EcoStudio: a computer tool to support carotid ultrasound images analysis

EcoStudio is a computer developed to support medical people formulate diagnosis about possible carotid artery diseases examined by ultrasound scanning. EcoStudio provides basic methods to extract edges from ultrasound images and then allows to measure significant clinical parameters. In a Pre-processing phase the image is digitally filtered in order to remove the typical noise of ultrasound images (speckle). Before edges detection is done by Kirsch Operator the user can enhance luminosity and segment the image. Once edges have been highlighted, user can easily mark the points lying on artery wall or outlining a possible plaque aided by a Zoom window. The measurements of artery width and lumen diameter are done by mouse interaction, so that the extent of a possible occlusion can be expressed. Aims of EcoStudio are to guide even those less experienced users to formulate a correct diagnosis, reducing also subjective judgment and to split ultrasound scanning carrying out from the diagnosis issue