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Researcher's view Computer-based image registration for mammography Daniel Rueckert What is image registration? "Image registration is a technology that combines information from a variety of techniques (such as MRI, X-ray and ultrasound) and provides a better image of the breast. Since breasts can move and are easy to deform they are harder to image than other organs. So putting several techniques together helps build a better picture." What advances have been made as a result of research? "Recent advances in image registration technology have demonstrated that computer-based algorithms are able to correct for complex motion of the patient during contrast-enhanced MRI. During this investigation a number of different scans are acquired before and after the administration of a contrast-agent. Any motion of the patient during the imaging makes the interpretation of the images for the clinician difficult. The application of computer-based registration technology can correct for patient motion between the different scans and enables clinicians to make accurate measurements of parameters such as the amount and speed of contrast-agent uptake that is crucial to separate benign from non-benign lesions." What might we expect in the future? "Today, much of the research focuses on the development of registration techniques which would enable clinicians to relate conventional 2D x-ray mammograms with 3D MR mammograms. This would allow clinicians to investigate suspicious findings on x-ray with an alternative imaging modality such as 3D MR mammography. This could potentially help to avoid a number of exploratory biopsies and reduce the levels of anxiety and uncertainty for the patient. Other future applications of computer-based image registration may include computer-assisted breast biopsy or surgery in which images acquired during an intervention are used to help the surgeon to navigate automatically to a tumor and remove the tumor more safely and less invasively." Woman's view | Radiologist's view | Researcher's view | Research process |