Application of Artificial Intelligence Methods in Carotid Artery Segmentation: A Review

The carotid artery is one of the most important blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. If thrombus occurs, it may cause cerebral ischemic stroke and endanger life. Carotid intima-media thickness and stability of carotid plaque are essential indicators for predicting stroke, which can be measured through medical image segmentation. Therefore, automatic and accurate carotid artery image segmentation and measurement of carotid intima-media thickness and the area and volume of carotid plaque are of great significance for stroke risk prediction and treatment. However, due to the complex shape of the carotid artery and the characteristics of carotid artery imaging, the traditional methods (such as threshold methods, region growth methods) can not segment the carotid artery very well. In recent years, researchers have taken artificial intelligence (traditional machine learning and deep learning) as a critical research method for carotid artery segmentation and extensive research has been performed with satisfactory results. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of carotid artery segmentation using artificial intelligence methods. We first briefly introduce medical image processing methods and artificial intelligence methods. And then, review and summarize the application of artificial intelligence segmentation methods in carotid artery segmentation (including carotid lumen, media-adventitia, lumen-intima, and plaques). Finally, the challenges of current artificial intelligence methods in carotid artery segmentation are analyzed.