4D medical image analysis

Abstract

Abstract 4 dimensional (4D) medical imaging symbolizes the next step in imaging. This advanced imaging method makes image analysis much faster and more accurate than ever. 4D medical imaging is the technique that combines three-dimensional (3D) images with time such that the movement and variation can be observed and analyzed in a more accurate way. 4D medical imaging includes time-resolved volumetric computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, single photon emission computed tomography, and ultrasound imaging. This chapter aims at presenting the current improvements in 4D medical imaging and diagnosis. The main challenge in the 3D medical imaging is the motion artifacts produced due to voluntary or involuntary patient motion such as digestive, cardiac, respiratory, and muscular motion. These artifacts can be efficiently handled by 4D image analysis. A large number of research papers are about different modalities of medical imaging and 3D scanning to identify the impact of them but very few literature on 4D imaging and diagnosis. The main objective of this chapter is to find the best possible usage of 4D imaging and its effective diagnosis. This will enable the physicians and researchers to identify the best treatment for the patients by minimizing the risks and to maximize accuracy and safety. A number of literature was studied systematically to analyze the challenges, limitations, and future directions. The observation shows that there is an increasing trend in research work in the field of 4D imaging. Different 4D imaging modalities, applications, techniques, and methods used in routine imaging and diagnosis were also discussed in detail. Machine learning is the part of artificial intelligence that provides solutions to the various medical imaging applications such as computer-aided diagnosis, lesion segmentation, medical image analysis, image-guided therapy, annotation and retrieval with 2D, 3D, and 4D data. Hence various machine learning techniques used in medical imaging is also discussed. Finally, the limitations, challenges, and future direction of research were given for the benefit of the researchers.