JP2007068726A - Heart function diagnostic system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a comparison diagnosis between configuration diagnostic information and function diagnostic information to be assisted in a heart function diagnostic system. <P>SOLUTION: This heart function diagnostic system 10 is provided with an imaging system for an X-ray CT device, a left ventricle volume value calculating means 42, a graph forming means 43, a DSC 46, and a displaying means 47. In this case, the imaging system for the X-ray CT device acquires continuous image data for each frame regarding the heart of a subject P. The left ventricle volume calculating means 42 calculates a left ventricle volume value from the image data of a specified frame. The graph forming means 43 forms a graph of the left ventricle volume value waveform which is the time series transition of the left ventricle volume value based on the image data from a frame in the past to the desired frame having been calculated by the left ventricle volume value calculating means 42. The DSC 46 converts a signal based on output signals of the imaging system and the graph forming means 43 into standard TV signals for a display format which displays the image data of the desired frame and the graph of the left ventricle volume value waveform on the same screen. The displaying means 47 displays the image data of the desired frame and the graph of the left ventricle volume value waveform on the same screen based on the output signals of the DSC 46. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cardiac function diagnostic apparatus mounted on an image diagnostic apparatus, and in particular, a moving image related to the heart of a subject acquired by the diagnostic imaging apparatus, a left ventricular volume waveform calculated from the moving image, and a moving image The present invention relates to a cardiac function diagnostic apparatus that displays cardiac function parameters calculated from an image and an electrocardiogram waveform on the same screen.

  A known X-ray CT (Computerized Tomography) apparatus called a third generation includes an X-ray tube and multi-channel X-ray detection elements arranged in a row with a patient (subject) in between. The X-ray beam is irradiated to a predetermined part of the patient from the X-ray tube while these are rotated over 360 ° around the subject. Then, the X-ray dose transmitted through the predetermined part is measured as projection data by an X-ray detector, and image reconstruction processing and volume data of the predetermined part are obtained by performing image reconstruction processing using a computer based on this data. .

  Subsequently, the speed of the helical scan and the development of volume scan using a two-dimensional detector advanced, and the concept of the X-ray CT apparatus was greatly shifted from a simple tomographic imaging apparatus to a volume imaging apparatus. In other words, the X-ray CT apparatus having these scan formats can scan the volume of the subject at high speed with a short time resolution. Along with the practical application of X-ray CT apparatuses having such functions, attempts have been made to enter many diagnostic fields that have not been used so far, and movements to search for completely new diagnostic methods have begun.

As one of the directions, a cardiac function diagnosis function is mounted on an X-ray CT apparatus, and evaluation diagnosis relating to heartbeat movement of the heart is performed by the X-ray CT apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The volume scan, combined with the segment scan method, substantially realizes continuous scanning of the entire heart in a short cycle. Thereby, a moving image related to the heart can be displayed, or for example, a three-dimensional image of the heart limited to the end diastole (ED) and the end systole (ES) of the left ventricle can be generated. Furthermore, it is also possible to obtain cardiac function parameters such as the rate of change in heart wall thickness from the end diastole to the end systole throughout the heart.
JP 2004-141245 A

  However, when a cardiac function diagnosis function is installed in an X-ray CT apparatus and an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus that require image processing for display, functional diagnosis information (left ventricular information) linked with morphological diagnosis information (image data) Volume value change and cardiac function parameters) were not displayed. Therefore, it is necessary for doctors and the like to match the morphological diagnosis information with the function diagnosis information linked therewith at the time of diagnosis, and there is a problem in the workability of diagnosis by doctors and the like. Further, there is a problem in work in that the form diagnosis information and the function diagnosis information are not displayed on the same screen.

  In addition, it was impossible for a doctor to grasp instantaneously whether or not the calculated cardiac function parameter is an abnormal value.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cardiac function diagnostic apparatus capable of supporting a comparative diagnosis between morphological diagnosis information and functional diagnosis information.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a cardiac function diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention calculates a left ventricular volume value from an imaging system that acquires continuous image data for each frame related to the heart of a subject, and image data of a required frame. Left ventricular volume value calculating means, and a graph of a left ventricular volume value waveform that is a time-series transition of the left ventricular volume value based on image data from a past frame to the required frame calculated by the left ventricular volume value calculating means A graph generating means for generating the image, and a signal based on the output signals of the imaging system and the graph generating means, wherein the image data of the required frame and the graph of the left ventricular volume value waveform are displayed on the same screen A graph of the signal data of the required frame and the waveform of the left ventricular volume value waveform based on the signal conversion means for converting the standard TV signal of the format, and the output signal of the signal conversion means The provided display means for displaying on the same screen.

