Color intensity projection of digitally subtracted angiography for the visualization of brain arteriovenous malformations.
OBJECTIVE
Reliable and rapid delineation of arteriovenous malformations enables the application of effective treatments such as stereotactic radiosurgery. We describe a new method to improve the speed and reliability of visualizing the flow of contrast images with digital subtraction angiography.


METHODS
In line with current practices, digital subtraction angiography was used to produce a sequence of grayscale images. The new method combines the standard grayscale images produced by digital subtraction angiography into a single composite color image that encodes the contrast arrival time at each point of the brain's circulatory system. The algorithm is simple, fast, and easy to implement.


RESULTS
The technique allows the flow of contrast from a series of angiography images to be summarized in a single color image.


CONCLUSIONS
This visualization method promises to improve the speed of manual delineation of arteriovenous malformations. Further studies are required to evaluate the clinical value of the use of color intensity projection images, supplemented by grayscale images as necessary, in comparison with contouring on grayscale images only.
Cover
Keith S
KS
Department of Radiation Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Keith@kscover.ca
Lagerwaard
Frank J
FJ
van den Berg
René
R
Buis
Dennis R
DR
Slotman
Ben J
BJ
D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D002538:Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity