INTERACTIVE 3-DIMENSIONAL VOLUME RENDERING OF SPIRAL CT DATA - CURRENT APPLICATIONS IN THE THORAX

Spiral computed tomographic (CT) data sets coupled with a real-time vo lume-rendering technique allow creation of accurate three-dimensional (3D) images that can be used for a wide range of clinical applications . The image contrast of and relative pixel attenuations in the final i mage can be interactively modified by the user in real time by manipul ating trapezoidal transfer functions. Although 3D images are not requi red for diagnosis, they aid both radiologists and referring clinicians by demonstrating anatomic relationships and the extent of disease, pa rticularly for vessels oriented in the z axis. Three-dimensional imagi ng of the vasculature and airway structures has many advantages, inclu ding the potential to obviate invasive procedures such as angiography and bronchoscopy. Clinical applications of volume rendering of spiral CT data include cardiovascular imaging (aorta, pulmonary vasculature, and venous abnormalities), staging of thoracic neoplasms (mediastinal and pulmonary masses), tracheobronchial imaging, and imaging of chest wall disease.