JP2021000473A - Color map generation method, medical image processing apparatus, and medical image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve the image interpretation efficiency of a user on a display regarding a temporal change of an FFR result.SOLUTION: According to one embodiment, a medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a storage unit 12 which stores data of a plurality of FFR distribution maps constituting a time series regarding a coronary artery, and data of a plurality of morphological images corresponding to the time series; a color map conversion unit 14 which converts the FFR distribution maps into a plurality of corresponding color maps, respectively; and a display 20 which displays a plurality of superimposed images obtained by superimposing the color maps and the morphological images respectively corresponding in phase to the color maps. The display 20 restricts display targets for the color maps based on the FFR distribution maps or the morphological images.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for generating a color map.

In recent years, an analysis technique of FFR (Functional Flow Reservoir) using a CT (Computed Tomography) device has been developed. This technique is a technique for calculating a pressure value in a coronary artery by creating a coronary artery shape model from CT volume data on the coronary artery collected by a CT device and simulating blood flow. Based on the pressure value in the coronary artery, useful information for treating vascular stenosis such as FFR can be obtained non-invasively. At present, the FFR analysis technique can be applied to the time change of the FFR result in consideration of the heartbeat of the coronary artery.

However, since the heart is moving at short time intervals, the display regarding the time change of the FFR result of the coronary artery changes rapidly in the FFR value. Therefore, there is a possibility of overlooking the really remarkable FFR value and its position.

An object of the present invention is to provide a medical diagnostic imaging apparatus having improved image interpretation efficiency of a user in displaying an FFR result regarding a time change.

The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a storage unit that stores data of a plurality of FFR distribution maps constituting a time series relating to the coronary artery, data of a plurality of morphological images corresponding to the time series, and the plurality of FFRs. A plurality of superimposed images in which a color map conversion unit that converts a distribution map into a plurality of corresponding color maps, the plurality of color maps, and a plurality of morphological images corresponding to the plurality of color maps and their respective time phases are superimposed. The display unit includes a display unit for displaying the above, and the display unit limits the display target of the plurality of color maps based on the plurality of FFR distribution maps or the plurality of morphological images.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the specific period display mode of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the thinning display mode of the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the local display mode of the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of displaying a superposed image in which a morphological image and a color map are superimposed on a myocardial perfusion image. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of displaying a superposed image in which a morphological image and a color map are superimposed on a polar map. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the blood vessel display mode of the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a three-dimensional graph in the blood vessel display mode. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the FFR value limiting mode of the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the modified example of the present embodiment.

Hereinafter, the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same function and configuration are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be given only when necessary.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a communication interface unit 11, a storage unit 12, a LUT creation unit 13 (correspondence table creation unit 13), a color map conversion unit 14, and a control unit 15. It has an input unit 16, a blood vessel region extraction unit 17, a display range setting unit 18, an image selection unit 19, and a display unit 20.

The medical image diagnostic device 1 according to the present embodiment is a CT (Computed Tomography) device, a medical image processing device, and a PACS (Picture) via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a public electronic communication line. It is connected to an external device such as Archiving and Communication System (medical image information system). The medical image diagnosis device 1 has a communication interface unit 11 for connecting to an external device via a network. The communication interface unit 11 includes, for example, a connector unit (not shown) for connecting to an external device or the like with a wired cable or the like, a wireless signal receiving unit (not shown) for receiving a wireless signal from the external device, and the like. Has. The medical image diagnosis device 1 transmits / receives data to / from the external device via the communication interface unit 11 in accordance with the control of the control unit 15 described later.

The storage unit 12 is a semiconductor storage device such as a Flash SSD (Solid State Disk) which is a semiconductor storage element, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like. The storage unit 12 stores data of a plurality of types of images transmitted from the external device under the control of the control unit 15. The plurality of images are a plurality of morphological images (hereinafter, simply referred to as a plurality of morphological images), a plurality of FFR (Functional Flow Reservoir) distribution map (hereinafter, simply a plurality of FFR distribution maps). ), And multiple myocardial perfusion images of the myocardium to which the coronary arteries of the subject supply blood. Each of these types of medical images constitutes a time series with respect to the coronary arteries of the subject. The myocardial perfusion image may be an image generated not only by a CT device but also by another modality such as an MRI device. The above-mentioned image handled by the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 is 3D image data unless otherwise specified. Morphological images include a 3D coronary artery model. The time series relating to the subject's coronary arteries includes at least multiple time phases in one cycle of the subject's heartbeat. Further, the plurality of time phases relating to the morphological image include at least a plurality of time phases relating to the FFR distribution map. In addition, the range of the subject including the coronary artery in the morphological image includes at least the range of the subject including the coronary artery in the FFR distribution map.

