Automatic detection of hilum and parenchymal bands on HRCT lung images

High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images have been found to be more sensitive than chest radiographs and conventional CT in diffuse lung disease diagnosis. Parenchymal bands are a type of reticular opacity commonly seen in patients with asbestosis. We have developed automated techniques to detect parenchymal bands on HRCT images of the lung that can help reduce the amount of data radiologists must process to arrive at a diagnosis. This technique also includes detection of the hilum an anatomical landmark, which is essential to parenchymal band detection. Preliminary results are presented