Color enhancement of multispectral MR images: Improving the visualization of subcortical structures

Purpose: The current investigation was undertaken to evaluate a new method for creating MR multispectral color images, which we call "Superimages." Th ey were developed to improve the delineation of small brain structures comp osed of mixed tissue types, such as the basal ganglia. Method: To qualitatively validate the method, visual comparisons were made of six unimodal and multispectral images, including the Superimage. Quantit ative validation was undertaken by comparing the reliability values for par cellation of the globus pallidus (GP) using either a gray scale (TI-weighte d) image or the Superimage. Results: Qualitative assessment of the Superimage revealed enhanced visuali zation of the GP, caudate, and putamen. Quantitative assessment resulted in good reliability for Superimage traces. Conclusion: The Superimage significantly improves both the visualization an d the parcellation of structures visualized by MRI.