'Color Fusion MRI': An effective technque for image visualization in a variety of clinical applications

摘要

This paper reports the application of an innovative technique of image fusion of color-coded fluid-sensitive MRI images with high-resolution anatomical images. Image fusion of corresponding slices from two imaging sequences is obtained in real time allowing the user to navigate interactively through large image sets. This technique was applied and evaluated in cases of a variety of musculoskelettal diseases. A color image, overlaying conspicuous findings of fluid-sensitive images, on high resolution spin-echo images, providing accurate anatomical localization were obtained. Compared with traditional side-by-side reviews of these images, this interactive technique it was found to facilitates the correlation of information of different imaging sequences. Furthermore the color images that are generated greatly facilitate the communication of the diagnostic findings to referring physicians.