Lower limb vascular artery calcification evaluation system and method

Abstract

The invention provides a lower limb blood vessel artery calcification evaluation system and method. The method comprises the steps that dual-energy-spectrum signals under high-kilovolt and low-kilovolt X-ray irradiation are acquired through an intelligent energy spectrum sensor; analyzing the dual-energy-spectrum signal to obtain a density distribution diagram of the calcium-based substance; setting a calcification interpretation threshold value of the lower limb vascular artery, performing three-dimensional voxel judgment on the density distribution diagram according to the calcification interpretation threshold value, and further generating a calcification region mask in the lower limb vascular artery; based on the density distribution diagram of the calcium-based substance and the space volume of all voxels in the calcification area mask, carrying out space mass accumulation to obtain the total calcification mass in the lower limb blood vessel artery of the patient; and generating a three-dimensional calcification quantitative report of the blood vessel artery of the lower limb of the patient according to the total calcification mass in combination with the calcification area mask. By adopting the scheme of the invention, the attenuation signals of the calcified plaque and the residual contrast agent can be effectively distinguished when the calcified area is identified.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of region identification, and more particularly to a lower limb blood vessel arterial calcification evaluation system and method. BACKGROUND

[0002] Lower limb blood vessel arterial calcification evaluation refers to a method of processing and analyzing two-dimensional or three-dimensional image data of a patient's lower limb artery blood vessel through a series of technical processes such as medical image data acquisition, computed tomography, image segmentation algorithm, calcification feature analysis, and three-dimensional spatial positioning, so as to accurately identify and label the specific distribution, morphology, and density information of calcified deposits in the blood vessel wall, and realize the leap from the original image to the quantitative expression of calcified lesions. In the traditional lower limb blood vessel arterial calcification evaluation method, the voxel judgment is mainly based on the single CT value and fixed threshold of the computed tomography (CT) image, which is difficult to effectively distinguish the attenuation signals of calcified plaques and high-density iodinated contrast agents from the physical characteristics, resulting in significant limitations in the specificity of calcified region identification and the accuracy of spatial positioning. For example, the traditional method may misjudge the isolated high-light region formed by the contrast agent retention or mixed pixels in the blood vessel lumen as calcified voxels, while the diffuse micro-calcification region affected by the partial volume effect is systematically missed due to signal dilution, ultimately resulting in the generated calcified region mask containing non-calcified artifacts and missing the real micro-calcification region, and further causing spatial positioning distortion and underestimation of the total amount in subsequent quantitative analysis. Therefore, how to effectively distinguish the attenuation signals of calcified plaques and residual contrast agents during calcified region identification to avoid misjudgment of the high-density region formed by the contrast agent retention has become a difficult problem faced by the industry. SUMMARY

[0003] The present application provides a lower limb blood vessel arterial calcification evaluation system and method, which can effectively distinguish the attenuation signals of calcified plaques and residual contrast agents during calcified region identification.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present application provides a lower limb blood vessel arterial calcification evaluation method, comprising the following steps: Scanning the patient's lower limb blood vessel artery by an intelligent energy spectrum sensor to collect double-energy spectrum signals under high-kilovoltage and low-kilovoltage X-ray irradiation; Based on the attenuation characteristics of calcium-based substances and iodine-based substances under different kilovoltage X-ray irradiation, a density distribution map of calcium-based substances is analyzed from the double-energy spectrum signals; According to the density boundary between calcified tissues and surrounding soft tissues in the density distribution map, a calcification judgment threshold of the lower limb blood vessel artery is set, and three-dimensional voxel judgment is performed on the density distribution map according to the calcification judgment threshold, and then a calcified region mask in the lower limb blood vessel artery is generated; Based on the density distribution map of the calcium-based material and the spatial volume of all voxels in the calcified region mask, the total calcification mass in the patient's lower limb arteries is obtained by accumulating spatial mass. A three-dimensional quantitative report of calcification of the patient's lower limb blood vessels and arteries is generated based on the total mass of calcification and the calcification region mask.

[0005] In some embodiments, the density distribution map of the calcium-based material is obtained from the dual-energy spectral signal based on the attenuation characteristics of calcium-based and iodine-based materials under X-ray irradiation at different kilovolts. Specifically, this includes: A dual-energy spectral attenuation equation was constructed based on the attenuation characteristics of calcium-based and iodine-based substances under X-ray irradiation at different kilovolts. The calcium-based material density values ​​of the dual-energy spectrum signal at different pixel points are calculated based on the dual-energy spectrum attenuation equation. The density distribution map of calcium-based material is determined by the density values ​​of calcium-based material at different pixels.

[0006] In some embodiments, setting a calcification interpretation threshold for lower limb blood vessels and arteries based on the density boundary between calcified tissue and surrounding soft tissue in the density distribution map specifically includes: Determine the global density histogram of the density distribution map; The characteristic peak regions of calcified tissue and surrounding soft tissue are identified and characterized by the density boundary between calcified tissue and surrounding soft tissue in the density histogram. The calcification interpretation threshold of lower limb blood vessels and arteries is determined based on the distribution relationship of the characteristic peak regions.

