A semiautomated ultrasound border detection program that facilitates clinical measurement of ultrasound carotid intima-media thickness.
We have developed a novel, semiautomated carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) border detection program (AUTO) and evaluated its measurement reproducibility and accuracy. Images from 6 carotid segments were acquired in 50 subjects, for a total of 300 segments. Mean and maximum CIMT values were measured blindly at a reference (REF) lab and in duplicate by experienced (EXP) and novice (NOV) readers using manual (MAN) and AUTO methods. Coefficients of variation for AUTO measurements of mean (3.2%) and maximum (4.1%) CIMT were low, and the AUTO method improved the NOV reader's reproducibility. Compared with the REF lab, mean (0.012 +/- 0.006 mm) and maximum (0.144 +/- 0.006 mm) CIMT biases were small and equivalent to those of the REF lab ( P < .001). The AUTO method shortened reading times by 35% to 46% ( P < .001). We conclude that our novel AUTO CIMT measurement program improved reproducibility and was accurate. Compared with MAN tracing, the AUTO method agreed better with the REF lab and decreased reading time.
Stein
James H
JH
Atherosclerosis Imaging Research, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Wisconsin Medical School, G7/341 CSC (MC 3248), Madison, WI 53792, USA. jbs@medicine.wisc.edu
Korcarz
Claudia E
CE
Mays
Maureen E
ME
Douglas
Pamela S
PS
Palta
Mari
M
Zhang
Hongling
H
Lecaire
Tamara
T
Paine
Diane
D
Gustafson
David
D
Fan
Liexiang
L
D000328:Adult; D001331:Automation; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D017536:Carotid Artery, Common / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D017540:Tunica Media / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*