The storage unit 12 stores LUT (Look Up Table) data created by the LUT creation unit 13 described later. The LUT is a table in which a plurality of color information is associated with each of a plurality of FFR values. The color information includes, for example, a type of color, a shade of color, a color filling effect, and the like. The storage unit 12 may store LUT data in which a plurality of color information is associated with each of the plurality of FFR values in advance. At this time, in the LUT stored in advance in the storage unit 12, the minimum value of the FFR value is 0 and the maximum value is 1.

In addition, the storage unit stores data related to the detailed conditions of the display mode described later, which are input by the user via the input unit 16. The storage unit 12 may hold the above-mentioned plurality of types of medical image data received and stored via the communication interface unit 11 as they are, or the user operation of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 is completed. It may be deleted when it is done.

The LUT creation unit 13 creates a LUT based on the master table and the data to be created by the LUT. The master table is, for example, a table in which 10 color information is associated with 10 FFR values divided into 10 equal parts from the minimum value to the maximum value. The number of equal divisions, the order of allocating color information, the number of color information, and the like can be appropriately changed according to a user instruction via the input unit 16. First, the LUT creation unit 13 specifies the minimum value and the maximum value of the FFR value from the data to be created by the LUT. The targets of LUT creation are 1) data of a plurality of FFR distribution maps, 2) data of a range set from a plurality of color maps or a plurality of morphological images by the display range setting unit 18 described later, and 3) data described later. Data of a plurality of color maps extracted from a plurality of color maps by the image selection unit 19. Then, the minimum value and the maximum value of the FFR value are equally divided according to the number of divisions of the value in the master table. Then, the LUT creation unit 13 adds a plurality of color information defined in the master table to the minimum value of the FFR value, the maximum value of the FFR value, and the plurality of FFR values equally divided between them. Create a LUT.

The color map conversion unit 14 converts the graph related to the FFR value into a color graph to which color information is added based on the LUT.

The control unit 15 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory circuit, and the like. The control unit 15 receives the information input from the input unit 16 and temporarily stores the input information in the memory circuit. The control unit 15 controls each unit of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 based on the input information.

The input unit 16 functions as an interface for receiving instruction information by the user to the medical image diagnosis device 1. Input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, trackball, touch panel, and buttons can be appropriately used for the input unit 16.

Specifically, the input unit 16 accepts the input of the display mode of the FFR result of the coronary artery by the user. The FFR result of the coronary artery indicates the temporal change of the FFR with respect to the vascular region of the coronary artery in one cycle of heartbeat. The display mode of the FFR result of the coronary artery includes a specific period display mode, a thinning display mode, a local display mode, a blood vessel display mode, an FFR value limitation mode, and the like. These display modes are display modes included in the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 for the purpose of improving the efficiency of interpretation of FFR results of coronary arteries by the user. Further, the input unit 16 accepts input by the user of the detailed conditions in each mode. A description of each mode and its detailed conditions will be described later.

In addition, the input unit 16 receives input from the user by the display unit 20 to display a plurality of color maps.
For example, the input unit 16 accepts the input of the above-mentioned display target range by the user operation on the morphological image or the FFR distribution map. For example, the user can input the above-mentioned range of the display target by designating the range in which the time change of the FFR value is desired to be seen by operating the mouse on the morphological image or the FFR distribution map. At this time, the user may specify the target range for each image, or the target range is specified by the representative image among the plurality of morphological images or the plurality of FFR distribution maps, and the range specified by the representative image is , May be applied to other images as well.

Further, an electrocardiographic waveform (or an electrocardiographic waveform model) corresponding to a plurality of morphological images is displayed on the display unit 20, and the above-mentioned FFR distribution map to be displayed is designated by a user operation on the displayed electrocardiographic waveform. May be done.

Further, the input unit 16 receives an input for the display range setting unit 18 described later to set a range (hereinafter, color display range) to be displayed on the display unit 20 in color from a plurality of color maps. For example, when the display range setting unit 18 sets the color display range based on the FFR value, the user inputs at least one of the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the FFR value to be displayed to obtain the FFR value. You can set the range. For example, the user can set a color display range that can be estimated to be severe with respect to vascular stenosis by setting the FFR value to 0.8 or less.

Further, the input unit 16 receives user instructions for displaying and hiding the myocardial perfusion image and the polar map on the display unit 20, which will be described later. Further, the input unit 16 accepts the above-mentioned switching operation of each display mode, setting and cancellation of each display mode.

The blood vessel region extraction unit 17 extracts the blood vessel region from the morphological image based on the brightness value. Then, the blood vessel region extraction unit 17 specifies the blood vessel stenosis position, the blood vessel bifurcation position, the position of the blood vessel having a predetermined width or more, and the position of the blood vessel having a predetermined width or less from the extracted blood vessel region. The blood vessel stenosis position can be specified, for example, according to the amount of change in the inner diameter value of the extracted blood vessel region. This is because the inner diameter value of the blood vessel does not fluctuate significantly in the range other than the bifurcation position and the end of the blood vessel in the coronary artery, and therefore the range in which the amount of change in the inner diameter value is large is likely to be the stenosis range. .. The blood vessel branching position can be specified, for example, by specifying the core wire from the extracted blood vessel region and according to the branching position of the core wire. The position of the blood vessel having a predetermined width or more or a predetermined width or less can be specified based on, for example, incidental information, imaging conditions, and the like.