[0007] In some embodiments, performing three-dimensional voxel determination on the density distribution map based on the calcification interpretation threshold, and then generating a calcification region mask in the lower limb arteries, specifically includes: Obtain the density value of each voxel in the density distribution map; The density value of each voxel is determined in three dimensions using the calcification interpretation threshold. Based on the judgment results, a mask of calcified areas in the arteries of the lower limbs is generated.

[0008] In some embodiments, the total mass of calcification in the patient's lower limb arteries is obtained by accumulating spatial mass based on the density distribution map of the calcium-based material and the spatial volume of all voxels in the calcified region mask, specifically including: Determine the spatial volume of voxels in the density distribution diagram of the calcium-based material; Extract the density values ​​of all calcified voxels in the calcified region mask from the density distribution map; The total mass of calcification in the arteries of the patient's lower extremities is obtained by spatially integrating the spatial mass of each calcified voxel using all density values.

[0009] In some embodiments, generating a three-dimensional calcification quantitative report of the patient's lower extremity arteries based on the total calcification mass and the calcification region mask specifically includes: Based on the calcified region mask, the morphological parameters of the calcified region in the arteries of the patient's lower extremities were determined; The total mass of calcification is integrated with the morphological parameters to generate a three-dimensional quantitative report of calcification in the blood vessels and arteries of the patient's lower extremities.

[0010] In some embodiments, the high kilovolt includes a high-energy tube voltage in the range of 120-150 kVp.

[0011] Secondly, this application provides a lower extremity vascular arterial calcification assessment system, comprising: The acquisition module is used to scan the patient's lower limb blood vessels and arteries using an intelligent energy spectrum sensor, and acquire dual-energy spectrum signals under high-kilovolt and low-kilovolt X-ray irradiation. The processing module is used to analyze the density distribution map of the calcium-based material from the dual-energy spectrum signal based on the attenuation characteristics of the calcium-based material and the iodine-based material under X-ray irradiation at different kilovolts. The processing module is also used to set a calcification interpretation threshold for lower limb blood vessels and arteries based on the density boundary between calcified tissue and surrounding soft tissue in the density distribution map, and to perform three-dimensional voxel determination on the density distribution map based on the calcification interpretation threshold, thereby generating a calcified region mask in the lower limb blood vessels and arteries. The processing module is also used to accumulate spatial mass based on the density distribution map of the calcium-based material and the spatial volume of all voxels in the calcification region mask to obtain the total calcification mass in the patient's lower limb vascular arteries. An execution module is used to generate a three-dimensional calcification report of the patient's lower limb blood vessels and arteries based on the total calcification mass and the calcification region mask.

[0012] Thirdly, this application provides a computer device, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps of the above-described method for assessing lower extremity vascular arterial calcification.

[0013] Fourthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the above-described method for assessing lower extremity vascular arterial calcification.

[0014] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments disclosed in this application have the following beneficial effects: The lower extremity vascular arterial calcification assessment system and method provided in this application firstly obtains the density distribution map of calcium-based substances from dual-energy spectral signals based on the attenuation characteristics of calcium-based and iodine-based substances under different kilovolt X-rays. Then, a calcification interpretation threshold is set according to the density boundary between calcified tissue and surrounding soft tissue, and a three-dimensional voxel determination of the calcium-based substance density distribution map is performed based on the calcification interpretation threshold to generate a calcification region mask. This process establishes the material composition basis for calcification region identification, effectively separating the signals of calcium and iodine elements from their physical characteristics through dual-energy spectral analysis, providing image data containing only calcium-based substance distribution information for subsequent processing. This process provides the physical basis for calcification region identification. Subsequently, based on the generated calcification region mask, spatial mass accumulation is performed based on the density distribution map of the calcium-based substances and all voxels in the mask to obtain the total calcification mass. This process achieves absolute quantification of calcification load by utilizing calcium-based substance density data that has eliminated interference from iodine contrast agents. For each voxel identified as calcified by a threshold, mass is accumulated based on its actual calcium-based material density and spatial volume. This process ensures that the final accumulated mass originates solely from the calcified plaque itself, rather than from interference signals from other high-density materials (such as residual contrast agents). This process provides a reliable guarantee for the calcification quantification results. Furthermore, during the generation of the 3D calcification quantification report, the total calcification mass and the calcified region mask are integrated into the report. This process presents highly reliable calcification information, verified by material separation and spatial positioning, to clinicians in a quantifiable form. By combining accurate spatial distribution of calcification with absolute mass values, the final report is no longer a rough assessment based solely on grayscale CT values, but rather a precise quantification result based on material composition and spatial volume, thereby effectively suppressing false positives and underestimations caused by residual contrast agents or partial volume effects. In summary, this scheme can effectively distinguish between calcified plaques and attenuated signals from residual contrast agents when identifying calcified regions. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for assessing arterial calcification in the lower extremities according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the process of determining a density distribution map according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the implementation of three-dimensional determination according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a lower extremity vascular arterial calcification assessment system according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 5 This is an internal structural diagram of a computer device for implementing a method for assessing lower extremity vascular artery calcification, according to some embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To better understand the technical solutions in this embodiment, the technical solutions in this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0017] refer to Figure 1 The figure is a flowchart illustrating a method for assessing lower extremity vascular arterial calcification according to some embodiments of this application. This method mainly includes the following steps: In step 101, the patient's lower limb blood vessels and arteries are scanned using a smart energy spectrum sensor to acquire dual-energy spectrum signals under high-kilovolt and low-kilovolt X-ray irradiation.

