JP2013138801A - Medical image display apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medical image display apparatus which allows an exposure region and strength of an exposure dose of a subject to be grasped intuitively.SOLUTION: A medical image display apparatus 1 includes an image generating section 8 that generates an exposure dose image showing the exposure region of the subject and the exposure dose in the exposure region according to dose information of X-rays to the subject, and a display 4 that displays the exposure dose image on a subject image showing the subject. As a result, the exposure region and strength of the exposure dose of the subject are intuitively understood.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a medical image display apparatus.

  The medical image display apparatus is a display apparatus that displays a medical image of a subject imaged by a medical image imaging apparatus such as an X-ray diagnostic apparatus typified by an X-ray CT apparatus (X-ray computed tomography apparatus). Among these medical image display devices, there is also a medical image display device that displays dose values (numbers) exposed to a subject.

  Usually, the dose information of a subject is managed by an irradiation record, a summary report file, a Dose SR (radiation dose structured reporting) file, or the like. Based on this dose information, the dose value of the subject is displayed divided into the head of the subject and the body other than the head. Examples of such dose values include the maximum dose and total dose for each examination, and the maximum dose and total dose for all examinations.

  Here, the above-described medical imaging apparatus detects X-ray dose transmitted through the subject by irradiating the subject such as a patient, and reconstructs X-ray transmission data based on the X-ray dose. An apparatus for obtaining a tomographic image (slice image) of a subject. As this medical image imaging apparatus, for example, an X-ray CT apparatus has been developed in which an X-ray irradiator and an X-ray detector are arranged to face each other, and imaging is performed while rotating them around the body axis of the subject.

  In this X-ray CT apparatus, in general, in order to set an imaging range (scan range) before scanning such as multi-slice scanning and helical scanning, imaging is performed without rotating the X-ray irradiator and the X-ray detector, A positioning image (scano image) is acquired. In addition, there is a function (for example, a function called Real-EC) that calculates an optimum tube current supplied to the X-ray irradiator using the positioning image. This function is a function for automatically calculating the X-ray dose suitable for the body thickness of each part of the subject and finely controlling the X-ray dose for each rotation. As a result, unnecessary exposure can be suppressed while maintaining high image quality, and exposure reduction can be realized.

JP 7-124152 A

  However, as described above, when the dose value is displayed numerically only by the classification of the head and the body, there is a problem that the actual exposure area of the subject and the intensity of the exposure dose cannot be intuitively understood. For example, even when only a part of the head is exposed, a dose value is displayed as the exposure dose of the entire head. Similarly, even when only a part of the chest is exposed, the dose value is displayed as the exposure dose of the entire body. Thus, it is almost impossible to intuitively grasp the exposure area of the subject and the intensity of the exposure dose.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a medical image display device capable of intuitively grasping the exposure region and the intensity of the exposure dose of the subject.

  The medical image display apparatus according to the embodiment includes an image generation unit that generates an exposure dose image indicating an exposure area of the subject and an exposure dose in the exposure area according to X-ray dose information on the subject, and the subject And a display unit for displaying the exposure dose image on the subject image indicating the above.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the medical image display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the production | generation of the exposure dose image regarding the chest of a subject. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the production | generation of the exposure dose image regarding the abdominal part of a subject. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the production | generation of the exposure dose image regarding the head of a subject. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the production | generation of the total exposure dose image regarding the chest, abdomen, and head of a subject. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an image generation process. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the production | generation (1st modification) of the other exposure dose image regarding the chest of a subject. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the production | generation (2nd modification) of the other exposure dose image regarding the chest of a subject.

  An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a medical image display apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 2 that controls each unit, a memory 3 that stores various data, and a display unit 4 that displays various images such as medical images. An operation unit 5 operated by an operator, an examination result information storage unit 6 that stores examination result information of the subject, an image storage unit 7 that stores image data, and an image generation unit 8 that generates various images. It has.

  The control unit 2 controls each unit based on various programs and various data stored in the memory 3. For example, the control unit 2 executes a series of data processing for performing data calculation or data processing, display processing for displaying a medical image, and the like based on various programs and various data. As this control unit 2, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like can be used.

  The memory 3 stores various programs such as a startup program executed by the control unit 2 and various data. This memory 3 also functions as a work area for the control unit 2. The activation program is read and executed by the control unit 2 when the medical image display apparatus 1 is activated. As this memory 3, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a semiconductor disk device (flash memory), or the like can be used.

