Purpose: Our aim was to develop an interactive 3D direct volume rendering (DVR) visualization solution to interpret and analyze complex, serial multi-modality imaging datasets from positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT).
Methods: Our approach uses: (i) a serial transfer function (TF) optimization to automatically depict particular regions of interest (ROIs) over serial datasets with consistent anatomical structures; (ii) integration of a serial segmentation algorithm to interactively identify and track ROIs on PET; and (iii) parallel graphics processing unit (GPU) implementation for interactive visualization.
Results: Our DVR visualization more easily identifies changes in ROIs in serial scans in an automated fashion and parallel GPU computation which enables interactive visualization.
Conclusions: Our approach provides a rapid 3D visualization of relevant ROIs over multiple scans, and we suggest that it can be used as an adjunct to conventional 2D viewing software from scanner vendors.
Keywords: Direct volume rendering; PET–CT visualization; Serial segmentation; Transfer function.