  The cardiac function diagnosis apparatus according to the present invention can support comparative diagnosis between morphological diagnosis information and functional diagnosis information.

  Embodiments of a cardiac function diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a cardiac function diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.

  FIG. 1 shows a cardiac function diagnostic apparatus 10, and this cardiac function diagnostic apparatus 10 is for each frame related to the heart of a subject acquired by an imaging system of an image diagnostic apparatus such as an X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatus. Is displayed as a real-time moving image. The cardiac function diagnosis apparatus 10 calculates the left ventricular volume value from the displayed image data of the required frame, and calculates the left ventricular volume value waveform from each left ventricular volume value of the image data from the past frame to the required frame. A graph is generated, and the graph of the left ventricular volume waveform is displayed on the same screen as the moving image. Furthermore, the cardiac function diagnostic apparatus 10 displays the cardiac function parameters calculated in the first cardiac cycle on the same screen as the moving image in the second cardiac cycle following the first cardiac cycle. The image data is not limited to being acquired by an imaging system of an X-ray CT apparatus, and may be acquired by an imaging system such as an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus, for example.

  The cardiac function diagnosis apparatus 10 includes a controller 15, a high voltage generator 16, a slip ring 17, an X-ray tube 18, a rotation drive unit 19, a rotation ring 20, an X-ray detector 22, a data acquisition circuit (DAS). 23) Non-contact data transmission device 24, pre-processing device 25, auxiliary storage device 26, image processing device 27, electrocardiograph 31, A / D converter 32, ECG (Electro Cardio Gram) memory 33, left ventricular volume value A calculation unit 42, a graph generation unit 43, a cardiac function parameter management unit 44, a parameter normal range setting unit 45, a DSC (Digital Scan Converter) 46, a display unit 47, and an operation unit 48 are provided.

  The high voltage generator 16 applies a high voltage generated continuously or periodically under the control of the controller 15 to the X-ray tube 18 via the slip ring 17. Thereby, the X-ray tube 18 emits X-rays in the direction of the subject P.

  The rotating ring 20 arranges an X-ray tube 18 serving as a cone beam type radiation source and a multi-slice type or two-dimensional array type X-ray detector 22 facing each other with the subject P interposed therebetween. The rotation drive unit 19 rotates the rotation ring 20 so that projection data for one rotation around the subject P, 360 °, or 180 ° + view angle can be collected under the control of the controller 15. In the X-ray CT apparatus as the cardiac function diagnostic apparatus 10 shown here, the case where the X-ray tube 18 and the X-ray detector 22 are integrally rotated around the subject P is a rotation / rotation (ROTATE / ROTATE) type. Although shown, it is not limited to this case. The X-ray CT apparatus may be, for example, a stationary / rotate type in which a large number of detection elements are arrayed in a ring shape and only the X-ray tube 18 rotates around the subject P.

  The X-ray detector 22 includes a multi-channel detection element array formed in an arc shape around the focal point of the X-ray tube 18 (the apex of the cone beam) so that projection data for a plurality of slices can be detected simultaneously. A plurality of the rings are arranged in parallel along a direction (slice direction) substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the rotation ring 20. Alternatively, the X-ray detector 22 has a plurality of X-ray detection elements arranged in a matrix in a planar or spherical shape with the vertex of the cone beam as the center.

  The data acquisition circuit 23 includes an IV converter (not shown) that converts a current signal of each channel of the X-ray detector 22 into a voltage, and the voltage signal is periodically synchronized with the X-ray exposure cycle. An integrator for integration (not shown), a preamplifier (not shown) for amplifying the output signal of the integrator, and an A / D converter (not shown) for converting the output signal of the preamplifier into a digital signal are provided for each channel. It is equipped with.

  The non-contact data transmission device 24 realizes non-contact data transmission by using a digital signal (pure raw data) as an output of the data collection circuit 23 via light or magnetism.

  The pre-processing device 25 corrects non-uniform sensitivity between channels with respect to the pure raw data received via the non-contact data transmission device 24, and is an extreme signal generated by a strong X-ray absorber, mainly a metal part. Preprocessing such as correction of intensity reduction or signal dropout is executed to generate projection data (raw data) as a digital quantity.

