JP2018134185A - Medical image processing device and medical image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve visibility for a hue change of a target blood vessel in a still image.SOLUTION: A medical image processing device includes storage means, generation means, and change means. The storage means stores a plurality of medical images taken over time by using a contrast medium injected into a blood vessel of a subject. The generation means generates a still image showing a feature amount on a flow of the contrast medium in a color for each pixel from the plurality of medical images. The change means changes a hue of the color corresponding to the feature amount in the still image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a medical image processing apparatus and a medical image processing program.

  In the field of medical image processing, a still image is created that shows the amount of features related to the flow of contrast medium in color for each pixel from multiple medical images taken over time using contrast medium injected into the blood vessels of the subject. The technology to do is known. Here, various parameter values obtained from a time-density curve (TDC) of a contrast agent for each pixel can be used as the feature amount related to the flow. Examples of this type of parameter value include time to reach the peak value of the contrast agent (Time To Peak: TTP), time to reach the concentration of the contrast agent to ½ of the peak value, and contrast There are a time until the concentration of the agent reaches a threshold value (Time to Arrival: TTA), an average transit time of the contrast agent (Mean Transit Time: MTT), and the like.

  In other words, in the above-described technique, by associating the magnitude of the parameter value indicating the flow-related feature amount with the color information, for example, it is possible to create a still image in which a change in contrast agent inflow time is represented by a color change. Such a technique is called parametric imaging.

JP-A-2015-205172 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-200339

  However, the parametric imaging as described above is usually not particularly problematic. However, according to the study of the present inventor, the visibility of the contrast agent inflow blood vessel may be low in a still image as described below. There is room for improvement.

  For example, the visibility varies depending on the hue, such as high visibility of red and light blue and low visibility of blue. For this reason, a difference occurs in the visibility of the blood vessel of interest depending on the setting for associating the color information with the inflow time of the contrast agent. As the color information, for example, it is assumed that red, yellow, green, light blue, and blue, which are sequentially shifted while being finely changed, are associated in the order of passage of the inflow time.

  In the case of TTP (Time to Peak), the time width WW (window width) from the start color (red) to the end color (blue) and the time WL (window level) to the center color (green) : WL) need to be adjusted.

  Furthermore, it is necessary to change the level time WL at the time of adjusting the color having good visibility to the inflow blood vessel (according to the inflow time). As a result, the visibility of the blood vessel in the peripheral direction may be lowered. . For example, when the time WL leading to green is associated with a blood vessel in the inflow direction, the blood vessels in the inflow direction are colored in the order of red, yellow, green, and light blue, but in the blood vessels in the peripheral direction branched from the blood vessels in the inflow direction, There is a case where time information cannot be visually recognized at all because it is colored in blue. Alternatively, it is sufficient that red or light blue with good visibility happens to be associated with the blood vessel of interest, but in other cases, for example, when yellow or blue is associated with the blood vessel of interest, the time width WW is the same. Even if it exists, visibility will become low.

  As described above, in a still image, there are cases where the visibility with respect to the target blood vessel hue change (change in contrast agent inflow time) is low.

  In addition, in the color display method used for a moving image as described in Patent Document 2, a moving image is displayed by circulating colors in accordance with the inflow time of the contrast agent, so that a reduction in visibility does not occur. However, it is difficult to change the above-described medical image processing apparatus having specifications corresponding only to still image display to specifications corresponding to the color display method used for moving images.

  Therefore, it is desirable to improve the visibility of the target blood vessel hue change (change in contrast agent inflow time) in a still image.

  An object is to provide a medical image processing apparatus and a medical image processing program that can improve the visibility of a target blood vessel hue change (change in contrast agent inflow time) in a still image.

  The medical image processing apparatus according to the embodiment includes a storage unit, a creation unit, and a change unit.

  The storage means stores a plurality of medical images taken over time using a contrast agent injected into a blood vessel of a subject.

  The creation means creates a still image that indicates a feature amount related to the flow of the contrast medium by color for each pixel from the plurality of medical images.

  The changing means changes the hue of the color in the still image when adjusting the color.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a medical image processing apparatus and its peripheral configuration according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method for identifying the inflow time of the contrast agent in the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a DSA image in the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of obtaining the inflow time in the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing correspondence between hue and contrast image collection time in the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display screen in the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display screen in the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining a change in hue in the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a change in hue in the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a change in hue in the embodiment.

