Torben Lüllau DIPLPHYS, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Mario Liebmann, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Christian Uhlig, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Heiner Von Boetticher DIPLPHYS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Björn Poppe DIPLPHYS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Human voxel models which are segmented from CT or MRI data from real patients play an important role for a variety of applications in radiation protection. Combined with radiation transport codes, they can be used for the estimation of organ doses of different radiological examinations. A program called VOXELModifier was developed which offers, in close combination with common features of a radiotherapy treatment planning system (TPS), a comfortable method to modify existing representations of human voxel models. The described methods were also adopted for the modification of CT or MRI studies from real patients.

Alongside the intermediate use of additional features of a TPS, the general approach used in the program to modify a voxel model or radiological DICOM images includes three main steps: (1) VOXELModifier: Conversion of voxel data into DICOM images if necessary, (2) TPS: Import of the DICOM images, creation of different regions of interest (ROI) and contouring of the desired changes with regards to the external shape and/or the shape and location of certain organs/tissues, (3) VOXELModifier: Transfer of the changes from the DICOM-RT structure set to the original voxel model/DICOM study and automatic modification of the data according to organ specific requirements (e.g. skin detection, organ wall definition). Additionally, permanent removal of reconstructions artifacts in the CT is possible.

The presented program can be used to modify voxel models of the human body and radiological DICOM studies of real patients. For this purpose the use of a TPS gives the user good control over the aspired modifications. Since every change of internal organs causes changes in the surrounding tissues, the user has to check with adequate care whether the changes are anatomically reasonable.

The program VOXELModifier is a useful tool to edit already existing voxel models or DICOM studies of patients. With regard to patient individual dosimetry for example, modified voxel models can help to investigate the influence of individual patient characteristics on radiation doses from radiological examinations. Additionally, applications in the field of radiotherapy are thinkable.

A modification of existing human voxel models or radiological DICOM studies of patients can be useful for individual organ dose calculation in diagnostics and therapy.

Lüllau, T, Liebmann, M, Uhlig, C, Von Boetticher, H, Poppe, B, A Program for the Modification of Human Voxel Models and Radiological DICOM Studies.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11011996.html