Computerized geometric evaluation of angio- and echocardiographic images

Since the first comprehensive computerized videometric systems for quantitative assessment of the dynamic morphology and function of the heart have been developed, angiocardiographic image generation and computer aided evaluation have improved considerably. As a second method for morphological imaging echocardiography is also established in cardiology, so that videometry branched off into angio- and echocardiometry. In this paper, the common aspects of both methods are discussed concerning manual outlining and computerized contour representation, additional storage of anatomical landmarks labelled by digits and letters, and list-directed automated evaluation of data. It allows standard graphical documentations including comparisons of global volumetric and functional results for individual patients as well as versatile research orientated evaluations of oblique semi-axes, sectorial areas, wall thicknesses, shape parameters, spatial orientation and derived global and regional functional parameters for patient groups. As an example wall thickness measured from echographic long and short axis views and from angiographic projections are compared.