Integration of functional and morphological MR data for preoperative 3D visualisation of tumours: Cervical carcinoma

Purpose: The goa I of this exemplary study was to integrate morphological and functional MRI to establish computer-based, preoperative therapy planning for tumors, instancing cervical carcinoma. Methods: For morphological representation T1-weighted, filtered 3D sequences were investigated within a hierarchical segmentation approach. Using a method for image registration, segmented structures were combined and overlaid with functional information of contrast medium-en ha need, dynamic MRI. After assigning colour attributes to the segmented structures,they were presented using a method for direct volume visualisation. Results: Segmentation of organs and vessels as well as tissue differentiation yielded a morphological visualisation of anatomical structures that were overlaid with pharmacokinetic parameters derived from dynamic MRI, subsequently. Thereby, three-dimensional, arbitrary views on the functional data were displayed. Conclusions: Image analysis and visualisation of the acquired MR data establishes both a morphologic and functional evaluation of suspect lesions and adjacent organs. By integrating morphologic and functional MRI additional information can be gathered that possibly impinge on preoperative planning.