[0018] In practice, the X-ray emission unit of the intelligent energy spectrum sensor can be controlled to instantaneously switch between high and low kilovolt tube voltage settings during a single rotational scan. Simultaneously, the photon counting detector array of the intelligent energy spectrum sensor collects and records the high-energy and low-energy X-ray attenuation signals after penetrating the lower limb blood vessels and arteries. The detector is made of cadmium zinc telluride crystal material and can distinguish incident photons of different energy levels. After signal enhancement by a preamplifier, a 16-bit analog-to-digital converter generates two sets of strictly registered digital projection sequences in spatial coordinates at a sampling frequency of 100 kHz, thus forming a dual-energy spectrum signal characterizing the attenuation characteristics of lower limb blood vessels and arteries to X-rays of different energies.

[0019] It should be noted that the dual-energy spectrum signal mentioned in this application refers to two sets of attenuation projection datasets obtained by instantaneous dual-energy acquisition technology, measured at the same anatomical location but different X-ray energy levels. Its physical significance lies in reflecting the proportional changes in photoelectric effect and Compton scattering caused by the difference in atomic number between calcium-based and iodine-based substances. Each pixel in the dual-energy spectrum signal contains the attenuation measurement value of the corresponding anatomical location under high-kilovolt and low-kilovolt irradiation. The intelligent energy spectrum sensor is a composite imaging device that integrates energy spectrum data acquisition, real-time analysis and transmission functions. The intelligent energy spectrum sensor includes: a high-frequency X-ray generator capable of millisecond-level tube voltage switching and a photon counting detector array with energy resolution capability. The high kilovolt includes high-energy tube voltage in the range of 120-150 kVp, and the low kilovolt includes low-energy tube voltage in the range of 80-100 kVp.

[0020] In step 102, the density distribution map of the calcium-based material is obtained from the dual-energy spectral signal based on the attenuation characteristics of the calcium-based material and the iodine-based material under X-ray irradiation at different kilovolts.

[0021] In some embodiments, reference Figure 2As shown in the figure, this is a flowchart illustrating the determination of density distribution maps in some embodiments of this application. The density distribution map of the calcium-based material can be obtained from the dual-energy spectral signal based on the attenuation characteristics of calcium-based and iodine-based materials under X-ray irradiation at different kilovolts using the following steps: First, in step 1021, a dual-energy spectral attenuation equation is constructed based on the attenuation characteristics of calcium-based and iodine-based substances under X-ray irradiation at different kilovolts. Then, in step 1022, the calcium-based material density values ​​of the dual-energy spectrum signal at different pixel points are solved according to the dual-energy spectrum attenuation equation. Finally, in step 1023, the density distribution map of the calcium-based material is determined by the density values ​​of the calcium-based material at different pixels.

[0022] In specific implementation, the dual-energy spectral attenuation equation based on the attenuation characteristics of calcium-based and iodine-based substances under X-ray irradiation at different kilovolts can be constructed in the following way: First, the mass attenuation coefficients of calcium-based and iodine-based substances at the high and low kilovolt energies are retrieved from a preset physical database; then, for each pixel in the dual-energy spectral signal, the attenuation value measured in the high and low kilovolt projection data is obtained; based on the principle of linear superposition of material attenuation, a system of linear equations is established for each pixel, wherein the high kilovolt attenuation value is equal to the density of the calcium-based substance multiplied by its mass attenuation coefficient at the high kilovolt level plus the density of the iodine-based substance multiplied by its mass attenuation coefficient at the high kilovolt level, and the low kilovolt attenuation value is similarly established with corresponding equations; the system of linear equations constructed in this way with the densities of calcium and iodine as unknowns is the dual-energy spectral attenuation equation.

[0023] It should be noted that the dual-energy spectral attenuation equation described in this application refers to a mathematical model established based on the attenuation characteristics of matter, used to describe the quantitative relationship between the dual-energy spectral signal and the density of the base material. Its function is to decompose the mixed X-ray attenuation signal into the density information of a specific base material.

