A dynamic programming procedure for automated ultrasonic measurement of the carotid artery

Describes a computerized technique for automated ultrasonic measurements of the carotid artery based on dynamic programming. Local measurements vessel echo intensity, edge strength, and continuity were extracted by image analysis techniques and included as weighted terms in a cost function. The dynamic programming procedure was used for determining the locations of the vessel interfaces in a way that the cost function was minimized. Then lumen diameter (LD) and intima-media thickness (IMT) were computed. Inter-method (auto versus manual) variability as well as inter- and intraobserver variability was studied by computing conventional coefficient of variation (CV). Inter-method (n=22), inter-observer (n=50), and intra-observer (n=47) variability of LD measurements were 1.2, 0.90, and 1.0%, respectively. Corresponding values for IMT were 3.2, 4.7, and 3.6%. These results indicate that the carotid artery can be automatically measured with accuracy.<>