Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) measurement with
B-mode ultrasound is a noninvasive, sensitive, and highly reproducible technique
for cardiovascular risk stratification. Studies have shown that CIMT measurement
is correlated with cardiac risk factors and can be used as an independent
predictor of future myocardial infarction and stroke risk. When using
commercially-available software in such measurement, however, interpretation of
CIMT ultrasound exams is lengthy. This is because considerable experience needed
to achieve accurate and reproducible measurements.
In order to overcome this limitation, researchers at Arizona
State University and the Mayo Clinic have developed a novel software system for
CIMT determination and measurement employing an active contour model for border
detection. A comparison study has shown that this software is more accurate,
adaptive, and user-friendly than the commercially-available software.
When compared to commercial software, mean and maximum CIMT
readings correlated strongly (average correlation coefficients > 0.85, P <
0.001). In addition, the more adaptive, user-friendly algorithm increases the
smoothness of border detection and provides a more flexible user interaction,
increasing its usefulness for research and medical diagnosis.
Potential Applications
- Cardiovascular risk stratification using B-mode
ultrasound
- Prediction of future myocardial infarction and stroke
risk
Benefits and Advantages
- Improved accuracy and reproducibility
- Adaptive, user-friendly algorithm
- Increased smoothness of border detection
- More flexible user interaction
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For more information about the inventor(s) and their
research, please see
Dr. Liang's departmental webpage