The display range setting unit 18 sets a display target from a plurality of color maps based on the FFR value (in the FFR value limitation mode described later). Further, the display range setting unit 18 is based on at least one of the blood vessel stenosis position, the blood vessel bifurcation position, and the position of the blood vessel having a predetermined width or more extracted from the plurality of morphological images by the blood vessel region extraction unit 17. , Set the display target from multiple color maps (in the local display mode described later). The method of setting the display range by the display range setting unit 18 will be described later.

The image selection unit 19 extracts a color map to be displayed from a plurality of color maps based on the heartbeat phase (a specific period display mode described later). The method of selecting an image by the image selection unit 19 will be described later.

The display unit 20 displays a plurality of superimposed images in which a plurality of color maps and a plurality of color maps and a plurality of morphological images corresponding to each time phase are superimposed. In the specific period mode and the thinning mode described later, the color map to be displayed is the color map extracted by the image selection unit 19. Further, in the local display mode and the FFR value limitation mode described later, the color maps to be displayed are all a plurality of color maps. However, in each of the plurality of color maps, only the color display range is displayed in color. Therefore, the display unit 20 displays a superposed image in which the display targets of the plurality of color maps are restricted in each mode.

Further, the display unit 20 displays a soft button or the like for accepting a display mode switching operation and a LUT switching operation used for creating a color map from the user.

Next, a specific period display mode included in the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
(Specific period display mode)
The specific period display mode is a mode for displaying the time change of the superimposed image in a specific period of one cycle of the heartbeat of the subject.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the specific period display mode of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. First, the data of a plurality of morphological images and the data of a plurality of FFR distribution maps relating to the coronary arteries of the subject are received from the external device via the communication interface unit 11 (step S11). The first LUT is created by the LUT creation unit 13 based on the plurality of received FFR distribution maps (step S12).

Based on the first LUT, the color map conversion unit 14 converts the plurality of FFR distribution maps into the corresponding first color maps (step S13).

Next, a specific period is set (step S14). The specific period is, for example, a period of expansion of the heart, a period of contraction of the heart, a period designated by the user (hereinafter referred to as a user-designated period), and the like. The user-designated period can be set, for example, by the user designating the display start time phase and the display end time phase on the time-varying moving image of the morphological image. The expansion period and the contraction period of the heart can be specified, for example, based on the information corresponding to the time phase of the electrocardiographic waveform attached to each morphological image.

Next, the image selection unit 19 selects a plurality of first color maps corresponding to the plurality of time phases constituting the specific period from the plurality of first color maps converted in step S13 (step S15).

Next, the LUT creation unit 13 creates a second LUT based on the FFR values included in the plurality of first color maps corresponding to the plurality of time phases constituting the specific period (step S16).

Then, the color map conversion unit 14 converts the plurality of FFR distribution maps into a plurality of corresponding second color maps based on the second LUT (step S17).

The display unit 20 displays a plurality of superimposed images in which a plurality of color maps corresponding to a plurality of time phases constituting a specific period and a plurality of morphological images corresponding to the plurality of color maps are superimposed (step S18). .. At this time, the plurality of color maps corresponding to the plurality of time phases constituting the specific period correspond to one of the plurality of first color maps and the plurality of second color maps. For example, when the color map used for the displayed superimposed image is the first color map, when the user instructs the user to switch the color map in step S19, the display unit 20 displays the color used for the superimposed image. Switch the map from the first color map to the second color map.

Then, each time the user gives an instruction to switch the color map, the process of step S18 is repeatedly executed by each part (step S19).

Next, the thinning display mode provided in the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
(Thinning display mode)
The thinning display mode is a mode for displaying the time change of a plurality of superimposed images remaining after thinning processing on a plurality of superimposed images corresponding to a plurality of time phases constituting one cycle of the heartbeat of the subject.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the thinning display mode of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. First, the data of a plurality of morphological images and the data of a plurality of FFR distribution maps relating to the coronary arteries of the subject are received from the external device via the communication interface unit 11 (step S21). The first LUT is created by the LUT creation unit 13 based on the plurality of received FFR distribution maps (step S22).

Based on the first LUT, the color map conversion unit 14 converts the plurality of FFR distribution maps into the corresponding first color maps (step S23).

Then, the thinning rate is set according to the user instruction via the input unit 16 (step S24). Next, the image selection unit 19 selects a plurality of first color maps from the plurality of first color maps according to the thinning rate set in step S24 (step S25). The LUT creation unit 13 creates a third LUT based on the FFR value included in the first color map selected in step S25 (step S26).

