System and method for detecting stenosis

A computer-implemented method, comprising:

• obtaining, via a processor, segmented image patches of a vessel along a coronary tree path;
• determining, via the processor, a cross-sectional area distribution along an axial length of the vessel from the segmented image patches;
• determining, via the processor, critical points in the cross-sectional area distribution;
• and
• detecting, via the processor, a presence of a stenosis based on the critical points in the cross-sectional area distribution.

A processor-based system, comprising:

• a memory encoding one or more processor-executable routines, wherein the routines, when executed cause acts to be performed comprising:
• obtaining segmented image patches of a vessel along a coronary tree path;
• determining a cross-sectional area distribution or a pressure drop distribution along an axial length of the vessel from at least the segmented image patches;
• determining critical points in the cross-sectional area distribution or the pressure drop distribution;
• and
• detecting a presence of a stenosis based on the critical points in the cross-sectional area distribution or the pressure drop distribution;
• a processor configured to access and execute the one or more routines encoded by the memory.