Automatic 3D segmentation of multiphoton images: a key step for the quantification of human skin

Abstract : Background/purpose Multiphoton microscopy has emerged in the past decade as a useful noninvasive imaging technique for in vivo human skin characterization. However, it has not been used until now in evaluation clinical trials, mainly because of the lack of specific image processing tools that would allow the investigator to extract pertinent quantitative three-dimensional (3D) information from the different skin components. Methods We propose a 3D automatic segmentation method of multiphoton images which is a key step for epidermis and dermis quantification. This method, based on the morphological watershed and graph cuts algorithms, takes into account the real shape of the skin surface and of the dermal–epidermal junction, and allows separating in 3D the epidermis and the superficial dermis. Results The automatic segmentation method and the associated quantitative measurements have been developed and validated on a clinical database designed for aging characterization. The segmentation achieves its goals for epidermis–dermis separation and allows quantitative measurements inside the different skin compartments with sufficient relevance. Conclusions This study shows that multiphoton microscopy associated with specific image processing tools provides access to new quantitative measurements on the various skin components. The proposed 3D automatic segmentation method will contribute to build a powerful tool for characterizing human skin condition. To our knowledge, this is the first 3D approach to the segmentation and quantification of these original images.