title: Three-dimensional reconstruction of coronary arteries and plaque morphology using CT angiography - comparison and registration using IVUS.
abstract: The aim of this study is to present a new method for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of coronary arteries and plaque morphology using Computed Tomography (CT) Angiography. The method is summarized in three steps. In the first step, image filters are applied to CT images and an initial estimation of the vessel borders is extracted. In the second step, the 3D centerline is extracted using the center of gravity of each rough artery border. Finally in the third step, the borders and the plaque are detected and placed onto the 3D centerline constructing a 3D surface. By using as gold standard the results of a recently presented Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) plaque characterization method, high correlation is observed for calcium objects detected by CT and IVUS. The correlation coefficients for objects' volume, surface area, length and angle are r=0.51, r=0.89, r=0.96 and r=0.93, respectively.
authors.forename: Lambros S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Athanasiou
authors.forename: George A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Rigas
authors.forename: Antonios I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Sakellarios
authors.forename: Themis P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Exarchos
authors.forename: Panagiotis K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Siogkas
authors.forename: Lampros K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Michalis
authors.forename: Oberdan
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Parodi
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vozzi
authors.forename: Dimitrios I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Fotiadis
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000072226:Computed Tomography Angiography; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease; D003331:Coronary Vessels; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional