Assessment and visualization of the curvature of the left ventricle from 3D medical images.
We address the problem of using curvature features to assess the three-dimensional (3D) motion of the left ventricle. The adequacy of this approach depends on the actual characteristics of the curvature of the left ventricle and particularly on the spatial and temporal stability of these features. From experimental data, we compute the distribution of the Gaussian curvature over the surface of the left ventricle by using an iterative procedure. The results are visualized in 3D through a voxel-based surface rendering technique. We show that the Gaussian curvature remains stable along the cardiac cycle. This curvature feature could thus provide a reliable basis for further 3D motion analysis of the left ventricle.
Friboulet
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D
URA CNRS 1216, Institut National des Sciences appliquées, Villeurbanne, France.
Magnin
I E
IE
Mathieu
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C
Pommert
A
A
Hoehne
K H
KH
D000465:Algorithms; D003196:Computer Graphics; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D009200:Myocardial Contraction; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left