In the design and implementation of imaging workstations it is important to evaluate the workflow and user requirements for interpreting procedures that require 3D processing and image fusion of multimodality techniques such as PET-CT. Our experience shows that most existing platforms are not ideally suitable for efficient and easy management of multidimensional data in a busy clinical environment. In most cases the users are required to spend significant amount of time and efforts to generate the multidimensional views and multimodality fusion images needed for diagnostic interpretation.Material and methods: We elected to develop a new platform that provides innovative navigation and processing tools more suitable for real time visualization and interpretation of very large multidimensional data sets. The software called OsiriX is developed on open source components such as VTK and ITK libraries and relies on extremely fast OpenGL processing capabilities of standard hardware that is widely used in the videogame industry. OsiriX is also provided under open source licensing.Results: The OsiriX software was tested in clinical interpretation of very large data sets of PET-CT data acquired with high resolution multislice CT combined with high resolution PET. The navigation through 4 and 5 dimensional data is performed using three dimensional graphic navigation tools driven by a multifunction jog wheel similar to those used in the video-editing industry. The software was found to be much faster and more convenient for image interpretation than conventional 3D viewing workstations. It was found articulately useful for display and review of dynamic cardiac PET-CT studies adding a temporal dimension of cardiac motion.Conclusion: Diagnostic interpretation of multidimensional data in clinical routine require a radically different paradigm in image navigation capable of providing intuitive and efficient way of navigating through 3, 4 and 5 dimensions of data.
· Understand workflow and user requirements for diagnostic interpretation of multi-modality and multidimensional studies· Demonstrate an innovative approach for navigating multi-dimensional images obtained from multimodality fusion of dynamic and static images · Illustrate the concept with Cardiac-CT, PET-CT and Cardiac-CTPET studies
Ratib, O,
Rosset, A,
Spadola, L,
Mc Coy, M,
Display and Interpretation of Multidimensional and Multimodality Images. Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL.
http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4408613.html
