Methods and systems for detection of retinal changes

Abstract

An image analysis system allows users to import digital color fundus images over time, and group such images for processing so as to generate analyses. Analyses are information modules based on a selected group of images and, optionally, related information. An analysis tool allows users to view and manipulate the analyses via a graphical user interface for aid in identifying and classifying microaneurysms and other symptoms related to retinopathy and, more generally, to allow for the detection of retinal changes over time.

1 . A system comprising:
 a record module configured to permit importing of digital color fundus images for processing by said system;   an image set module configured to group two of more of said images for analysis;   a processing module to generate analysis information for a selected group of said images; and   an analysis tool configured to provide a user a view of the analysis information and to collect inputs and instructions from a user via one or more tools of a graphical user interface.   
     
     
         2 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said record module is configured to associate with each respective imported image, one or more of the following:
 a date of the respective image;   an indication of whether the respective image is of a right or left eye;   information concerning equipment used to capture the respective image;   information concerning a field of acquisition for the respective image;   information concerning an angle of acquisition for the respective image;   information concerning whether or not mydriasis was used at the time of acquisition of the respective image.   
     
     
         3 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said image set module is configured to group said images manually in a chronological manner, or with respect to a selected reference image. 
     
     
         4 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said processing module is configured to provide image pre-processing; image co-registration; and information analysis. 
     
     
         5 . A system according to  claim 4 , wherein said image pre-processing comprises enhancing said images by changes in contrast and brightness. 
     
     
         6 . A system according to  claim 4 , wherein said image co-registration comprises performing co-registration of at least two of said images. 
     
     
         7 . A system according to  claim 4 , wherein said information analysis comprises automated detection of pathological markers of retinopathy in at least one of the following ways: detection of significant retinal changes in time; detection, identification and quantification of microaneurysms; and detection and identification of other relevant pathological markers of retinopathy. 
     
     
         8 . A system according to  claim 7 , wherein said detection of significant retinal changes in time comprises automatically detecting changes between identified ones of said images, and indicating either progression or regression of said pathological markers of retinopathy based on analysis of said identified images. 
     
     
         9 . A system according to  claim 7 , wherein said detection and identification of microaneurysms comprises automatically detecting and identifying microaneurysms in identified ones of said images. 
     
     
         10 . A system according to  claim 4 , wherein said information analysis comprises exploration of retrieved information through computation of positions and areas of detected pathological signs of retinopathy in analyzed ones of said images, and suggestion of recommended actions according to a decision tree. 
     
     
         11 . A system according to  claim 10 , wherein the computation of positions and areas of detected pathological signs of retinopathy in analyzed ones of said images comprises computation of positions of microaneurysms and surface areas of other detected pathological signs of retinopathy in the analyzed ones of said images. 
     
     
         12 . A system according to  claim 10 , wherein said suggestion of recommended actions comprises guidelines for therapeutic action. 
     
     
         13 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the processing module is further configured to compute information regarding detection and identification of microaneurysms in the images and to present clinically relevant information including some or all of: microaneurysm formation rate; microaneurysm disappearance rate; microaneurysms activity level by means of numbers of microaneurysms at each patient visit, numbers of new microaneurysms during a follow-up period; and numbers of microaneurysms that suffered occlusion during the follow-up period. 
     
     
         14 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the analysis tool is configured to receive as inputs said images and to return information regarding said images according to computations performed by said processing module. 
     
     
         15 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the analysis tool includes a log-in module, a main page module, a patient module, a patient dashboard, and an image explorer. 
     
     
         16 . A system according to  claim 15 , wherein said log-in module is configured to accept user identification credentials including a user name and password. 
     
     
         17 . A system according to  claim 15 , wherein the main page module includes a user dashboard, a patient list, a search page, and a new patient module. 
     
     
         18 . A system according to  claim 17 , wherein said user dashboard includes a list of submitted analysis jobs and their status. 
     
     
         19 . A system according to  claim 15 , wherein said patient dashboard comprises those of said images related to a patient identified by said dashboard, and analysis results relevant for said patient identified by said dashboard. 
     
     
         20 . A system according to  claim 15  wherein said patient dashboard includes means to submit new analyses for a patient identified by said dashboard.