JP2022106600A - Medical image diagnostic apparatus and medical image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To allow a comparison result of a plurality of medical images captured in different postures to be easily grasped.SOLUTION: A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment comprises: an acquisition unit; a specification unit; and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires at least one of first medical image data corresponding to a subject in a first posture state and second medical image data corresponding to the subject in a second posture state different from the first posture state by scanning. The specification unit specifies an attention region in the first medical image data or the second medical image data on the basis of the first medical image data and the second medical image data. The output unit outputs information about the attention region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings relate to a medical diagnostic imaging apparatus and a medical imaging apparatus.

Conventionally, in imaging with a medical image diagnostic device such as an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) device, the technique of photographing a subject lying on a bed and the technique of photographing a subject in a standing or sitting position are known. Has been done. The effect of gravity on the subject differs between the lying state and the standing or sitting state. Therefore, in general, a doctor, a technician, or the like may refer to a comparison result of a plurality of medical images taken in different postures in order to determine the severity of the lesion.

However, when visually comparing a plurality of medical images taken in different postures, it may be difficult to make a highly accurate discrimination because the accuracy of the discrimination depends on the experience or ability of a doctor or a technician.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0110250

One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and the drawings is to facilitate grasping the comparison result of a plurality of medical images taken in different postures. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. It is also possible to position the problem corresponding to each effect of each configuration shown in the embodiment described later as another problem.

The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit, a specific unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit includes first medical image data corresponding to the subject in the first posture state and second medical image data corresponding to the subject in the second posture state different from the first posture state. At least one is obtained by scanning. The identification unit identifies a region of interest in the first medical image data or the second medical image data based on the first medical image data and the second medical image data. The output unit outputs information about the region of interest.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a standing state of a subject. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a sitting state of a subject. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the gantry device at the time of scanning in the standing state or the sitting state according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the lying state of the subject. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the gantry device at the time of scanning in the lying state according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of recumbent image data according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of standing image data according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the conversion process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the difference region data according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a comparison screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the position of the second imaging cross section according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an axial image according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of data to be stored according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of displaying numerical information according to the second modification. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another example of displaying numerical information according to the second modification.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the medical image diagnostic apparatus and the medical image processing apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The X-ray CT device 1 is an example of a medical image diagnostic device and a medical image processing device according to the present embodiment.

The X-ray CT device 1 of the present embodiment can handle a plurality of different posture states of a subject. For example, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can scan a subject in a lying state, a standing state, and a sitting state. The lying state is an example of the first posture state in the present embodiment. The standing state and the sitting state are examples of the second posture state in the present embodiment. It is not essential to scan in both the standing and sitting states. For example, the X-ray CT device 1 may support either the standing state or the sitting state in addition to the lying state.

As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray CT device 1 includes a gantry device 10 and a console device 40. Further, although not shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray CT device 1 further includes a bed device on which a subject is placed. The sleeper device may be included in the configuration of the X-ray CT device 1, or may be configured outside the X-ray CT device 1. In addition, the X-ray CT device 1 may include a patient support mechanism that supports the patient during standing imaging. The patient support mechanism corresponds to the top plate of the bed device in the recumbent CT. The patient support mechanism may be a table that can be fixed to the floor surface, or may be movable while supporting the patient. Further, the patient support mechanism may also serve as a bed device. Further, the X-ray CT device 1 does not have to be provided with a patient support mechanism for standing image imaging.

The gantry device 10 includes a gantry main body 11, a support portion 12, and a control device 17. The configuration of the X-ray CT device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and is not limited to the illustrated configuration.

In the present embodiment, in the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the rotation axis C0 of the rotation frame 130 in the non-tilt state is orthogonal to the Z-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, and the rotation frame 130 is supported from the rotation center. It is assumed that the direction toward the support portion 12 is defined as the X-axis, and the directions perpendicular to the Z-axis and the X-axis are defined as the Y-axis. In the present embodiment, when the gantry device 10 is in the non-tilt state, the longitudinal direction of the rotation axis C0 is perpendicular to the floor surface as shown in FIG. The definitions of the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis in FIG. 1 are merely examples, and arbitrary three-axis directions orthogonal to each other can be defined as the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis.

The gantry main body 11 has an opening 13 for accommodating an imaging site of a subject. Further, the gantry main body 11 includes an X-ray tube 14, an X-ray detector 15, an X-ray high voltage device 16, a control device 17, a DAS (Data Acquisition System) 18, and a rotating frame 130. The gantry main body 11 is also called an imaging device or an imaging unit.

The X-ray tube 14 is a vacuum tube that generates X-rays by irradiating thermoelectrons from the cathode (filament) toward the anode (target) by applying a high voltage from the X-ray high voltage device 16. For example, the X-ray tube 14 includes a rotating anode type X-ray tube that generates X-rays by irradiating a rotating anode with thermoelectrons. In the vicinity of the X-ray tube 14, a wedge (also called a wedge filter or a bow tie filter) for adjusting the X-ray dose emitted from the X-ray tube 14 and an irradiation range of X-rays transmitted through the wedge are narrowed down. Collimator (also called X-ray diaphragm) is provided.

The X-ray detector 15 detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 14 and passed through the subject P, and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the X-ray dose to the DAS 18. The X-ray detector 15 has, for example, a plurality of X-ray detection element trains in which a plurality of X-ray detection elements are arranged in the channel direction along one arc centered on the focal point of the X-ray tube 14. The X-ray detector 15 has, for example, a structure in which a plurality of X-ray detection element sequences in which a plurality of X-ray detection elements are arranged in the channel direction are arranged in a slice direction (column direction, low direction).

Further, the X-ray detector 15 is an indirect conversion type detector having, for example, a grid, a scintillator array, and an optical sensor array. The scintillator lake array has a plurality of scintillators, and the scintillator has a scintillator crystal that outputs a photon amount of light according to an incident X dose. The grid is arranged on the surface of the scintillator array on the X-ray incident side, and has an X-ray shielding plate having a function of absorbing scattered X-rays. The grid may also be called a collimator (one-dimensional collimator or two-dimensional collimator). The optical sensor array has a function of converting into an electric signal according to the amount of light from the scintillator, and has, for example, an optical sensor such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT). The X-ray detector 15 may be a direct conversion type detector having a semiconductor element that converts incident X-rays into an electric signal.

