Medial axis reformation: a new visualization method for CT angiography.
OBJECTIVE
The authors performed this study to evaluate a new method (medial axis reformation [MAR]) for visualizing three-dimensional vascular data at electron-beam computed tomographic (CT) angiography.


METHODS
MAR was performed automatically with a personal computer-based workstation. After the region of interest was edited, voxels were divided into groups according to their path lengths. Centroids of groups were connected to form the medial axis. Then, the medial axis was refined with multiscale medial response. Bifurcations were also detected and refined. Finally, curved sections were generated through the branches and laid out onto a single image by using a splitting method. The authors performed MAR during electron-beam CT angiography of coronary arteries, common carotid arteries, and iliac arteries.


RESULTS
MAR displayed curved sections of branched vessels on one image, cut through the axis of vessels to show the vessel diameter objectively, and allowed the viewing direction to be altered arbitrarily.


CONCLUSIONS
Results of preliminary applications demonstrate that MAR is a valuable new visualization method for CT angiography.
He
S
S
Department of Radiology, Cardiovascular Institute and Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing.
Dai
R
R
Lu
B
B
Cao
C
C
Bai
H
H
Jing
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008838:Microcomputers; D008875:Middle Aged; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D013552:Swine; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*