REGISTRATION AND DISPLAY OF MULTIMODAL IMAGES - APPLICATIONS IN THE EXTRACRANIAL HEAD AND NECK REGION

Image registration is a correlation procedure that allows the matching of images obtained by different imaging modalities, both structural a nd functional. Once registered, they can be combined in a single ''fus ed'' image. This technique can be used to improve the interpretation a nd the quantification of relatively low resolution images obtained in nuclear medicine or to achieve a better diagnosis and treatment planni ng when high resolution anatomical images are registered. Matching ima ges obtained by different imaging modalities is a major challenge and the various registration techniques are briefly described. The extracr anial head and neck region is a challenging field for image registrati on. A preliminary retrospective experience is presented emphasizing th e technique feasibility in a routine clinical context. 2-D and 3-D app roaches were used. The requirements for transferring registration tech nology from the image processing laboratory to clinical practice are d iscussed, and the contribution of this method to medical interdiscipli nary communication is emphasized.