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A Comprehensive Strategy for the Identification of Arachnoid Cysts in the Brain Utilizing Image Processing Segmentation Methods
Aziz Ilyas OZTURK1, Osman YILDIRIM2, Onur DERYAHANOGLU3

1Dr. Aziz Ilyas OZTURK, General Electric Healthcare Istanbul, Turkey.

2Prof. Dr. Osman YILDIRIM, Istanbul Aydin University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Istanbul, Turkey.

3Dr. Onur Deryahanoglu, General Electric Healthcare Istanbul, Turkey.   

Manuscript received on 26 December 2024 | First Revised Manuscript received on 03 January 2025 | Second Revised Manuscript received on 08 January 2025 | Manuscript Accepted on 15 January 2025 | Manuscript published on 30 January 2025 | PP: 5-11 | Volume-14 Issue-2, January 2025 | Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijitee.B103114020125 | DOI: 10.35940/ijitee.B1031.14020125

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© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

Abstract: This study focuses on the segmentation and characterization of arachnoid cysts in brain MRI images, aiming to enhance diagnostic accuracy through advanced image processing techniques. Arachnoid cysts are cerebrospinal fluid-filled sacs located between the brain or spinal cord and the arachnoid membrane. These cysts can be asymptomatic but may also cause neurological symptoms such as headaches, seizures, or cognitive impairments when they increase in size or pressure. Accurate detection and characterization are essential for timely intervention and treatment. In this research, 269 brain MRI images were analyzed using connected component analysis (CCA) and contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE). CLAHE was employed to enhance image contrast, particularly in regions with subtle intensity differences, while CCA facilitated the segmentation of connected regions corresponding to cysts. The smallest connected components were identified and analyzed to isolate arachnoid cysts with high precision. Post-segmentation, quantitative analysis was performed to extract features such as size, shape, and density, enabling comprehensive cyst characterization. Additionally, calculations for area and approximate volume were conducted, providing critical information for clinical assessment. Visual validation of segmentation outcomes confirmed the effectiveness of the applied methods in accurately delineating cyst boundaries. This research addresses a significant gap in the existing literature. While most studies focus on brain tumor segmentation, there is limited work on arachnoid cyst detection and volume estimation. By integrating image processing techniques tailored for arachnoid cysts, this study offers a novel approach to their diagnosis and monitoring. The findings demonstrate the potential for automated diagnostic tools, reducing subjectivity and improving efficiency in clinical workflows. The proposed methodology aligns with advancements in medical imaging and contributes to the development of improved tools for neuroimaging diagnostics, paving the way for more precise and reliable assessments in the detection of brain pathologies.

Keywords: Arachnoid Cyst, Segmentation, Cyst Analysis.
Scope of the Article: Electrical and Electronics