  The display unit 4 is a display device that displays various images, for example, medical images such as an image related to an exposure dose and a two-dimensional X-ray image. As the display unit 4, for example, a liquid crystal display, a CRT (CRT) display, or the like can be used.

  The operation unit 5 is an input unit that receives an input operation from an operator, and receives various input operations such as image display, image switching, and various settings. As the operation unit 5, for example, an input device such as a mouse or a keyboard can be used.

  The examination result information storage unit 6 stores examination result information related to the dose of X-rays exposed to the subject, such as irradiation records, summary report files, and dose SR (radiation dose structuring reporting) files. This test result information is input to the test result information storage unit 6 for each test via, for example, a wired or wireless network, and stored in association with a patient ID (identification number), a patient name, and the like. As the inspection result information storage unit 6, for example, a magnetic disk device or a semiconductor disk device (flash memory) can be used.

  The image storage unit 7 stores, for example, image data obtained by a medical image imaging apparatus such as an X-ray CT apparatus (X-ray computed tomography apparatus), for example, a positioning image called a scanogram. This image data is input to the image storage unit 7 for each examination, for example, via a wired or wireless network, and stored in association with a patient ID, a patient name, and the like. For example, a magnetic disk device or a semiconductor disk device (flash memory) can be used as the image storage unit 7.

  Here, the medical image capturing apparatus that generates the above-described image data has various imaging modes. For example, a scan imaging mode that captures a positioning image (scan image) and a tomographic image that captures a tomographic image (slice image). There are modes. Examples of the tomographic mode include a normal multi-slice scan mode (normal CT), a helical scan mode (helical CT), and a volume scan mode (volume CT).

  The scano imaging mode is a mode for imaging a positioning image for performing positioning and imaging range (scanning range) setting prior to imaging in the tomographic imaging mode. In this scano imaging mode, the X-ray irradiator and the X-ray detector are fixed at a predetermined position, for example, a view angle of 0 degrees (planar position), the couch top is moved in the body axis direction of the subject, The X-ray is irradiated by the X-ray irradiator and the X-ray transmitted through the subject on the top is detected by the X-ray detector, and X-ray transmission data is collected. Thereafter, the X-ray transmission data is processed to generate a positioning image, and the positioning image is displayed. An operator visually recognizes the positioning image and performs positioning, scan range setting, and the like.

  The image generation unit 8 restores the X-ray dose information from the examination result information on the subject, and in accordance with the restored dose information, the subject exposure region R1 and the exposure region R1 in the exposure region R1 as shown in FIG. An exposure dose image G1 indicating the exposure dose is generated. The exposure dose image G1 is displayed by the display unit 4 together with other images such as the positioning image G2.

  Here, for example, when examination result information relating to the chest of the subject is used, as shown in FIG. 2, an exposure region R1 related to the chest of the subject and an exposure dose image G1 indicating the exposure dose are positioned image G2. A dose chart G3 indicating the magnitude of the dose value by a color change is displayed next to the positioning image G2.

  The exposure dose image G1 is an image showing the exposure region R1 according to the exposure dose by the color in the dose chart G3, and the positioning image G2 is a subject image showing the subject (the whole including the head, trunk, limbs, etc.), That is, it is an X-ray image showing the body shape of the subject in a plane. The dose chart G3 is an image showing the maximum (Max) to the minimum (Min) of the dose value due to a color change (for example, gradation). As the dose chart G3, for example, a gray scale chart or a color chart (an image showing the maximum to the minimum dose value by the color from red to purple (rainbow color) of visible light) can be used.

  This dose chart G3 serves as a color reference for image generation by the image generation unit 8, and the image generation unit 8 uses the color in the dose chart G3 and changes the color according to the exposure dose to generate the exposure dose image G1. Here, a color has three attributes of hue, saturation, and brightness, and is defined by them. Therefore, if one of these values is different, it can be said that the color is different. Here, the hue is a kind of color such as red, blue, or green, and the saturation is vividness (for example, shading) such as whether the color is strong or weak. The brightness is the brightness of the color.

  Next, when the test result information on the abdomen of the subject is used, as shown in FIG. 3, the exposure region R1 related to the abdomen of the subject and the exposure dose image G1 indicating the exposure dose are displayed on the positioning image G2. In the same manner as described above, a dose chart G3 indicating the magnitude of the dose value by a color change is displayed next to the positioning image G2.

