Restoring three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography images with mean curvature motion

• Published in: Neurological research (New York) 2010-02, Vol.32 (1), p.87-93
• Main Authors: Schlimper, Claudia, Nemitz, Oliver, Dorenbeck, Ulrich, Scorzin, Jasmin, Whitaker, Ross, Tasdizen, Tolga, Rumpf, Martin, Schaller, Karl
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3D-RECONSTRUCTED IMAGE; Adult; Angiography, Digital Subtraction; ANISOTROPIC GEOMETRIC DIFFUSION; CEREBRAL ANEURYSM; Cerebral Angiography - methods; Cerebral Arteries - diagnostic imaging; Cerebral Arteries - pathology; Circle of Willis - diagnostic imaging; Circle of Willis - pathology; Female; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - methods; Intracranial Aneurysm - diagnostic imaging; Intracranial Aneurysm - pathology; MAGNETIC RESONANCE ANGIOGRAPHY; Magnetic Resonance Angiography - methods; Male; Middle Aged; Motion; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; TUBULAR STRUCTURES
• ISSN: 0161-6412; 1743-1328
• DOI: 10.1179/016164110X12556180206077

Objective: The management of neurovascular disease requires precise information on the cerebral vascular anatomy. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the gold standard against which other imaging modalities have to be measured. To improve the quality of three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) images, we present a novel concept in 3D image analysis. Methods: Five patients, harboring cerebral aneurysm, underwent DSA, computed tomography angiography (CTA) and MRA. MRA data were processed using a novel anisotropic curvature motion model. Three-dimensional reconstructions of CTA and MRA datasets were used for comparison. Results: The 3D-reconstructed images accurately displayed all aneurysms. The anatomy of the anterior part of the circle of Willis was visualized reliably. The smoothened vessel surfaces enhanced the readability of the images. Regarding visual representation of the posterior part of the circle of Willis, the post-processed MRA showed the arterial segments less accurate than the standard modalities. Conclusions: This new approach is a promising tool for planning of neurovascular interventions and preoperative evaluation.