JP4341210B2 - Medical image processing apparatus, medical image processing method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a medical image processing apparatus, a medical image processing method, a program, and a recording medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, digital image processing technology by computer has been used to analyze medical image data, detect abnormal shadow candidates such as breast cancer and lung cancer, present information of detected abnormal shadow candidates to doctors, and diagnosis of interpretation by doctors Computer aided diagnosis (CAD) that provides support has been developed. The doctor determines whether or not the portion is abnormal by referring to the size and shape of the abnormal shadow candidate detected by the computer diagnosis support apparatus. By displaying and observing abnormal shadow candidates of the same patient in time series together with medical image data, it is possible to examine changes over time in the size and shape of the abnormal shadow candidates.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, conventionally, in order to observe temporal changes with respect to abnormal shadow candidates in medical image data, it is necessary to perform complicated operations such as switching images displayed on the image display device. Candidate changes could not be observed efficiently. In addition, since abnormal shadow candidates are displayed together with medical image data, there has been a problem that it is difficult to understand temporal changes of abnormal shadow candidates.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a medical image processing apparatus that displays so that a change with time of an abnormal shadow candidate in a medical image can be efficiently observed. Yes.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1
In a medical image processing apparatus that includes a display unit, performs image processing on input medical image data and displays the image on the display unit,
An abnormal shadow candidate detecting means for detecting an abnormal shadow candidate in the medical image data;
Storage means for storing the abnormal shadow candidate data of the abnormal shadow candidate detected by the abnormal shadow candidate detection means and the medical image data of the detection source as separate data in association with patient information and imaging conditions , respectively;
A designation means for designating a patient and imaging conditions ;
Search means for searching for abnormal shadow candidate data of the patient and imaging conditions specified by the specifying means from the storage means;
Display control means for arranging the abnormal shadow candidate data searched by the search means in time series and displaying on the display unit;
It is characterized by having.
[0006]
The invention described in claim 6
In the medical image processing method in the medical image processing apparatus that includes a display unit, performs image processing on the input medical image data, and displays the image on the display unit.
Detecting abnormal shadow candidates in the medical image data;
Storing the abnormal shadow candidate data of the detected abnormal shadow candidate and the medical image data of the detection source as separate data in association with patient information and imaging conditions , respectively, by storage means;
Specifying a patient and imaging conditions ;
Searching the storage means for abnormal shadow candidate data of the designated patient and imaging conditions ;
Arranging the retrieved abnormal shadow candidate data in time series and displaying them on the display unit ;
It is characterized by including.
[0007]
The invention described in claim 7
A computer for controlling a medical image processing apparatus that includes a display unit, performs image processing on input medical image data, and displays the medical image data on the display unit,
A function of detecting abnormal shadow candidates in the medical image data;
A function of storing the abnormal shadow candidate data of the detected abnormal shadow candidate and the medical image data of the detection source as separate data in a storage unit in association with patient information and imaging conditions , respectively;
A function to specify a patient and imaging conditions ;
A function for retrieving abnormal shadow candidate data of the designated patient and imaging conditions from the storage means;
A function of arranging the searched abnormal shadow candidate data in time series and displaying them on the display unit ;
It is characterized by being a program for realizing.
[0008]
The invention described in claim 8
A computer for controlling a medical image processing apparatus that includes a display unit, performs image processing on input medical image data, and displays the medical image data on the display unit,
A function of detecting abnormal shadow candidates in the medical image data;
A function of storing the abnormal shadow candidate data of the detected abnormal shadow candidate and the medical image data of the detection source as separate data in a storage unit in association with patient information and imaging conditions , respectively;
A function to specify a patient and imaging conditions ;
A function for retrieving abnormal shadow candidate data of the designated patient and imaging conditions from the storage means;
A function of arranging the searched abnormal shadow candidate data in time series and displaying them on the display unit ;
It is a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for realizing the above.
