aiqbench analysis
This study benchmarks intensity normalization techniques for deep learning models in medical MRI segmentation, finding that while methods like Z-score and CLAHE improve robustness to domain shifts, their impact is limited compared to the broader challenges of dataset divergence. The research highlights a critical need for complementary strategies beyond simple preprocessing when deploying AI tools across different clinical environments.
A Systematic Benchmark of Intensity Normalisation Methods for 3D Knee MRI Segmentation and Cross-Domain Generalisability
arXiv:2607.20028v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: Robust out-of-the-box performance is essential for the clinical deployment of deep learning models in medical imaging. An important but underexplored factor affecting model generalisability is intensity normalisation, particularly for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), where image intensities vary across scanners and protocols. In this study, we systematically compared seven normalisation methods and their impact on the performance of a 3D U-Net model for meniscus segmentation from knee MRI. The methods included standard scaling approaches, histogram-based techniques, and a Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM)-based method. Models were trained on the IWOAI 2019 dataset and evaluated on both internal and external test sets (SKM-TEA) to assess generalisability. Performance was similar internally but differences were significant on external data, with Z-score, Ny\'ul histogram matching, and CLAHE showing greater robustness than other methods. However, these differences were small compared to the significant performance drop observed between datasets. Overall, while intensity normalisation had a measurable effect on model generalisability, its impact was limited relative to the effects of domain shift, highlighting the need for complementary strategies for robust deployment.
Abstract:Robust out-of-the-box performance is essential for the clinical deployment of deep learning models in medical imaging. An important but underexplored factor affecting model generalisability is intensity normalisation, particularly for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), where image intensities vary across scanners and protocols. In this study, we systematically compared seven normalisation methods and their impact on the performance of a 3D U-Net model for meniscus segmentation from knee MRI. The methods included standard scaling approaches, histogram-based techniques, and a Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM)-based method. Models were trained on the IWOAI 2019 dataset and evaluated on both internal and external test sets (SKM-TEA) to assess generalisability. Performance was similar internally but differences were significant on external data, with Z-score, Nyúl histogram matching, and CLAHE showing greater robustness than other methods. However, these differences were small compared to the significant performance drop observed between datasets. Overall, while intensity normalisation had a measurable effect on model generalisability, its impact was limited relative to the effects of domain shift, highlighting the need for complementary strategies for robust deployment.
This preprint has not undergone peer review or any post-submission improvements or corrections. The Version of Record of this contribution is published in 3Oth Annual Conference on Medical Image Understanding and Analysis, MIUA 2026. Code is available at this https URL
Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition (cs.CV); Artificial Intelligence (cs.AI)
arXiv:2607.20028 [cs.CV]
(or arXiv:2607.20028v1 [cs.CV] for this version)
https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2607.20028 arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)
Full text under the publisher's open licence · 237 words
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