[0024] In specific implementation, the calcium-based material density values ​​of the dual-energy spectral signal at different pixels can be obtained by the following method based on the dual-energy spectral attenuation equation: For each pixel in the dual-energy spectral signal, extract the coefficient matrix and constant term vector of the corresponding dual-energy spectral attenuation equation; calculate the inverse matrix of the coefficient matrix and multiply it with the constant term vector using the standard calculation method for solving linear equations to obtain the calcium-based material density value and iodine-based material density value of the corresponding pixel; deploy this calculation process to a parallel computing architecture to process all pixels contained in the dual-energy spectral signal synchronously, thereby obtaining the calcium-based material density values ​​of the dual-energy spectral signal at different pixels.

[0025] In specific implementation, the density distribution map of calcium-based substances can be determined by the density values ​​of different pixels in the following manner: for example, the obtained density values ​​of calcium-based substances are recombined according to the original spatial coordinates of the dual-energy spectral signal to construct a two-dimensional density matrix; image enhancement processing is applied to the two-dimensional density matrix, and a spatial domain filter is used to eliminate isolated noise points; the processed matrix is ​​converted into a standard medical image format, in which the gray value of each pixel directly corresponds to the magnitude of the density value of the calcium-based substance, and finally the density distribution map of the calcium-based substance is generated.

[0026] It should be noted that the density distribution map of calcium-based substances mentioned in this application refers to a quantitative map in the form of a two-dimensional image that characterizes the spatial distribution of calcium-based substances in the target area. Its function is to intuitively show the deposition location and distribution density of calcified substances in the blood vessel wall.

[0027] In step 103, a calcification interpretation threshold for lower limb blood vessels and arteries is set according to the density boundary between calcified tissue and surrounding soft tissue in the density distribution map. Then, a three-dimensional voxel determination is performed on the density distribution map based on the calcification interpretation threshold to generate a calcified region mask in the lower limb blood vessels and arteries.

[0028] In some embodiments, setting the calcification interpretation threshold for lower limb blood vessels and arteries based on the density boundary between calcified tissue and surrounding soft tissue in the density distribution map can be achieved through the following steps: Determine the global density histogram of the density distribution map; The characteristic peak regions of calcified tissue and surrounding soft tissue are identified and characterized by the density boundary between calcified tissue and surrounding soft tissue in the density histogram. The calcification interpretation threshold of lower limb blood vessels and arteries is determined based on the distribution relationship of the characteristic peak regions.

[0029] In specific implementation, the global density histogram of the density distribution map can be determined in the following way, for example: First, obtain the density values ​​of all three-dimensional voxels in the density distribution map of the calcium-based material to form a one-dimensional density value array; then, divide all density values ​​into several continuous, equally spaced density intervals; preferably, the number of density intervals can be adaptively determined according to the resolution of the density distribution map and the dynamic range of the density values, with higher resolution and larger dynamic range corresponding to more density intervals; next, traverse the one-dimensional density value array and count the number of voxels contained in each density interval to form interval frequency statistics; finally, use the density interval as the horizontal axis and the corresponding voxel frequency as the vertical axis to construct the global density histogram of the density distribution map; other methods can also be used in other embodiments, which are not limited here.

[0030] It should be noted that the global density histogram mentioned in this application refers to a graphical tool used to reveal the overall statistical regularity of the density values ​​of all voxels in the density distribution map of the calcium-based material. It is used to help identify the overall characteristics and differences in density distribution between calcified tissue and surrounding soft tissue.

[0031] In specific implementation, the identification of characteristic peak regions representing calcified tissue and surrounding soft tissue through the density boundary in the density histogram can be achieved in the following ways: First, the global density histogram is smoothed by using a moving average filter or a Gaussian filter to eliminate random fluctuations and retain the main distribution characteristics; then, all local maxima are found in the smoothed density histogram, each corresponding to a characteristic peak region of voxel aggregation in the density distribution map; next, based on the known density difference characteristics between calcified tissue and surrounding soft tissue in medical imaging, the characteristic peak regions are distinguished according to their positions on the density axis: characteristic peak regions located at higher positions on the density axis are identified as high-density peak regions representing calcified tissue, and characteristic peak regions located at lower positions on the density axis are identified as low-density peak regions representing surrounding soft tissue. The relative relationship between the higher and lower positions is determined by comparing the median density values ​​corresponding to each characteristic peak region. Other methods can also be used in other embodiments, which are not limited here.

[0032] It should be noted that, in this application, the characteristic peak region refers to the segment in the global density histogram where voxels representing different tissue types, such as calcified tissue or surrounding soft tissue, are concentrated in terms of density values.