Then, the color map conversion unit 14 converts the plurality of FFR distribution maps into a plurality of corresponding third color maps based on the third LUT (step S27).

A plurality of color maps selected from the plurality of color maps according to the thinning rate set in step S24 and a plurality of morphological images corresponding to the selected color maps are superimposed on the display unit 20. The superimposed image is displayed (step S28). At this time, the plurality of color maps correspond to one of the plurality of first color maps and the plurality of third color maps. For example, when the color map used for the displayed superimposed image is the first color map, when the user instructs the user to switch the color map in step S29, the display unit 20 displays the color used for the superimposed image. Switch the map from the first color map to the third color map.

Then, each time the user gives an instruction to switch the color map, the process of step S28 is repeatedly executed by each part (step S29).

Next, the local display mode included in the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
(Local display mode)
The local display mode is a mode for displaying the time change of the superimposed image in a specific range in the coronary artery of the subject.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the local display mode of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. First, the data of a plurality of morphological images and the data of a plurality of FFR distribution maps relating to the coronary arteries of the subject are received from the external device via the communication interface unit 11 (step S31). The first LUT is created by the LUT creation unit 13 based on the plurality of received FFR distribution maps (step S32).

The color map conversion unit 14 converts a plurality of FFR distribution maps into a plurality of corresponding color maps based on the first LUT (step S33).

Next, the type of the color display range is accepted via the input unit 16. Specifically, the user selects at least one display range from the following four types of display ranges. The four types of display ranges include, for example, a range specified by the user (hereinafter referred to as a user-specified range), a range including a stenosis site of a blood vessel (hereinafter referred to as a stenosis range), and a branch position of a blood vessel. A range (hereinafter referred to as a branching range), a range in which the inner diameter of a blood vessel is equal to or larger than a specific width (hereinafter referred to as a specific blood vessel range), and the like.

When "user-specified range" is selected for the color display range (step S34), the range specified by the user on the morphological image or the FFR distribution map is set as the color display range by the display range setting unit 18. (Step S35).

When the "stenosis range" is selected for the color display range (step S36), the blood vessel region extraction unit 17 extracts the blood vessel region from the morphological image. Then, the blood vessel stenosis position is specified from the extracted blood vessel region (step S37). Then, the display range setting unit 18 sets the color display range to a range in which predetermined margins are added in all directions from the blood vessel stenosis position (step S38). The predetermined margin is stored in the storage unit 12 in advance, and can be appropriately changed according to a user instruction via the input unit 16.

When the "branch range" is selected for the color display range (step S39), the blood vessel region extraction unit 17 extracts the blood vessel region from the morphological image. Then, the blood vessel bifurcation position is specified from the extracted blood vessel region (step S40). Then, the display range setting unit 18 sets the display range to a predetermined size range with the blood vessel branch position as the center of the display (step S41). The predetermined size is set to, for example, "a range of 5 cm from the blood vessel bifurcation position", and the set data is stored in the storage unit 12 in advance. However, the setting data can be changed as appropriate according to the user instruction via the input unit 16.

When the display method is neither of the above, the color display range is the "specific blood vessel range". The blood vessel region extraction unit 17 extracts the blood vessel region from the morphological image. Then, a specific blood vessel range is specified from the extracted blood vessel region (step S42). The specific blood vessel range is, for example, a range of a blood vessel region whose inner diameter is larger than a predetermined value, or a range of a blood vessel region whose inner diameter is smaller than a predetermined value. The display range setting unit 18 sets the display range to a range in which margins are added to all four sides of the specific blood vessel range (step S43).

Then, the display unit 20 displays a superposed image in which a plurality of color maps and a plurality of morphological images whose time phases correspond to the plurality of color maps are superimposed with the color display range as a display target (step S44). ..

