# Diffusion Models for Unsupervised Anomaly Detection in Fetal Brain Ultrasound

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2407.15119 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2407.15119/

## Key facts

- Cited by 3 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Placed in Medical imaging and segmentation, one of 14 directions in Diffusion models.
- Builds on 14 of its 27 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 21 Jul 2024.

## Placed in

- Diffusion models / [Medical imaging and segmentation](https://mlsanity.com/diffusion/medical-imaging-and-segmentation/)

## Builds on (most cited first, 14 of 14)

- [Denoising Diffusion Probabilistic Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2006.11239/) (2020)
- [U-Net: Convolutional Networks for Biomedical Image Segmentation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1505.04597/) (2015)
- [The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Deep Features as a Perceptual Metric](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1801.03924/) (2018)
- [GANomaly: Semi-Supervised Anomaly Detection via Adversarial Training](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1805.06725/) (2018)
- [Diffusion Models for Medical Anomaly Detection](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2203.04306/) (2022)
- [Unsupervised Anomaly Localization using Variational Auto-Encoders](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1907.02796/) (2019)
- [SonoNet: Real-Time Detection and Localisation of Fetal Standard Scan Planes in Freehand Ultrasound](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1612.05601/) (2016)
- [Unsupervised Lesion Detection via Image Restoration with a Normative Prior](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2005.00031/) (2020)
- [Mask, Stitch, and Re-Sample: Enhancing Robustness and Generalizability in Anomaly Detection through Automatic Diffusion Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2305.19643/) (2023)
- [Patched Diffusion Models for Unsupervised Anomaly Detection in Brain MRI](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2303.03758/) (2023)
- [A Review on Deep-Learning Algorithms for Fetal Ultrasound-Image Analysis](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2201.12260/) (2022)
- [Human-level Performance On Automatic Head Biometrics In Fetal Ultrasound Using Fully Convolutional Neural Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1804.09102/) (2018)
- [Confident Head Circumference Measurement from Ultrasound with Real-time Feedback for Sonographers](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1908.02582/) (2019)
- [Learning normal appearance for fetal anomaly screening: Application to the unsupervised detection of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2012.03679/) (2020)

## Built on by (most cited first, 3 of 3)

- [DinoAtten3D: Slice-Level Attention Aggregation of DinoV2 for 3D Brain MRI Anomaly Classification](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2509.12512/) (2025)
- [Detection of Medial Epicondyle Avulsion in Elbow Ultrasound Images via Bone Structure Reconstruction](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2507.20104/) (2025)
- [Adaptive Contrast Adjustment Module: A Clinically-Inspired Plug-and-Play Approach for Enhanced Fetal Plane Classification](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2509.00808/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Ultrasonography is an essential tool in mid-pregnancy for assessing fetal development, appreciated for its non-invasive and real-time imaging capabilities. Yet, the interpretation of ultrasound images is often complicated by acoustic shadows, speckle noise, and other artifacts that obscure crucial diagnostic details. To address these challenges, our study presents a novel unsupervised anomaly detection framework specifically designed for fetal ultrasound imaging. This framework incorporates gestational age filtering, precise identification of fetal standard planes, and targeted segmentation of brain regions to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, we introduce the use of denoising diffusion probabilistic models in this context, marking a significant innovation in detecting previously unrecognized anomalies. We rigorously evaluated the framework using various diffusion-based anomaly detection methods, noise types, and noise levels. Notably, AutoDDPM emerged as the most effective, achieving an area under the precision-recall curve of 79.8% in detecting anomalies. This advancement holds promise for improving the tools available for nuanced and effective prenatal diagnostics.