[0033] In specific implementation, the determination of the calcification interpretation threshold of lower limb blood vessels and arteries based on the distribution relationship of the characteristic peak regions can be achieved in the following way, for example: First, analyze the relative positional relationship of the high-density peak region and the low-density peak region on the density axis to determine the density interval region between the two peak regions; then, find the point with the lowest frequency in the density interval region, which is the natural boundary point between the calcified tissue and the surrounding soft tissue in terms of density characteristics; next, use the density value corresponding to the natural boundary point as the initial calcification interpretation threshold; as a preferred embodiment, the initial threshold can be fine-tuned according to the morphological characteristics of the high-density peak region and the low-density peak region. When the high-density peak region is relatively steep and clearly separated from the low-density peak region, the initial threshold can be directly used. When the two peak regions partially overlap, the threshold is appropriately adjusted towards the low-density direction to ensure the specificity of calcification identification, and finally, an optimized threshold suitable for the interpretation of lower limb blood vessel and artery calcification is determined, which is not limited here.

[0034] It should be noted that the calcification interpretation threshold mentioned in this application refers to the critical density value used for binarizing the density distribution map of the calcium-based material, which is used to accurately classify each voxel in the density distribution map as calcified or non-calcified.

[0035] In some embodiments, the following steps can be used to generate a mask of calcified regions in the arteries of the lower limbs by performing three-dimensional voxel determination on the density distribution map based on the calcification interpretation threshold: Obtain the density value of each voxel in the density distribution map; The density value of each voxel is determined in three dimensions using the calcification interpretation threshold. Based on the judgment results, a mask of calcified areas in the arteries of the lower limbs is generated.

[0036] For specific implementation, refer to Figure 3 As shown in the figure, this is a schematic diagram of the process for implementing three-dimensional determination in some embodiments of this application. The three-dimensional determination of the density value of each voxel by the calcification interpretation threshold can be achieved in the following way, for example: First, the calcification interpretation threshold is used as the density boundary standard; then, for each voxel in the density distribution map, its density value is compared with the calcification interpretation threshold one by one; the comparison process executes a binarization judgment rule, wherein voxels with a density value greater than or equal to the calcification interpretation threshold are determined to be calcified voxels, and voxels with a density value less than the calcification interpretation threshold are determined to be non-calcified voxels, thereby realizing the three-dimensional determination of the density value of each voxel.

[0037] It should be noted that the three-dimensional determination mentioned in this application refers to the calculation process of automatically classifying the affiliation of each voxel in the entire three-dimensional space based on the calcification interpretation threshold. This application transforms continuous density information into discrete calcification region identifiers through the three-dimensional determination.

[0038] In specific implementation, the calcification region mask in the lower limb arteries can be generated based on the judgment results in the following way: First, a three-dimensional binary matrix with the same spatial dimension as the density distribution map is constructed; then, the calcified voxel positions in the three-dimensional judgment result distribution are marked as the first value, and the non-calcified voxel positions are marked as the second value; next, morphological optimization processing is performed on the three-dimensional binary matrix, using three-dimensional closing operations to fill the gaps inside the calcified region, and using three-dimensional connected component analysis to remove isolated regions with very few voxels caused by image noise; finally, the optimized three-dimensional binary matrix is ​​defined as the calcification region mask, where the value of each voxel clearly represents whether it belongs to the calcified region in the lower limb arteries.

[0039] It should be noted that the calcification region mask mentioned in this application refers to a digital image that accurately marks the three-dimensional spatial location of calcification regions in the arteries of the lower limbs in binary form, providing an accurate spatial range definition for subsequent morphological analysis and quality calculation.

[0040] In step 104, the total mass of calcification in the patient's lower limb arteries is obtained by accumulating the spatial mass based on the density distribution map of the calcium-based material and the spatial volume of all calcified voxels in the calcified region mask.

[0041] In some embodiments, the total mass of calcification in the patient's lower limb arteries can be obtained by accumulating spatial mass based on the density distribution map of the calcium-based material and the spatial volume of all voxels in the calcification region mask, using the following steps: Determine the spatial volume of voxels in the density distribution diagram of the calcium-based material; Extract the density values ​​of all calcified voxels in the calcified region mask from the density distribution map; The total mass of calcification in the arteries of the patient's lower extremities is obtained by spatially integrating the spatial mass of each calcified voxel using all density values.

[0042] In specific implementation, the spatial volume of voxels in the density distribution map of the calcium-based material can be determined in the following way, for example: preferably, the original three-dimensional CT image data (i.e., dual-energy spectral signal) on which the density distribution map of the calcium-based material is based is obtained; the parameters defining its spatial geometry are parsed from the metadata of the original three-dimensional CT image, the parameters including at least the distance between the center points of adjacent pixels in the X and Y directions (pixel spacing), and the distance between adjacent slices in the Z direction (slice thickness); then, the dimensions of the pixel spacing in the X and Y directions are multiplied to obtain the base area of ​​a single voxel in the XY plane; then, the calculated base area is multiplied by the slice thickness to obtain the spatial volume of a single three-dimensional voxel; wherein, as a preferred embodiment, when the units of the pixel spacing and the slice thickness are inconsistent, a unit conversion is required to ensure the physical consistency of the final volume calculation result.

