A method of processing images in images comprising curvilinear structures
comprises, in parallel, a step of filtering said images and a decision
step intended to select the pixels of the images pertaining to a
curvilinear structure, the method comprising, in parallel, a sub-step of
estimating the direction of each image pixel, as well as a sub-step of
analyzing the connectivity of neighboring pixels based on their
directions at the end of the sub-step of estimating the direction of each
image pixel, and a sub-step of selecting groups of pixels as a function
of the result of the sub-step of analyzing the connectivity of
neighboring pixels based on their directions, at the end of the step of
filtering. Such a method allows selection of curvilinear structures which
are fine structures such as a catheter in a medical image, or thicker
structures such as a tree-like structure of blood vessels. This method
may be used, for example, in medical scanning apparatus for detecting
artery anomalies such as stenosis or a diffuse coronary disease.