  A medical image processing apparatus and program according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Each of the following medical image processing apparatuses can be implemented with either a hardware configuration or a combination configuration of hardware resources and software. As the software of the combination configuration, a medical image processing program that is installed in a computer from a network or a storage medium in advance and causes the computer to realize each function of the medical image processing apparatus is used.

<One Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a medical image processing system including a medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment and a peripheral configuration thereof. The medical image processing system includes a medical image workstation 10 and a display 14. The medical image workstation 10 includes a hard disk 11, a computer 12, and a network I / F (for example, Ethernet (registered trademark) card) 13.

  The hard disk 11 stores a medical image processing program 11p and a plurality of medical images 11g.

  The computer (medical image processing apparatus) 12 includes a main memory 12m, an input interface circuit 12i, and a processing circuit 12p.

  The main memory 12m includes a memory for recording electrical information such as a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), and an image memory, and a memory controller and a memory interface associated with the memory. It consists of peripheral circuits. The main memory 12m stores a medical image processing program 11p, a plurality of medical images 11g, data being processed, a still image, and the like.

  Here, the plurality of medical images 11g are, for example, a medical three-dimensional image or a medical four-dimensional image such as a volume image or a moving image of a 2D image, and are taken over time using a contrast agent injected into the blood vessel of the subject. Has been. The plurality of medical images 11g are, for example, a DSA (Digital Subtraction Angiography) image captured by the X-ray angiography apparatus 40, a CT image captured by the CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus 20, or an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus. 30 may be an MRI image photographed by 30.

  The input interface circuit 12i performs an input operation by touching a trackball, a switch button, a mouse 12i1, a keyboard 12i2, and an operation surface for inputting various instructions, commands, information, selections, and settings from the operator to the apparatus main body 32. The operation unit 12i3 appropriately includes a touch pad to be performed and a touch panel display in which the display screen and the touch pad are integrated.

  Here, the operation unit 12i3 may be, for example, a physical operation component that can be operated continuously. Further, the operation unit 12i3 may include an operation unit main body that can be held and moved by an operator and buttons provided on the operation unit main body. The operation unit 12i3 may include a mouse 12i1, a trackball, or a joystick. The operation unit 12i3 may include a keyboard 12i2. The operation unit 12i3 may include a switch. For example, the switch of the operation unit 12i3 may be a switch image displayed on the display screen, and an electric signal corresponding to the operation of the operator may be input to the processing circuit 12p via the touch panel display. Alternatively, the switch of the operation unit 12i3 may be a physical operation component.

  The input interface circuit 12i is connected to the processing circuit 12p, converts the input operation received from the operator into an electrical signal, and inputs the electrical signal from the input circuit 12i4 to the processing circuit 12p. In the present specification, the input interface circuit 12i is not limited to the one having physical operation parts such as the mouse 12i1 and the keyboard 12i2. For example, an electric signal input circuit 12i4 that receives an electric signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the apparatus and inputs the electric signal to the processing circuit 12p is also an example of the input interface circuit 12i. included.

  The processing circuit 12p is a processor that reads the medical image processing program 11p and the plurality of medical images 11g in the hard disk 11 to the main memory 12m and executes the medical image processing program 11p.

  The processing circuit 12 p acquires a plurality of medical images 11 g from the CT apparatus 20, MRI apparatus 30, X-ray angio apparatus 40, PACS (Picture Archiving Communication System) 50, etc. via the network I / F 13 via the network and stores them on the hard disk 11. Keep it. However, the processing circuit 12p transfers the plurality of medical images 11g to the main memory 12m without storing them in the hard disk 11, executes the medical image processing program 11p read from the hard disk 11, and executes a plurality of medical images in the main memory 12n. A still image may be created from the image 11g.

  The medical image processing program 11p is a program that is executed by the processing circuit 12p and causes the computer 12 to realize the creation function f1, the change function f2, and the selection function f3. The selection function f3 is an optional additional item and may be omitted.

  Here, the creation function f1 is a function for creating a still image that indicates a feature amount related to the flow of the contrast medium for each pixel from the plurality of medical images 11g. The creation function f1 is a function corresponding to the parametric imaging described above, for example. In addition, the characteristic amount related to the flow of the contrast agent includes, for example, the inflow time of the contrast agent. There are several methods for identifying the inflow time of the contrast agent. Here, three methods are described as typical examples. As shown in FIG. 2, the first is a method of identifying the maximum time T0 of the time density curve as the contrast agent inflow time in the pixel, which is also called TTP (Time To Peak). The second is a method of identifying a time Th exceeding 1/2 of the maximum value of the time density curve as a contrast agent inflow time in the pixel. The third is a method of identifying a time Ts when the time density curve exceeds a certain threshold value as a contrast agent inflow time in the pixel, which is also called TTA (Time to Arrival). Note that the characteristic amount related to the flow is not limited to the inflow time of the contrast agent, and may be, for example, the average transit time (MTT) of the contrast agent.

