A method that allows the quantification of the true mass of a calcium
fragment located along a vessel is provided. The method is independent of
the level of arterial contrast enhancement, does not require
protocol-specific or scanner-specific calibration scans, and allows a
detailed analysis of calcium distribution patterns. For each identified
calcium fragment, the average intensity and volume is determined as a
function of a plurality of intensity thresholds. Using these determined
values brightness volume products are calculated for each of the
plurality of intensity thresholds. The mass of a calcium segment is
subsequently obtained from the calculated brightness volume products
extrapolated at zero intensity and reference calcium parameters. The mass
and volume of the calcium fragments could be visualized with respect to a
vessel in a computer display.