[0009]
According to the first, sixth, seventh, and eighth aspects of the present invention, abnormal shadow candidates in the medical image data are detected, and the abnormal shadow candidate data of the detected abnormal shadow candidates and the medical image data of the detection source are different data. And storing them in the storage means in association with the patient information and the imaging conditions , respectively, searching the storage means for abnormal shadow candidate data of the designated patient and imaging conditions, and searching the abnormal shadow candidate data searched for in time series Arrange and display on the display. Therefore, a doctor or the like can efficiently observe a temporal change of an abnormal shadow candidate of a certain imaging region of a certain patient.
[0010]
The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1,
The abnormal shadow candidate detection means detects at least one of abnormal shadow candidates including a tumor shadow, a tumor shadow, and a microcalcification shadow for each medical image data of breast image data, chest image data, or abdominal image data. It is characterized by being targeted.
[0011]
According to the second aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the abnormal shadow candidate detecting means is configured to apply a tumor shadow, a tumor to each medical image data such as breast image data, chest image data, abdominal image data, At least one of the abnormal shadow candidates including the shadow and the microcalcification shadow is set as the search target. Therefore, abnormal shadow candidates including tumor shadows, tumor shadows, and microcalcification shadows can be detected from medical image data such as breast image data, chest image data, and abdominal image data.
[0018]
The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The display control means is characterized in that the abnormal shadow candidate data searched by the search means is superimposed on a time series and displayed on the display unit.
[0019]
According to the invention described in claim 3, in the invention described in claim 1 or 2 , the searched abnormal shadow candidate data is displayed on the display unit in a time series. Accordingly, it is possible to clearly display a temporal change of an abnormal shadow candidate of a certain imaging region of a certain patient.
[0020]
The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 3 ,
The display control means causes the abnormal shadow candidate data searched by the search means to be displayed on the display unit so that the abnormal shadow candidate data having a new photographing time is positioned higher, or the abnormal shadow candidate data having an old photographing time. It is characterized in that it is displayed on the display unit so as to be positioned at the top.
[0021]
According to the invention described in claim 4, in the invention described in claim 3 , the retrieved abnormal shadow candidate data is displayed on the display unit such that the abnormal shadow candidate data having a new photographing time is positioned higher. Alternatively, the retrieved abnormal shadow candidate data is displayed on the display unit such that the abnormal shadow candidate data with the older photographing time is positioned higher. Accordingly, it is possible to clearly display a temporal change of an abnormal shadow candidate of a certain imaging region of a certain patient.
[0022]
The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The search means searches the storage means for abnormal shadow candidate data and medical image data of the patient and the imaging conditions specified by the specification means, and the display control means performs a search on the medical image data searched by the search means. In addition, the retrieved abnormal shadow candidate data is superimposed on a time series and displayed on the display unit.
[0023]
According to the invention described in claim 5, in the invention described in any one of claims 1-4 , the abnormal shadow candidate data is superimposed on the retrieved medical image data in time series on the display unit. Display . Therefore, a doctor or the like can efficiently observe a temporal change of an abnormal shadow candidate of a certain imaging region of a certain patient including the position in the region.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First, the configuration will be described.
In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 has functions as a search unit, a display control unit, and a difference image creation unit described in the claims of the present invention, and the abnormal shadow detection unit 16 has an abnormal shadow candidate. The recording medium 15a has a function as a storage unit, and the input unit 12 has a function as a designation unit. The display unit 13 corresponds to the display unit described in the claims of the present invention.
[0027]
FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually showing the overall configuration of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a medical image processing apparatus 1 is connected to a medical image reading apparatus 3 that reads radiological medical image information via a communication line 2 such as a LAN or the Internet. The medical image reading device 3 is an X-ray CT scanner, a CR device, or the like, and one or a plurality of medical image reading devices 3 can be connected to the medical image processing device 1. Thereby, the medical image data read by the medical image reading device 3 is transmitted to the medical image processing device 1 via the communication line 2. The medical image data read by the medical image reading device 3 may be stored in a memory or the like, and the medical image data may be acquired by mounting the memory on the medical image processing device 1.