The X-ray tube 14 and the X-ray detector 15 are provided on the rotating frame 130. The rotating frame 130 is an annular frame that supports the X-ray tube 14 and the X-ray detector 15 so as to face each other, and rotates the X-ray tube 14 and the X-ray detector 15 around the rotation axis C0. The rotating frame 130 further includes an X-ray high voltage device 16 and a DAS 18 in addition to the X-ray tube 14 and the X-ray detector 15 to support the rotating frame 130. The rotating frame 130 is rotatably supported by a non-rotating portion of the gantry device 10 (eg, a fixed frame; not shown in FIG. 1). The rotating frame 130 is rotated by a rotating mechanism. The rotation mechanism includes, for example, a motor that generates a rotation driving force and a bearing that transmits the rotation driving force to the rotation frame 130 to rotate the motor. The motor is provided, for example, in the non-rotating portion, bearings are physically connected to the rotating frame 130 and the motor, and the rotating frame 130 rotates according to the rotational force of the motor.

Non-contact or contact communication circuits are provided in the rotating frame 130 and the non-rotating portion, respectively, so that communication between the unit supported by the rotating frame 130 and the non-rotating portion or the external device of the gantry device 10 can be performed. Will be done. For example, when optical communication is adopted as the non-contact communication method, the detection data generated by the DAS 18 is transmitted to the non-rotating portion of the gantry device 10 by optical communication from a transmitter having a light emitting diode (LED) provided in the rotating frame 130. It is transmitted to a receiver having a photodiode provided, and further transferred from the non-rotating portion to the console device 40 by the transmitter. As the communication method, in addition to the non-contact type data transmission such as the capacitance coupling type and the radio wave method, a contact type data transmission method using a slip ring and an electrode brush may be adopted. The rotating frame 130 is an example of a rotating unit.

The X-ray high-voltage device 16 has an electric circuit such as a transformer and a rectifier, and has a function of generating a high voltage applied to the X-ray tube 14, and the X-ray tube 14 irradiates the high-voltage generator 16. It has an X-ray control device that controls an output voltage according to the X-ray. The high voltage generator may be a transformer type or an inverter type. The X-ray high voltage device 16 may be provided on the rotating frame 130, or may be provided on the fixed frame side of the gantry device 10. The fixed frame is a frame that rotatably supports the rotating frame 130.

The DAS 18 has an amplifier that amplifies the electric signal output from each X-ray detection element of the X-ray detector 15, and an A / D converter that converts the electric signal into a digital signal, and has detection data. To generate. The detection data generated by the DAS 18 is transferred to the console device 40. DAS18 is an example of a data collection unit.

The support portion 12 is a structure (post) that movably and tiltably supports the gantry main body 11, and is composed of a pillar-shaped frame for supporting the gantry main body 11. The support portion 12 is also referred to as a gantry support portion or a support column. Further, although FIG. 1 shows a case where the X-ray CT device 1 includes one support portion 12, the X-ray CT device 1 may include two or more support portions 12.

The control device 17 includes a processing circuit having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and a drive mechanism such as a motor and an actuator for moving and tilting the gantry main body 11. The control device 17 has a function of receiving an input signal from an input device (such as an input interface 43 described later) attached to the gantry device 10 and the console device 40 to control the operation of the gantry device 10. For example, the control device 17 controls the rotation of the rotating frame 130 in response to the input signal, and controls the movement (vertical movement) and tilt of the gantry main body 11. The movement and tilt control of the gantry main body 11 is executed according to the information (movement distance, tilt angle, etc.) input by the input interface attached to the gantry device 10.

The control device 17 may be provided in the gantry device 10 or in the console device 40. When provided in the gantry device 10, the control device 17 may be provided in the gantry main body 11 or in the support portion 12, or in a separate housing different from the gantry main body 11 and the support portion 12. It may be provided.

Here, the orientation of the gantry device 10 when the X-ray CT device 1 scans a subject in a standing or sitting position will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a standing state of the subject P. Further, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the sitting state of the subject P. The standing state is a state in which the subject P stands on the floor surface on which the X-ray CT device 1 is installed or on the patient support mechanism. The sitting state is a state in which the subject P is sitting on a wheelchair or a chair (hereinafter referred to as a wheelchair or the like). In the standing and sitting states, the subject P is subjected to a weight load in the direction of gravity.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the gantry device 10 at the time of scanning in the standing state or the sitting state according to the first embodiment. When the X-ray CT device 1 scans the subject P in the standing or sitting position, the opening 13 of the gantry device 10 faces upward and downward as shown in FIG. The subject P enters the opening 13 from the lower side of the gantry device 10 in a standing or sitting state. It should be noted that the subject P may enter the opening 13 by lowering the gantry device 10 with respect to the subject P on the floor surface, or the table supporting the subject P rises and the subject P opens. You may enter within 13.

Further, a case where the X-ray CT device 1 scans the subject P in a lying position will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the lying state of the subject P. The lying state is a state in which the subject P lies on a bed (not shown).

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the gantry device 10 at the time of scanning in the lying state according to the first embodiment. The gantry device 10 shown in FIG. 6 is tilted 90 degrees from the direction shown in FIG. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the opening 13 of the gantry device 10 faces sideways. In this case, the gantry device 10 rotates the X-ray tube 14 and the X-ray detector 15 around the rotation axis C1. The subject P enters the opening 13 from the side of the gantry device 10 while being placed on the bed.

The posture state of the subject at the time of scanning is not limited to the lying state, the standing state, and the sitting state. For example, the X-ray CT device 1 may scan the subject P in an obliquely tilted posture with the gantry device 10 and the bed device tilted at an angle.

Returning to FIG. 1, the console device 40 has a memory 41, a display 42, an input interface 43, and a processing circuit 44. Although the console device 40 will be described as a separate body from the gantry device 10, the gantry device 10 may include a part of each component of the console device 40 or the console device 40.

The memory 41 is realized by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a semiconductor memory element such as a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like. The memory 41 stores, for example, projection data and reconstructed image data. The memory 41 is an example of a storage unit. The memory 41 may be provided outside the X-ray CT device 1.