  The change function f2 is a function for changing the hue of the color corresponding to the feature amount in the still image. Such a change function f2 may be, for example, the following functions (f2-1)-(f2-7).

  (f2-1): A function for shifting to a hue change mode indicated by a changed color while circulating the hue for all the feature values in the range indicated by the color when enabled by the selection function f3.

  (f2-2): A function of displaying a rotatable GUI (graphical user interface) image on the display 14 and changing the hue in accordance with a change in the rotation direction of the GUI image.

  (f2-3): A function of changing the hue according to continuous operation of the operation unit 12i3.

  (f2-4): A function to change the hue by moving the operation unit body while the button on the operation unit is pressed.

  (f2-5): A function of changing the hue according to a continuous pressing operation on a predetermined key in the keyboard 12i2.

  (f2-6): A function of changing the hue according to a continuous pressing operation on the switch included in the operation unit 12i3.

  (f2-7): A function of changing a specified hue to a predetermined hue by specifying a part of the still image. Here, as an operation to specify, for example, a touch operation or a slide operation on a touch panel display, a drag operation or a click operation on a cursor, or the like can be used as appropriate. Here, when a part is designated by the touch operation, the designated part has a spread according to the contact surface of the finger. Similarly, when a part is designated by a slide operation or a drag operation, the designated part has a spread of a range designated by the operation. As the slide operation or the drag operation, for example, a part of the blood vessel can be designated as an operation that runs on the blood vessel or an operation that surrounds a part of the blood vessel. On the other hand, when a part is designated by a cursor click operation, an area within a predetermined range from the clicked cursor position is designated as the part. In this case, as the “predetermined range area”, a predetermined distance range area, a predetermined pixel number range area, a predetermined (inflow) time range area, and the like can be used as appropriate.

  The selection function f3 is a function for selecting whether the change function f2 is valid or invalid. Such a selection function f3 may be, for example, a function for selecting whether the change function f2 is valid or invalid based on an electrical signal received from the input circuit 12i4 in response to an input operation of the input interface circuit 12i by the operator.

  The network I / F (interface) 13 is an interface circuit for connecting the computer 12 to the network and communicating with the CT apparatus 20, the MRI apparatus 30, the X-ray angio apparatus 40, and the PACS 50. The network I / F (interface) 13 is an arbitrary additional item and may be omitted. For example, when the computer 12 reads the medical image 11g directly from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM storing a plurality of medical images 11g, the network I / F (interface) 13 is not used.

  The display 14 is controlled by the processing circuit 12p and displays a medical image or the like. The display 14 may be provided with a touch pad that performs an input operation by touching the operation surface, and a touch panel in which the display screen and the touch pad are integrated.

  Next, the operation of the medical image processing system configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3 and schematic diagrams of FIGS. In the following description, processing using an X-ray 2D image is taken as an example. In the medical image workstation 10 of the medical image processing system, the processing circuit 12p reads the medical image processing program 11p in the hard disk 11 to the main memory 12m and executes it by the operation of the operator.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3, the processing circuit 12 p generates an X-ray moving image from the X-ray intervention support X-ray angio device 40 or the PACS 50 via the network I / F 13 according to the operation of the operator. A plurality of medical images 11g are acquired and stored in the hard disk 11 (step ST1). Note that the step ST1 for storing the medical image 11g only needs to be executed before the next step ST2, and is not necessarily executed immediately before.

  Subsequently, the processing circuit 12p reads a plurality of medical images 11g from the hard disk 11 to the main memory 12m by the operation of the operator. Further, the processing circuit 12p subtracts the second and subsequent contrast images (images for each inflow time) after the contrast medium injection from the first mask image before the contrast medium injection, and as shown in FIG. A DSA image gd representing the inflow blood vessel of the agent is created (step ST2). The DSA image gd is not limited to being created by the processing circuit 12p, but may be created by the X-ray angio device 40.

