The application of image fusion in stereotactic brachytherapy of brain tumours

Background The visualization of any morphological volume (i.e. CT, MRI) tog ether with an additional second morphological volume (i.e. CT, MRI) or func tional data set, which may come from SPECT Dr PET, is a new method for trea tment planning, verification and follow-up of interstitial irradiation. Method The authors present their experience on interstitial irradiation of brain tumours with stereotactically implanted I-125 seeds supported by imag e fusion. The image fusion was performed by the BrainLab-Target 1.13 softwa re on Alfa 430 (Digital) workstation before, during, and after interstitial irradiation of brain rumours with Iodine(125) seeds. Results and Interpretation. On the basis of 20 brachytherapeutic image fusi on of stereotactic CT (slices with fiducials) with additional stereotactic CT, MRI, PET and SPECT images provides more accurate and precise target vol ume, more exact localization of catheters and isotope seeds (verification f usion), differentiation between the localization and amount of the necrotic and proliferating parts of the rumours and shows the volume changes in con sequence of interstitial irradiation. The image fusion should help to impro ve the accuracy and minimize the perifocal morbidity of interstitial irradi ation.