In step S17, step S27, and step S44, the display unit 20 displays a superposed image in which a plurality of morphological images and a plurality of color maps are position-matched and time-phase-matched with respect to the plurality of myocardial perfusion images. You may. Similarly, in step S17, step S27, and step S44, the display unit 20 displays a superposed image in which a plurality of morphological images and a plurality of color maps are position-matched and time-phase-matched with respect to the plurality of polar maps. You may. These displays and non-displays can be appropriately switched according to a user instruction via the input unit 16.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of displaying a superposed image in which a morphological image and a color map are superimposed on a myocardial perfusion image. As shown in FIG. 5, a superposed image in which a morphological image (3D coronary artery model) and a color map are superimposed on the myocardial perfusion image is displayed. As shown in FIG. 5, the myocardial perfusion image may display a partial range of the myocardial perfusion image. At this time, the partial range to be displayed can be set according to the user instruction via the input unit 16. Further, it may be automatically displayed by the display unit 20 so that the ischemic region on the myocardial perfusion image is included. The color scale bar for the FFR value is displayed according to the LUT used to convert the FFR distribution map into a color map, and is for expressing the magnitude of the FFR value in color. The color scale bar for blood flow is applied to the color display of the myocardial perfusion image and is for expressing the blood flow in color. By displaying the functional image of the myocardium to which the coronary artery supplies blood in a position-aligned manner with respect to the superimposed image of the coronary artery, the user can change the FFR value of the coronary artery with time and change the state of the myocardium. Can be read together with. As a result, it is possible to improve the interpretation efficiency and the examination accuracy by the user. Therefore, the myocardial perfusion image may be another image as long as it is a functional image showing the state of the myocardium. The functional image may be, for example, a functional image generated by a functional image diagnosis using SPECT, a delayed contrast examination using MRI, a functional image diagnosis using PET, or the like. Further, the functional image showing the state of the myocardium may be, for example, a polar map corresponding to the myocardial perfusion image. At this time, the functional image showing the state of the myocardium may be stored in the storage unit 12, or may be stored in the PACS or the like connected via the communication interface unit 11.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of displaying a superposed image in which a morphological image and a color map are superimposed on a polar map. At this time, it is assumed that the storage unit 12 stores a plurality of polar map data corresponding to the plurality of myocardial perfusion images relating to the myocardium to which the coronary arteries of the subject supply blood. As shown in FIG. 6, a superimposed image in which a morphological image and a color map are superimposed is displayed on a polar map. The color scale bar for the FFR value is displayed according to the LUT used to convert the FFR distribution map into a color map, and is for expressing the magnitude of the FFR value in color. The color scale bar for blood flow is applied to the color display of the polar map and is for expressing the blood flow in color.

Next, the blood vessel display mode included in the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
(Blood vessel display mode)
The blood vessel display mode is a mode for displaying the time change of the FFR result for each blood vessel in the coronary artery of the subject.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the blood vessel display mode of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. First, the data of a plurality of morphological images and the data of a plurality of FFR distribution maps relating to the coronary arteries of the subject are received from the external device via the communication interface unit 11 (step S61). The first LUT is created by the LUT creation unit 13 based on the plurality of received FFR distribution maps (step S62).

Then, the blood vessel region extraction unit 17 extracts the blood vessel region from the morphological image, and the blood vessel core wire is extracted from the extracted blood vessel region (step S63). Then, the branching position of the extracted blood vessel core wire is specified. The extracted blood vessel region is divided into a plurality of blood vessel portions according to the branching position of the blood vessel core wire (step S64). The blood vessel portion to be displayed is set according to the user instruction via the input unit 16 (step S65). The blood vessel portion can be set by, for example, a mouse operation by the user on the displayed morphological image. The blood vessel region extraction unit 17 sets a plurality of points along the blood vessel core line, starting from the branch position on the blood vessel core line of the displayed blood vessel portion (step S66).

Then, the display unit 20 displays a three-dimensional graph with the distance, the passage of time, and the FFR value as three axes (step S67). The distance indicates the distance of each of a plurality of points from a predetermined position of the blood vessel portion to be displayed, for example, from the blood vessel bifurcation position. The passage of time indicates the passage of time based on a predetermined time in a time series. The predetermined time here is, for example, the end systole of the heart, the end diastole, and the like. The FFR value indicates the FFR value at a certain point at a certain time.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a three-dimensional graph. As shown in FIG. 8, the three-dimensional graph may be a color graph according to the FFR value, and at this time, the LUT used for displaying the color graph is, for example, the first LUT or the like. Further, the LUT may be created by the LUT creation unit 13 based on the FFR value included in the displayed blood vessel portion. The color scale bar relating to the FFR value indicates color information according to the FFR value based on the LUT used in the color graph. In the blood vessel display mode, the three-dimensional graph may be a graph in which the time in the beat, the position in the blood vessel portion to be displayed, and the magnitude of the FFR value can be easily read by the user, for example, time. The two-dimensional map having the progress and the distance from the branch position as two axes may be a two-dimensional color map converted by the color map conversion unit 14 according to the first LUT.

(FFR value limited mode)
The FFR value limitation mode is a mode for displaying the time change of the superimposed image in the range of a specific FFR value in the coronary artery of the subject.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the FFR value limiting mode of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. First, the data of a plurality of morphological images and the data of a plurality of FFR distribution maps relating to the coronary arteries of the subject are received from the external device via the communication interface unit 11 (step S71). The first LUT is created by the LUT creation unit 13 based on the plurality of received FFR distribution maps (step S72).

The color map conversion unit 14 converts a plurality of FFR distribution maps into a plurality of corresponding color maps based on the first LUT (step S73).

Next, according to the user instruction via the input unit 16, the input of the FFR value range for setting the color display range is accepted (step S74).

The display range setting unit 18 extracts a range corresponding to the range of the FFR value set in step S74 (or step S77) from the plurality of color maps (step S75). The extracted range is the color display range.