[0028]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the medical image processing apparatus 1.
Hereinafter, the internal configuration of the medical image processing apparatus 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 2, the medical image processing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 11, an input unit 12, a display unit 13, a RAM 14, a storage unit 15 having a recording medium 15a, an abnormal shadow detection unit 16, an image processing unit 17, an I / I F18, and each part is connected by a bus 19.
[0030]
The control unit 11 reads out system programs and various control programs stored in the storage unit 15 and the recording medium 15a, expands them in the RAM 14, and centrally controls the operations of the respective units according to the expanded programs. Further, the control unit 11 executes various processes including an abnormal shadow candidate data creation process and an abnormal shadow candidate display process, which will be described later, in accordance with a program developed in the RAM 14, stores the processing results in the RAM 14, and displays the display unit 13. To display. Then, the processing result stored in the RAM 14 is stored in a predetermined storage destination of the storage unit 15 or the recording medium 15a.
[0031]
The input unit 12 includes a keyboard having character / alphanumeric input keys, cursor keys, various function keys, and the like, and a mouse that is a pointing device. The operation signal is output to the control unit 11 as an input signal. Alternatively, the input unit 12 includes a touch panel that outputs position information input by touching a transparent sheet panel covering the display screen of the display unit 13 with a finger or a dedicated stylus pen to the control unit 11 as an input signal. Is done.
[0032]
The display unit 13 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or the like, and displays an image on the display screen in accordance with an instruction of a display signal input from the control unit 11.
[0033]
A RAM (Random Access Memory) 14 is a system program that can be executed by the medical image processing apparatus 1 read from the storage unit 15 or the recording medium 15a in various processes that are executed and controlled by the control unit 11, various processing programs, and inputs. Alternatively, it is a temporary storage area for output data and parameters.
[0034]
The storage unit 15 is configured by an HD (Hard Disc), a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, or the like, and includes a system program corresponding to the medical image processing apparatus 1, various processing programs that can be executed on the system program, and these programs. Store the processed data and the like. The program is stored in the form of computer readable program code, and the control unit 11 sequentially executes operations according to the program code.
[0035]
The recording medium 15a is composed of a magnetic or optical recording medium or a nonvolatile memory such as a semiconductor, and stores various data including program data and medical image data received from the medical image reading device 3. To do. The recording medium 15a is fixedly provided in the storage unit 15 or is detachably mounted.
[0036]
In the present embodiment, the recording medium 15a includes a medical image storage unit 151, an abnormal shadow storage unit 152, and a medical image information file 153, as shown in FIG. The medical image storage unit 151 stores medical image data received from the medical image reading device 3 and subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 17. The abnormal shadow storage unit 152 stores abnormal shadow candidate data that is image data of abnormal shadow candidates detected by the abnormal shadow detection unit 16. The medical image information file 153 stores medical image information such as a patient name, imaging date / time, and imaging site in association with each medical image data.
[0037]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data storage in the medical image information file 153 that stores medical image information such as a patient name, imaging date and time, and imaging site related to each medical image data read by the medical image reading device 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the medical image information file 153 includes a patient ID area 153a, a patient name area 153b, a part area 153c, an imaging ID area 153d, an imaging date / time area 153e, an imaging condition area 153f, an image A data name area 153g and an abnormal shadow data name area 153h are included.
