Left ventricle segmentation in echocardiography using a radial-search-based image processing algorithm.
A new left ventricle segmentation method in two-dimensional echocardiography images is proposed. Image processing techniques combined with radial search and temporal information are used to extract the left ventricle boundary. Borders from sequential images are extracted using the proposed method, and a curve illustrating the area variation within a cardiac cycle is presented. Performance evaluation is performed by comparing the borders obtained from the presented method to those manually prescribed by a medical specialist. The new sequential radial search algorithm improved the border extraction from long-axis ultrasound images, specially the ones where the mitral valve was open. Segmentation errors due to low contrast were corrected.
Lacerda
Saulo Guerreiro
SG
Electrical Engineering Department, University of Brasília, DF 70910-900 Brazil. saulogl@gmail.com
da Rocha
Adson F
AF
Vasconcelos
Daniel F
DF
de Carvalho
Joao L A
JL
Sene
Iwens G
IG
Camapum
Juliana F
JF
D000465:Algorithms; D001185:Artificial Intelligence; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013382:Subtraction Technique; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*