Accurate measurement of colorectal polyps using computer-aided analysis

Su, Ruizhang^a,,*; Liu, Jie^a,,*; Wu, Bifang^a,,*; Xie, Yun^b,,*; Zhang, Yi^c,,*; Zhang, Wen^d,,*; Zhang, Yongxiu^d; Wan, Man^b; Tian, Zhaoxu^e; Hu, Yiqun^b

European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology 33(5):p 701-708, May 2021. | DOI: 10.1097/MEG.0000000000002162

Abstract

Introduction 

As we know, the majority of colorectal cancers are thought to evolve from colorectal adenomas. In this study, we explored the use of Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) in the detection of colorectal polyps and the estimation of their sizes, which is important for the diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer.

Materials and methods 

As the distance between colonoscopy and lesion increases, magnification tends to decrease. Therefore, the size of colorectal polyps can be calculated by taking into account the captured image and the shooting distance. In this study, the fitting curve of the magnification of electronic colonoscopy was obtained by simulating intestinal tract and polyps in vitro. Then, the distance was artificially controlled in the endoscopic operation, and the image was taken at a preset distance. The CAD system was then trained on the overall shape of colorectal polyps. Image segmentation was employed to accurately identify colorectal polyps. Finally, on the basis of the magnification factor, the real value of polyps was predicted from the shooting distance and the segmentation image size.

Results 

The CAD system can automatically calculate the range of colorectal polyps and calculate the true size of the colorectal polyps according to the magnification of the corresponding distance.

Conclusions 

In this study, we developed a method of accurately estimating the size of colorectal polyps. This approach is compatible with many devices, which would expand its range of applications. This method has the potential for application in other areas of clinical diagnosis.