[0038]
The patient ID area 153a stores, as “patient ID”, a code (for example, 100001, 100002, 10003,...) Uniquely assigned to identify a patient who is a subject of a medical image. The patient name area 153b stores a character string (for example, ΔΔΔΔ, xxx, xxx,...) Representing the patient's name as “patient name”. The part region 153c stores data (for example, chest, breast, abdomen,...) Representing the name of the imaged diseased part (imaging part) as a “part”. The shooting ID area 153d displays an identification code (for example, 001-A-01, 001-B-02, 001-C-03,...) Uniquely assigned for specifying shooting as “shooting ID”. Store as. The imaging date / time area 153e is date / time data (for example, 02/01/01 12:00, 02/01/01 14:00, 02/01/01 16:00,.・) Is stored as “shooting date”. The imaging condition area 153f stores data (e.g., front..., Side surface..., Position...) Representing the medical image imaging conditions as "imaging conditions". The image data name area 153g is a character string (for example, A_01.abc, B_02.abc, C_03.abc, etc.) representing the name of the image data (medical image data) of the medical image stored in the medical image storage unit 151. ..) is stored as “image data name”. The abnormal shadow data name area_153h is a character string (for example, a_01.abc) that represents the name of abnormal shadow data (abnormal shadow candidate data) detected for the medical image data stored in the abnormal shadow storage unit 152. , B_02.abc, c_03.abc...) Are stored as “abnormal shadow data names”.
[0039]
The medical image information file 153 has an imaging condition area 153f separately from the imaging date and time (imaging time) and the imaging site, and detailed information at the time of imaging such as the body position, imaging direction, and exposure dose during radiography. Although the conditions are stored, the imaging conditions in the claims of the present invention include not only the imaging conditions but also conditions at the time of imaging such as imaging time and imaging region.
[0040]
As described above, the medical image information file 153 includes, for each medical image data, a patient name, an imaging date, an imaging region, an imaging condition, a medical image data name (image data name), an abnormal shadow candidate data name (abnormal shadow data name). Therefore, it is possible to easily search medical image data and abnormal shadow candidate data, rearrange the searched data according to the photographing time, and the like.
[0041]
The abnormal shadow detection unit 16 in FIG. 2 performs CAD calculation for detecting abnormal shadow candidates on the medical image data read from the medical image storage unit 151, and includes, for example, a mammography image, a chest image, Abnormal shadow candidates such as a tumor shadow, a tumor shadow, and a microcalcification shadow in the abdomen captured image are detected.
[0042]
The image processing unit 17 performs processing such as gradation processing, frequency processing, dynamic range compression processing, and multi-frequency processing on medical image data input from the medical image reading device 3 or stored in the medical image storage unit 151. Apply. Also, compression processing for compressing in a predetermined encoding format, decompression processing for decoding and decompressing compressed image data, and the like are executed.
[0043]
The I / F 18 is connected to the communication line 2, and transmits / receives data between the medical image processing apparatus 1 and other external devices such as the medical image reading apparatus 3 via the communication line 2.
[0044]
Next, the operation will be described.
First, the abnormal shadow candidate data creation process executed by the control unit 11 of the medical image processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0045]
When medical image data for creating abnormal shadow candidate data is selected by pressing a predetermined key on the input unit 12 or operating a predetermined region with the mouse (step S1), the control unit 11 selects the abnormal shadow detection unit 16 to select it. CAD calculation is performed on the obtained medical image data, and an abnormal shadow candidate is detected (step S2). When the abnormal shadow detection unit 16 detects an abnormal shadow candidate (step S3; YES), the control unit 11 creates image data of the abnormal shadow candidate from the position information of the detected abnormal shadow candidate. Next, the control unit 11 saves the image data created in step S4 as abnormal shadow candidate data in the abnormal shadow storage unit 152 (step S5), and sets abnormal information on the medical image data in the medical image information file 153. The shadow candidate data name is added and updated (step S6), and the abnormal shadow candidate data creation process ends. On the other hand, if no abnormal shadow candidate is detected in step S3, the control unit 11 ends the abnormal shadow candidate data creation process.
[0046]
Note that the abnormal shadow candidate data created in step S4 may be image data of only abnormal shadow candidates that is different from the medical image data, or an image in which the abnormal shadow candidate images are superimposed on the medical image data. It may be data. When creating the abnormal shadow candidate image data, for example, if the abnormal shadow candidate portion is made to be image data emphasized with a marker or the like, the abnormal shadow candidate can be clarified.
