A new simple brain segmentation method for extracerebral intracranial tumors.

Xiaolin Hou,Yuan Zhou,Min Shi,Meijun Liu,Dongdong Yang,Dingjun Li,Jonathan H Sherman

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0230754

Abstract

Normal brain segmentation is available via FreeSurfer, Vbm, and Ibaspm software. However, these software packages cannot perform segmentation of the brain for patients with brain tumors. As we know, damage from extracerebral tumors to the brain occurs mainly by way of pushing and compressing while leaving the structure of the brain intact. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) technology have begun to be applied in clinical practice. The free medical open-source software 3D Slicer allows us to perform 3D simulations on a computer and requires little user interaction. Moreover, 3D Slicer can integrate with the third-party software mentioned above. The relationship between the tumor and surrounding brain tissue can be judged, but accurate brain segmentation cannot be performed using 3D Slicer. In this study, we combine 3D Slicer and FreeSurfer to provide a novel brain segmentation method for extracerebral tumors. This method can help surgeons identify the "real" relationship between the lesion and adjacent brain tissue before surgery and improve preoperative planning.

Highlights

Extracerebral tumors are most typically benign, but some have malignant tumor growth characteristics, such as pushing, compressing, and even eroding adjacent normal brain tissue
The correct identification of brain functional areas during surgery helps surgeons to reduce the damage to normal brain tissue
We provide a cheap and simple alternative to localize brain functional areas covered by extracerebral tumors, which can be achieved in any units

Summary

Introduction

Extracerebral tumors are most typically benign, but some have malignant tumor growth characteristics, such as pushing, compressing, and even eroding adjacent normal brain tissue. Surgical treatment of these tumors is effective, but the prognosis depends largely on the location of the tumor and the degree of brain protection. 3D imaging technology can identify the relationship between extracerebral tumors and brain tissue by determining anatomical locations, which has provided great convenience for surgeons to make preoperative plans [1]. We provide a cheap and simple alternative to localize brain functional areas covered by extracerebral tumors, which can be achieved in any units

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Conclusion