AI for the next era of biomedical imaging. 次世代の医用画像を切り拓くAI。

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Spatiotemporal Analysis of Swallowing Movement via 4DCT4DCTを用いた嚥下運動の時空間分析

This project focuses on the spatiotemporal analysis of swallowing mechanics using four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT), a dynamic imaging modality that acquires volumetric CT data at multiple successive time points to capture the motion of anatomical structures over time. Swallowing is a highly coordinated neuromuscular process involving the simultaneous movement of dozens of structures including the tongue, hyoid bone, larynx, pharynx, and esophagus. Dysphagia — impaired swallowing — is a clinically important condition associated with aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, and reduced quality of life, particularly in elderly and neurologically impaired populations. A precise, quantitative understanding of swallowing kinematics is therefore essential both for clinical diagnosis and for the development of targeted rehabilitation strategies.

本研究は、四次元CT（4DCT）を用いた嚥下動態の時空間分析に取り組んでいます。4DCTは連続した複数の時点で体積CTデータを取得する動態撮像モダリティであり、解剖学的構造の動きを経時的に捉えることができます。嚥下は、舌・舌骨・喉頭・咽頭・食道など多数の構造が関与する高度に協調されたの神経筋プロセスです。嚥下障害（嚥下困難）は誤嚥性肺炎・栄養不良・QOL低下と関連する臨床的に重要な状態であり、特に高齢者や神経障害患者に多く見られます。