Color enhancement of multispectral MR images: improving the visualization of subcortical structures.
OBJECTIVE
The current investigation was undertaken to evaluate a new method for creating MR multispectral color images, which we call "Superimages." They were developed to improve the delineation of small brain structures composed of mixed tissue types, such as the basal ganglia.


METHODS
To qualitatively validate the method, visual comparisons were made of six unimodal and multispectral images, including the Superimage. Quantitative validation was undertaken by comparing the reliability values for parcellation of the globus pallidus (GP) using either a gray scale (T1-weighted) image or the Superimage.


RESULTS
Qualitative assessment of the Superimage revealed enhanced visualization of the GP, caudate, and putamen. Quantitative assessment resulted in good reliability for Superimage traces.


CONCLUSIONS
The Superimage significantly improves both the visualization and the parcellation of structures visualized by MRI.
Ward
J
J
Mental Health Clinical Research Center,University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA. julianna.ward@dartmouth.edu
Magnotta
V
V
Andreasen
N C
NC
Ooteman
W
W
Nopoulos
P
P
Pierson
R
R
D000328:Adult; D001479:Basal Ganglia / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D003116:Color; D005260:Female; D005917:Globus Pallidus / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results