SEGMENTATION OF THE HIPPOCAMPUS FROM BRAIN MRI USING DEFORMABLE CONTOURS

The application of a discrete dynamic contour model for segmentation o f the hippocampus from brain MRT has been investigated. Solutions to s everal common problems of dynamic contours in this case and similar ca ses have been developed. A new method for extracting the discontinuous boundary of a structure with multiple edges near the structure has be en developed. The method is based on detecting and following edges by external forces. The reliability of the final contour and the model st ability have been improved by using a continuous mapping of the extern al energy and limiting movements of the contour. The problem of optimi zing the internal force weight has been overcome by making it dependen t on the amount of the external force. Finally, the results of applyin g the proposed algorithm, which implements the above modifications, to multiple applications have been evaluated. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.