Parameters and filters for low bit rate wavelet packet compression of magnetic resonance images

We present an analysis of the characteristics of different filters for the compression of magnetic resonance images. Compression rates were 33:1 and 50:1. We compare the performance among different types of wavelets presented in the literature and provide quantitative (percentage of energy retained, peak signal to noise ratio) and qualitative (analysis by a group of seven experts) data to support our conclusions. Different types of coiflets, symlets and biorthogonal wavelets are analyzed, and we conclude that for the images under study (T1 weighed images in three planes), the best results are provided by the biorthogonal spline (Daubechies) wavelet 2,6. Several explanations for these results are mentioned.