Cardiac function estimation using Multislice Computed Tomography: A comparison to speckle tracking imaging

The goal of this work is to evaluate the capabilities of Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) to assess local cardiac function. MSCT dynamic acquisition provides datasets representing the whole cardiac cycle, enabling to describe the left ventricle both anatomically and functionally. In order to estimate the cardiac function, a motion estimation method has been proposed, based on a multi-resolution surface matching. It provides the means to compute functional parameters and to display them using compact representation modes. In order to evaluate the estimated displacements, a comparison to US Speckle Tracking Imaging (STI) has been carried out. Results are presented for two patients, using apical 4- and 2-chambers long-axis views, and short-axis views. They highlight a similitude in transverse and radial displacements. A qualitative evaluation shows how MSCT is powerful, providing the means to characterize the local cardiac function in 3D.