title: Fast and automatic LV mass calculation from echocardiographic images via B-spline snake model and Markov random fields.
abstract: Left ventricular (LV) mass has several important diagnostic and indicative implications. In this paper, a fast and accurate technique for detection of inner and outer boundaries of LV and, consequently, calculation of LV mass from apical 4-chamber echocardiographic images is presented. For detection of the inner boundary, a modified B-spline snake is proposed, which relies merely on image intensity and obviates the need for computationally-demanding image forces. The outer boundary is then obtained using a Markov random fields model in the neighborhood of the estimated inner border. Experimental validation of the proposed technique demonstrates remarkable improvement over conventional algorithms.
authors: Department of Biomedical Engineering at K.N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Mahdi
authors: M
authors: Marsousi
authors: Armin
authors: A
authors: Eftekhari
authors: Javad
authors: J
authors: Alirezaie
authors: Armen
authors: A
authors: Kocharian
authors: Ershad
authors: E
authors: Sharifahmadian
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001331:Automation; D019295:Computational Biology / Q000379:methods; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004699:Endocardium / Q000473:pathology*; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008390:Markov Chains; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D012984:Software