Improved analysis of brachial artery ultrasound using a novel edge-detection software system

J Appl Physiol (1985). 2001 Aug;91(2):929-37. doi: 10.1152/jappl.2001.91.2.929.

Abstract

Brachial artery ultrasound is commonly employed for noninvasive assessment of endothelial function. However, analysis is observer dependent and susceptible to errors. We describe studies on a computerized edge-detection and wall-tracking software program to allow more accurate and reproducible measurement. In study 1, three purpose-built Perspex phantom arteries, 3.00, 4.00, and 6.00 mm in diameter, were measured with the software. There was a mean bias of 11 microm (P < 0.001 at each level) between known and measured values; the mean resolving power of the software was estimated as 8.3 microm. In study 2, the mean intraobserver coefficient of variation of repeated measures of flow-mediated dilation (FMD) using the software (6.7%) was significantly lower than that for traditional manual measurements using the intima-lumen interfaces (24.8%, P < 0.05) and intima-media interfaces (32.5%, P < 0.05). In study 3, 24 healthy volunteers underwent repeat testing twice within 1 wk; the coefficients of variation for between-visit reproducibility of FMD and response to glyceryl trinitrate using the software were 14.7 and 17.6%, respectively. Assuming 80% power and an alpha of 0.05, eight subjects with matched controls would be required, in a parallel designed study, to detect an absolute 2.5% change in FMD. In summary, we have developed a semiautomated computerized vascular ultrasound analysis system that will improve the power of clinical intervention studies to detect small changes in arterial diameter.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Blood Pressure
  • Brachial Artery / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brachial Artery / physiology
  • Calibration
  • Computer Graphics
  • Electrocardiography
  • Endothelium, Vascular / diagnostic imaging
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Lipids / blood
  • Middle Aged
  • Nitroglycerin / pharmacology
  • Observer Variation
  • Phantoms, Imaging
  • Reference Values
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Software*
  • Ultrasonography
  • Vasodilation / drug effects
  • Vasodilation / physiology
  • Videotape Recording

Substances

  • Lipids
  • Nitroglycerin