title: Automated speckle tracking algorithm to aid on-axis imaging in echocardiography.
abstract: Obtaining a "correct" view in echocardiography is a subjective process in which an operator attempts to obtain images conforming to consensus standard views. Real-time objective quantification of image alignment may assist less experienced operators, but no reliable index yet exists. We present a fully automated algorithm for detecting incorrect medial/lateral translation of an ultrasound probe by image analysis. The ability of the algorithm to distinguish optimal from sub-optimal four-chamber images was compared to that of specialists-the current "gold-standard." The orientation assessments produced by the automated algorithm correlated well with consensus visual assessments of the specialists ([Formula: see text]) and compared favourably with the correlation between individual specialists and the consensus, [Formula: see text]. Each individual specialist's assessments were within the consensus of other specialists, [Formula: see text] of the time, and the algorithm's assessments were within the consensus of specialists 85% of the time. The mean discrepancy in probe translation values between individual specialists and their consensus was [Formula: see text], and between the automated algorithm and specialists' consensus was [Formula: see text]. This technology could be incorporated into hardware to provide real-time guidance for image optimisation-a potentially valuable tool both for training and quality control.
authors.affiliation: National Heart and Lung Institute , Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, W12 0NN, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Niti M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Dhutia
authors.affiliation: National Heart and Lung Institute , Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, W12 0NN, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Graham D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Cole
authors.affiliation: National Heart and Lung Institute , Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, W12 0NN, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Massoud
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zolgharni
authors.affiliation: National Heart and Lung Institute , Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, W12 0NN, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Charlotte H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Manisty
authors.affiliation: National Heart and Lung Institute , Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, W12 0NN, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Willson
authors.affiliation: Imperial College of Science, Technology, and Medicine , Department of Bioengineering, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Kim H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.affiliation: National Heart and Lung Institute , Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, W12 0NN, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Alun D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.affiliation: National Heart and Lung Institute , Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, W12 0NN, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Darrel P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Francis
keywords: automated guidance; echocardiography; speckle tracking; ultrasound probe positioning