Then, the display unit 20 displays a superposed image in which a plurality of color maps and a plurality of morphological images whose time phases correspond to the plurality of color maps are superimposed with the color display range as a display target (step S76). ..

Then, when the range of the FFR value is changed by the user, the process shifts to step S75 (step S77).

Of the plurality of display modes described above, the specific period display mode and the thinning display mode are modes for limiting the superimposed images to be displayed. Further, the local display mode and the FFR value limitation mode are modes for limiting the range to be displayed in the color of the color map to be displayed superimposed on the morphological image. These modes are not modes that can be used alone, but can be displayed in a mode that combines them. For example, when the specific period display mode and the FFR value limitation mode are combined, the superimposed image corresponding to the specific period according to the user instruction is displayed, and the color display range of the superimposed color map is limited. ..

According to the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment having the display mode described above, the following effects can be obtained.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can display the time change of the FFR result of the coronary artery limited to a specific period in one cycle of heartbeat in the specific period display mode. By adjusting the thinning rate in the thinning processing mode, it is possible to display the time change of the FFR result of the coronary artery in a state where the fluctuation of the FFR value per unit time is reduced. In the local display mode, only the area of interest to the user (blood vessel stenosis position, blood vessel bifurcation position, and range of blood vessels having a predetermined width or more) is displayed in a color corresponding to the magnitude of the FFR value. On the other hand, the above-mentioned uninterested area is not displayed in color, and the morphological image is displayed as it is. Therefore, the user can interpret the time variation of the FFR result for the area of interest in the coronary arteries. In the blood vessel display mode, the time change of the FFR result for each blood vessel can be displayed. In the FFR value limitation mode, only the range corresponding to the set FFR value range is displayed in the color corresponding to the size of the FFR value. On the other hand, in the range corresponding to the outside of the set FFR value range, the morphological image is displayed as it is. Therefore, the user can interpret the time change of the FFR result with respect to the region corresponding to the range of the FFR value of interest. Further, in order to convert the FFR distribution map into a color map, a pre-registered LUT may be used, or another LUT created based on the FFR value included in the color map to be displayed as described above. May be used. The range of FFR values included in the correspondence table differs between the LUT and other LUTs. For example, in the LUT, the upper limit of the FFR value is 1 and the lower limit is 0.2, but in other LUTs, the upper limit of the FFR value is 1 and the lower limit is 0.7 and the like. Therefore, by using another LUT, the distribution of the FFR value of the color map to be displayed can be easily seen.

The plurality of display modes and display methods described above are display modes corresponding to any one of three types of limitation: limitation on the number of superimposed images to be displayed, limitation on the display range, and limitation on the color display range. .. These limitations make it easier to see the temporal changes in the FFR results of the rapidly changing coronary arteries. Therefore, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment provided with the above-mentioned display mode can improve the interpretation efficiency of the user in displaying the FFR result with respect to time.

(Modification example)
Next, the medical image diagnostic device 1 according to the modified example of the present embodiment will be described focusing on the difference from the medical image diagnostic device 1 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the modified example of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the difference from the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is that the image processing unit 21 is added as a component.

The storage unit 12 stores a plurality of volume data constituting a time series regarding the myocardium in which the coronary arteries of the subject supply blood. Volume data is collected by a CT device, an MRI device, a SPECT device, a PET device, and the like.

The image processing unit 21 generates a plurality of functional images whose time phases correspond to the plurality of superimposed images based on the plurality of volume data stored in the storage unit 12. The functional image is, for example, a myocardial perfusion image, a polar map, or the like.

The display unit 20 positions a plurality of superimposed images obtained by superimposing a plurality of color maps and a plurality of morphological images corresponding to the time phases on the plurality of color maps with respect to a plurality of functional images corresponding to the time phases. Align and overlay. A display example using myocardial perfusion as a functional image is shown in FIG. 5, and a display example using a polar map as a functional image is shown in FIG.

In the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, functional image data, for example, myocardial perfusion image data and polar map data are stored in advance in the storage unit 12. On the other hand, in the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 according to the modified example of the present embodiment, a plurality of volume data constituting a time series relating to the myocardium in which the coronary artery of the subject supplies blood is stored in the storage unit 12. Then, the image processing unit 21 can appropriately create a functional image, for example, a myocardial perfusion image, a polar map, or the like according to the user's instruction. Therefore, when the superposed image is superimposed on the functional image by the display unit 20, the medical image diagnostic device 1 according to the modified example has an improved degree of freedom of display as compared with the medical image diagnostic device 1 according to the embodiment. can do.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the 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. For example, the process related to color map switching included in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 9 can be omitted. Further, in the present embodiment and the modified example of the present embodiment, the target (range) to be displayed in the color of the color map is automatically set based on the FFR value, the blood vessel stenosis position, the blood vessel bifurcation position, and the blood vessel region having a predetermined width or more. The superimposed image to be displayed is automatically limited from a plurality of superimposed images based on the heartbeat phase. However, the target to be converted into the color map may be limited by the same method. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

