Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of commercially available software directly implemented on the ultrasound scanner for automated measurement of the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery on source images.
Materials and methods: Measurements were performed on a GE Vivid 3 ultrasound scanner. First, inter- and intraobserver correlations were assessed for the automated and the manual measurements. Second, the correlation between automated and manual measurements was assessed in 199 asymptomatic patients with a mean age of 30 years (range 20-41 years).
Results: The measurement was feasible in all patients and a standard configuration with optimum quality was determined. The inter- and intraobserver correlations obtained using the automated software were excellent and slightly inferior to the manual measurements. The correlation of the automated and manual measurements was significant (r = 0.86; P < 0.01) and the mean difference between both measurements was low (0.023 +/- 0.034 mm).
Conclusions: The software allowed an efficient and quick measurement by providing at the same time comparable results to the manual measurement and a better inter- and intraobserver variability.