An algorithm is presented to automatically delineate the endocardium in echocardiograms. The algorithm uses an optimization technique to overcome the poor image quality of existing algorithms and to use dynamic information. The information used in the process consists of grey level gradient, texture gradient, smoothness of the contour, and deviation of the present contour with respect to one of the previous video frames. The optimization algorithm locates the best compromise between image information and continuity in space and time. The automatic delineation is used for wall motion analysis and calculation of volumes and volume changes of the left ventricle (LV). An assessment of the accuracy of the volume calculations and indirectly the delineation was made by comparing the actual and calculated volume of the LV of excised dog hearts filled with a known amount of water. It is demonstrated that the dynamic programming technique is promising in detecting the myocardial borders.
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