  Further, when the test result information on the head of the subject is used, as shown in FIG. 4, the exposure region R1 related to the head of the subject and the exposure dose image G1 indicating the exposure dose are displayed on the positioning image G2. As described above, a dose chart G3 indicating the magnitude of the dose value by a color change is displayed next to the positioning image G2.

  Thus, each exposure dose image G1 is calculated | required from the test result information for every test | inspection, and it displays on the display part 4. FIG. Since this exposure dose image G1 shows the exposure region R1 corresponding to the examination region and the exposure dose in the exposure region R1, a user such as a doctor or a patient has different areas or colors (hue and saturation) of the exposure dose image G1. From the difference in brightness, it is possible to intuitively grasp the exposure region R1 of the subject and the intensity of the exposure dose.

  It should be noted that total dose information (total dose information) is generated from the inspection result information for each of the above-described inspections, and based on the generated dose information, exposure indicating the exposure dose in the entire exposure region R1 and the exposure region R1. It is also possible to generate a dose image G1. In the examination result information for each examination, the dose value is integrated in the portion where the exposed areas of the subject overlap.

  In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a total exposure dose image G1 based on the inspection result information for each inspection is displayed on the positioning image G2. This total exposure dose image G1 is an image showing the total dose values of the three exposure regions R1 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, and the dose values are integrated in the portion where these regions overlap.

  In order to generate the total exposure dose image G1 based on the inspection result information for each inspection, for example, the three exposure dose images G1 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 are superimposed on the positioning image G2 in a translucent manner. May be. In this case, the portion where the three exposure dose images G1 overlap is automatically darkened.

  The image generation unit 8 that performs such image generation may be configured by hardware such as an electric circuit, or may be configured by software such as a program that executes these functions. Moreover, you may comprise by the combination of both hardware and software.

  Next, an image generation process performed by the medical image display apparatus 1 described above will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a target patient is determined according to the input operation of the operator to the operation unit 5 (step S1), and test result information for the target patient is retrieved from the test result information storage unit 6 (step S1). S2). In step S1, when the operator operates the operation unit 5 to input a patient ID or a patient name and select a target patient, for example, the target patient is determined according to this selection.

  When the search in step S2 is completed, it is determined whether or not there is test result information for the target patient (step S3). If it is determined that there is no test result information for the target patient (NO in step S3), the process returns to step S1 and again. The target patient is determined according to the input operation of the operator to the operation unit 5 (step S1).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is examination result information for the target patient (YES in step S3), a dose information database is created by the image generation unit 8 (step S4). This dose information database is for restoring and managing dose information necessary for generating the exposure dose image G1 from the test result information for each test in the target patient, and is constructed in the image generation unit 8.

  When the creation of step S4 is completed, an exposure dose image G1 is generated by the image generation unit 8 based on the dose information database (step S5), and a positioning image G2 for the target patient is searched from the image storage unit 7 (step S5). S6).

  When the search in step S6 is completed, it is determined whether or not there is a positioning image G2 for the target patient (step S7). If it is determined that there is a positioning image G2 for the target patient (YES in step S7), the positioning image G2 is displayed. Displayed by the unit 4 (step S8). On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no positioning image G2 for the target patient (NO in step S7), a human body model image is displayed (step S9).

  Here, the human body model image is a subject image showing a human body model representing a human body shape in a plane. As this human body model image, it is preferable to use a human body model image representing an average body shape of the same age as the age of the target patient. For example, it is possible to select and use one human body model image from human body model images for each age according to the age of the target patient. In addition, the human body model image for every age is memorize | stored in the image storage part 7, for example.

  When the display in step S8 or step S9 is completed, the exposure dose image G1 is displayed by being superimposed on the positioning image G2 by the display unit 4 (step S10). At this time, the exposure dose image G1 is displayed on the positioning image G2, and a dose chart G3 is displayed next to the positioning image G2 (see FIGS. 2 to 5).

  Here, when there are a plurality of test result information of the target patient, dose information is obtained from the test result information for each test, and the exposure dose image G1 is generated (see FIGS. 2 to 4). In this case, the exposure dose image G1 for each examination is switched and displayed in accordance with the operator's input operation to the operation unit 5. Further, total dose information may be obtained from all examination result information, and a total exposure dose image G1 may be generated and displayed based on the dose information (see FIG. 5).

