Segmentation of Cerebral Gyri in the Sectioned Images by Referring to Volume Model

Authors had prepared the high-quality sectioned images of a cadaver head. For the delineation of each cerebral gyrus, three-dimensional model of the same brain was required. The purpose of this study was to develop the segmentation protocol of cerebral gyri by referring to the three-dimensional model on the personal computer. From the 114 sectioned images (intervals, 1 mm), a cerebral hemisphere was outlined. On MRIcro software, sectioned images including only the cerebral hemisphere were volume reconstructed. The volume model was rotated to capture the lateral, medial, superior, and inferior views of the cerebral hemisphere. On these four views, areas of 33 cerebral gyri were painted with colors. Derived from the painted views, the cerebral gyri in sectioned images were identified and outlined on the Photoshop to prepare segmented images. The segmented images were used for production of volume and surface models of the selected gyri. The segmentation method developed in this research is expected to be applied to other types of images, such as MRIs. Our results of the sectioned and segmented images of the cadaver brain, acquired in the present study, are hopefully utilized for medical learning tools of neuroanatomy.

Improved Sectioned Images of the Female Pelvis Showing Detailed Urogenital and Neighboring Structures / 체질인류학회지

The sectioned images (SIs) of the pelvis from a female cadaver are the best source of realistic three-dimensional (3D) models of the female urogenital system. The purpose of this research is to present SIs and outlined images of the female pelvis with improved quality, which may be used to produce 3D models to simulate virtual dissection or surgery of the female urogenital and adjacent structures. A pelvis of Korean female cadaver which preserved buttock curve was scanned with 3T MR and CT machines. The pelvis was embedded and milled at 0.1 mm intervals. All sectioned surfaces were photographed to create horizontal SIs. On the Photoshop, 73 structures were outlined in the SIs to create outlined images. Once the structures were outlined, volume and surface models of the structures could be produced. A total of 222 MRIs and 222 CTs of a female pelvis were obtained. 2,220 SIs of the pelvis were obtained (0.1x0.1x0.1mm3-sized voxels; 48 bits color). 222 outlined images of 73 structures were prepared at 1mm intervals. Once the structures were outlined, 3D volume and surface models of the structures were produced without the help of the computer programmers using MRIcro and Maya software. We have produced high quality SIs of the female pelvis accompanied by corresponding MRI and CT images. 3D volume and surface models of the female pelvic structures have been constructed. These computerized models may serve as the basis for future realistic medical simulation programs that may enhance clinical understanding of pelvic anatomy.

A Proposal of New Reference System for the Standard Axial, Sagittal, Coronal Planes of Brain Based on the Serially-Sectioned Images

Sectional anatomy of human brain is useful to examine the diseased brain as well as normal brain. However, intracerebral reference points for the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes of brain have not been standardized in anatomical sections or radiological images. We made 2,343 serially-sectioned images of a cadaver head with 0.1 mm intervals, 0.1 mm pixel size, and 48 bit color and obtained axial, sagittal, and coronal images based on the proposed reference system. This reference system consists of one principal reference point and two ancillary reference points. The two ancillary reference points are the anterior commissure and the posterior commissure. And the principal reference point is the midpoint of two ancillary reference points. It resides in the center of whole brain. From the principal reference point, Cartesian coordinate of x, y, z could be made to be the standard axial, sagittal, and coronal planes.

Registration of Cadaver's Sectioned Images to Patient's Head MRIs / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVE: Cadaver's sectioned images with high resolution and real color could be used as the source of realistic three-dimensional images. If the sectioned images are registered to a patient's MRIs, three-dimensional images with high resolution and real color that fit the patient, can be produced; the three-dimensional images enable realistic virtual surgery for the patient. The objective of this study was to verify the registration of a cadaver's sectioned images to a patient's head MRIs. METHODS: The sectioned images of the heads of cadaver were associated with segmented images selected at 3 mm intervals. The patient had his head MR scanned at 3 mm intervals; the MRIs were segmented. Software to register the cadaver's sectioned images to the patient's MRIs was developed. On this software, the corresponding dots were identified on both the sectioned images and the MRIs either manually or automatically using segmented images. RESULTS: The registered sectioned images corresponded to the patient's MRIs. Both manual and automatic registrations were satisfied. CONCLUSION: Further study is needed for registering sectioned images to actual patients.

Three Dimensional Automatic Surface Reconstruction Software / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVE: After drawing and stacking contour of structures, which are identifed in the serially sectioned images, three-dimensional (3D) images can be made by surface reconstruction. The 3D images can be selected and rotated in a real time. The purpose of this research is to compose software of automatic surface reconstruction for making 3D images. METHODS: Contours of 55 structures in the 613 magnetic resonance images of whole body were drawn to make segmented images. We composed automatic software for stacking contours of a structure, for converting the contours into polygons, and for connecting vertices of the neighboring polygons to fill gaps between polygons with triangular surfaces. The surface reconstruction software was excuted to make 3D images of 55 structures. RESULTS: Virtual dissection software, on which 3D images could be selected and rotated, was composed. CONCLUSION: For other research, this like program can be composed for automatic surface reconstruction; several kinds of commercial software can be used for manual or automatic surface reconstruction. Investigators might choose one of the methods in consideration of their only circumstances.