Abstract: A method automatically detects and quantifies arterial plaque (hard plaque, soft plaque or both) in the coronary arteries of the heart from CT images. The method uses plaque definitions based on subject specific in vivo blood/muscle and fat density measurements, subject specific voxel statistical parameters and 2-D and 3-D voxel connectivity criteria to automatically identify the plaques. The locations of the major arteries are determined in a 3-D coordinate system; and the specific coordinates of the detected plaques are displayed in a plaque map for follow-up exams or ease in plaque review, editing and reporting the results.

Abstract: An automated image detail localization system for digital image systems, such as CT, MRI, digital radiograph, includes a calibration phantom having plural reference samples of materials having known, fixed imaging properties. The phantom is positioned with respect to a patient and scanned simultaneously to produce an image that includes a cross-section of the patient and a cross-section of the phantom. The cross-sectional image of the phantom includes cross-sectional images of the reference samples. The system automatically finds the phantom and the centers of the reference sample images and then positions regions of interest (ROIs) within the reference sample images to define the portions of the images that are included in a step of averaging the intensities of the reference sample images. The system further automatically places an ROI of regular (e.g., elliptical) or irregular shape in a specific region of the image of the patient's anatomy, such as the trabecular bone region of the patient's spine.

Abstract: A test phantom and method of fabrication and use of the same is disclosed which phantom is representative of human tissue containing variable concentrations of iodine to serve as a test device in for assessing the performance of X-ray imaging systems such as digital subtraction angiographic apparatus. The method of fabrication provides the long-term stable incorporation of iodine into a tissue equivalent material which allows standardized testing and evaluation of X-ray imaging systems. The incorporation of additional test details into geometrically fixed positions in the phantom allows accurate and reproduceable measurements of other performance parameters of digital X-ray imaging systems.