[Quantitative cineangiographic evaluation of the valvular regurgitant flow ratio by digital image processing...

By application of digital image processing technique to cineangiogram, possibility to calculate the valvular regurgitant flow ratio, especially in patents with aortic regurgitation, was examined. The image processor used was RT6404 made by Amast Computer CO, and the microcomputer to control the image processor was H68TR made by Hitachi Industrial Co. The image of the cineangiogram was photographed by televicamera, and the image processor converted the televi-signal to digitized image. Total volume and concentration of contrast medium in the ventricle was integrated in each systole and diastole. In patients without aortic regurgitation, the volume of contrast medium was not increased in the next diastole after the end of injection. On the contrary, in cases of aortic regurgitation, the volume of contrast medium was increased in the next diastole because of regurgitation. Thus, the regurgitant flow ratio could be calculated from the ejected volume in systole immediately before this diastole and the increased volume caused by the regurgitation.