  The auxiliary storage device 26 stores projection data as a digital quantity output from the preprocessing device 25.

  The image processing device 27 reads the projection data from the auxiliary storage device 26 under the control of the controller 15, and reconstructs the image data of each frame related to the tomography or volume according to the Feldkamp method or other reconstruction method based on the projection data set. Constitute. The image processing device 27 sends the image data to the auxiliary storage device 26 and also to the left ventricular volume value calculating means 42, the cardiac function parameter managing means 44 and the DSC 46.

  The electrocardiograph 31 collects an ECG in which the temporal change of the electrical phenomenon of the heart is recorded from an electrode (not shown) arranged on the heart of the subject P.

  The A / D converter 32 converts the ECG from the electrocardiograph 31 into a digital quantity for each sampling period set in advance according to the X-ray imaging period. The A / D converter 32 sends the ECG to the ECG memory 33 and also sends it to the cardiac function parameter management means 44 and the DSC 46.

  The ECG memory 33 stores the ECG output from the A / D converter 32. As described above, the time phase of the image data of each frame and the time phase of the sampling point of the ECG waveform are associated with each other.

  The left ventricle volume value calculation means 42 calculates the volume value of the left ventricle from the image data of each frame. The left ventricle volume value is calculated by extracting the left ventricle by a general procedure, for example, ACT (Automated Contour Tracking) method and calculating the volume by MS (Modified Simpson) method.

  The graph generating unit 43 generates a graph of a left ventricular volume value waveform that is a time-series transition of the left ventricular volume value calculated from the image data of each frame by the left ventricular volume value calculating unit 42. The left ventricular volume value waveform between frames is formed by, for example, spline interpolation of left ventricular volume values calculated from image data in two frames adjacent in time series.

  The cardiac function parameter management means 44 manages (calculates and stores) a left ventricular end diastolic volume (EDV) as a cardiac function parameter from the output signals of the image processing device 27 and the A / D converter 32. An end-diastolic volume value managing means 51 for controlling, an end-systolic volume value managing means 52 for managing an end systolic volume (ESV) as a cardiac function parameter, and a left ventricular drive as a cardiac function parameter. Ejection rate management means 53 for managing an ejection rate (EF) is provided.

The parameter normal range setting means 45 sets a normal range of cardiac function parameters in advance. For example, the normal range of the left ventricular end-diastolic volume value as a cardiac function parameter is 50 to 75 ml / m ² , the normal range of the end systolic volume value is 20 to 35 ml / m ^2, and the normal range of ejection fraction is also the same Is set to 60-75%.

  The DSC 46 is a signal conversion means. The output signals of the image processing device 27, the graph generation means 43 and the cardiac function parameter management means 44 are converted into a moving image composed of image data of each frame, a left ventricular volume value waveform graph, The cardiac function parameter is synthesized and converted into a standard TV signal of a display format for displaying on the same screen. Alternatively, the DSC 46 outputs the output signals of the image processing device 27, the A / D converter 32, the graph generation unit 43, and the cardiac function parameter management unit 44, the moving image, the left ventricular volume value waveform and the ECG waveform graph, The function parameters are combined and converted into standard TV signals in a display format for displaying on the same screen. The DSC 46 sends a standard TV signal to the display means 47.

  The display means 47 includes an RBG (Red Green Blue) converter 56, a D / A converter 57, and a TV monitor 58 as a display. The RBG converter 56 converts the standard TV signal output from the DSC 46 according to the display colors of the moving image composed of the image data of each frame, the graph of the left ventricular volume value waveform, and the cardiac function parameter. . Alternatively, the RBG converter 56 converts the standard TV signal output from the DSC 46 in accordance with the display colors of the moving image, the graph of the left ventricular volume value waveform and the ECG waveform, and the cardiac function parameter. The RBG converter 56 sends the processed signal to the D / A converter 57.

  The D / A converter 57 of the display unit 47 converts the output signal of the RBG converter 56 into an analog signal and supplies the converted signal to the TV monitor 58. Based on the output signal of the D / A converter 57, the TV monitor 58 displays a moving image composed of image data of each frame, a graph of the left ventricular volume value waveform, and cardiac function parameters on the same screen. To do. Alternatively, the TV monitor 58 displays a moving image, a graph of left ventricular volume value waveform and ECG waveform, and cardiac function parameters on the same screen based on the output signal of the D / A converter 57.

  The operation means 48 is an interactive interface including an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, trackball, and joystick that can be operated by an operator, a display panel, or various switches. An input signal from the operation means 48 is sent to the controller 15.

