morphological pattern spectra were computed using a circular structural element Results and Conclusions: Sharp peaks in the computed pattern spectra are seen at the expected size and perfusion in the cases of: (i) rounded opacities ofq and r in the regions of I.5-3mm, and 3-IOmm respectively; (ii) irregular opacities of u in the region of 3-10mm. The calculated morphological pattern spectra reflect the profusion, shape, and size as defined by the ILO standard. Concluding, the results show promise for applying morphological pattern spectra as a means for assisting the physician in scoring and screening chest radiographs of workers at risk for pneumoconiosis. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Computers Lung Lung Diseases Occupational Health Radiation Radiography Respiratory System Respiratory Tract Diseases Safety Software
• Keywords:
  Computer-equipment Computer-models Morphology Pneumoconiosis Pulmonary-disorders Quantitative-analysis Radiographic-analysis
• ISSN:
  1073-449X
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Abstract or Summary ; Proceedings
• Place as Subject:
  New Mexico ; OSHA Region 6
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Volume:
  165
• Issue:
  8
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20022997
• Citation:
  Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2002 Apr; 165(8)(Suppl):A530
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2002
• NORA Priority Area:
  Other Occupational Concerns ; Pulmonary System Disorders
• Performing Organization:
  Kestrel Corporation, Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  19983009
• Source Full Name:
  American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2002 International Conference, The American Thoracic Society, Atlanta Georgia, May 17-22, 2002
• Supplement:
  Suppl
• End Date:
  19993103
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:29f587cbe4eed5f9fbe2f9fc81b62011d526b25b95a89d856a8a0bf3b8ed54a2fee43c1959c5fb4340e73316d90a07315089d810970675691e134dc0b6980ee6
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/199593/cdc_199593_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 575.77 KB ]