[0043] In specific implementation, the density values ​​of all calcified voxels in the calcified region mask can be extracted from the density distribution map in the following manner: First, the calcified region mask is used as a spatial index template to locate the three-dimensional coordinate positions of all voxels marked as calcified voxels; then, the density values ​​at the corresponding positions are queried in the density distribution map of the calcium-based material based on these coordinate positions; preferably, the query process is achieved by establishing a coordinate mapping relationship, that is, according to the spatial index of each voxel in the calcified region mask, the stored density value is directly read from the corresponding matrix position in the density distribution map; finally, all the read density values ​​are organized in order of their spatial coordinates to obtain the density values ​​of all voxels in the calcified region mask.

[0044] In specific implementation, the total calcification mass in the patient's lower limb arteries can be obtained by spatially integrating the spatial mass of each calcified voxel using all density values. This can be achieved in the following way: First, perform a mass calculation for each calcified voxel by multiplying the density value corresponding to each calcified voxel in the calcified voxel density value list with its corresponding single three-dimensional voxel spatial volume to obtain the local mass of the corresponding calcified voxel. Then, initialize an accumulator and sequentially accumulate the local masses of all calcified voxels into it. The accumulation process traverses all calcified voxels in the calcified region mask, ensuring that the mass contribution of each calcified voxel is included. Finally, use the final value in the accumulator as the total calcification mass in the patient's lower limb arteries. Other methods can also be used in other embodiments, which are not limited here.

[0045] It should be noted that the total mass of calcification mentioned in this application refers to a physical quantity that characterizes the total mass of all calcified plaques in the arteries of the patient's lower extremities.

[0046] In step 105, a three-dimensional calcification report of the patient's lower limb blood vessels and arteries is generated based on the total calcification mass and the calcification region mask.

[0047] In some embodiments, generating a three-dimensional quantitative report of calcification of the patient's lower extremity blood vessels and arteries based on the total calcification mass and the calcification region mask can be achieved using the following steps: Based on the calcified region mask, the morphological parameters of the calcified region in the arteries of the patient's lower extremities were determined; The total mass of calcification is integrated with the morphological parameters to generate a three-dimensional quantitative report of calcification in the blood vessels and arteries of the patient's lower extremities.

[0048] In specific implementation, determining the morphological parameters of calcified regions in the arteries of the patient's lower extremities based on the calcified region mask can be achieved in the following way: First, perform three-dimensional connected component analysis on the calcified region mask. Preferably, the three-dimensional connected component analysis specifically involves traversing all three-dimensional voxels in the mask and assigning the same connected component label to spatially adjacent voxels that are all marked as calcified, thereby dividing the calcified region mask into multiple unconnected calcified plaques. Then, for each marked calcified plaque, calculate its three-dimensional morphological parameters. The parameters include at least: the plaque volume obtained by counting all voxels belonging to the plaque and multiplying by the spatial volume of a single voxel; the maximum size of the plaque obtained by finding the maximum Euclidean distance between any two voxels in the plaque; and the centroid position of the plaque obtained by calculating the average coordinates of all voxels in the plaque. Finally, summarize the parameters of all calcified plaques, calculate the total calcified volume and the total length of the calcified region of the entire blood vessel, thereby obtaining the morphological parameters of the calcified regions in the arteries of the patient's lower extremities.

[0049] It should be noted that the morphological parameters of the calcified region described in this application refer to a series of indicators used to quantitatively describe the geometric characteristics and spatial distribution of calcified plaques, including plaque volume, maximum plaque size, and plaque centroid location.

[0050] In specific implementation, integrating the total calcification mass with the morphological parameters to generate a three-dimensional quantitative report of calcification in the patient's lower limb arteries can be achieved in the following ways: First, a structured data dictionary is constructed, storing and associating the total calcification mass, total calcification volume, total length of the calcified region, and the volume, maximum size, and centroid position of each individual calcified plaque as key-value pairs to form a complete quantitative dataset; then, derived index calculation is performed based on the quantitative dataset. Preferably, the average calcification density, representing the degree of calcification density, can be calculated by dividing the total calcification mass value by the total calcification volume value; by querying a pre-stored vascular anatomy segmentation database, the centroid position of each calcified plaque is resolved to its specific vascular segment (such as the femoral artery, popliteal artery, etc.), generating a calcification report. The process involves several steps: First, the distribution and location information is analyzed. The total mass of calcification is compared with a pre-defined calcification burden risk level table based on clinical consensus to determine the current patient's calcification risk level. Second, a pre-defined report template file is invoked, which defines the layout of text paragraphs, data tables, and image regions. Finally, the quantitative dataset and derived indicators are filled into the corresponding fields of the template. In a preferred embodiment, the calcification region mask can be rendered and overlaid onto a three-dimensional vascular model reconstructed from the density distribution map of the calcium-based material, using a red highlight with 50% opacity, to generate a three-dimensional calcification distribution diagram. The text and tables filled with data, along with the generated three-dimensional calcification distribution diagram, are combined into a single PDF document as a three-dimensional calcification quantitative report of the patient's lower limb arteries.

