Gaussian mixture modeling for statistical analysis of features of high-resolution CT images of diffuse pulmonary diseases

This paper presents results of statistical analysis of fractal and texture features obtained from images of diffuse pulmonary diseases (DPDs). The features were extracted from preprocessed regions of interest (ROIs) selected from high-resolution computed tomography images. The ROIs represent five different patterns of DPDs and normal lung tissues. A Gaussian mixture model (GMM) was constructed for each feature, including all patterns. For each GMM, the six classes were identified and compared with the radiological classification of the corresponding ROIs. In 78.5% of the features, the GMM provides, for at least one class, a correct classification of at least 60%. The GMM approach facilitates detailed statistical analysis of the characteristics of each feature and assists in the development of classification strategies.