<title>Volume-rendering techniques in the assessment of cerebral activation</title>

Abstract

Radionuclide imaging of the brain is used to study the effect of activation paradigms on cerebral function. In this study we investigate the neuro-activation due to a flickering visual stimulus as compared to a dark adapted baseline state. Neuroactivation is measured by SPECT brain imaging using the Tc99m brain perfusion imaging agent Tc99m Bicisate. (NeuroliteTM, a kit for the preparation of Tc99m Bicisate, is currently being distributed as an investigational new drug.) SPECT data generally consists of a series of 2D slices collected through the brain volume. Most analysis and interpretation schemes compare the results of imaging a subject injected without the stimulus with an image acquisition performed subsequent to injection in the presence of the activating stimulus. Common image analysis and interpretation schemes are performed using 2D slice data, often comparing data from only a single slice. We present results using a depth cueing volume rendering method for the display and comparison of full visual field activation and baseline (dark adapted) SPECT images. By rotating the rendered views of the volume, the 3D spatial structure of the data can be assessed.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.