Volume 10, Number 1 • January/February 2002 • Technology Transfer

Imaging Detects Artery Diseases

The JPL Biomedical Image Processing Laboratory (BIPL), working with the University of Southern California, used ultrasound imagery, combined with computer techniques, to establish a baseline measurement to observe changes in the thickness of the carotid artery wall. Certain changes are predictors of arteriosclerosis and hypertension. Other changes, such as the effects of drug therapy, can also be measured and monitored. Carotid artery ultrasound is noninvasive and painless to the patient.

The procedure is an inexpensive way to measure the thickness of the artery, which is a highly sensitive indicator of atherosclerosis. This detection and monitoring technique can potentially prevent more costly and uncomfortable surgical procedures, and possibly save lives.

In 1992, the first methods were developed to automate the measurement of carotid wall thickness from ultrasound images. Since carotid wall thickness is a highly sensitive indicator of atherosclerosis and other arterial diseases, carotid ultrasound measurements serve a purpose similar to that of angiography in testing the efficacy of drugs and other types of therapy. Ultrasound assessment is substantially less expensive than angiography and poses no health risks to patients.

BIPL developed the first technique to assess coronary arterial narrowing by applying computer image-processing methods to coronary angiograms. In collaboration with the USC School of Medicine, these methods were used in two large-scale clinical tests of the efficacy of cholesterol-measuring drugs and currently are being used in a clinical test of estrogen-replacement therapy. Q

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