Key result
X-ray absorbance algorithm systematically quantifies small blood vessel dimensions in preclinical models.
Why the study?
Existing edge detection methods for measuring small blood vessel diameters from X-ray angiographic images have limitations due to diminishing contrast near vessel boundaries, necessitating a more objective and robust measurement method.
A novel algorithm using X-ray absorbance data and nonlinear regression provides a robust method for estimating small blood vessel diameters from angiographic images.
Algorithm shows promise for ex vivo vessel sizing; leaves open translation to clinical pulmonary imaging.
This study was carried out in an attempt to develop an objective and robust method for measuring changes in the diameters of small blood vessels from X-ray angiographic images. Recognizing potential problems with edge detection methods applied to cylindrical vessels in which the contrast diminishes as the boundary is approached, we have attempted to utilize the X-ray absorbance data across the entire cross section of the vessel. Then, assuming a cylindrical geometry, the absorbance data are fit to the cylindrical absorbance function by use of nonlinear regression analysis. The method was tested and calibrated using glass tubes filled with various concentrations of contrast medium. The diameters of small pulmonary arteries were estimated by applying the method of angiograms obtained from an isolated dog lung lobe. The structure of the residuals obtained after the fitting procedure was analyzed to test the appropriateness of the model for use with images of vessels. The results suggest that this approach will have utility for systematically quantifying vessel dimensions.
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Clough et al. (1991) studied this question. Algorithm for angiographic estimation of blood vessel diameter was evaluated on Estimation of blood vessel diameter. An algorithm utilizing X-ray absorbance data and nonlinear regression analysis demonstrated utility for systematically quantifying small blood vessel dimensions in glass tubes and an isolated dog lung.
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