Computer Software for Studying the Multi-Plane MRI of the Head and Neck

Abstract

To study how normal structures of the head and neck appear on MRI, medical students and doctors have used educational tools such as MRI film, diagnostic radiology textbooks, and computer software. However, there are limitations to use these tools.

First, the foreigner’s MRI are not the most ideal model for Koreans to study. Second,

small components of the head and neck cannot be easily seen using MRI with thick intervals. Third, it is difficult to identify each component of the head and neck using MRI without segmented images. Fourth, the multi-plane MRI cannot be thoroughly

studied using just the horizontal MRI. Fifth, it is not always accesible to use the

software accompanied by an MRI machine. The purpose of this study is to develop software which can be used as an educational tool for the study of multi-plane MRI of the head and neck.

Images were obtained from a 19-year-old male with a standard Korean body size(average±average×5%), who did not have any metal dentures which could elicit problems with MRI. 271 MRI(pixel size 1㎜×1㎜) of the head and neck were taken at 1 ㎜ intervals, than, moved to a personal computer where 18 components of the head and neck were manually segmented. As a result, four sets of two-dimensional (2D) images(MRI, segmented image, segmented image with margin, MRI plus segmented image with margin) were prepared. After building 2D images, a three-dimensional (3D) image of the head and neck was reconstructed through volume rendering, and then software was developed on which the 3D image could be sectioned at free angles.

Various functions were established on the software such as sectioning of the 3D image

of the head and neck at free angles to show its planes(MRI, segmented image, segmented image with margin, and MRI plus segmented image with margin), identification of the components in the sectioned plane, and rotating of the 3D images of the selected components at free angles.

Software developed in this study can be an learning resource for studying the

multi-plane MRI of the head and neck. It is especially valuable because it operates on

personal computers, and even small components of the Korean head and neck can be observed.