Validation of automated white matter hyperintensity segmentation

Abstract

Introduction. White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are a common finding on MRI scans of older people and are associated with vascular disease. We compared 3 methods for automatically segmenting WMHs from MRI scans. Method. An operator manually segmented WMHs on MRI images from a 3T scanner. The scans were also segmented in a fully automated fashion by three different programmes. The voxel overlap between manual and automated segmentation was compared. Results. Between observer overlap ratio was 63. Using our previously described in-house software, we had overlap of 62.2. We investigated the use of a modified version of SPM segmentation; however, this was not successful, with only 14 overlap. Discussion. Using our previously reported software, we demonstrated good segmentation of WMHs in a fully automated fashion. © 2011 Sean D. Smart et al.