Unsupervised reconstruction of a three-dimensional left ventricular strain from parallel tagged cardiac images.
A new algorithm, called the Unsupervised Tag ExTraction and Heart strain(E) Reconstruction (UNTETHER) algorithm, is presented for quantifying three-dimensional (3D) myocardial strain in tagged cardiac MR images. Five human volunteers and five postinfarct patients were imaged. 3D strains measured by UNTETHER and a user-supervised technique were compared. Each study was analyzed in 49 +/- 8 min with UNTETHER, compared to approximately 4 hr with the user-supervised technique. For pooled human data, the correlation coefficient between the two methods for circumferential shortening (E(cc)) was r = 0.91 at the mid-wall (P < 0.0005). UNTETHER is capable of measuring wall motion abnormalities resulting from coronary artery disease, and has the potential to overcome the main limitations (time and user-supervision requirements) to routine clinical use of tagged cardiac MRI.
Denney
Thomas S
TS
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Auburn University, 200 Broun Hall, Auburn, AL 36849-5201. tdenney@eng.auburn.edu
Gerber
Bernhard L
BL
Yan
Litao
L
D000465:Algorithms; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009200:Myocardial Contraction; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left