Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of this study is to present a new methodology for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of coronary arteries and plaque morphology using Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA).MethodsThe methodology is summarized in six stages: 1) pre-processing of the initial raw images, 2) rough estimation of the lumen and outer vessel wall borders and approximation of the vessel’s centerline, 3) manual adaptation of plaque parameters, 4) accurate extraction of the luminal centerline, 5) detection of the lumen - outer vessel wall borders and calcium plaque region, and 6) finally 3D surface construction.ResultsThe methodology was compared to the estimations of a recently presented Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) plaque characterization method. The correlation coefficients for calcium volume, surface area, length and angle vessel were 0.79, 0.86, 0.95 and 0.88, respectively. Additionally, when comparing the inner and outer vessel wall volumes of the reconstructed arteries produced by IVUS and CTA the observed correlation was 0.87 and 0.83, respectively.ConclusionsThe results indicated that the proposed methodology is fast and accurate and thus it is likely in the future to have applications in research and clinical arena.
Highlights
The aim of this study is to present a new methodology for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of coronary arteries and plaque morphology using Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)
Several studies [8, 9] have demonstrated that CTA derived metrics such as the luminal dimensions, plaque burden and the composition of the plaque can provide useful prognostic information [10], while Papadopoulou et al [11] demonstrated that CTA has a value in assessing changes in the composition of the plaque in patients admitted with an acute coronary event
CT-Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Using the previously described metrics, Pearson Correlation Coefficient (Table 1) and Bland–Altman plots were computed to measure the correlation between CTA and IVUS Calcified plaque (CP), inner and outer wall
Summary
The aim of this study is to present a new methodology for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of coronary arteries and plaque morphology using Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA). Accurate detection and quantification of coronary plaque burden and assessment of its characteristics affect prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease and they are important for assessing the effect of new pharmacological treatments [1,2,3]. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is considered as the method of choice in assessing atherosclerotic plaque burden [4] and plaque characteristics [5]. Coronary Computed Tomography angiography (CTA) [6] is a non-invasive imaging modality able to visualize the coronary arteries. An accurate 3D reconstruction of the coronary arteries can provide
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