The display 42 displays various information. For example, the display 42 outputs a medical image (CT image) generated by the processing circuit 44, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations from the operator, and the like. For example, the display 42 is a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display. Further, the display 42 may be provided on the gantry device 10. Further, the display 42 may be a desktop type, or may be composed of a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the console device 40 main body. The display 42 is an example of a display unit. Further, the display 42 may be provided outside the X-ray CT device 1.

The input interface 43 receives various input operations from the operator, converts the received input operations into electric signals, and outputs the received input operations to the processing circuit 44. For example, the input interface 43 receives from the operator collection conditions for collecting projection data, reconstruction conditions for reconstructing a CT image, image processing conditions for generating a post-processed image from a CT image, and the like. .. For example, the input interface 43 includes a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad for performing input operations by touching an operation surface, a touch screen in which a display screen and a touch pad are integrated, and a non-optical sensor. It is realized by a contact input circuit, a voice input circuit, and the like.

The input interface 43 is connected to the processing circuit 44, converts the input operation received from the operator into an electric signal, and outputs the input operation to the control circuit. In this specification, the input interface 43 is not limited to the one provided with physical operating parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an example of the input interface 43 includes an electric signal processing circuit that receives an electric signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs the electric signal to a control circuit.

Mouse, keyboard, trackball, switches, buttons. It is realized by a joystick or the like. Further, the input interface 43 may be provided in the gantry device 10. Further, the input interface 43 may be composed of a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the console device 40 main body. The input interface 43 is an example of an input unit.

The processing circuit 44 controls the operation of the entire X-ray CT device 1. More specifically, the processing circuit 44 is a processor that realizes a function corresponding to each program by reading a program from the memory 41 and executing the program. The processing circuit 44 of the present embodiment includes, for example, a system control function 441, a preprocessing function 442, a reconstruction processing function 443, an image processing function 444, a generation function 446, a specific function 447, an output function 448, and a reception function 449. .. The system control function 441 is an example of a system control unit. The preprocessing function 442 is an example of a preprocessing unit. The reconstruction processing function 443 is an example of the reconstruction processing unit. The image processing function 444 is an example of an image processing unit. The generation function 446 is an example of a generation unit. The specific function 447 is an example of a specific unit. The output function 448 is an example of an output unit. The reception function 449 is an example of the reception unit. The processing circuit 44 is an example of a processing unit.

Here, for example, a system control function 441, a preprocessing function 442, a reconstruction processing function 443, an image processing function 444, a generation function 446, a specific function 447, an output function 448, and a reception function 449, which are components of the processing circuit 44. Each processing function is stored in the memory 41 in the form of a program that can be executed by a computer. The processing circuit 44 is a processor. For example, the processing circuit 44 realizes a function corresponding to each program by reading the program from the memory 41 and executing the program. In other words, the processing circuit 44 in the state where each program is read has each function shown in the processing circuit 44 of FIG. In FIG. 1, a single processor is provided with a system control function 441, a preprocessing function 442, a reconstruction processing function 443, an image processing function 444, a generation function 446, a specific function 447, an output function 448, and a reception function 449. Although the processing function to be performed has been described as being realized, a processing circuit 44 may be formed by combining a plurality of independent processors, and the function may be realized by executing a program by each processor. Further, in FIG. 1, a single memory 41 has been described as storing a program corresponding to each processing function, but a plurality of memories are distributed and arranged, and the processing circuit 44 is a program corresponding to each processing function. It may be configured to read.

In the above description, an example in which the "processor" reads a program corresponding to each function from the memory 41 and executes the program has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. In the present embodiment, the word "processor" refers to, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a programmable logic device (for example, a simple programmable device). It means a circuit such as a logical device (Simple Programmable Logic Device: SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). When the processor is, for example, a CPU, the processor realizes a function by reading and executing a program stored in a memory. On the other hand, when the processor is an ASIC, instead of storing the program in the memory 41, the function is directly incorporated as a logic circuit in the circuit of the processor. It should be noted that each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to the case where each processor is configured as a single circuit, and a plurality of independent circuits may be combined to form one processor to realize its function. good. Further, the plurality of components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into one processor to realize the function.

The system control function 441 controls various functions of the processing circuit 44 based on the input operation received from the operator via the input interface 43 by the reception function 449 described later. Further, the system control function 441 controls the operation of the gantry device 10 so that the data collection process is executed under the imaging conditions specified by the operator. For example, the system control function 441 controls the gantry device 10 to change its orientation so that the subject P is scanned in a plurality of different posture states.

In the present embodiment, the functions of the pre-processing function 442, the reconstruction processing function 443, and the image processing function 444 are collectively referred to as an acquisition function 445. The acquisition function 445 is an example of an acquisition unit. The acquisition function 445 provides first medical image data corresponding to the subject P in the first posture state and a second medical image corresponding to the subject P in the second posture state different from the first posture state. At least one of the data is obtained by scanning. In the present embodiment, the first medical image data and the second medical image data are CT image data in which the subject P is scanned by the X-ray CT device 1.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, the acquisition function 445 acquires both the first medical image data and the second medical image data by scanning.

Specifically, the preprocessing function 442 generates data obtained by performing preprocessing such as logarithmic conversion processing, offset correction processing, sensitivity correction processing between channels, and beam hardening correction on the detection data output from DAS18. do. The data before preprocessing (detection data) and the data after preprocessing may be collectively referred to as projection data.

The reconstruction processing function 443 generates CT image data by performing reconstruction processing using a filter correction back projection method, a successive approximation reconstruction method, or the like on the projection data generated by the preprocessing function 442. The CT image data is an example of medical image data in the present embodiment.

The image processing function 444 uses a known method to obtain CT image data of an arbitrary cross section or three-dimensional image data generated by the reconstruction processing function 443 based on an input operation received from the operator via the input interface 43. Convert to image data. The reconstruction processing function 443 may directly generate the three-dimensional image data.

In the present embodiment, the first medical image data obtained by scanning the subject P in the first posture state is, for example, CT image data obtained by scanning the subject P in the lying position. Hereinafter, the CT image data obtained by scanning the subject P in the lying position is referred to as the lying image data.

Further, the second medical image data in which the subject P in the second posture state is scanned is, for example, CT image data in which the subject P in the standing state or the sitting state is scanned. Hereinafter, the CT image data obtained by scanning the subject P in the standing state is referred to as standing image data, and the CT image data obtained by scanning the subject P in the sitting state is referred to as sitting image data.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the lying position image data 70 according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the recumbent image data 70 is sagittal image data in which the sacrum, the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5), and the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4) of the subject P are depicted.

In this embodiment, for comparison between the lying image data 70 and the standing image data or the sitting image data, which will be described later, the imaged cross section of the lying image data 70, the standing image data, and the sitting image data is standing. The cross section of the position image data and the sitting image data in the direction along the direction of gravity at the time of scanning. In other words, the lying image data 70, the standing image data and the sitting image data are sagittal image data or coronal image data.

The imaging range, the position of the imaging cross section, and the format of the CT image data are not limited to the example shown in FIG. For example, the lying image data 70, the standing image data, and the sitting image data may be three-dimensional image data.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the standing image data 80 according to the first embodiment. The imaging range and the imaging cross-sectional position of the standing image data 80 are the same as those of the lying image data 70. In this embodiment, the standing image data 80 will be described as an example, but the same applies to the sitting image data.

In addition to the pre-processing function 442, the reconstruction processing function 443, and the image processing function 444, the system control function 441 may also be included in the acquisition function 445.

Returning to FIG. 1, the generation function 446 generates the converted image data by performing the conversion process based on the second posture state on the first medical image data. In the present embodiment, the generation function 446 generates CT image data equivalent to the standing image from the lying image data 70 by performing a conversion process based on the standing state on the lying image data 70. .. The CT image data generated by the conversion is referred to as a conversion standing image data. The converted standing image data is an example of the converted image data in the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the conversion process according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the generation function 446 generates, for example, the converted standing image data 71 from the lying image data 70. More specifically, the generation function 446 generates the converted standing image data 71 by performing a conversion process based on the direction of gravity on the lying image data 70. The conversion process based on the direction of gravity is, for example, a linear conversion process in which the influence of a change in the position or shape of the imaging site of the subject P based on the load related to the direction of gravity is added. When the subject P changes from the lying state to the standing state, the position or shape of the body tissues such as bones and cartilage of the subject P is changed due to the load due to gravity along the body axis direction of the subject P. Change.

Further, in reality, if there is a lesion in a body tissue such as bone or cartilage of the subject P, the degree of deformation in the direction of gravity due to the weight load may differ between the lesion and the non-lesion. The conversion by the generation function 446 does not take into account the unevenness of the effects of body weight load caused by such lesions and the like. In other words, the converted standing image data 71 is an ideal standing image data in which the influence of the weight load caused by the lesion or the like is not uneven.

Returning to FIG. 1, the specific function 447 identifies a region of interest in the first medical image data or the second medical image data based on the first medical image data and the second medical image data. In the present embodiment, the process based on the first medical image data includes a process based on the converted image data generated from the first medical image data.

In the present embodiment, the specific function 447 specifies the region of interest based on the converted standing image data 71 and the standing image data 80.

In the present embodiment, the region of interest is a difference region in which there is a difference between the converted standing image data 71 and the standing image data 80.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the difference region data 90 according to the first embodiment. The difference area data 90 is image data showing the difference between the converted standing image data 71 and the standing image data 80. As shown in FIG. 10, the specific function 447 extracts the difference information between the converted standing image data 71 and the standing image data 80, and specifies the region of interest based on the difference information.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, there is a difference in the shape of the bone tissue between the 4th lumbar vertebra and the 5th lumbar vertebra between the converted standing image data 71 and the standing image data 80. The difference is caused by, for example, when the subject P is in a standing position, the lesion portion is pressed in the direction of gravity by the load of the body weight and the shape is changed.

For example, the first difference region 917 in the difference region data 90 is a region in which the bone tissue is depicted in the converted standing image data 71 but not in the standing image data 80. The second difference region 918 is a region in which the bone tissue is depicted in the standing image data 80 but not in the converted standing image data 71. Hereinafter, when the first difference region 917 and the second difference region 918 are collectively referred to, they are simply referred to as the difference region 91. The difference information is, for example, information indicating the position and range of the difference region 91 in the converted standing image data 71 or the standing image data 80.

The white non-difference region 901 is a region surrounded by the first difference region 917 and the second difference region 918, but bone tissue is present in both the converted standing image data 71 and the standing image data 80. This is the area that is being depicted. Further, the black background area 902 is an area where there is no difference between the converted standing image data 71 and the standing image data 80.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, the first difference region 917 and the second difference region 918 are collectively referred to as a difference region 91. The difference region 91 is an example of a region of interest.

In FIG. 10, the difference region 91 is an image region on the two-dimensional image of the converted standing image data 71 and the standing image data 80. For example, when the converted standing image data 71 and the standing image data 80 are two-dimensional image data in which the sagittal cross section of the subject P is drawn, the specific function 447 uses the converted standing image data 71 and the standing image. The difference of the data 80 is specified by image processing. A known image processing method can be adopted as the method for specifying the difference by the specific function 447. The sagittal cross section is an example of the first imaged cross section in the present embodiment. When the converted standing image data 71 and the standing image data 80 are three-dimensional image data, the difference region 91 may be a three-dimensional region.

Returning to FIG. 1, the output function 448 outputs information regarding the region of interest. In the present embodiment, the output function 448 causes the display 42 to display a difference region image showing a region of interest, that is, a difference region 91. The difference region image is an example of information about the region of interest in the present embodiment and an image showing the region of interest.

More specifically, the output function 448 displays the difference region image showing the difference region 91, the converted standing image based on the converted standing image data 71, and the standing image based on the standing image data 80 side by side on the display 42. Let me. The converted standing image is an example of the converted image in the present embodiment. The standing image is an example of a second medical image. Hereinafter, a screen in which the difference area image, the converted standing image, and the standing image are displayed side by side is referred to as a comparison screen.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the comparison screen 420 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, on the comparison screen 420, the difference region image 900, the converted standing image 710, and the standing image 800 are displayed side by side. Further, on the difference area image 900, the first difference area 917 and the second difference area 918 are displayed in different display modes. For example, the first difference area 917 and the second difference area 918 may be displayed in different colors.