  Next, the operation of the cardiac function diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the present invention will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.

In the normal parameter range setting means 45 provided in the cardiac function diagnostic apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, the normal range of cardiac function parameters is set in advance (step S1). For example, the normal range of the left ventricular end-diastolic volume value as a cardiac function parameter is 50 to 75 ml / m ^2, and the normal range of the end systolic volume value is 20 to 35 ml / m ² , which is also the normal range of ejection fraction. Is set to 60 to 75%.

  Next, at the imaging timing, a high voltage generated continuously or periodically by the high voltage generator 16 under the control of the controller 15 is applied to the X-ray tube 18 via the slip ring 17. Thereby, X-rays are emitted from the X-ray tube 18 in the direction of the subject P, and the X-ray detector 22 detects the X-rays that have passed through the subject P.

  In the IV converter (not shown) of the data acquisition circuit 23, the current signal of each channel of the X-ray detector 22 is converted into voltage, and in the same integrator (not shown), the voltage signal is exposed to X-rays. It is integrated periodically in synchronization with the period. The preamplifier (not shown) of the data acquisition circuit 23 amplifies the output signal of the integrator, and the A / D converter (not shown) converts the output signal of the preamplifier into a digital signal.

  In the non-contact data transmission device 24, non-contact data transmission is realized by using pure raw data, which is an output of the data collection circuit 23, as light or magnetism.

  The pre-processing device 25 corrects non-uniform sensitivity between channels with respect to the pure raw data received via the non-contact data transmission device 24, and is extremely sensitive to X-ray strong absorbers, mainly metal parts. Preprocessing such as correction of signal intensity drop or signal dropout is executed to generate projection data. The projection data generated by the preprocessing device 25 is projection data for one circumference around the subject P, 360 °, or 180 ° + view angle. This projection data is stored in the auxiliary storage device 26.

  Projection data is read from the auxiliary storage device 26 to the image processing device 27 under the control of the controller 15. The image processing device 27 reconstructs tomographic or volume image data for each frame according to the Feldkamp method or another reconstruction method based on the read projection data set. The reconstructed image data is stored in the auxiliary storage device 26 and sent to the left ventricle volume value calculating means 42, the cardiac function parameter calculating means 44 and the DSC 46.

  On the other hand, the electrocardiograph 31 collects ECG from electrodes (not shown) arranged on the subject P. The ECG signal from the electrocardiograph 31 is converted into a digital quantity by the A / D converter 32 at every sampling period preset according to the X-ray imaging period. The ECG from the A / D converter 32 is stored in the ECG memory 33 and sent to the cardiac function parameter calculation means 44 and the DSC 46. Therefore, the time phase of the image data of each frame image and the time phase of the sampling point of the ECG waveform are associated with each other.

  Next, the left ventricle volume calculating means 42 calculates the volume value of the left ventricle from the image data of the required frame output from the image processing device 27 (step S2). The left ventricle volume value is calculated by extracting the left ventricle by a general procedure, for example, the ACT method and calculating the volume by the MS method.

  In the graph generation unit 43, a graph of a left ventricular volume value waveform is generated from each left ventricular volume value of the image data from the past frame to the required frame calculated by the left ventricular volume calculation unit 42 (step S3). The left ventricular volume value waveform between frames is formed by, for example, performing spline interpolation on the left ventricular volume value calculated from the image data of two adjacent frames in time series.

  The cardiac function parameter management means 44 calculates and stores cardiac function parameters for each cardiac cycle from the output signals of the A / D converter 32 and the image processing device 27 (step S4). Here, the end diastole volume value management means 51 detects the end diastole for each cardiac cycle based on the ECG waveform, calculates the end diastole volume value of the left ventricle from the image data at the end diastole, and the end diastole volume value. Is memorized. Similarly, the end systolic volume value management means 52 detects the end systole for each cardiac cycle based on the ECG waveform, calculates the end systolic volume value of the left ventricle from the image data at the end systole, and the end systolic volume value. Is memorized.

The ejection rate management means 53 uses the left ventricular end-diastolic volume value EDV and the end-systolic volume value ESV to determine the left ventricular ejection rate EF for each cardiac cycle.
[Equation 1]
EF (%) = {(EDV−ESV) / EDV} × 100
And the ejection rate EF is stored.

