Automated speckle tracking algorithm to aid on-axis imaging in echocardiography

Niti M. Dhutia; Graham D. Cole; Massoud Zolgharni; Charlotte H. Manisty; Keith Willson; Kim H. Parker; Alun J. Hughes; Darrel P. Francis

doi:10.1117/1.JMI.1.3.037001

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25 November 2014 Automated speckle tracking algorithm to aid on-axis imaging in echocardiography

Niti M. Dhutia, Graham D. Cole, Massoud Zolgharni, Charlotte H. Manisty, Keith Willson, Kim H. Parker, Alun J. Hughes, Darrel P. Francis

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Journal of Medical Imaging, Vol. 1, Issue 3, 037001 (November 2014). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JMI.1.3.037001

Abstract

Obtaining a “correct” view in echocardiography is a subjective process in which an operator attempts to obtain images conforming to consensus standard views. Real-time objective quantification of image alignment may assist less experienced operators, but no reliable index yet exists. We present a fully automated algorithm for detecting incorrect medial/lateral translation of an ultrasound probe by image analysis. The ability of the algorithm to distinguish optimal from sub-optimal four-chamber images was compared to that of specialists—the current “gold-standard.” The orientation assessments produced by the automated algorithm correlated well with consensus visual assessments of the specialists (r=0.87) and compared favourably with the correlation between individual specialists and the consensus, 0.82±0.09. Each individual specialist’s assessments were within the consensus of other specialists, 75±14% of the time, and the algorithm’s assessments were within the consensus of specialists 85% of the time. The mean discrepancy in probe translation values between individual specialists and their consensus was 0.97±0.87 cm, and between the automated algorithm and specialists’ consensus was 0.92±0.70 cm. This technology could be incorporated into hardware to provide real-time guidance for image optimisation—a potentially valuable tool both for training and quality control.

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Niti M. Dhutia, Graham D. Cole, Massoud Zolgharni, Charlotte H. Manisty, Keith Willson, Kim H. Parker, Alun J. Hughes, and Darrel P. Francis "Automated speckle tracking algorithm to aid on-axis imaging in echocardiography," Journal of Medical Imaging 1(3), 037001 (25 November 2014). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JMI.1.3.037001

Published: 25 November 2014

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