Color-encoded distance visualization of cranial nerve-vessel contacts.
OBJECTIVE
Visualization of pathological contact between cranial nerves and vascular structures at the surface of the brainstem is important for diagnosis and treatment of neurovascular compression (NVC) syndromes. We developed a method for improved visualization of this abnormality.


METHODS
Distance fields were computed using preoperative MRI scans of individuals with NVC syndromes to support the topological representation of brainstem surface structures with quantitative information. Polygonal models of arteries, cranial nerves and the brainstem were generated using segmented T2 weighted MR data. After color-coding the polygonal models with the respective distances, enhanced color visualization of vessel-nerve locations with possible contacts was achieved.


RESULTS
The proposed method was implemented and applied to surgical planning in a dozen cases of NVC syndrome. Two selected cases were chosen to demonstrate the feasibility and subjective improvement provided by our visualization technique. Expert neurosurgeons found the improvement valuable and useful for these cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Color-encoded distance information significantly improves the perceptibility of potential nerve-vessel contacts. This method contributes to a better understanding of the complex anatomical situation at the surface of the brainstem and assists in planning of surgery.
Süssmuth
Jochen
J
University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany. suessmuth@cs.fau.de
Protogerakis
Wassilios-Daniele
WD
Piazza
Alexander
A
Enders
Frank
F
Naraghi
Ramin
R
Greiner
Günther
G
Hastreiter
Peter
P
D003391:Cranial Nerves / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis*
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