Aortic elasticity measurement using ECG-gated multi-slice computed tomography.
Vessel elasticity is a functional parameter of the vessel wall which is correlated with cardiovascular disease. Non-invasive measurement of elasticity is difficult. The aim of this project was to develop a method to measure aortic elasticity using multi-slice computed tomography (CT). The method is based on the reconstruction of time-resolved images of the aortic cross-section from CT raw data and ECG data. It can be integrated into a standard CT angiography examination without the need for additional radiation dose. The method was validated using a phantom set-up with porcine aortic specimens. Results show a good agreement between an optical reference and the CT measurement. Patient examinations show that changes in aortic wall distension can be measured and that these changes are reduced in patients with atherosclerosis.