[0051] It should be noted that the three-dimensional calcification quantitative report mentioned in this application refers to a comprehensive document that integrates all quantitative analysis results, including calcification load, morphological characteristics, spatial distribution, and risk assessment, and is used to provide clinicians with comprehensive and accurate diagnostic and treatment decision support regarding the calcification status of patients' lower extremity blood vessels.

[0052] In another aspect, in some embodiments, this application provides a lower extremity vascular arterial calcification assessment system, with reference to... Figure 4 The figure is a schematic diagram of the structure of a lower extremity vascular arterial calcification assessment system according to some embodiments of this application. The lower extremity vascular arterial calcification assessment system 200 includes: an acquisition module 201, a processing module 202, and an execution module 203, which are described below: Acquisition module 201, in this application, is mainly used to scan the lower limb blood vessels and arteries of the patient through an intelligent energy spectrum sensor, and acquire dual-energy spectrum signals under high kilovolt and low kilovolt X-ray irradiation. Processing module 202, in this application, is mainly used to analyze the density distribution map of calcium-based substances from the dual-energy spectrum signal based on the attenuation characteristics of calcium-based substances and iodine-based substances under X-ray irradiation at different kilovolts. In addition, the processing module 202 in this application is also used to set a calcification interpretation threshold for lower limb blood vessels and arteries based on the density boundary between calcified tissue and surrounding soft tissue in the density distribution map, and to perform three-dimensional voxel determination on the density distribution map based on the calcification interpretation threshold, thereby generating a calcified region mask in the lower limb blood vessels and arteries. In addition, the processing module 202 in this application is also used to accumulate spatial mass based on the density distribution map of the calcium-based material and the spatial volume of all voxels in the calcification region mask, so as to obtain the total calcification mass in the patient's lower limb vascular arteries. The execution module 203 in this application is mainly used to generate a three-dimensional calcification quantitative report of the patient's lower limb blood vessels and arteries based on the total calcification mass and the calcification region mask.

[0053] In addition, this application also provides a computer device, the computer device including a memory and a processor, the memory storing code, and the processor being configured to acquire the code and execute the above-described method for assessing lower extremity vascular arterial calcification.

[0054] In some embodiments, reference Figure 5 This figure is an internal structural diagram of a computer device for implementing a method for assessing lower extremity vascular artery calcification according to some embodiments of this application. The lower extremity vascular artery calcification assessment method in the above embodiments can be implemented through... Figure 5 The computer device shown is used to implement this, and the computer device 300 includes at least one processor 301, a communication bus 302, a memory 303, and at least one communication interface 304.

[0055] The processor 301 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more devices used to control the execution of the lower extremity vascular arterial calcification assessment method in this application.

[0056] The communication bus 302 is used to transmit information between the aforementioned components.

[0057] Memory 303 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CDROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disks or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. Memory 303 may exist independently and be connected to processor 301 via communication bus 302. Memory 303 may also be integrated with processor 301.

[0058] The memory 303 stores program code for executing the solution of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 301. The processor 301 executes the program code stored in the memory 303. The program code may include one or more software modules. In the above embodiment, the lower extremity vascular arterial calcification assessment method can be implemented by the processor 301 and one or more software modules in the program code in the memory 303.

[0059] Communication interface 304 uses any transceiver-like device to communicate with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area networks (WLAN), etc.

[0060] In a specific implementation, as one example, a computer device may include multiple processors, each of which may be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. Here, a processor may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0061] The aforementioned computer device can be a general-purpose computer device or a special-purpose computer device. In specific implementations, the computer device may be a desktop computer, a portable computer, a network server, a handheld digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wireless terminal device, a communication device, or an embedded device. This application does not limit the type of computer device.

[0062] In addition, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the above-described method for assessing lower extremity vascular arterial calcification.

[0063] In summary, the lower limb vascular artery calcification assessment system and method disclosed in this application scans the patient's lower limb vascular arteries using an intelligent energy spectrum sensor, acquiring dual-energy spectrum signals under high-kilovolt and low-kilovolt X-ray irradiation; based on the attenuation characteristics of calcium-based and iodine-based substances under different kilovolt X-ray irradiation, the density distribution map of calcium-based substances is analyzed from the dual-energy spectrum signals; a calcification interpretation threshold for the lower limb vascular arteries is set according to the density boundary between calcified tissue and surrounding soft tissue in the density distribution map; a three-dimensional voxel determination is performed on the density distribution map based on the calcification interpretation threshold, thereby generating a calcification region mask in the lower limb vascular arteries; spatial mass accumulation is performed based on the spatial volume of all voxels in the density distribution map of calcium-based substances and the calcification region mask to obtain the total calcification mass in the patient's lower limb vascular arteries; a three-dimensional calcification quantitative report of the patient's lower limb vascular arteries is generated based on the total calcification mass and the calcification region mask; this method can effectively distinguish between calcified plaques and the attenuation signal of residual contrast agent during calcification region identification.

