Citation: Colorectal Disease. 2013, 15(11), e699-701
Author: Day NJ, Earnshaw D, Salazar-Ferrer P, Walsh CJ
Abstract: AIM: We aimed to develop an intuitive, interactive, three-dimensional (3D) MRI
modelling technique to produce a 3D image of fistula-in-ano.
METHOD: The 3D
model was created from standard two-dimensional (2D) MRI sequences to produce an
image that is anatomically correct. Individual muscle and soft-tissue layers
were extracted from T1-weighted sequences and fistula pathology from short TI
inversion recovery (STIR) sequences, to produce two separate volumes. These were
then fused using postprocessing software (Vitrea Workstation version 6.3) to
generate a 3D model.
RESULTS: The final 3D model was incorporated into a PDF
file that has an integrated computer aided design (CAD) viewer, allowing the
surgeon to rotate it in any direction during preoperative planning or whilst in
theatre.
CONCLUSION: As an adjunct to 2D MRI images and the associated
radiology report, this model communicates the fistula anatomy to the clinician
more clearly and should be particularly useful in complex cases.
Link to PubMed record