[0047]
Next, the abnormal shadow candidate display process executed by the control unit 11 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0048]
When a search condition (patient ID, imaging region, imaging condition, etc.) and display data (any one of medical image data, abnormal shadow candidate data, medical image data, and abnormal shadow candidate data) are designated by the input unit 12. (Step S11), the control unit 11 searches the medical image information file 153 based on the input search condition, and extracts corresponding display data (step S12). Next, the control unit 11 displays the number of the extracted display data on the display unit 13, and when the display number is designated by the input unit 12 (step S13), the display unit 13 displays the extracted display data. Are arranged and displayed in chronological order (step S14). When medical image data and abnormal shadow candidate data are designated as display data, the corresponding abnormal shadow candidate data is superimposed on the medical image data and displayed on the display unit 13.
[0049]
Next, when an instruction to execute overlay display is input from the input unit 12 (step S15; YES), the control unit 11 performs the abnormal shadow candidate data searched in step S12 or the medical data searched in step S12. When the screen for allowing the user to select whether to display the abnormal shadow candidate data corresponding to the image data in the oldest order or the newest order is displayed, and the display order is designated (step S16). The abnormal shadow candidate data is superimposed and displayed on the display unit 13 in the specified order (step 17). On the other hand, if an instruction to execute overlay display is not input in step S15 (step S15; NO), the process proceeds to step S18.
[0050]
When an instruction to execute difference display is input by the input unit 12 (step S18; YES), the control unit 11 creates a difference image (step S19). For example, the difference image is created by using the abnormal shadow candidate data corresponding to the medical image data searched in step S12 or the abnormal shadow candidate data searched in step S12 in the order of the abnormal shadow candidates 1, 2,. If so, the area of the abnormal shadow candidate 1 is subtracted from the area of the abnormal shadow candidate 2 and the difference data is used as the difference image 1. That is, the region of the abnormal shadow candidate N-1 is subtracted from the region of the abnormal shadow candidate N to obtain a difference image N. After creating the difference image, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 13 to display the created difference image side by side in order of oldest shooting time (step S20).
[0051]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the abnormal shadow candidate display screen 131 displayed on the display unit 13 in step S14 when medical image data and abnormal shadow candidate data are designated as display data in step S11 of FIG. is there. As shown in FIG. 7, on the abnormal shadow candidate display screen 131, medical image data and its abnormal shadow candidate data obtained under the same imaging conditions for the same imaging region of the same patient are arranged and displayed in order of imaging time. It is possible to observe changes in abnormal shadow candidates in time series.
[0052]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the abnormal shadow overlay display screen 132 displayed on the display unit 13 in step S17 of FIG. FIG. 8A shows an abnormal shadow overlay display screen 132 in which the abnormal shadow candidate data with the oldest shooting time is placed at the top, and the abnormal shadow candidate data is superimposed and displayed in the order of the shooting time. Shows an abnormal shadow overlay display screen 132 in which the abnormal shadow candidate data with the newest imaging time is placed at the top, and the abnormal shadow candidate data is superimposed and displayed in the order of the imaging time. Changes over time of abnormal shadow candidates can be clearly displayed on the abnormal shadow overlay display screen 132 shown in FIG.
[0053]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the abnormal shadow difference display screen 133 displayed in step S20 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the abnormal shadow difference display screen 133 displays the differences of the abnormal shadow candidate areas in time series. Thereby, the temporal change of the abnormal shadow candidate can be displayed more clearly.
[0054]
Each image on each display screen can be freely enlarged or reduced.
[0055]
As described above, according to the medical image processing apparatus 1, the control unit 11 performs the search condition (patient ID, imaging region, imaging condition, etc.) and display data (medical image data, abnormal shadow candidate data, medical image data). And any one of the abnormal shadow candidate data), the medical image information file 153 is searched based on the input search condition, the corresponding display data is extracted, and the extracted display data is extracted. The images are displayed in order from the oldest shooting time. Also, when an instruction to execute overlay display is input from the input unit 12 and the display order is specified, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 13 to display the abnormal shadow candidate data in a superimposed manner. Further, when an instruction to execute a difference display is input from the input unit 12, the control unit 11 creates a difference image, and causes the display unit 13 to display the created difference images in the order of oldest shooting times.
