Classification of rheumatoid joint inflammation based on laser imaging

• Published in: IEEE transactions on biomedical engineering 2003-03, Vol.50 (3), p.375-382
• Main Authors: Schwaighofe, A., Tresp, V., Mayer, P., Krause, A., Beuthan, J., Rost, H., Metzger, G., Muller, G.A., Scheel, A.K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algorithms; Arthritis; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - classification; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - diagnosis; Biological and medical sciences; Biomedical imaging; Biomedical optical imaging; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Expert Systems; Finger Joint - pathology; Fingers; Humans; Image Enhancement - methods; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted - methods; Inflammatory joint diseases; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Joints; Laser modes; Lasers; Medical diagnostic imaging; Medical sciences; Observer Variation; Optical imaging; Optical sensors; Osteoarticular system. Muscles; Pathology; Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques; Pattern Recognition, Automated; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity
• ISSN: 0018-9294; 1558-2531
• DOI: 10.1109/TBME.2003.808827

We describe a classification system for a novel imaging method for arthritic finger joints. The basis of this system is a laser imaging technique which is sensitive to the optical characteristics of finger joint tissue. From the laser images acquired at baseline and follow-up, finger joints can automatically be classified according to whether the inflammatory status has improved or worsened. To perform the classification task, various linear and kernel-based systems were implemented and their performances were compared. Based on the results presented in this paper, we conclude that the laser-based imaging permits a reliable classification of pathological finger joints, making it a sensitive method for detecting arthritic changes.