  The creation function f1 of the processing circuit 12p creates a time density curve (TDC) for each pixel of the DSA image gd (step ST3), and obtains the contrast agent inflow time for each pixel from the time density curve. (Step ST4). The inflow time of the contrast agent may be called blood flow timing. The inflow time of the contrast agent is an example of a feature amount related to the flow of the contrast agent, and may be replaced with another feature amount such as an average transit time (MTT).

  Next, the creation function f1 of the processing circuit 12p obtains the inflow times tA, tB, tC,... [Seconds] for every pixel, as shown in FIG. The inflow time is associated with each hue, and the ratio between the DSA value (density) of the maximum (max) value of the pixel and the DSA value (density) of the maximum (max) value of the entire image is reflected in the luminance, and a still image is displayed. create. The created still image represents the inflow time of the contrast medium for each pixel by color (step ST5).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the contrast image acquisition time (contrast medium inflow time) is t1 to t2, the hue is associated with red (R) in the first section of [t1, t1 + Δt1]. The third section of [t2-Δt2, t2] is associated with blue (B). The hues of the first section and the third section are substantially constant. In the second interval of [t1 + Δt1, t2−Δt2], the hue is linearly changed so as to correspond to blue (B) from red (R) through green (G). Specifically, in the second section, there are orange (O) and yellow (Y) (not shown) between red (R) and green (G). Between green (G) and blue (B), there is a light blue (LB) (not shown).

  Here, the time width WW of the second section [t1 + Δt1, t2−Δt2] and the time WL until the center color are set as appropriate by the operator. The time width WW is about 10 seconds or more, for example. Further, the times Δt1 and Δt2 in which the hue is substantially constant may be a predetermined numerical value or may be calculated from the DSA image gd. Specifically, Δt1 is a difference from time tm1 when a continuous area equal to or larger than the threshold in the DSA image gd from the collection start time t1 becomes a certain area or more, and a continuous area equal to or larger than the threshold in the DSA image gd Δt2 can be identified by subtracting from the collection end time t2 the time tm2 at which becomes equal to or greater than another certain area.

  Thus, as shown in an example of the display screen in FIG. 7, a still image gs indicating the inflow time of the contrast agent is generated, and the display 14 is displayed together with the color scale cs indicating the hue and the inflow time in association with each other. Is displayed. In FIG. 7, the blood flow direction is upward, and the broken line represents a color boundary (inflow time). However, the broken line is for convenience of illustration and is not displayed in an actual still image. Similarly, the color instructions (color names and lead lines) in the still image gs are for convenience of illustration and are not displayed on the still image. The direction of blood flow and the convenience of illustration are the same in FIGS. 8 to 10 below.

  Thereafter, the change function f2 of the processing circuit 12p changes the hue of the color in the still image gs when adjusting the color (step ST6).

  The change function f2 may arbitrarily change the timing of the start point and the end point of the second section [t1 + Δt1, t2−Δt2] in which the hue changes, for example, by the operation of the operator. In this case, the hue start time (t1 + Δt1) or the hue end time (t2−Δt2) may be changed. However, this method cannot change the hue drastically. For example, when the target blood vessel is located in the second section close to the third section, the hue of the target blood vessel can be changed to light blue by reducing Δt2. However, in this case, since the time width WW is widened, the color contrast decreases, and as a result, the hue change of the target blood vessel is difficult to understand.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, a hue change mode for improving the visibility of the target blood vessel is provided. For example, the change function f2 is enabled by the selection function f3 according to the operation of a specific switch, and the hue change indicated by the color changed while the hue is circulated for all the inflow times (t1 to t2) in the range indicated by the color. Enter mode. The selection function f3 displays a rotatable GUI image sw on the display 14 as a specific switch, for example, as shown in FIG. The switch operation may be, for example, a touch operation of the GUI image sw by the operator or a click operation of a cursor positioned on the GUI image sw.

  That is, the change function f2 shifts to the hue change mode and changes the hue of the color of the still image gs by pressing the GUI image sw. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, for the first section [t1, t1 + Δt1], the hue of t1 + Δt1 is red (R), and the second section [t1 + Δt1, t2-Δt2 toward the collection start time t1. ] The hue is changed so as to go to blue (B) at the same hue change rate as in FIG. Similarly, for the third section [t2-Δt2, t2], the hue of t2-Δt2 is blue (B), and the red hue (R) is changed at the same hue change rate as the second section toward the collection end time t2. Change the hue to head. Thereby, in the display screen shown in FIG. 8, unlike in FIG. 7, the color of the inflow blood vessel (inflow time) in the still image gs is continuously changed in all sections of the color display.