  According to such image generation processing, dose information is obtained from the examination result information, and an exposure dose image G1 indicating the exposure region R1 corresponding to the examination region and the exposure dose in the exposure region R1 based on the dose information is obtained. Generated. Thereafter, the exposure dose image G1 is displayed superimposed on the positioning image G2, and a dose chart G3 is also displayed next to the positioning image G2. In this way, the dose image G1 can be visually recognized by a user such as a doctor or a patient, so that the user can intuitively grasp the exposure region R1 of the target patient from the region of the dose image G1, Furthermore, the intensity of the exposure dose of the target patient can be intuitively grasped from the difference in color (difference in hue, saturation, and brightness) of the exposure dose image G1.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, according to the X-ray dose information for the subject, the exposure region R1 of the subject and the exposure dose image G1 indicating the exposure dose in the exposure region R1 are generated, The generated exposure dose image G1 is displayed on a positioning image G2 that is a subject image. Thereby, a user such as a doctor or a patient can recognize the exposure region R1 of the subject and the strength of the exposure dose from the exposure dose image G1 by looking at the displayed exposure dose image G1. It is possible to intuitively grasp the exposure area R1 of the subject and the intensity of the exposure dose.

  The positioning image G2 is an X-ray image showing the body shape of the subject in a plane. This positioning image G2 is an image of the subject and accurately shows the body shape of the subject, so that the position of the exposed region R1 with respect to the body shape of the subject can be grasped more accurately than when the human body model image is used. be able to.

  Further, since the dose image G1 is generated by changing the color according to the dose, a user such as a doctor or a patient can determine the dose based on the color difference (hue, saturation, brightness) of the dose image G1. Can be grasped more intuitively. Note that the exposure dose image G1 may be generated by changing the fill pattern according to the exposure dose, not limited to the color, but the intuitive understanding can be more reliably realized by using the color. .

  In addition to the exposure dose image G1 and the positioning image G2, a dose chart G3 indicating the magnitude of the X-ray dose value by color change is displayed, so the magnitude of the dose value of the exposure dose image G1 from the dose chart G3. Can be grasped. However, from the difference in color (difference in hue, saturation, and brightness) of the exposure dose image G1, the user recognizes that the exposure dose is high when the color is dark and the exposure dose is low when the color is light, for example. Thus, even when the dose chart G3 is not displayed, it is possible to intuitively grasp the intensity of the exposure dose.

  Further, since X-ray dose information is obtained based on the examination result information on the subject and the exposure dose image G1 is generated from the dose information, the exposure region R1 of the subject with respect to the exposure in the past examination of the subject. In addition, it is possible to intuitively grasp the intensity of the exposure dose.

  In addition, X-ray dose information is obtained by combining a plurality of examination result information on the subject, and an exposure dose image G1 is generated from the dose information. It is possible to intuitively grasp the exposure region R1 and the intensity of the exposure dose.

  Here, the medical imaging apparatus has a function of calculating an optimum tube current to be supplied to the X-ray irradiator using the positioning image G2, for example, a function called Real-EC. For this reason, it is possible to automatically calculate the X-ray dose suitable for the body thickness of each part of the subject and finely control the X-ray dose for each rotation. Thereby, unnecessary exposure can be suppressed and exposure reduction can be realized while maintaining high image quality. When this function is used, the X-ray dose value fluctuates finely.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the exposure dose image G1 is an image showing a change in exposure dose in the body axis direction in the exposure region R1. That is, the image generation unit 8 generates an exposure dose image G1 indicating a change in exposure dose in the body axis direction within the exposure region R1. Thereby, even if there is a dose change in the exposure region R1, it is possible to show the change in the dose, and intuitively determine the exposure region R1 of the subject and the intensity of the exposure dose that changes in the exposure region R1. I can grasp it.

  In the above-described embodiment, as the dose chart G3, for example, a chart showing the maximum to minimum dose values due to color changes (changes in hue, saturation, and brightness) is used. For example, a chart showing the maximum to minimum dose values by changing the filling pattern may be used. Furthermore, a chart may be used in which the magnitude of the dose value is added to the examination date and time (exposure date and time) when the dose value is acquired, that is, the elapsed time from the examination date and time to the current date and time.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the dose chart G3 has a color change (changes in hue, saturation, and lightness) in the vertical direction from the maximum to the minimum dose value, and the time in the horizontal direction (Time). It is an image shown by. In this image, the rightmost side in the horizontal direction is the current (Now). According to this dose chart G3, the color becomes lighter as the examination date is older and the dose value is smaller, and conversely, the color is darker as the examination date is new and the dose value is larger.

