3D Visualization of Brain Tumors Using MR Images: A Survey

Usage of image registration and three-dimensional visualization tools on serial computed tomography for the analysis of patients with traumatic intraparenchymal hemorrhages

The aim of this study was to apply registration and three-dimensional (3D) display tools to assess the evolution of intraparenchymal hemorrhage (IPH) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). We identified 109 TBI patients who had two computed tomography (CT) scans within 4 days retrospectively. The IPH was manually outlined. The registration was performed in 39 lesions from 29 patients with lesion volume < 1.5 cm on both baseline and follow-up CT. The center of mass (COM) of each lesion was calculated, and the distance between baseline and follow-up CT was used to evaluate the registration effect. The mean distances of COM before registration in the XYZ, XY, and YZ coordinates were 20.5 ± 10.2 mm, 17.8 ± 9.4 mm, and 15.9 ± 9.4 mm, respectively, which decreased significantly (p < 0.001) to 7.9 ± 4.9, 7.8 ± 5.0, and 6.1 ± 4.1 mm after registration. A 3D short video displaying the rendering view of all lesions in 34 randomly selected patients from baseline and follow-up scans were presented side-by-side for comparison. The detection rate of new IPH lesions increased in 3D videos (100%) as compared with axial CT slices (78.6-92.9%). A very high interrater agreement (k = 0.856) on perceiving IPH lesion progression upon viewing 3D video was noted, and the absolute volume increase was significantly higher (p < 0.001) for progressive lesions (median 7.36 cc) over non-progressive lesions (median 0.01 cc). Compared to patients with spontaneous hemorrhagic stroke, evaluation of multiple small traumatic hemorrhages in TBI is more challenging. The applied image analysis and visualization methods may provide helpful tools for comparing changes between serial CT scans.

3D Printing as a Significant Achievement for Application in Posttraumatic Surgeries - A Literature Review

BACKGROUND

3D printing is increasingly used in many fields of medicine. The broadening of knowledge in this field and the cooperation of doctors and engineers increase the interest in this technology and results in attempts to implement it at every stage of the treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The review aims to summarize the current literature on the use of 3D printing technology in the treatment of post-trauma patients.

METHODS

A review of available scientific publications in PubMed regarding 3D printing and its application in the context of posttraumatic procedures was carried out. Clinical Trials and Reviews from the period 2014-2019 (6-year period) were taken into consideration. The database was searched for "Printing", "ThreeDimensional" [MAJR] [MeSH Term]. Finally, 48 studies have been included in our review article.

RESULTS

3D printing technology has a number of applications in patients who have suffered injuries. 3D printing has found application in the preparation of procedures, accurate visualization of occurring injuries and complications, education of doctors and patients, prototyping, creation of synthetic scaffolding, production and implementation of target implants and rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

3D printing is increasingly used in providing for posttraumatic patients. It is necessary to conduct further research in this area and to provide development opportunities regarding biopolymers and bioprinting. It is also necessary to improve cooperation between doctors and engineers and to create new centres that can comprehensively use 3D printing - from imaging diagnostics to the production of implants and their surgical use.