[0056]
Therefore, the abnormal shadow candidate data of the same patient can be arranged and displayed in order of the photographing time, so that the doctor or the like can efficiently observe the temporal change in the size or shape of the abnormal shadow candidate. Further, by displaying the abnormal shadow candidate data superimposed in order of the photographing time or displaying the difference of the abnormal shadow candidate data, a doctor or the like can easily recognize the temporal change of the abnormal shadow candidate.
[0057]
In addition, the description content in the said embodiment is a suitable example of the medical image processing apparatus 1 which concerns on this invention, and is not limited to this.
[0058]
For example, in the above embodiment, the user designates desired display data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any one of them may be automatically displayed.
[0059]
In the above-described embodiment, only the abnormal shadow candidate data is displayed in a superimposed manner or displayed as a difference, but the abnormal shadow candidate data may be displayed on the medical image data. In this case, if the abnormal shadow candidate data is colored, the abnormal shadow candidate on the medical image data becomes clear and easy to identify. Further, a difference between medical image data may be displayed.
[0060]
In addition, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of the medical image processing apparatus 1 can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0061]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first, sixth, seventh, and eighth aspects of the present invention, abnormal shadow candidates in the medical image data are detected, and the abnormal shadow candidate data of the detected abnormal shadow candidates and the medical image data of the detection source are different data. And storing them in the storage means in association with the patient information and the imaging conditions , respectively, searching the storage means for abnormal shadow candidate data of the designated patient and imaging conditions, and searching the abnormal shadow candidate data searched for in time series Arrange and display on the display. Therefore, a doctor or the like can efficiently observe a temporal change of an abnormal shadow candidate of a certain imaging region of a certain patient.
[0062]
According to the second aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the abnormal shadow candidate detecting means is configured to apply a tumor shadow, a tumor to each medical image data such as breast image data, chest image data, and abdominal image data. At least one of the abnormal shadow candidates including the shadow and the microcalcification shadow is set as the search target. Therefore, abnormal shadow candidates including tumor shadows, tumor shadows, and microcalcification shadows can be detected from medical image data such as breast image data, chest image data, and abdominal image data.
[0066]
According to the invention described in claim 3, in the invention described in claim 1 or 2 , the searched abnormal shadow candidate data is displayed on the display unit in a time series. Accordingly, it is possible to clearly display a temporal change of an abnormal shadow candidate of a certain imaging region of a certain patient.
[0067]
According to the invention described in claim 4, in the invention described in claim 3 , the retrieved abnormal shadow candidate data is displayed on the display unit such that the abnormal shadow candidate data having a new photographing time is positioned higher. Alternatively, the retrieved abnormal shadow candidate data is displayed on the display unit such that the abnormal shadow candidate data with the older photographing time is positioned higher. Accordingly, it is possible to clearly display a temporal change of an abnormal shadow candidate of a certain imaging region of a certain patient.
[0068]
According to the invention described in claim 5, in the invention described in any one of claims 1-4 , the abnormal shadow candidate data is superimposed on the retrieved medical image data in time series on the display unit. Display . Therefore, a doctor or the like can efficiently observe a temporal change of an abnormal shadow candidate of a certain imaging region of a certain patient including the position in the region.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually showing the overall configuration of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the medical image processing apparatus 1 of FIG.
3 is a diagram showing a data storage configuration of the recording medium 15a of FIG. 2. FIG.
4 is a diagram showing an example of data storage inside the medical image information file 153 of FIG. 3. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an abnormal shadow candidate data creation process executed by the control unit 11 of FIG.
6 is a flowchart of an abnormal shadow candidate display process executed by the control unit 11 of FIG.
7 is a diagram showing an abnormal shadow candidate display screen 131 displayed on the display unit 13 of FIG.
8 is a diagram showing an abnormal shadow overlay display screen 132 displayed on the display unit 13 of FIG.
