Noninvasive coronary imaging using electron beam CT: surface rendering versus volume rendering.
OBJECTIVE
Three-dimensional data for noninvasive imaging of the coronary arteries are acquired from electron beam CT, multidetector CT, or MR imaging. Most commonly, surface rendering is used for three-dimensional processing, but recent advances in hardware and software technology have made it possible to use volume rendering. Our objective was to compare volume rendering with surface rendering for the visualization of the coronary artery tree.


CONCLUSIONS
Our experience in the comparison of both techniques shows that because of intrinsic problems associated with surface rendering, volume rendering produces better image quality.
van Ooijen
P M A
PM
Department of Radiology, University Hospital Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
van Geuns
R J M
RJ
Rensing
B J W M
BJ
Bongaerts
A H H
AH
de Feyter
P J
PJ
Oudkerk
M
M
D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D015607:Stents; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*