The above embodiment may be described, for example, as the following appendix.
[1] A storage unit that stores data of an FFR distribution map of a predetermined time phase of a coronary artery and data of a morphological image of the coronary artery corresponding to the time phase.
A color map conversion unit that converts the FFR distribution map into a color map,
A display range setting unit that sets a range for displaying the color map based on the inner diameter of the blood vessel included in the morphological image.
A medical image diagnostic apparatus including a color map for displaying the range and a display unit for displaying a superposed image in which the morphological image is superimposed.
[2] Further provided with a blood vessel region extraction unit for specifying a range of blood vessels having a predetermined inner diameter from the morphological image.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to [1], wherein the display range setting unit sets a range for displaying the color map based on the specified range.
[3] The storage unit stores data of a plurality of FFR distribution maps constituting a time series relating to the coronary arteries and data of a plurality of morphological images corresponding to the time series.
The color map conversion unit converts the plurality of FFR distribution maps into a plurality of corresponding color maps, respectively.
The display range setting unit sets a range for displaying the plurality of color maps based on the inner diameters of blood vessels included in the plurality of morphological images.
The display unit displays a plurality of superimposed images obtained by superimposing a plurality of color maps whose display target is the range and a plurality of morphological images whose time phases correspond to the plurality of color maps, [1] or The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to [2].
[4] A storage unit that stores data of an FFR distribution map of a predetermined time phase of a coronary artery and data of a morphological image of the coronary artery corresponding to the time phase.
A color map conversion unit that converts the FFR distribution map into a color map,
A display range setting unit that sets a range for displaying the color map based on the blood vessel branch position included in the morphological image, and a display range setting unit.
A medical image diagnostic apparatus including a color map for displaying the range and a display unit for displaying a superposed image in which the morphological image is superimposed.
[5] The blood vessel region extraction unit for specifying the blood vessel bifurcation position is further provided from the morphological image, and the display range setting unit sets a range for displaying the color map based on the specified position. 4] The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to.
[6] The storage unit stores data of a plurality of FFR distribution maps constituting a time series relating to the coronary arteries and data of a plurality of morphological images corresponding to the time series.
The color map conversion unit converts the plurality of FFR distribution maps into a plurality of corresponding color maps, respectively.
The display range setting unit sets a range for displaying the plurality of color maps based on the blood vessel branch positions included in the plurality of morphological images.
The display unit displays a plurality of superimposed images obtained by superimposing a plurality of color maps whose display target is the range and a plurality of morphological images whose time phases correspond to the plurality of color maps, [4] or The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to [5].
[7] The time series includes at least one cycle of heartbeat.
The display unit displays a plurality of color maps extracted from the plurality of color maps based on the heartbeat phase, and at least the plurality of color maps and at least the two color maps correspond to each other in time phase. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to [3] or [6], which displays at least two superimposed images obtained by superimposing two morphological images.
[8] LUT generation that generates data in a correspondence table in which data of a plurality of colors correspond to a plurality of FFR values determined by an upper limit value and a lower limit value of the FFR values included in the plurality of FFR distribution maps. With more parts,
The color map conversion unit converts the plurality of FFR distribution maps into a plurality of corresponding color maps based on the correspondence table, and any one of [3], [6], and [7]. The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus described in 1.
[9] Data in another correspondence table in which data of a plurality of colors are associated with a plurality of FFR values determined by an upper limit value and a lower limit value of the FFR value included in the display target of the plurality of color maps. Further provided with a LUT generating part to generate
The color map conversion unit converts the plurality of FFR distribution maps into a plurality of corresponding color maps based on the correspondence table, and any one of [3], [6], and [7]. The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus described in 1.
[10] The data of the correspondence table in which the data of a plurality of colors are associated with the plurality of FFR values determined by the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the FFR values included in the plurality of FFR distribution maps, and the plurality of FFR values. A LUT generator that generates data from another correspondence table that corresponds to data of multiple colors for a plurality of FFR values determined by the upper and lower limits of the FFR value included in the display target of the color map. Further equipped,
The display unit is a color to be displayed by superimposing a plurality of morphological images among a plurality of color maps created based on the correspondence table and a plurality of color maps created based on the other correspondence tables. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of [3], [6], and [7], which switches the map according to a user instruction.
[11] The storage unit stores a plurality of volume data constituting a time series regarding the myocardium to which the coronary arteries supply blood.
An image processing unit that generates a plurality of functional images forming a time series relating to the myocardium based on the plurality of volume data is further provided.
The display unit displays the plurality of superimposed images in position matching with the corresponding plurality of functional images, respectively, in any one of [3], [6], and [7] to [10]. The medical imaging device described.
