Three-Dimensional Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Images

The quantitative techniques developed for three-dimensional echocardiography can also be applied to magnetic resonance images. In this study (see below), the left ventricular endocardium was reconstructed from borders traced from seven short axis and two long axis images. An eighth short axis image in the plane of the great vessels provided guidance for delineating the outflow tract and aortic valve.

Such surface reconstructions have many potential applications. These include:

• Measurement of ventricular volume and mass


• Visualization of anatomy


• Quantification of 3D shape
  
• Road-mapping for procedures


• Incorporating anatomic knowledge into image processing routines
  
  

Above: Representative MRI imaging plane through the heart (grayscale), with eight other planes (dark) sampling the cardiac volume in multiple orientations. Below: 3D reconstruction of the right ventricle in a normal subject, seen overlaid onto a view that shows both inflow and outflow track.

Below is a movie showing the 3D reconstruction rotating so that the shape is more evident.