  This dose chart G3 serves as a color reference for image generation by the image generation unit 8, and the image generation unit 8 uses the color in the dose chart G3 and changes the color according to the exposure dose to generate the exposure dose image G1. Therefore, the image generation unit 8 generates the exposure dose image G1 in consideration of the examination date / time included in the examination result information for the subject, that is, the exposure date / time.

  In the above-described embodiment, the X-ray dose information is generated based on the examination result information, and the exposure dose image G1 is generated from the dose information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. X-ray dose information (predicted dose information) may be obtained based on the inspection plan information on the exposure dose, and the exposure dose image G1 may be generated from the predicted dose information. For example, the examination plan information includes various information such as what imaging mode and irradiation intensity (tube current value) are used for examination, and which part (irradiation range) of the subject is examined. ing.

  In such a case, since the exposure dose image G1 based on the predicted dose information is displayed, the exposure region R1 of the subject and the strength of the exposure dose are intuitively grasped regarding the future exposure of the subject. be able to. As described above, not only the dose information is generated using one inspection plan information, but also the dose information may be generated using a plurality of inspection plan information. The dose information may be generated by combining both pieces of information. When both are combined, the subject's exposure area R1 and the intensity of the exposure dose can be intuitively grasped regarding the total exposure of the subject in the past examination and the exposure in the future examination. Can do.

  In the above-described embodiment, various charts such as a gray scale chart or a color chart are adopted as the dose chart G3. For example, these charts are displayed according to the input operation of the operator with respect to the operation unit 5. You may make it switch. In this case, for example, when the dose chart G3 is switched from the red color chart to the blue color chart, the exposure dose image G1 is also switched from the red color system to the blue color chart. Therefore, the display color of the exposure dose image G1 is also switched according to the switching of the display color of the dose chart G3. The display color of the exposure dose image G1 may be changed for each part (chest, abdomen, head, etc.). In this case, the display color of the dose chart G3 is switched according to the display color of the exposure dose image G1.

  As mentioned above, although some embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Medical image display apparatus 4 Display part 8 Image generation part G1 Exposure dose image G2 Positioning image G3 Dose chart

Claims (11)

An image generation unit that generates an exposure dose image indicating an exposure region of the subject and an exposure dose in the exposure region according to the X-ray dose information for the subject;
A display unit for displaying the exposure dose image on a subject image showing the subject;
A medical image display device comprising:   The medical image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the subject image is an X-ray image showing the body shape of the subject in a plane.   The medical image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image generation unit generates the exposure dose image by changing a color according to the exposure dose. In addition to the subject image and the exposure dose image, the display unit displays a dose chart showing the magnitude of the dose value of the X-ray by a color change,
The said image generation part changes the color according to the said exposure dose using the color in the said dose chart, The said exposure dose image is produced | generated as described in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Medical image display device.   The medical image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the image generation unit generates an exposure dose image indicating a change in exposure dose in a body axis direction within the exposure region.   The said image generation part produces | generates the said X-ray dose information based on the test result information with respect to the said test object, The said exposure dose image is produced | generated from the dose information. The medical image display apparatus described in 1.   6. The image generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray dose information is generated by combining a plurality of pieces of examination result information for the subject, and the exposure dose image is generated from the dose information. The medical image display apparatus as described in any one.   The medical image display device according to claim 1, wherein the image generation unit generates the exposure dose image in consideration of an examination date and time included in examination result information for the subject. .   The said image generation part produces | generates the said X-ray dose information based on the test plan information with respect to the said test object, The said exposure dose image is produced | generated from the dose information. The medical image display apparatus described in 1.   9. The image generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray dose information is generated by combining a plurality of pieces of examination plan information for the subject, and the exposure dose image is generated from the dose information. The medical image display apparatus as described in any one.   The said image generation part produces | generates the said X-ray dose information combining the examination result information and examination plan information with respect to the said object, and produces | generates the said exposure dose image from the dose information. The medical image display device according to any one of 8.