  The end-diastolic volume value management means 51 of the cardiac function parameter management means 44 determines the end-diastolic volume value of the left ventricle after the end of diastole of each cardiac cycle, and the end-systolic volume value calculation means 53 determines the end-diastolic volume value of each cardiac cycle. The end-systolic volume value of the left ventricle after the elapse of time and the ejection rate management means 54 calculate and store the ejection rate of the left ventricle after the elapse of one cardiac cycle.

  Since the left ventricular diastole (T wave to R wave) and the systole (R wave to T wave) appear alternately, if the heartbeat of the subject P is measured from the left ventricular diastole, the dilatation The ejection fraction is calculated from one cardiac cycle of the end-diastolic volume value in the period and the end-systolic volume value consecutive to the end-diastolic period. Therefore, the ejection fraction is newly calculated after the end systolic volume value is calculated. On the other hand, when the heartbeat of the subject P is measured from the systole of the left ventricle, it is driven from one cardiac cycle of the end systolic volume value in the systole and the end diastole volume value continuing from the end systole. The exit rate is calculated. Therefore, the ejection fraction is newly calculated after the end diastole volume value is calculated.

  Next, in the DSC 46, the output signals of the image processing device 27, the graph generation means 43, and the cardiac function parameter management means 44 are the moving image composed of the image data of each frame, the graph of the left ventricular volume value waveform, the cardiac function The parameters are synthesized and converted into a standard TV signal in a display format for displaying on the same screen. Alternatively, in the DSC 46, the output signals of the image processing device 27, the A / D converter 32, the graph generation means 43, and the cardiac function parameter management means 44 are a moving image, a left ventricular volume value waveform and ECG waveform graph, The function parameters are synthesized and converted into standard TV signals in a display format for displaying on the same screen (step S5).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the cardiac function parameter managed in step S4 is within the normal range set in advance in step S1 (step S6). For example, it is determined whether the left ventricular end-diastolic volume value, end-systolic volume value, and ejection fraction managed in step S4 are within the normal range set in advance in step S1.

  If the determination in step S6 is Yes, that is, the cardiac function parameter calculated in step S4 is within the normal range preset in step S1, the RGB converter 56 displays the cardiac function parameter in a non-visible color. Thus, the output signal of the DSC 46 is converted (step S7). The output signal of the RGB converter 56 is sent to the D / A converter 57.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S6 is No, that is, if the cardiac function parameter calculated in step S4 is outside the normal range set in advance in step S1, the RGB converter 56 sets the cardiac function parameter outside the normal range. The output signal of the DSC 46 is converted so as to be displayed in a visual color (step S8). For example, among the left ventricular end-diastolic volume value, end-systolic volume value, and ejection fraction as cardiac function parameters, when only the end-systolic volume value and ejection fraction are out of the normal range, the RGB converter 56 Signal conversion is performed so that the end-stage volume value is displayed as white as a non-visible color and the end-systolic volume value and ejection fraction are displayed as red as a visible color. Therefore, it is possible to identify at a glance that there was an abnormality in the end systolic volume value and ejection fraction in the previous cardiac cycle. The output signal of the RGB converter 56 is sent to the D / A converter 57.

  The output signal of the RGB converter 56 is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 57, and the output signal of the D / A converter 57 is supplied to the TV monitor 58. On the TV monitor 58, a moving image composed of image data of each frame, a graph of a left ventricular volume value waveform, and cardiac function parameters are displayed on the same screen. Alternatively, on the TV monitor 58, based on the output signal of the D / A converter 57, the moving image, the graph of the left ventricular volume value waveform and the ECG waveform, and the cardiac function parameter are displayed on the same screen (step). S9).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of a moving image, a graph of a left ventricular volume value waveform and an ECG waveform, and a cardiac function parameter on the same screen.

  FIGS. 3A to 3E show display screens when the heartbeat of the subject P is measured from the left ventricular diastole D1. Each upper part of FIGS. 3A to 3E shows an image simulating a frame image of a certain time phase among moving images acquired by imaging the heart of the subject P. FIG. On the other hand, each lower stage shows a graph of a left ventricular volume value waveform and an ECG waveform (both time series waveforms from the past to a time phase synchronized with the frame image displayed on the upper stage), a cardiac function parameter, and a left ventricular volume value (upper stage). The values are synchronized with the displayed frame image). Further, a mark, for example, a mark line, is displayed at the time phase of the left ventricular volume waveform synchronized with the frame image displayed in the upper stage.

