Intensity-based classification of MR images has proven problematic, even when advanced techniques are used. Intra-scan and inter-scan intensity inhomogeneities are a common source of difficulty. While reported methods have had some success in correcting intra-scan inhomogeneities, such methods require supervision for the individual scan. This paper describes a new method called adaptive segmentation that uses knowledge of tissue intensity properties and intensity inhomogeneities to correct and

more »

... ies to correct and segment MR images. Use of the EM algorithm leads to a method that allows for more accurate segmentation of tissue types as well as better visualization of MRI data, that has proven to be effective in a study that includes more than 1000 brain scans. Implementation and results are described for segmenting the brain in the following types of images: axial (dual-echo spin-echo), coronal (3DFT gradient-echo T1-weighted) all using a conventional head coil; and a sagittal section acquired using a surface coil. The accuracy of adaptive segmentation was found to be comparable with manual segmentation, and closer to manual segmentation than supervised multi-variate classification while segmenting gray and white matter.