Open AccessVolumetric quantification of fibrous caps using intravascular optical coherence tomography
Author(s) -
Zhao Wang,
Daniel Chamié,
Hiram G. Bezerra,
Hiroaki Yamamoto,
Jan Kaňovský,
David L. Wilson,
Marco A. Costa,
Andrew M. Rollins
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
biomedical optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.362
H-Index - 86
ISSN - 2156-7085
DOI - 10.1364/boe.3.001413
Subject(s) - optical coherence tomography , fibrous cap , computer science , biomedical engineering , tomography , coherence (philosophical gambling strategy) , artificial intelligence , computer vision , radiology , pathology , medicine , mathematics , statistics
The rupture of thin-cap fibroatheroma accounts for most acute coronary events. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) allows quantification of fibrous cap (FC) thickness in vivo. Conventional manual analysis, by visually determining the thinnest part of the FC is subject to inter-observer variability and does not capture the 3-D morphology of the FC. We propose and validate a computer-aided method that allows volumetric analysis of FC. The radial FC boundary is semi-automatically segmented using a dynamic programming algorithm. The thickness at every point of the FC boundary, along with 3-D morphology of the FC, can be quantified. The method was validated against three experienced OCT image analysts in 14 lipid-rich lesions. The proposed method may advance our understanding of the mechanisms behind plaque rupture and improve disease management.