In the upper part of the screen in FIG. 3A, an image simulating the frame image acquired in the systole S1 following the diastole D1 is displayed. In the lower part of the screen, the left ventricular volume value (lv) of 68 ml / m ² synchronized with the frame image displayed in the upper part and the end-diastolic volume value managing means 51 are stored, and the cardiac cycle dilation preceding the systole S1 is stored. The end diastole volume value (lvedv) of 71 ml / m ^{2 of the} end diastole ED1, which is the end stage, is displayed.

In the upper part of the screen in FIG. 3B, an image simulating the frame image acquired in the diastole D2 following the systole S1 is displayed. In the lower part of the screen, the left ventricular volume value (lv) 15 ml / m ² synchronized with the frame image displayed in the upper part and the end diastole volume value management means 51 are stored, and the diastole of the cardiac cycle preceding the diastole D2 is stored. 71 ml / m ^{2 of} end diastole volume value (lvedv) of end diastole ED1, which is the end stage (same value as FIG. 3A), is stored in the end systolic volume value management means 52, and the cardiac cycle preceding the diastole D2 The end systole ES1 which is the end systole is 20 ml / m ^{2 of the} end systolic volume (lvesv) and the ejection rate management means 53, and the ejection rate (ef) 73 calculated from the end diastole ED1 and the end systole ES1 is 73. % And each are displayed.

In the upper part of the screen in FIG. 3C, an image simulating a frame image acquired in the expansion period D2 after a certain time has elapsed from the time phase in FIG. 3B is displayed. In the lower part of the screen, 60 ml / m ^{2 of} the left ventricular volume value (lv) synchronized with the frame image displayed in the upper part is displayed. In this display, the end-diastolic volume value, end-systolic volume value, and ejection fraction of the cardiac cycle preceding the diastole D2 are not displayed.

In the upper part of the screen in FIG. 3D, an image simulating the frame image acquired in the systole S2 following the diastole D2 is displayed. In the lower part of the screen, the left ventricular volume value (lv) 68 ml / m ² synchronized with the frame image displayed in the upper part and the end systolic volume value management means 52 are stored, and the cardiac cycle is expanded before the systolic period S2. The end diastole volume value (lvedv) of 70 ml / m ^{2 of the} end diastole ED2, which is the end stage, is displayed.

In the upper part of the screen of FIG. 3 (e), an image simulating the frame image acquired in the diastole D3 following the systole S2 is displayed. In the lower part of the screen, the left ventricular volume value (lv) 20 ml / m ² synchronized with the frame image displayed in the upper part and the end diastole volume value management means 51 are stored, and the diastole of the cardiac cycle preceding the diastole D3 is stored. The end-diastolic volume value (lvedv) of 70 ml / m ² (same value as in FIG. 3 (d)) of the end-diastolic period ED2, which is the end stage, is stored in the end-systolic volume value managing means 52 and the cardiac cycle preceding the diastole period D3 79 ml / m ^{2 of the} end systolic volume value (lvesv) of the end systole ES2, which is the end systole, and the ejection ratio (ef) calculated from the end diastole ED2 and the end systole ES2 are stored in the ejection rate management means 53. % And each are displayed. Here, the end systolic volume value and ejection fraction are outside the normal range set by the parameter normal range setting means 45 shown in FIG. 1, and the end diastole volume value within the normal range is obtained by signal conversion of the RGB converter 56. The non-visible color and the end systolic volume value and ejection fraction outside the normal range are displayed in the visible color (shown in black bold for convenience in the figure).

Next, it is determined whether or not to display the frame image at the next timing of the frame image displayed on the screen (step S10). When the determination in step S10 is Yes, that is, when the frame image is displayed at the next timing of the frame image displayed on the screen, the left ventricle is determined from the frame image data at the next timing output from the image processing device 27. Is calculated (step S2).
On the other hand, when the determination in step S10 is No, that is, when the frame image is not displayed at the next timing of the frame image displayed on the screen, the operation of the cardiac function diagnostic apparatus 10 is terminated.

  Further, the processing performed by the image processing apparatus 27 shown in FIG. 1 includes SVR (Shaded Volume Rendering) processing, MaxIP (Maximum Intensity Projection) processing, MinIP (Minimum Intensity Projection) processing, and IP (X-ray Intensity Projection). There are processing and MPR (Multiple Plane Rendering) processing.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example on the same screen of the MPR image constituting the moving image, the graph of the left ventricular volume value waveform and the ECG waveform, and the cardiac function parameter.