As shown in FIG. 11, the conversion standing image 710 is a conversion standing image so that the user can easily grasp that the subject P is an image based on the lying position image data 70 scanned in the lying position. "Lie position" may be displayed in the vicinity of the image 710. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 11, "standing position" is also displayed in the vicinity of the standing image 800.

Further, the output function 448 may display an image showing a portion corresponding to the difference region 91 on the converted standing image 710 or the standing image 800. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the output function 448 displays an arrow image 801 indicating a portion corresponding to the difference region 91 on the standing image 800 on the standing image 800.

Further, the output function 448 provides the difference area image 900, the conversion standing image 710, and the standing position in order to make it easier for the user to grasp the position corresponding to the difference area image 900 on the conversion standing image 710 and the standing image 800. Auxiliary lines 930a and 930b indicating the positional relationship with the image 800 may be displayed.

By visually recognizing the comparison screen 420, a doctor, a technician, or the like can easily grasp the position and size of the portion affected by the weight load. For example, a doctor, a technician, or the like determines the severity of the lesion portion of the subject P based on the position and size of the portion affected by the body weight load grasped from the comparison screen 420.

The output method by the output function 448 is not limited to the display on the display 42. For example, the output function 448 may transmit the difference region image 900, the converted standing image 710, and the standing image 800 to another information processing device.

Returning to FIG. 1, the reception function 449 receives various operations by the user via the input interface 43. For example, the reception function 449 accepts the user to specify the orientation of the gantry device 10 and other imaging conditions.

Next, a flow of processing for comparing image data scanned in different posture states by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow according to the first embodiment.

First, the system control function 441 of the X-ray CT device 1 controls the operation of the gantry device 10 to execute a recumbent scan to scan the subject P in the recumbent position (S1). The detection data collected by the recumbent scan is transferred from the DAS 18 to the console device 40.

Next, the system control function 441 controls the operation of the gantry device 10 and executes a standing scan to scan the subject P in the standing position (S2). The detection data collected by the standing scan is transferred from the DAS 18 to the console device 40. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the recumbent position scan was performed first, but the standing position scan may be performed first.

Then, the acquisition function 445 acquires the decubitus image data 70 based on the decubitus scan (S3). More specifically, the preprocessing function 442 preprocesses the detection data collected by the recumbent scan performed by the system control function 441, and the reconstruction processing function 443 reconstructs the preprocessed data. do. Then, the image processing function 444 generates the recumbent image data 70 from the reconstructed data.

Next, the generation function 446 generates the converted standing image data 71 from the lying image data 70 (S4).

Further, the acquisition function 445 acquires the standing image data 80 based on the standing scan (S5). More specifically, the preprocessing function 442 preprocesses the detection data collected by the standing scan executed by the system control function 441, and the reconstruction processing function 443 reconstructs the preprocessed data. do. Then, the image processing function 444 generates the standing image data 80 from the reconstructed data.

Then, the specific function 447 extracts the difference information between the converted standing image data 71 and the standing image data 80, and specifies the region of interest based on the difference information (S6). In the present embodiment, the region of interest is the difference region 91.

Then, the specific function 447 generates image data indicating the region of interest, that is, the difference region data 90 indicating the difference region 91 (S7).

Then, the output function 448 causes the display 42 to display the comparison screen 420 in which the difference region image 900, the converted standing image 710, and the standing image 800 are displayed side by side (S8). At this point, the processing of this flowchart ends.

As described above, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment acquires the lying image data 70 and the standing image data 80 by scanning, and is in the lying position based on the lying image data 70 and the standing image data 80. The region of interest in the image data 70 or the standing image data 80 is specified, and information about the region of interest is output. Therefore, according to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a doctor, a technician, or the like can easily grasp the comparison result of a plurality of medical images taken in different postures.

For example, in the field of orthopedics, a doctor or a technician, for example, identifies the position of a lesion or determines the severity of the lesion by comparing different CT image data obtained by scanning subjects P in different postures. May be done. In such a case, if the doctor or the technician or the like simply visually observes the lying image data 70 and the standing image data 80 individually, the accuracy of the image comparison depends on the ability of the doctor or the technician or the like. In some cases, there were variations in the images and the objectiveness was poor. On the other hand, according to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a doctor, a technician, or the like can perform a lying image by outputting information about a region of interest based on the lying image data 70 and the standing image data 80. It is possible to easily grasp useful information regarding the determination of the position of the lesion or the severity of the lesion without visually confirming the difference between the data 70 and the standing image data 80.

Further, in the present embodiment, the first medical image data is the lying image data 70 obtained by scanning the subject P in the lying position, and the second medical image data is the subject P in the standing state. Is the scanned standing image data 80. Therefore, according to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, by specifying the region of interest based on a plurality of medical image data in which the orientation of the subject P with respect to the direction of gravity is different, the influence of the body weight load is on other parts. It becomes easier to identify a larger part.

Further, when both the lying image data 70 and the standing image data 80 can be scanned by one unit as in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, it is better than scanning individually with a plurality of imaging devices. , The time interval between the recumbent scan and the standing scan can be shortened. Therefore, it becomes easy to take both the recumbent image data 70 and the standing image data 80 before the state of the lesion portion of the subject P changes. Further, when both the lying image data 70 and the standing image data 80 can be scanned by one X-ray CT device 1, it is possible to eliminate the influence of the difference in image quality due to the characteristics of the individual devices.

Further, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment generates the converted standing image data 71 by performing the conversion process based on the standing state on the lying image data 70, and the converted standing image data 71. And the standing image data 80, the region of interest is specified. More specifically, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment generates the converted standing image data 71 by performing the conversion process based on the gravity direction on the lying image data 70. Therefore, according to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the influence of the weight load caused by the lesion or the like is uneven rather than simply comparing the lying image data 70 and the standing image data 80. The site can be easily identified.

Further, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment displays the difference region image 900 showing the region of interest on the display 42. Therefore, according to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the region of interest can be clearly presented to a doctor, a technician, or the like.

