Tomographic abdominal anatomy with magnetic resonance color composites
H. Keith Brown, Todd Richard Hazelton, Lisa M. Putnam, Martin L. Silbger · Clinical Anatomy · 1992
Abstract Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent modality for tomographically visualizing abdominal structures, particularly the liver, In an effort to simulate the natural color scheme of the living abdomen using MRI, we have generated color composites from sets of gray tone MR images obtained at corresponding anatomic slice positions from two healthy individuals. Pulse sequences used for our image sets included T1‐, T2‐, and proton density‐weighted spin echo sequences as well as an angiographic FISP gradient echo sequence. A PC/AT‐compatible computer with 24‐bit graphics display capbilites, along with commerical and customized image‐processing software, was used for composite generation. The applied colors were selected based on quantitative characteristics tissue intensity patterns so that tissue contrast could be optimized in the final image. The generated composites were correlated with cadaver sections to evaluate the color scheme of these false‐colored images. With our composite generation techniques, it was possible to generated near‐natural appearing color images of the abdomen. Color composites may be useful for teaching human cross‐sectional anatomy and may also have diagnostic applications in abdominal MRI studies. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.