  In such a hue change mode, the time WL until the center color (green) cannot be changed, and a circular GUI image sw can be used instead. The GUI image sw may clearly indicate that the color changes and is in the hue change mode. The GUI image sw is display-controlled by the change function f2 so as to rotate in conjunction with, for example, a rotation operation of the wheel of the mouse 12i1. The time width WW can be changed even in this mode, and is useful, for example, when it is desired to change the color contrast.

  The change function f2 changes the hue according to a change in the rotation direction of the GUI image sw. For example, when the GUI image sw is rotated, the hue position is gradually shifted to the right or left. When the GUI image sw is rotated once, the color of the still image gs returns to the original color. Specifically, the change in the rotation direction of the GUI image sw represents the hue shift amount. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, in the initial state, red (R) is the shift amount “0” or “1”, and blue (B) is the shift amount “2/3”. If the circular GUI image sw is regarded as a clock, the shift amount “0” or “1” is at the 12 o'clock position, and the shift amount “2/3” is at the 8 o'clock position. The hue of the shift amount “0” or “1” corresponds to the hue of the start point (t1 + Δt1) of the second section, and the hue of the shift amount “2/3” is the end point (t2−Δt2) of the second section. It corresponds to the hue of. The shift amounts “0 to 2/3” between the shift amounts “0” and “2/3” are the hues (red (R) to orange (O) to yellow (Y ) To green (G) to blue (B)). Note that the arrangement of hues in the initial state (color type, order, and position) shown in FIG. 9 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. In this example, each color of red (R), orange (O), yellow (Y), green (G), blue (B), and purple (P) that changes in order from the top of the circular GUI image sw is supported. Attached. In addition, the hue circles indicating the respective colors surrounded by the broken-line squares are for convenience of illustration, and may not be actually displayed, but may be displayed. For convenience of illustration, the same applies to FIG.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 10, when the GUI image sw is rotated by 1/3, the red (R) shift amount “0” is added to the red (R) shift amount “0”, and the red (R) shift amount is “0”. 1/3 ". When the GUI image sw is regarded as a clock, the shift amount “1/3” is at the 4 o'clock position indicating yellow (Y). For this reason, in FIG. 10, compared with FIG. 9, the color scale cs and the red (R) of the still image gs are changed to yellow (Y). Similarly, in FIG. 10, the shift amount of blue (B) becomes “1” by adding “1/3” to the shift amount “2/3” of blue (B). Blue (B) of the color scale cs and the still image gs is changed to red (R). Other colors are similarly shifted and changed.

  In this way, by adjusting the GUI image sw in the rotation direction, it is possible to arrange a color that is easy for the operator to visually recognize the target blood vessel. After the blood vessel observation is completed, the GUI image sw is pushed again to return from the hue change mode to the original mode. Specifically, it returns to the color arrangement before pressing the GUI image sw.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a still image that indicates the feature amount related to the flow of the contrast agent by color for each pixel is created from a plurality of medical images, and the color is adjusted, the hue of the color in the still image To change. Thereby, the visibility with respect to the hue change (change of contrast agent inflow time) of the target blood vessel can be improved in the still image.

  Further, when the change function f2 is enabled, the mode shifts to the hue change mode indicated by the color changed while the hue is circulated for all the feature quantities in the range indicated by the color. Alternatively, the hue change mode can be used.

  In addition, since the rotatable GUI image is displayed on the display and the hue is changed according to the change in the rotation direction of the GUI image, the change of the hue can be easily adjusted.

  In the present embodiment, the hue of the still image gs can be changed as follows.

  For example, the change function f2 of the processing circuit 12p can change the hue according to the continuous operation of the operation unit 12i3. In this case, for example, it is suitable when the hue is continuously adjusted in the vicinity of the attention area of the still image gs.

  The change function f2 of the processing circuit 12p can change the hue by moving the operation unit body in a state where the button of the operation unit body is pressed. In this case, for example, an operator who is accustomed to the operation of moving the button while pressing the button can easily adjust the hue. Specifically, for example, an operator who is used to operating a mouse, a trackball, or a joystick can easily adjust the hue.

  In addition, the change function f2 of the processing circuit 12p can change the hue according to a continuous pressing operation on a predetermined key in the keyboard 12i2. In this case, the operator who is used to operating the keyboard can easily adjust the hue.