  FIG. 4 is a modification of the display shown in FIG. 3 and shows a display screen when the heartbeat of the subject P is measured from the left ventricular diastole as in the display of FIG. The upper left side and the lower left side indicate MPR images (axial images, coronal images, and sagittal images) as frame images of a certain time phase among moving images acquired by imaging the heart of the subject P. On the other hand, the lower right side shows a graph of a left ventricular volume value waveform and an ECG waveform, a cardiac function parameter, and a left ventricular volume value, respectively. Further, a mark is displayed in the time phase of the left ventricular volume waveform synchronized with the displayed frame image.

  Further, when the doctor or the like operates the operation means 48 after the examination is completed, the mark lines on the display screen shown in FIGS. 3A to 3E and FIG. 4 are translated (dragged) to the past time phase. In conjunction with the movement, the image data of the frame of the past time phase is displayed on the TV monitor 58. In addition, if the mark is moved in the past time phase, the TV monitor 58 includes the left ventricular volume value calculated based on the image data of the past time phase frame and the past time phase frame in conjunction with the movement. The cardiac function parameter in the cardiac cycle preceding the cardiac cycle may be displayed. Alternatively, when the mark is moved in the past time phase, the left ventricular volume value calculated based on the image data of the past time phase frame and the past time phase frame are linked to the TV monitor 58 in conjunction with the movement. The cardiac function parameter of the cycle may be displayed.

  According to the cardiac function diagnosis apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the moving image related to the heart, the graph of the left ventricular volume value waveform, and the cardiac function parameter are displayed on the same screen, thereby comparing the morphological diagnosis information with the functional diagnosis information. Diagnosis can be supported.

  Further, according to the cardiac function diagnostic apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, when displaying a moving image related to the heart, a graph of the left ventricular volume value waveform, and cardiac function parameters on the same screen, the cardiac function parameters outside the setting range are visually recognized. By displaying in color, it is possible to support comparative diagnosis between morphological diagnosis information and functional diagnosis information.

1 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of a cardiac function diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the cardiac function diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention. (A), (b), (c), (d), (e) is a diagram showing a display example of a moving image, a graph of a left ventricular volume waveform and an ECG waveform, and cardiac function parameters on the same screen. . The figure which shows the example of a display on the same screen of the MPR image which comprises a moving image, the graph of the left ventricular volume value waveform and ECG waveform, and the cardiac function parameter.

Explanation of symbols

10 cardiac function diagnostic device 27 image processing device 31 electrocardiograph 42 left ventricular volume value calculation means 43 graph generation means 44 cardiac function parameter management means 45 parameter normal range setting means 46 DSC
47 Display means 48 Operation means 51 End-diastolic volume value management means 52 End-systolic volume value management means 53 Ejection rate management means

Claims (16)