Further, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment extracts the difference information between the lying image data 70 and the standing image data 80, and identifies the region of interest based on the difference information. Therefore, according to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a lesion can be easily grasped by a doctor, a technician, or the like by allowing a doctor, a technician, or the like to easily grasp the difference between the lying image data 70 and the standing image data 80 caused by a lesion or the like. It can assist in identifying the location of the lesion or determining the severity of the lesion. In the present embodiment, the difference information between the lying image data 70 and the standing image data 80 is compared between the converted standing image data 71 generated from the lying image data 70 and the converted standing image data 71. As a result, the lying image data 70 and the standing image data 80 are indirectly compared.

Further, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment displays the difference region image 900, the converted standing image 710, and the standing image 800 side by side on the display 42. Therefore, according to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the converted standing image 710 and the standing image 800, which are the comparison targets, and the difference region image 900, which is the comparison result, are visually recognized at once by a doctor or an engineer. Therefore, it becomes easy for a doctor, a technician, or the like to confirm not only the part where the influence of the weight load caused by the lesion part or the like is uneven, but also the surrounding part.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 displays the difference region image 900, the converted standing image 710, and the standing image 800 side by side on the display 42. In the embodiment, an image showing the region of interest is displayed on the display 42 by another display mode.

The X-ray CT device 1 of the present embodiment includes a gantry device 10 and a console device 40, as in the first embodiment. Further, the processing circuit 44 of the console device 40 has a system control function 441, a preprocessing function 442, a reconstruction processing function 443, an image processing function 444, a generation function 446, a specific function 447, and an output, as in the first embodiment. It has a function 448 and a reception function 449. The system control function 441, the pre-processing function 442, the reconstruction processing function 443, the image processing function 444, the generation function 446, the specific function 447, and the reception function 449 have the same functions as those in the first embodiment.

The output function 448 of the present embodiment has, in addition to the function of the first embodiment, a third image showing an image showing a region of interest in which a second imaged cross section different from the first imaged cross section of the subject P is drawn. Highlight on the medical image. In the present embodiment, the first imaged cross section is, for example, a sagittal cross section, and the second imaged cross section is an axial cross section.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the position of the second imaging cross section according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 13, the position of the second imaging cross section 60 corresponds to the position corresponding to the difference region 91 of the subject P in the standing state.

The output function 448 of the present embodiment displays an image showing the difference region on the axial image generated from the standing image data 80 in which the standing subject P is scanned. The image showing the difference region displayed on the axial image is an example of the information about the region of interest in the present embodiment and the image showing the region of interest.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the axial image 610 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the output function 448 displays an image representing the difference region 91 specified as the difference between the converted standing image data 71 and the standing image data 80 by the specific function 447 on the axial image 610. .. Specifically, in FIG. 14, the first difference region 917a, the second difference region 918a, and the non-difference region 901a are displayed on the axial image 610 displayed on the display 42. The axial image 610 is an example of a third medical image in this embodiment.

The lumbar vertebrae 912a and 912b displayed as the backgrounds of the first difference region 917a, the second difference region 918a, and the non-difference region 901a are drawn in the standing image data 80. The output function 448 uses bones such as the lumbar spine as a reference for the display position when displaying the difference region 91 specified by comparing the converted standing image data 71 and the standing image data 80 on the axial image 610. You may.

Further, in the present embodiment, the output function 448 highlights the first difference region 917a and the second difference region 918a on the axial image 610. The highlight display is to display the first difference region 917a and the second difference region 918a with more emphasis than the other regions. The highlighting method is not particularly limited, but for example, the output function 448 may display the first difference area 917a and the second difference area 918a in a color different from other parts. ..

The output function 448 may display the axial image 610 shown in FIG. 14 in the comparison screen 420 shown in FIG. Further, the output function 448 may display only the axial image 610 on the display 42 without displaying the comparison screen 420.

As described above, according to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the doctor highlights the image showing the region of interest on the image representing the imaging cross section different from the imaging cross section used to identify the region of interest. Alternatively, a technician or the like can confirm the area of interest from various angles.

In the present embodiment, the output function 448 displays the first difference region 917a and the second difference region 918a on the axial image 610, but the first difference region 917a is displayed on the other images. And the second difference region 918a may be displayed. For example, the output function 448 may display the first difference region 917a and the second difference region 918a on the standing image 800, the lying image, or the converted standing image 710. Further, also in this case, the output function 448 may highlight the first difference region 917a and the second difference region 918a. Further, the image in which the first difference region 917a and the second difference region 918a are displayed may be a sagittal image or a coronal image.

(Third Embodiment)
In this third embodiment, reduction of the storage capacity of CT image data will be further described.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment. The X-ray CT device 1 of the present embodiment includes a gantry device 10 and a console device 40, as in the first embodiment. The X-ray CT device 1 shown in FIG. 15 is an example of a medical image diagnostic device and a medical image processing device according to the present embodiment.

Further, the processing circuit 44 of the console device 40 has a system control function 441, a preprocessing function 442, a reconstruction processing function 443, an image processing function 444, a generation function 446, a specific function 447, an output function 448, a reception function 449, and a writing function. It has a function 450 and a restoration function 451. The specific function 447 of the present embodiment is an example of a specific unit and an extraction unit. The writing function 450 is an example of a data writing unit. The restoration function 451 is an example of a restoration unit.

Further, in the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the functions of the pre-processing function 442, the reconstruction processing function 443, and the image processing function 444 are collectively referred to as the acquisition function 445. The restoration function 451 is an example of a restoration unit. The system control function 441, the preprocessing function 442, the reconstruction processing function 443, the image processing function 444, the acquisition function 445, the generation function 446, the output function 448, and the reception function 449 have the same functions as those in the first embodiment. ..

Specifically, as in the first embodiment, the acquisition function 445 is different from the first medical image data in which the subject P in the first posture state is scanned and the second posture state. The second medical image data obtained by scanning the subject P in the posture state of the above is acquired. For example, the acquisition function 445 acquires the lying image data 70 and the standing image data 80.

Further, the specific function 447 of the present embodiment extracts the difference data between the first medical image data and the second medical image data in addition to the same function as that of the first embodiment. For example, the specific function 447 extracts the difference data between the lying image data 70 and the standing image data 80.

