3D atlas on lymph node topography based on the visible human dataset

Abstract

To introduce a new three dimensional (3D) atlas on lymph node topography and to describe the procedure used to build up the nodal atlas based on the anatomical microtome images of the Visible Human Male Optical (VHMO) dataset [1]. The high resolution anatomical images were inspected thoroughly to identify lymph nodes in each cross section. The main characteristics of the majority of the detected normal lymph nodes, as identified on the VHMO images, are as given in table 1(table 1). The localized nodes were then delineated by drawing contours around them in each slice. The resultant contours were superimposed and a polygonal surface grid was generated to create a volumetric nodal model for a semi realistic 3D visualization. The majority of normal lymph nodes in the whole body have been localized in the VHMO dataset. The nodal distribution was verified by comparing the result to current anatomical and cross sectional lymph node atlases [2]. The spatial distribution of the lymph nodes in the head and neck region of the VHMO dataset was also verified by inspecting the corresponding slices in the Visible Human Female Optical dataset. A 3D volumetric model was built for all localized normal nodes and the neighboring main structures to show the nodes’ proximity to other organs. The lymph nodes were labeled by different colors that correspond to their level or location. This work highlights the potential of a newly constructed 3D atlas of the lymph nodes to standardize surgical and radiation treatment planning procedures to eradicate primary tumors and the involved nodes in a more accurate and efficient manner [3]. The atlas consists of all localized lymph nodes in the Visible Human Male microtome dataset. The nodal data presented in the atlas give a more accurate description of the nodal distribution, which can assist in defining the clinical target volume [4]. The developed lymph node topography can form part of a whole body atlas database for radiation treatment planning [5].