The preliminary studies of the multimodality image registration andfusion were performed using an image fusion software and a picture archiving andcommunication system (PACS) to explore the methodology. Original image voluminaldata were acquired with a CT scanner, MR and dual-head coincidence SPECT, respec-tively. The data sets from all imaging devices were queried, retrieved, transferred andaccessed via DICOM PACS. The image fusion was performed at thc SPECT ICONwork-station, where the MIM (Medical Image Merge) fusion software was installed.The images were created by reslicing original volume on the fly. The image volumeswere aligned by translation and rotation of these view ports with respect to the origi-nal volume orientation. The transparency factor and contrast were adjusted in orderthat both volumes can be visualized in the merged images. The image volume data ofCT, MR and nuclear medicine were transferred, accessed and loaded via PACS suc-cessfully. The perfect fused images of chest CT/18F-FDG and brain MR/SPECT wereobtained. These results showed that image fusion technique using PACS was feasibleand practical. Further experimentation and larger validation studies were needed toexplore the full potential of the clinical use.
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