Computerized scheme for the detection of pulmonary nodules

A computerized scheme to detect locations of lung nodules in digital chest images is discussed. The method is based on a difference-image approach and various feature-extraction techniques, including a growth test, a slope test and a profile test. The aim of the detection scheme is to direct the radiologist´s attention to locations in an image that may contain a pulmonary nodule. Final decisions are made by the radiologist. Results of a preliminary observer study suggest that such a computer aid can improve the detection performance of radiologists