[12] The storage unit stores data of a plurality of functional images constituting a time series regarding the myocardium to which the coronary arteries supply blood.
The display unit displays the plurality of superimposed images in position matching with the corresponding plurality of functional images, respectively, in any one of [3], [6], and [7] to [10]. The medical imaging device described.
[13] The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to [11] or [12], wherein the functional image is a myocardial perfusion image or a polar map.
[14] The storage unit stores data of a plurality of FFR distribution maps constituting a time series relating to the coronary arteries and data of a plurality of morphological images corresponding to the time series.
The color map conversion unit converts the plurality of FFR distribution maps into a plurality of corresponding color maps, respectively.
The display range setting unit sets a range for displaying the plurality of color maps based on the blood vessel branch positions included in the plurality of morphological images.
Based on the range, the display unit displays a plurality of superimposed images in which the plurality of color maps and a plurality of morphological images corresponding to the plurality of color maps and time phases are superimposed.
The blood vessel region extraction unit divides the coronary artery into a plurality of blood vessel portions based on the specified blood vessel bifurcation position.
The display unit includes a distance starting from the blood vessel bifurcation position, a time starting from a predetermined time in the time series, and a distance starting from the blood vessel bifurcation position with respect to one of the plurality of blood vessel portions. The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to [5], which displays a graph having an FFR value corresponding to a time starting from a predetermined time in the time series and three axes.
[15] The data of the FFR distribution map of a predetermined time phase relating to the coronary artery and the data of the morphological image relating to the coronary artery corresponding to the time phase are stored.
The data of the FFR distribution map is converted into a color map, and the data is converted into a color map.
A range of blood vessels having a predetermined inner diameter is specified from the morphological image,
Set the range to display the color map based on the specified range,
A display method for displaying a superposed image in which a color map whose display target is the range and the morphological image are superimposed.
[16] The data of the FFR distribution map of the predetermined time phase of the coronary artery and the data of the morphological image of the coronary artery corresponding to the time phase are stored.
The data of the FFR distribution map is converted into a color map, and the data is converted into a color map.
Identify the blood vessel bifurcation position from the morphological image and
Based on the blood vessel branch position, the range for displaying the color map is set.
A display method for displaying a superposed image in which a color map whose display target is the range and the morphological image are superimposed.
[17] A blood vessel region extraction unit that acquires morphological image data including the coronary arteries of the subject and extracts the blood vessel region including the coronary arteries based on the data.
A display range setting unit that sets a display range based on the extracted structure of the blood vessel region,
An image processing unit that acquires data indicating the spatial distribution of the functional index related to the myocardium based on the volume data related to the myocardium of the subject.
A color map conversion unit that generates a color map in which both the spatial distribution of the blood flow index value acquired for the coronary artery limited to the display range and the spatial distribution of the functional index are color-coded.
A medical image processing device comprising.
[18] An external device that transmits a morphological image including the coronary arteries of the subject, and
A blood vessel region extraction unit that acquires data of the morphological image transmitted from the external device and extracts a blood vessel region including the coronary artery based on the data.
A display range setting unit that sets a display range based on the extracted structure of the blood vessel region,
An image processing unit that acquires data indicating the spatial distribution of the functional index related to the myocardium based on the volume data related to the myocardium of the subject.
A color map conversion unit that generates a color map in which both the spatial distribution of the blood flow index value acquired for the coronary artery limited to the display range and the spatial distribution of the functional index are color-coded.
A medical image processing system equipped with.
[19]
Processing to acquire morphological image data including the coronary arteries of the subject,
The process of extracting the vascular region containing the coronary arteries based on the data, and
The process of setting the display range based on the extracted structure of the blood vessel region, and
A process of acquiring data showing the spatial distribution of the functional index related to the myocardium based on the volume data related to the myocardium of the subject, and
A process of generating a color map in which both the spatial distribution of the blood flow index value acquired for the coronary artery limited to the display range and the spatial distribution of the functional index are color-coded.
A program that causes the processor to execute.

1 ... Medical image diagnostic device, 11 ... Communication interface unit, 12 ... Storage unit, 13 ... LUT creation unit, 14 ... Color map conversion unit, 15 ... Control unit, 16 ... Input unit, 17 ... Blood vessel region extraction unit, 18 ... Display range setting unit, 19 ... Image selection unit, 20 ... Display unit, 21 ... Image processing unit

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a color map generation method , a medical image processing apparatus, and a medical image processing system .

Claims (1)

Obtain morphological image data including the coronary arteries of the subject,
Based on the data, the vascular region containing the coronary artery was extracted.
A display range is set based on the extracted structure of the blood vessel region, and the display range is set.
Obtain data showing the spatial distribution of the functional index related to the myocardium based on the volume data related to the myocardium of the subject.
Both the spatial distribution of the blood flow index values acquired for the coronary arteries restricted to the display range and the spatial distribution of the functional indicators generate a color-coded color map.
How to generate a color map.