NONINVASIVE QUANTITATIVE-EVALUATION OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS USING MRI AND IMAGE-ANALYSIS

A new medical image analysis system to quantify atherosclerosis in the lower abdominal aorta using magnetic resonance imaging is described. This medical image analysis and display system permits the quantificat ion of the three-dimensional (3D) properties of the vessel wall and lu men cross-sectional area and volumes. Preliminary results of employing this medical image analysis capability on magnetic resonance images d emonstrated a twofold increase in wall volume per unit vessel length, corresponding to intimal thickening, before luminal narrowing was dete cted. This work demonstrated the feasibility and usefulness of quantit atively evaluating the 3D properties of the vessel lumen and wall by u sing a combination of magnetic resonance imaging and image analysis. T he demonstration that intimal wall thickening is observed in images be fore observable occlusion of the lumen can be expected to provide an i mportant early indicator of the future development of atherosclerosis. Such capability will permit detailed and quantitative studies to asse ss the effectiveness of therapies, such as drug, exercise, and dietary regimens.