Next Generation MUSICA: More from Each Image

In this interview, Piet Vuylsteke (Senior Researcher) and Jan Leeuws (Business Manager Digital Radiography) at Agfa HealthCare explain the technology behind the next generation of MUSICA image processing software. Using the Fractional Multiscale Processing (FMP) algorithm, this version extracts more detail from CR and DR images while remaining fully automatic and exam-independent.

Highlights

• MUSICA is fully automatic and needs no processing parameter adjustment per exam or exposure technique
• Performance is independent of patient size (adult, child, neonate) and exam type
• The new FMP algorithm renders grayscale transitions more naturally in areas of abrupt density change, without artifacts
• No need to adjust window level to see details
• More consistent, homogeneous images and simpler installation
• Developed in collaboration with university and regional hospitals in specialties such as pediatrics and chest imaging

Article

The introduction of MUSICA (MUltiScale Image Contrast Amplification) in the 1990s was a technological leap: automatic, exam-independent processing of digital images, with contrast enhancement based on multiscale mathematics. Next generation MUSICA keeps all the benefits of earlier versions and is intended to be available for all of the company's CR and DR systems. The main design goal was consistent, high image quality across all exams, all patients and all hospitals at the lowest possible radiation dose.

To better render the most difficult image areas, such as abrupt transitions from low to high density, the Fractional Multiscale Processing algorithm was applied. In this approach, image processing filters are broken down into smaller parts that are processed separately. Contrast, noise and grayscale adaptation mechanisms have also been improved.

With a larger dynamic range, detail and consistency of presentation have improved, especially in images with strong signal differences. In skeletal imaging, no artificial shadow appears next to long bones or metal implants, trabecular structure is clearer, and overlapping carpal bones are shown with good clarity. In chest radiography, details of the bones, mediastinum and the lower lung behind the diaphragm become visible without compromising the presentation of the lungs.

According to Jan Leeuws, getting more detail with greater ease helps the radiologist reach a confident diagnosis in less time and improves departmental workflow.

Better presentation of difficult areas

• High detail in the mediastinum
• Clear trabecular, carpal and cortical bone
• Balanced presentation of soft tissue and overlapping bone structures
• Clear presentation of fine abdominal details
• True-to-life presentation of implants with sharp bone margins
• No window level adjustment needed, for fast and comfortable reading