The writing function 450 stores the difference data and the second medical image data in the memory 41. Further, the writing function 450 does not store the first medical image data in the memory 41.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of data to be stored according to the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, the writing function 450 targets the lying image data 70 to be deleted from the lying image data 70, the standing image data 80, and the difference data 92, and the standing image data 80 and the difference data 92. Is to be saved in the memory 41. It is assumed that the difference data 92 has a smaller data size than the lying image data 70 and the standing image data 80.

Returning to FIG. 15, the restoration function 451 restores the lying image data 70 based on the difference data 92 and the standing image data 80 stored in the memory 41. The timing of restoration is not particularly limited, but the restoration function 451 restores, for example, when the reception function 449 receives an instruction for restoration of the lying image data 70 by the user.

As described above, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment extracts the difference data between the lying image data 70 and the standing image data 80, and stores the difference data and the standing image data 80 in the memory 41. Further, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment restores the recumbent image data 70 based on the difference data 92 and the standing image data 80 stored in the memory 41. Therefore, according to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity required for storing the CT image data as compared with storing both the first medical image data and the second medical image data. can.

Further, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment not only deletes the lying image data 70, but also obtains the lying image data based on the difference data 92 and the standing image data 80 stored in the memory 41. Since the 70 can be restored, the recumbent image data 70 can be used when the user needs it.

Further, in the present embodiment, the lying image data 70 is used as an example of the first image data and the standing image data 80 is used as an example of the second image data, but the standing image data 80 is used as the first image data and the lying image data 80 is used as an example. The position image data 70 may be used as an example of the second image data. When the standing image data 80 is used as the first image data and the lying image data 70 is used as an example of the second image data, the writing function 450 uses the lying image data 70, the standing image data 80, and the difference data 92. Of these, the standing image data 80 is targeted for deletion, and the lying image data 70 and the difference data 92 are stored in the memory 41.

In the present embodiment, the specific function 447 is an example of the extraction unit, but the processing circuit 44 may have an extraction function in addition to the specific function 447.

(Modification example 1)
In each of the above-described embodiments, the generation function 446 generates the conversion standing image data 71 by performing a conversion process based on the gravity direction on the lying image data 70, but the conversion method is this. It is not limited to.

The generation function 446 of this modified example generates the converted standing image data 71 by performing a conversion process using the trained model on the lying image data 70.

The trained model is, for example, a model in which a plurality of recumbent image data and standing image data obtained by scanning the same subject as each of the plurality of recumbent image data are trained as teacher data. The trained model is, for example, a trained model generated by deep learning (deep learning) such as a neural network.

As a deep learning method, a multi-layer neural network such as a convolutional neural network (CNN) can be applied, but the method is not limited to this.

Further, the trained model may be incorporated in the generation function 446, or the trained model may be read from the memory 41 and executed by the generation function 446.

(Modification 2)
Further, the generation function 446 may simply perform the conversion process on the recumbent image data 70 without considering the direction of gravity. For example, the generation function 446 may generate the conversion standing image data 71 from the lying position image data 70 by a simple linear conversion.

(Modification example 3)
Further, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 may adopt a configuration that does not have the generation function 446. In this case, since the recumbent image data 70 is not converted into the converted standing image data 71, for example, the specific function 447 specifies the region of interest by comparing the recumbent image data 70 and the standing image data 80. .. For example, the specific function 447 may specify a region in which there is a difference between the lying image data 70 and the standing image data 80 as a region of interest. When comparing with the standing image data 80, the lying image data 70 is rotated by 90 degrees to align the directions.

In this modification, the region where there is a difference between the lying image data 70 and the standing image data 80 is an example of the region of interest.

Further, in this case, the output function 448 causes the display 42 to display information indicating the difference between the lying image data 70 and the standing image data 80.

(Modification example 4)
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 actually executes the lying position scan and the standing position scan to acquire the lying position image data 70 and the standing position image data 80. The target image data is not limited to this.

For example, the acquisition function 445 of this modification may acquire only the recumbent image data 70. In this modification, the converted standing image data 71 generated by the generation function 446 performing a conversion process on the lying image data 70 may be used as an example of the second medical image data.

(Modification 5)
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is capable of both a recumbent position scan and a standing position scan, but only one of them may be possible. For example, when the X-ray CT device 1 is capable of recumbent scanning but not standing, the acquisition function 445 of the X-ray CT device 1 is standing from another X-ray CT device capable of standing scanning. The standing image data 80 may be acquired.

(Modification 6)
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the lying image data 70 is used as an example of the first image data, and the standing image data 80 is used as an example of the second image data. Image data is not limited to this. For example, the standing image data 80 or the sitting image data may be used as an example of the first image data, and the lying image data 70 may be used as an example of the second image data. In this case, the generation function 446 may generate the converted recumbent image data from the standing image data 80 or the sitting image data. Further, instead of the standing scan, a scan may be performed in a state where pressure is applied from the head side and the leg side of the subject P in the lying position.

(Modification 7)
Further, the output function 448 may display numerical information based on the difference information on the display 42.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of displaying numerical information according to the second modification. The line 50 shown in FIG. 17 is a line drawn on the axial image 610 by the user by operating the input interface 43 such as a mouse. The output function 448 displays in the vicinity of the line 50 how long the line 50 on the screen will be in the real world. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the numerical information 51 of “xx cm” is displayed on the axial image 610. The output function 448 may obtain the numerical information 51 from the dimensions of the imaging field of view of, for example, a recumbent scan or a standing scan.

Although it has been described in FIG. 17 that the line 50 is drawn at a desired position by the user, the output function 448 calculates the dimension of the difference region 91 and displays a numerical value representing the dimension of the difference region 91 on the display 42. You may let me.

Further, FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another example of displaying numerical information according to the second modification. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the output function 448 causes the scale image 52 to be displayed in the vicinity of the position where the difference region 91 is drawn on the axial image 610. The scale image 52 is, for example, an image in which scales are described for each image position corresponding to 1 cm in the real world. The scale image 52 is also an example of numerical information. The scale image 52 is displayed or hidden according to the user's operation, for example.

By displaying such numerical information, it becomes easy for a doctor, a technician, or the like to grasp the size of the lesion. Although the axial image 610 is taken as an example in FIG. 17.18, numerical information may be displayed on another image.

(Modification 8)
In each of the above-described embodiments, the output function 448 assumes that the comparison screen 420 and the axial image 610 are displayed on the display 42, but the information to be displayed is not limited to this.