[0064] Although preferred embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this application.

[0065] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method for assessing arterial calcification in the lower extremities, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The patient's lower limb blood vessels and arteries were scanned using an intelligent energy spectrum sensor, and dual-energy spectrum signals were acquired under high-kilovolt and low-kilovolt X-ray irradiation. The density distribution map of the calcium-based material was obtained from the dual-energy spectral signal based on the attenuation characteristics of calcium-based and iodine-based materials under X-ray irradiation at different kilovolts. Based on the density boundary between calcified tissue and surrounding soft tissue in the density distribution map, a calcification interpretation threshold for lower limb blood vessels and arteries is set. The density distribution map is then subjected to three-dimensional voxel determination based on the calcification interpretation threshold, thereby generating a calcified region mask in the lower limb blood vessels and arteries. Based on the density distribution map of the calcium-based material and the spatial volume of all voxels in the calcified region mask, the total calcification mass in the patient's lower limb arteries is obtained by accumulating spatial mass. A three-dimensional quantitative report of calcification of the patient's lower limb blood vessels and arteries is generated based on the total mass of calcification and the calcification region mask.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The density distribution map of the calcium-based material was obtained from the dual-energy spectral signal based on the attenuation characteristics of calcium-based and iodine-based materials under X-ray irradiation at different kilovolts. Specifically, it included: A dual-energy spectral attenuation equation was constructed based on the attenuation characteristics of calcium-based and iodine-based substances under X-ray irradiation at different kilovolts. The calcium-based material density values ​​of the dual-energy spectrum signal at different pixel points are calculated based on the dual-energy spectrum attenuation equation. The density distribution map of calcium-based material is determined by the density values ​​of calcium-based material at different pixels.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The threshold for interpreting calcification in lower limb blood vessels and arteries is set based on the density boundary between calcified tissue and surrounding soft tissue in the density distribution map. Specifically, this includes: Determine the global density histogram of the density distribution map; The characteristic peak regions of calcified tissue and surrounding soft tissue are identified and characterized by the density boundary between calcified tissue and surrounding soft tissue in the density histogram. The calcification interpretation threshold of lower limb blood vessels and arteries is determined based on the distribution relationship of the characteristic peak regions.

4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the calcification interpretation threshold, the density distribution map is subjected to three-dimensional voxel determination to generate a calcification region mask in the lower limb vascular arteries. Specifically, this includes: Obtain the density value of each voxel in the density distribution map; The density value of each voxel is determined in three dimensions using the calcification interpretation threshold. Based on the judgment results, a mask of calcified areas in the arteries of the lower limbs is generated.

5. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the density distribution map of the calcium-based material and the spatial volume of all voxels in the calcified region mask, the total calcification mass in the patient's lower limb arteries is calculated by accumulating spatial mass, specifically including: Determine the spatial volume of voxels in the density distribution diagram of the calcium-based material; Extract the density values ​​of all calcified voxels in the calcified region mask from the density distribution map; The total mass of calcification in the arteries of the patient's lower extremities is obtained by spatially integrating the spatial mass of each calcified voxel using all density values.

6. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A three-dimensional quantitative report on calcification of the patient's lower extremity blood vessels and arteries is generated based on the total calcification mass and the calcification region mask. This report specifically includes: Based on the calcified region mask, the morphological parameters of the calcified region in the arteries of the patient's lower extremities were determined; The total mass of calcification is integrated with the morphological parameters to generate a three-dimensional quantitative report of calcification in the blood vessels and arteries of the patient's lower extremities.

7. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The high kilovolts include high-energy tube voltages in the range of 120-150 kVp.

8. A lower extremity vascular arterial calcification assessment system, characterized in that, include: The acquisition module is used to scan the patient's lower limb blood vessels and arteries using an intelligent energy spectrum sensor, and acquire dual-energy spectrum signals under high-kilovolt and low-kilovolt X-ray irradiation. The processing module is used to analyze the density distribution map of the calcium-based material from the dual-energy spectrum signal based on the attenuation characteristics of the calcium-based material and the iodine-based material under X-ray irradiation at different kilovolts. The processing module is also used to set a calcification interpretation threshold for lower limb blood vessels and arteries based on the density boundary between calcified tissue and surrounding soft tissue in the density distribution map, and to perform three-dimensional voxel determination on the density distribution map based on the calcification interpretation threshold, thereby generating a calcified region mask in the lower limb blood vessels and arteries. The processing module is also used to accumulate spatial mass based on the density distribution map of the calcium-based material and the spatial volume of all voxels in the calcification region mask to obtain the total calcification mass in the patient's lower limb vascular arteries. An execution module is used to generate a three-dimensional calcification report of the patient's lower limb blood vessels and arteries based on the total calcification mass and the calcification region mask.

9. A computer device comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the method for assessing lower extremity vascular arterial calcification as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the method for assessing lower extremity vascular arterial calcification as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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