Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research (대한의용생체공학회:의공학회지)

The Korean Society of Medical and Biological Engineering (대한의용생체공학회)
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A Comprehensive Analysis of Deformable Image Registration Methods for CT Imaging

  • Kang Houn Lee (Department of Biomedicine and Health Science, The Catholic University of Korea) ;
  • Young Nam Kang (Advanced Institute for Radiation Fusion Medical Technology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea)
  • Received : 2023.08.23
  • Accepted : 2023.09.20
  • Published : 2023.10.31
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Abstract

This study aimed to assess the practical feasibility of advanced deformable image registration (DIR) algorithms in radiotherapy by employing two distinct datasets. The first dataset included 14 4D lung CT scans and 31 head and neck CT scans. In the 4D lung CT dataset, we employed the DIR algorithm to register organs at risk and tumors based on respiratory phases. The second dataset comprised pre-, mid-, and post-treatment CT images of the head and neck region, along with organ at risk and tumor delineations. These images underwent registration using the DIR algorithm, and Dice similarity coefficients (DSCs) were compared. In the 4D lung CT dataset, registration accuracy was evaluated for the spinal cord, lung, lung nodules, esophagus, and tumors. The average DSCs for the non-learning-based SyN and NiftyReg algorithms were 0.92±0.07 and 0.88±0.09, respectively. Deep learning methods, namely Voxelmorph, Cyclemorph, and Transmorph, achieved average DSCs of 0.90±0.07, 0.91±0.04, and 0.89±0.05, respectively. For the head and neck CT dataset, the average DSCs for SyN and NiftyReg were 0.82±0.04 and 0.79±0.05, respectively, while Voxelmorph, Cyclemorph, and Transmorph showed average DSCs of 0.80±0.08, 0.78±0.11, and 0.78±0.09, respectively. Additionally, the deep learning DIR algorithms demonstrated faster transformation times compared to other models, including commercial and conventional mathematical algorithms (Voxelmorph: 0.36 sec/images, Cyclemorph: 0.3 sec/images, Transmorph: 5.1 sec/images, SyN: 140 sec/images, NiftyReg: 40.2 sec/images). In conclusion, this study highlights the varying clinical applicability of deep learning-based DIR methods in different anatomical regions. While challenges were encountered in head and neck CT registrations, 4D lung CT registrations exhibited favorable results, indicating the potential for clinical implementation. Further research and development in DIR algorithms tailored to specific anatomical regions are warranted to improve the overall clinical utility of these methods.

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References

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