For example, the output function 448 may display a notification according to the size of the difference region 91, an estimation result of the severity of the lesion portion of the subject P, or the like on the display 42.

For example, when the converted standing image data 71 and the standing image data 80 include three or more lumbar vertebrae, the specific function 447 may compare the intervals between the lumbar vertebrae and display the comparison result by the output function 448. ..

Specifically, when the converted standing image data 71 and the standing image data 80 include the third lumbar vertebra, the fourth lumbar vertebra, and the fifth lumbar vertebra, the specific function 447 is the third lumbar vertebra in the converted standing image data 71. And the distance between the 4th lumbar vertebra and the standing image data 80, and the distance between the 4th lumbar vertebra and the 5th lumbar vertebra in the converted standing image data 71. Compare the magnitude of the difference in the distance between the 4th lumbar vertebra and the 5th lumbar vertebra in the image data 80, and if one of the differences is larger than the other by a threshold value or more, the portion where the difference larger than the threshold value is generated. , May be specified as a region of interest.

The size of the difference may be compared by comparing the size of the area on the axial image 610 or the sagittal image, or by comparing the size of the volume when the CT image data is three-dimensional image data. ..

Further, the specific function 447 may determine the necessity of notification according to the ratio of the areas of the first difference region 917, the second difference region 918, and the non-difference region 901 on the axial image 610 or the sagittal image. good. For example, in the specific function 447, the ratio of the first difference region 917 and the second difference region 918 to the total area of the first difference region 917, the second difference region 918, and the non-difference region 901 on the image is If it is equal to or higher than the threshold value, it may be determined that notification is required. In this case, the output function 448 causes the display 42 to display a notification for notifying the user that the ratio of the size of the difference area 91 shown in the portion including the difference area 91 is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value. The specific function 447 may use not only the area ratio but also the volume ratio in the three-dimensional image data for determining the necessity of notification.

(Modification 9)
In each of the above-described embodiments, the X-ray CT device 1 is used as an example of the medical image diagnostic device and the medical image processing device, but modalities other than the X-ray CT device 1 may be used as an example of the medical image diagnostic device and the medical image processing device. good. For example, other medical image diagnostic devices such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) devices, ultrasonic diagnostic devices, PET (Positron Emission Tomography) devices, X-ray diagnostic devices, and SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) devices. It may be an example of a medical image diagnostic device and a medical image processing device.

Further, an information processing device other than the modality, for example, an external workstation, server, or PC (Personal Computer) may be an example of the medical image processing device. In this case, the processing circuit of the external workstation, server, or PC has the acquisition function 445, the generation function 446, the specific function 447, the output function 448, the reception function 449, and the write function 450, which are described with reference to FIGS. 1 or 15. And the restoration function 451 is provided. In this case, the acquisition function 445 acquires the first medical image data and the second medical image data from the modality.

The various data handled in the present specification are typically digital data.

According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to easily grasp the comparison result of a plurality of medical images taken in different postures.

Although some embodiments 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 embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, changes, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. 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.

1 X-ray CT device 10 Stand device 40 Console device 41 Memory 42 Display 43 Input interface 44 Processing circuit 50 Line 51 Numerical information 52 Scale image 60 Second imaged cross section 70 Lying image data 71 Converting standing image data 80 Standing image Data 90 Difference area data 91 Difference area 92 Difference data 420 Comparison screen 441 System control function 442 Preprocessing function 443 Reconstruction processing function 444 Image processing function 445 Acquisition function 446 Generation function 447 Specific function 448 Output function 449 Reception function 450 Write function 451 Restoration function 610 Axial image 800 Standing image 801 Arrow image 900 Difference area image 901,901a Non-difference area 917,917a First difference area 918,918a Second difference area 930a, 930b Auxiliary line

Claims (14)

At least one of the first medical image data corresponding to the subject in the first posture state and the second medical image data corresponding to the subject in the second posture state different from the first posture state. The acquisition part that acquires the person by scanning, and
A specific unit that identifies a region of interest in the first medical image data or the second medical image data based on the first medical image data and the second medical image data, and
An output unit that outputs information about the area of interest,
A medical diagnostic imaging device. The first medical image data is medical image data obtained by scanning the subject in the first posture state.
The second medical image data is medical image data obtained by scanning the subject in the second posture state.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1. A generation unit that generates converted image data by performing a conversion process based on the second posture state on the first medical image data is further provided.
The specific unit identifies the region of interest based on the converted image data and the second medical image data.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The first posture state is a lying state, and the second posture state is a standing state or a sitting state.
The generation unit generates the converted image data by performing a conversion process based on the direction of gravity on the first medical image data.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 3. The first posture state is a lying state, and the second posture state is a standing state or a sitting state.
The generation unit generates the converted image data by performing a conversion process using the trained model on the first medical image data.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 3. The second medical image data is medical image data generated by applying a conversion process to the first medical image data.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1. The output unit causes the display unit to display an image indicating the region of interest.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The specific unit extracts the difference information between the first medical image data and the second medical image data, and identifies the area of interest based on the difference information.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The output unit arranges an image showing the region of interest, a converted image based on the converted image data, and a second medical image based on the second medical image data, and displays them on the display unit.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5. The output unit displays an image showing the region of interest on a first medical image based on the first medical image data or a second medical image based on the second medical image data.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The output unit highlights an image showing the region of interest on a first medical image based on the first medical image data or a second medical image based on the second medical image data.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The converted image data and the second medical image data are two-dimensional image data in which a first imaged cross section of the subject is depicted.
The output unit highlights an image showing the region of interest on a third medical image in which a second imaged cross section different from the first imaged cross section of the subject is drawn.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5. The output unit causes the display unit to display numerical information based on the difference information.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 8. Memory and
The first medical image data obtained by scanning the subject in the first posture state and the second medical image data obtained by scanning the subject in the second posture state different from the first posture state are obtained. The acquisition department to acquire and
An extraction unit that extracts the difference data between the first medical image data and the second medical image data,
A data writing unit that stores the difference data and the second medical image data in the storage unit, and
A restoration unit that restores the first medical image data based on the difference data and the stored second medical image data.
A medical image processing device comprising.

Images