Fusion of CT and MR 3D Models in Patients with Brain Tumours

We describe the process we use fuse CT and MRI images in patients with brain tumours and evaluate the utility of the fused 3D models. We scanned 11 patients with various brain tumours using both CT and MRI. CT and MR images were registered using an automatic algorithm. The images from CT were segmented and three dimensional models of the bone structures were produced. The images from MRI were segmented and three dimensional models of brain only and tumour only were produced. The three dimensional models were fused into one model which included bone structures from CT and brain and tumor from MRI. The registration and fusion of 3D models was completed successfully. in ten patients. Registration was unsuccessful in one patient due to movement artifacts in MR images. The fused 3D models were better at depicting the relationship between bone, brain and lesion than conventional display of different imaging modalities alone. This information can be used in daily clinical practice such as radiotherapy treatment planning or surgery or in basic clinical research.