Mapping of False Tendons in the Left Ventricle Based on the Heart Transthoracic Ultrasound Visualization

摘要

False tendons (FTs) in the left ventricle (LV) are additional chord-like structures which traverse LV cavity in individuals with connective tissue dysplasia syndrome. The effect of FTs on the LV function remains unstudied deeply due to the absence of a unified approach for the FTs detection and classification in the human heart. The aim of this study is to implement the methodology of FTs mapping on the basis of the heart transthoracic ultrasound examination. The paper describes the step-by-step algorithm for practical application of proposed approach, which includes FTs detailed visualization, LV 3D-reconstuction with the use of the "Thin Plate Splines" method, FTs positioning and classifying in accordance with LV morphology. An example of the methodology practical use based on the ultrasound examination of young athletes with FTs in LV is presented as well.