An optimization method for hemi-diaphragm measurement of dynamic chest X-ray radiography during respiration based on graphics and diaphragm motion consistency criterion.

Introduction: Existing technologies are at risk of abnormal hemi-diaphragm measurement due to their abnormal morphology caused by lung field deformation during quiet breathing (free respiration or respiratory) interventions in dynamic chest radiography (DCR). To address this issue, an optimization method for hemi-diaphragm measurement is proposed, utilizing graphics and the consistency criterion for diaphragm motion.

Methods: First, Initial hemi-diaphragms are detected based on lung field mask edges of dynamic chest X-ray images abstracted from the DCR at respiratory interventions controlled by the radiologist's instructions. Second, abnormal hemi-diaphragms are identified, resulting from morphological deformation of the lung field during respiration. Lastly, these abnormal hemi-diaphragms are optimized based on the consistency criterion of diaphragm motion.

Results: Results show that the proposed optimization method can effectively measure the hemi-diaphragm, even in the presence of the inapparent cardiophrenic angle caused by abnormal deformations of the lung field morphology during respiration, reducing the mean error by 49.050 pixels (49.050 × 417 μm = 20,453.85 μm).

Discussion: Therefore, the proposed optimization method may become an effective tool for precision healthcare to find the pattern of diaphragm movement during respiratory interventions.