SC 740 SEMINAR REVIEW

By Deborah Dent

Medical Image Processing

Bill Russell

Department of Computer Technology

University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Friday, March 27th, 1998

Dr. Russell presented a very interesting and enlightening presentation on Medical Image Processing. He began his talk with a description of the ultrasound, described how it operates and displayed various images of a fetus. Ultrasounds are used in more areas than obstetrics and it is nice to know that no radiation is involved. We were then informed that 3D ultrasound was introduced as an inexpensive method and fast method of medical imaging. Dr. Russell displayed an amazing comparison of a 3D image of a baby before birth with a picture of the baby following its birth. The 3D ultrasonic images were constructed using 2D slices. Expecting mothers cannot expect to see 3D images of their babies in the doctors offices today because the 2D commercial clinical real-time ultrasound scanners lack the necessary spatial locators and computer system for 2D to 3D image constructions.

Dr. Russell then discussed and presented visuals for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical diagnostic technique that creates images of the body using nuclear magnetic resonance. The MRI can generate thin-section images of any part of the body from any angle, without surgical invasion and in a relatively short period of time and is permits early diagnosis of many diseases. After presenting a MRI hardware overview, Dr. Russell informed us of some of the research that is being performed i.e., examining brain activity with a functional MRJ (FMRJ).

Dr. Russell concluded his presentation with information and visuals from the Visible Human Project. The product of this project is a library of anatomical images. This project allows researchers to use images of the human body to further their research efforts and it assist those in the medical profession with the performance of ultra-scopic surgery.