The use of mutual information in registration of CT and MRI datasets post permanent implant.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the feasibility of registration of MRI and CT datasets post permanent prostate implant by the use of mutual information.


METHODS
Five patients who underwent permanent (125)I implant for prostate carcinoma were studied. Two weeks postimplant an axial CT, T2-weighted-axial, sagittal and coronal MRI, and T1-fat-saturation MRI scans were obtained. Registrations of MRI to CT and MRI to MRI datasets were performed by mutual information, an automated process of data registration matching all information in specified dataset regions of interest. Registration quality was evaluated by visual inspection, agreement with seed- to-seed registration, and histogram analysis.


RESULTS
Rapid registration (<30 minutes) of CT and MRI datasets can be accomplished through the use of mutual information. All methods of registration evaluation confirmed excellent registration quality. Although D90 and V100 for the prostate were comparable between MRI- and CT-based dosimetry, dose to critical structures/microenvironments (anterior base, posterior base, bladder outlet, lower sphincter, bulbar urethra) defined on MRI varied widely.


CONCLUSIONS
Efficient and accurate registration of MRI and CT datasets following prostate implant is possible, and improves the accuracy of postimplant dosimetry by superior definition of the prostate. Definition of critical microenvironments and adjacent structures will improve dose and toxicity correlation and ultimately improve planning strategies.
McLaughlin
Patrick W
PW
Department of Radiation Oncology, Providence Cancer Institute, 22301 Foster Winter Drive, Southfield, MI 48075, USA. mclaughb@med.umich.edu
Narayana
Vrinda
V
Kessler
Marc
M
McShan
Daniel
D
Troyer
Sara
S
Marsh
Lon
L
Hixson
George
G
Roberson
Peter L
PL
D001918:Brachytherapy; D006801:Humans; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D011467:Prostate / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation*
D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes