title: Intracoronary imaging using attenuation-compensated optical coherence tomography allows better visualisation of coronary artery diseases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To allow an accurate diagnosis of coronary artery diseases by enhancing optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of atheromatous plaques using a novel automated attenuation compensation technique.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  One of the major drawbacks of coronary OCT imaging is the rapid attenuation of the OCT signal, limiting penetration in tissue to only few millimetres. Visualisation of deeper anatomy is however critical for accurate assessment of plaque burden in-vivo.
  
  
  METHODS
  A compensation algorithm, previously developed to correct for light attenuation in soft tissues and to enhance contrast in ophthalmic OCT images, was applied to intracoronary plaque imaging using spectral-domain OCT.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Application of the compensation algorithm significantly increased tissue contrast in the vessel wall and atherosclerotic plaque boundaries. Contrast enhancement allows a better differentiation of plaque morphology, which is particularly important for the identification of lipid rich fibro atheromatous plaques and to guide decision on treatment strategy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The analysis of arterial vessel structure clinically captured with OCT is improved when used in conjunction with automated attenuation compensation. This approach may improve the OCT-based interpretation of coronary plaque morphology in clinical practice.
authors: International Centre for Circulatory Health, Imperial College London, W2 1LA London, UK. nicolas.foin@gmail.com
authors: Nicolas
authors: N
authors: Foin
authors: Jean Martial
authors: JM
authors: Mari
authors: Sukhjinder
authors: S
authors: Nijjer
authors: Sayan
authors: S
authors: Sen
authors: Ricardo
authors: R
authors: Petraco
authors: Matteo
authors: M
authors: Ghione
authors: Carlo
authors: C
authors: Di Mario
authors: Justin E
authors: JE
authors: Davies
authors: Michaël J A
authors: MJ
authors: Girard
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D057205:Automation, Laboratory; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D058226:Plaque, Atherosclerotic; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional