Vessel size estimation in peripheral artery interventions: are angiographic measurements reliable?
OBJECTIVE
To describe and evaluate a new technique for angiographic measurement of arterial diameters and to make a comparison with other common techniques.


METHODS
The Angiometer has a radiopaque metal body with six cylindrical segments of varying diameter. Arterial diameter is estimated by visually relating the vessel to these segments. The measurements (method A) were compared: to measuring in relation to a ruler on the table-top by means of compasses (B), to an automated measurement technique (quantitative angiography) utilizing calibration to a catheter of known diameter (C), and to a computer-based distance measurement using the ruler on the table-top as reference (D). Twenty-five patients were studied. Each method was used twice by each of two independent observers. A phantom with four drilled holes, filled with contrast agent, was also studied.


RESULTS
The coefficient of variation was highest for method C and lowest for method A. Correlations between readings were highest for method A and lowest for method C. Mean diameter values were highest for method A and lowest for methods B and D. In the phantom experiments, sizes were overestimated by between 5% and 9% with method A, and underestimated by between 4% and 27% with the other methods.


CONCLUSIONS
In terms of reproducibility and accuracy, the proposed method compares favorably with alternative methods.
Stenström
Hugo
H
Department of Radiology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden. hugo.stenstrom@lio.se
Knutsson
Anders
A
Smedby
Orjan
O
D000792:Angiography / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007511:Ischemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D015203:Reproducibility of Results