  Further, the hue can be changed according to a continuous pressing operation on the switch included in the operation unit 12i3. In this case, it is easy for an operator accustomed to the switch operation to adjust the hue.

  The change function f2 changes a specified hue to a predetermined hue by specifying a part of the still image. In this case, by designating a part on the target blood vessel, the part of the target blood vessel can be changed to light blue or red with high visibility without performing a switch operation or the like. For example, it is assumed that the still image gs is displayed on the display 14 as shown on the left side of FIG. Here, as shown on the left side of FIG. 11, a part of the still image gs is designated by the touch operation of the operator's finger fg. As a result, the change function f2 changes the specified hue to a predetermined hue (ph) as shown on the right side of FIG. Accordingly, the changing function f2 also changes a part of the hue of the color scale cs to the hue (ph).

  The plurality of medical images 11g are not limited to the DSA images gd photographed by the X-ray angio apparatus 40, and may be CT images photographed by the CT apparatus 20, or MRI images photographed by the MRI apparatus 30, for example. . Even in this case, the same effect can be obtained by replacing the processing at each pixel of the DSA image with the processing at each voxel of the volume data in the same manner.

  The term “processor” used in the above description is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), a programmable logic device (for example, It means a circuit such as a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processor implements a function by reading and executing a program stored in the storage circuit. Instead of storing the program in the storage circuit, the program may be directly incorporated in the processor circuit. In this case, the processor realizes the function by reading and executing the program incorporated in the circuit. Note that each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may be configured as a single processor by combining a plurality of independent circuits to realize the function. Good. Furthermore, a plurality of components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into one processor to realize the function.

  The main memory 12m in one embodiment is an example of a storage unit in the claims. The creation function f1 in one embodiment is an example of creation means in the claims. The change function f2 in one embodiment is an example of a change unit in the claims. The selection function f3 in one embodiment is an example of selection means in the claims.

  In addition, 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 embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof in the same manner as included in the scope and gist of the invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Medical image workstation, 11 ... Hard disk, 11p ... Medical image processing program 11p, 11g ... Medical image, 12 ... Computer, 12m ... Main memory, 12i ... Input interface circuit, 12p ... Processing circuit, 12i1 ... Mouse, 12i2 ... Keyboard, 12i3 ... operation unit, 12i4 ... input circuit, 13 ... network I / F, 14 ... display, 20 ... CT device, 30 ... MRI device, 40 ... X-ray angio device, 50 ... PACS, f1 ... creation function, f2 ... change function.

Claims (11)

Storage means for storing a plurality of medical images photographed over time using a contrast agent injected into a blood vessel of a subject;
Creating means for creating, from the plurality of medical images, a still image indicating a feature amount relating to the flow of the contrast agent in a color for each pixel;
A medical image processing apparatus comprising: changing means for changing a hue of the color corresponding to the feature amount in the still image. Further comprising selection means for selecting whether the changing means is valid or invalid,
2. The change means, when enabled by the selection means, shifts to a hue change mode indicated by a color changed while circulating the hue for all the feature values in the range indicated by the color. The medical image processing apparatus described in 1.   The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the changing unit displays a rotatable GUI image on a display and changes the hue according to a change in a rotation direction of the GUI image. It has an operation unit that can be operated continuously,
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the changing unit changes the hue according to a continuous operation of the operation unit. The operation unit includes an operation unit main body that can be held and moved by an operator, and a button provided on the operation unit main body,
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the changing unit changes the hue by moving the operation unit main body while the button is pressed.   The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the operation unit includes a mouse, a trackball, or a joystick. The operation unit includes a keyboard,
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the changing unit changes the hue in accordance with a continuous pressing operation on a predetermined key in the keyboard. The operation unit includes a switch,
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the changing unit changes the hue according to a continuous pressing operation on the switch.   The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the changing unit changes a part of the designated hue to a predetermined hue by designating a part of the still image.   The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of medical images are a DSA image captured by an X-ray angio apparatus, a CT image captured by a CT apparatus, or an MRI image captured by an MRI apparatus. A medical image processing program for use in a medical image processing apparatus having a memory for storing a plurality of medical images taken over time using a contrast medium injected into a blood vessel of a subject,
In the medical image processing apparatus,
A creation function for creating a still image indicating a feature amount related to the flow of the contrast medium for each pixel from the plurality of medical images;
A change function for changing the hue of the color corresponding to the feature amount in the still image;
Medical image processing program for realizing