Automated detection of local artery wall thickness based on M-line signal processing.
The Young's modulus of an arterial segment, a measure of the elastic properties of the arterial wall, requires the simultaneous and local assessment of pulse pressure, wall thickness, diameter, and distensibility (relative increase in cross-sectional area per change in blood pressure). The diameter and relative increase in cross-sectional area can be obtained with a wall track system, processing the radiofrequency (r.f.) ultrasound signals received along a single line of observation (M-line processing). It will be demonstrated that it is feasible to combine, in a single measurement, the assessment of wall thickness and the (relative change in) diameter involving a minimum of user interaction. Phantom tests show a standard error of the estimate for intima-media thickness measurements of less than 20 microns; in vivo registrations exhibit a variation on the order of 45 microns. It is concluded that processing of the radiofrequency ultrasound signal, acquired along an M-line, provides an accurate and time-efficient alternative for videoprocessing of 2-dimensional B-mode ultrasound images to estimate artery wall thickness.
Hoeks
A P
AP
Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.
Willekes
C
C
Boutouyrie
P
P
Brands
P J
PJ
Willigers
J M
JM
Reneman
R S
RS
D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D017536:Carotid Artery, Common / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000502:physiology; D004548:Elasticity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D014463:Ultrasonography