Black-blood cinematic rendering: A new method for cardiac CT intraluminal visualization

Abstract

BackgroundCinematic rendering (CR) is a method of generating photorealistic 3D images from volumetric computed tomography (CT) data. In this manuscript, we describe a CR preset we have termed black-blood cinematic rendering (BBCR) that allows for detailed endoluminal views of the heart. MethodsThree recent chest CT scans were retrospectively selected as representative examples for BBCR visualization. All scans had been performed with our institution's clinical standard, post-contrast, cardiac-gated chest CT. The BBCR images were created from isotropic-voxel reconstructed volumetric data on a stand-alone workstation. ResultsThe BBCR technique was successfully utilized to demonstrate intraluminal cardiac findings in a patient with a normal left ventricle, a patient with a left ventricular mural thrombus, and a patient status-post transcatheter aortic valve replacement. ConclusionsBBCR is a new method of utilizing volumetric chest CT data in order to provide detailed images of intraluminal anatomy and pathology of the heart. Further study of this promising method is warranted.