Myocardial Motion and Function Assessment Using 4D Images

This paper describes e orts aimed at more objectively and accurately quantifying the local, regional and global function of the left ventricle (LV) of the heart from four{dimensional (4D) image data. Using our shape{based image analysis methods, point{wise myocardial motion vector elds between successive image frames through the entire cardiac cycle will be computed. Quantitative LV motion, thickening, and strain measurements will then be established from the point correspondence maps. In the paper, we will also brie y describe an in vivo experimental model which uses implanted imaging{opaque markers to validate the results of our image analysis methods. Finally, initial experimental results using image sequences from two di erent modalities will be presented.