title: Three-dimensional models of the abdominal vasculature based on helical CT: usefulness in patients with pancreatic neoplasms.
abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) rendering of helical (spiral) CT data is used increasingly to show abnormalities of the vascular system [1]. Abdominal applications have focused mainly on the arterial system, but the portal venous system also can be depicted effectively with this technique. In patients with pancreaticobiliary neoplasms, axial display of helical CT images generally allows accurate staging of the lesion [2, 3]. Many surgeons, however, continue to request arteriography to specifically look for evidence of vascular encasement that would preclude surgery or vascular anomalies that would alter the surgical approach [4, 5]. The purpose of this essay is to illustrate the value of 3D rendering of CT data in providing useful information for surgical planning and showing the extent of vascular involvement by tumor.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007.
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Zeman
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Davros
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Berman
authors.forename: D I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Weltman
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Silverman
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Buras
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Stahl
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Nauta
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000098:blood supply*; D000465:Algorithms; D006499:Hepatic Artery / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008638:Mesenteric Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009360:Neoplastic Cells, Circulating / Q000473:pathology; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D011168:Portal System / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013162:Splenic Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*