9 is a diagram showing an abnormal shadow difference display screen 133 displayed on the display unit 13 of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Medical image processing apparatus 2 Communication line 3 Medical image reading apparatus 11 Control part 12 Input part 13 Display part 14 RAM
15 Storage unit 15a Recording medium 16 Abnormal shadow detection unit 17 Image processing unit 18 I / F
19 Bus

Claims (8)

In a medical image processing apparatus that includes a display unit, performs image processing on input medical image data and displays the image on the display unit,
An abnormal shadow candidate detecting means for detecting an abnormal shadow candidate in the medical image data;
Storage means for storing the abnormal shadow candidate data of the abnormal shadow candidate detected by the abnormal shadow candidate detection means and the medical image data of the detection source as separate data in association with patient information and imaging conditions , respectively;
A designation means for designating a patient and imaging conditions ;
Search means for searching for abnormal shadow candidate data of the patient and imaging conditions specified by the specifying means from the storage means;
Display control means for arranging the abnormal shadow candidate data searched by the search means in time series and displaying on the display unit;
A medical image processing apparatus comprising:   The abnormal shadow candidate detection means detects at least one of abnormal shadow candidates including a tumor shadow, a tumor shadow, and a microcalcification shadow for each medical image data of breast image data, chest image data, or abdominal image data. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, which is a target. 3. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit causes the abnormal shadow candidate data searched by the search unit to be superimposed on a time series and displayed on the display unit. The display control means causes the abnormal shadow candidate data searched by the search means to be displayed on the display unit so that the abnormal shadow candidate data having a new photographing time is positioned higher, or the abnormal shadow candidate data having an old photographing time. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the medical image processing apparatus is displayed on the display unit so as to be positioned at a higher position. The search means searches the storage means for abnormal shadow candidate data and medical image data of the patient and imaging conditions specified by the specification means,
Wherein the display control unit, according to claim 1 to 4 wherein the retrieval means on the medical image data retrieved by the, and wherein the displaying the retrieved abnormal shadow candidate data on the display unit by superposing in time series A medical image processing apparatus according to any one of the above. In the medical image processing method in the medical image processing apparatus that includes a display unit, performs image processing on the input medical image data, and displays the image on the display unit.
Detecting abnormal shadow candidates in the medical image data;
Storing the abnormal shadow candidate data of the detected abnormal shadow candidate and the medical image data of the detection source as separate data in association with patient information and imaging conditions , respectively, by storage means;
Specifying a patient and imaging conditions ;
Searching the storage means for abnormal shadow candidate data of the designated patient and imaging conditions ;
Arranging the retrieved abnormal shadow candidate data in time series and displaying them on the display unit ;
A medical image processing method comprising: A computer for controlling a medical image processing apparatus that includes a display unit, performs image processing on input medical image data, and displays the medical image data on the display unit,
A function of detecting abnormal shadow candidates in the medical image data;
A function of storing the abnormal shadow candidate data of the detected abnormal shadow candidate and the medical image data of the detection source as separate data in a storage unit in association with patient information and imaging conditions , respectively;
A function to specify a patient and imaging conditions ;
A function for retrieving abnormal shadow candidate data of the designated patient and imaging conditions from the storage means;
A function of arranging the searched abnormal shadow candidate data in time series and displaying them on the display unit ;
A program to realize A computer for controlling a medical image processing apparatus that includes a display unit, performs image processing on input medical image data, and displays the medical image data on the display unit,
A function of detecting abnormal shadow candidates in the medical image data;
A function of storing the abnormal shadow candidate data of the detected abnormal shadow candidate and the medical image data of the detection source as separate data in a storage unit in association with patient information and imaging conditions , respectively;
A function to specify a patient and imaging conditions ;
A function for retrieving abnormal shadow candidate data of the designated patient and imaging conditions from the storage means;
A function of arranging the searched abnormal shadow candidate data in time series and displaying them on the display unit ;
A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for realizing the above.

Images