Use of fuzzy edge single-photon emission computed tomography analysis in definite Alzheimer's disease - a retrospective study

Background Definite Alzheimer's disease (AD) requires neuropathological confirmation. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) may enhance diagnostic accuracy, but due to restricted sensitivity and specificity, the role of SPECT is largely limited with regard to this purpose.Methods We propose a new method of SPECT data analysis. The method is based on a combination of parietal lobe selection (as regions-of-interest (ROI)), 3D fuzzy edge detection, and 3D watershed transformation. We applied the algorithm to three-dimensional SPECT images of human brains and compared the number of watershed regions inside the ROI between AD patients and controls. The Student's two-sample t-test was used for testing domain number equity in both groups.Results AD patients had a significantly reduced number of watershed regions compared to controls (p Conclusions Our non-invasive, relatively low-cost, and easy method can contribute to a more precise diagnosis of AD.