An imaging system that acquires continuous image data for each frame related to the heart of the subject;
Left ventricular volume value calculating means for calculating a left ventricular volume value from image data of a required frame;
Graph generating means for generating a graph of a left ventricular volume value waveform that is a time-series transition of the left ventricular volume value based on image data from a past frame calculated by the left ventricular volume value calculating means to the required frame;
A signal based on the output signals of the imaging system and the graph generating means is converted into a standard TV signal of a display format for displaying the image data of the required frame and the graph of the left ventricular volume value waveform on the same screen. Signal conversion means;
An apparatus for diagnosing cardiac function, comprising: display means for displaying image data of the required frame and a graph of the left ventricular volume value waveform on the same screen based on an output signal of the signal conversion means. 2. The heart according to claim 1, wherein the graph generating means forms a left ventricular volume value waveform between two adjacent frames by spline interpolation of the left ventricular volume value of the two frames. Functional diagnostic device. The signal conversion means outputs a signal based on output signals of the imaging system, the graph generation means, and the left ventricular volume value calculation means, the image data of the required frame, the left ventricular volume value waveform graph, and the left 2. The cardiac function diagnosis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ventricular volume value is converted into a standard TV signal having a display format for displaying on the same screen. The signal conversion means displays a signal based on the output signals of the imaging system, the graph generation means and the electrocardiograph, and displays the image data of the required frame and the graph of the left ventricular volume value waveform and the electrocardiogram waveform on the same screen. 2. The cardiac function diagnosis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cardiac function diagnosis apparatus is converted into a standard TV signal having a display format to be displayed above. The cardiac function diagnosis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a mark at a time phase of the left ventricular volume value waveform synchronized with the required frame image. An operating means capable of moving the mark on the screen is provided, and when the mark is moved to the past time phase using the operating means, the display means is linked to the movement of the image data of the frame of the past time phase. The cardiac function diagnosis apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: An operating means capable of moving the mark on the screen is provided, and when the mark is moved to the past time phase using the operating means, the display means is linked to the movement of the image data of the frame of the past time phase. 6. The cardiac function diagnosis apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the left ventricular volume value calculated based on the image data is displayed on the same screen. Cardiac function parameter calculation means for calculating and storing cardiac function parameters based on the image data and electrocardiogram waveform in the first cardiac cycle, and the signal conversion means in the second cardiac cycle following the first cardiac cycle, A signal based on the output signals of the imaging system, the graph generating means, and the cardiac function parameter calculating means, the image data of the required frame, the graph of the left ventricular volume value waveform, and the cardiac function parameter in the first cardiac cycle 2 is converted into a standard TV signal of a display format to be displayed on the same screen. End diastolic volume value management means for calculating and storing the end diastole volume value as the cardiac function parameter based on the image data and the electrocardiogram waveform in the first cardiac cycle, and the first heart including the end diastole The signal conversion means in the second cardiac cycle following the period is a signal based on the output signals of the imaging system, the graph generation means, and the end diastole volume value management means, and the image data of the required frame and the left 9. The cardiac function diagnosis apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a graph of a ventricular volume value waveform and the end diastole volume value in the first cardiac cycle are converted into a standard TV signal in a display format for displaying on the same screen. . End-systolic volume value management means for calculating and storing an end-systolic volume value as the cardiac function parameter based on the image data and the electrocardiogram waveform in the first cardiac cycle, and the first heart including the end systole The signal conversion means in the second cardiac cycle following the period is a signal based on the output signals of the imaging system, the graph generation means, and the end systolic volume value management means, and the image data of the required frame and the left 9. The cardiac function diagnosis apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a graph of a ventricular volume value waveform and the end systolic volume value in the first cardiac cycle are converted into a standard TV signal in a display format for displaying on the same screen. . An end-diastolic volume value managing means for calculating and storing an end-diastolic volume value as the cardiac function parameter based on the image data and the electrocardiogram waveform in the first cardiac cycle; and the image data in the first cardiac cycle; End systolic volume value management means for calculating and storing the end systolic volume value as the cardiac function parameter based on the electrocardiogram signal, and the left ventricle as the cardiac function parameter from the end diastole volume value and the end systolic volume value Ejection rate management means for calculating and storing the ejection ratio of the signal, and the signal conversion means in the second cardiac cycle following the first cardiac cycle including the end diastole and the end systole is the imaging system. A signal based on output signals of the graph generation means, the end-diastolic volume value management means, the end-systolic volume value management means, and the ejection rate management means, Image data, a graph of the left ventricular volume value waveform, the end-diastolic volume value and the end-systolic volume value and the ejection fraction in the first cardiac cycle are displayed on a standard TV signal in a display format for displaying on the same screen. 9. The cardiac function diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the cardiac function diagnostic apparatus is converted. Parameter normal range setting means for presetting the normal range of the cardiac function parameter is provided, and when the cardiac function parameter is out of the normal range, the display means displays the cardiac function parameter in a visual color. 9. The cardiac function diagnosis apparatus according to claim 8, wherein The image data acquired by the imaging system is subjected to image processing to generate at least one image data among an SVR image, a MaxIP image, a MinIP image, an IP image, and an MPR image, and the display unit converts the image data into the required data. The cardiac function diagnosis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cardiac function diagnosis apparatus is displayed as image data of a frame. An operating means capable of moving the mark on the screen is provided, and when the mark is moved to the past time phase using the operating means, the display means is linked to the movement of the image data of the frame of the past time phase. 9. The left ventricular volume value calculated based on the image data and a cardiac function parameter in a cardiac cycle preceding the cardiac cycle including the frame of the past time phase are displayed. Cardiac function diagnostic device. An operating means capable of moving the mark on the screen is provided, and when the mark is moved to the past time phase using the operating means, the display means is linked to the movement of the image data of the frame of the past time phase. The cardiac function diagnosis apparatus according to claim 5 or 8, wherein the left ventricular volume value calculated based on the image data and a cardiac function parameter of a cardiac cycle including the frame of the past time phase are displayed. . The cardiac function diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an X-ray computed tomography apparatus or a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is used as the imaging system.

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