DOI: 10.1148/rg.263055186
Volume Rendering versus Maximum Intensity Projection in CT Angiography: What Works Best, When, and Why1
Elliot K. Fishman, MD,
Derek R. Ney, BS,
David G. Heath, PhD,
Frank M. Corl, MS,
Karen M. Horton, MD and
Pamela T. Johnson, MD
1 From the Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 601 N Caroline St, Room 3251, Baltimore, MD 21287 (E.K.F., D.G.H., F.M.C., K.M.H., P.T.J.); and HipGraphics, Towson, Md (D.R.N., D.G.H.). Presented as an education exhibit at the 2004 RSNA Annual Meeting. Received October 11, 2005; revision requested November 4 and received December 19; accepted December 20. D.G.H. and D.R.N. are founders of HipGraphics; D.G.H. is a consultant to HipGraphics; D.R.N. is a full-time employee of HipGraphics; E.K.F. is a co-founder of Hip-Graphics and a consultant to Siemens Medical Solutions and GE Healthcare; and the other authors have no financial relationships to disclose.
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Figure 1a. Schematic comparison of volume-rendered and MIP images. (a) Volume-rendered image provides clear definition of individual vessels. (b) MIP image reconstructed from the same volume data shows all of the vessels, but their outlines merge; it is impossible to visualize the spatial relationships between the vessels or to delineate individual vessels on the MIP image.
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Figure 1b. Schematic comparison of volume-rendered and MIP images. (a) Volume-rendered image provides clear definition of individual vessels. (b) MIP image reconstructed from the same volume data shows all of the vessels, but their outlines merge; it is impossible to visualize the spatial relationships between the vessels or to delineate individual vessels on the MIP image.
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Figure 2a. Schematic comparison of volume-rendered and MIP images after editing of the data set. (a) The large volume is reduced to a thinner slab (15 mm) by using an automated clip plane editing tool. (b) With volume rendering, vessels are well defined and the 3D spatial relationships between individual vessels can be correctly delineated. (c) With MIP, each vessel is defined but there is a lack of separation and accurate spatial orientation.
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Figure 2b. Schematic comparison of volume-rendered and MIP images after editing of the data set. (a) The large volume is reduced to a thinner slab (15 mm) by using an automated clip plane editing tool. (b) With volume rendering, vessels are well defined and the 3D spatial relationships between individual vessels can be correctly delineated. (c) With MIP, each vessel is defined but there is a lack of separation and accurate spatial orientation.
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Figure 2c. Schematic comparison of volume-rendered and MIP images after editing of the data set. (a) The large volume is reduced to a thinner slab (15 mm) by using an automated clip plane editing tool. (b) With volume rendering, vessels are well defined and the 3D spatial relationships between individual vessels can be correctly delineated. (c) With MIP, each vessel is defined but there is a lack of separation and accurate spatial orientation.
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Figure 3a. Schematic comparison of volume-rendered and MIP images after further editing of the data set. (a) The slab is narrowed further (to 5 mm) with clip plane editing of the volume. (b, c) Volume-rendered (b) and MIP (c) images both depict the individual vessels. However, despite the thinner slab, the image in c is a flat projection and does not provide a 3D view of the vessels.
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Figure 3b. Schematic comparison of volume-rendered and MIP images after further editing of the data set. (a) The slab is narrowed further (to 5 mm) with clip plane editing of the volume. (b, c) Volume-rendered (b) and MIP (c) images both depict the individual vessels. However, despite the thinner slab, the image in c is a flat projection and does not provide a 3D view of the vessels.
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Figure 3c. Schematic comparison of volume-rendered and MIP images after further editing of the data set. (a) The slab is narrowed further (to 5 mm) with clip plane editing of the volume. (b, c) Volume-rendered (b) and MIP (c) images both depict the individual vessels. However, despite the thinner slab, the image in c is a flat projection and does not provide a 3D view of the vessels.
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Figure 4a. Renal donor evaluation. (a) Coronal oblique volume-rendered image depicts classic orientation of the renal vein, two left renal arteries, and a left prehilar renal artery branch (small arrow). The left gonadal vein (large arrow) is well defined. (b) Coronal oblique MIP image correctly defines the renal arteries, but the locations of the renal vein and gonadal vein (arrow) are inaccurately depicted.
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Figure 4b. Renal donor evaluation. (a) Coronal oblique volume-rendered image depicts classic orientation of the renal vein, two left renal arteries, and a left prehilar renal artery branch (small arrow). The left gonadal vein (large arrow) is well defined. (b) Coronal oblique MIP image correctly defines the renal arteries, but the locations of the renal vein and gonadal vein (arrow) are inaccurately depicted.
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Figure 5a. Liver mass evaluation. (a) Coronal oblique volume-rendered image provides good 3D definition of the superior mesenteric artery, the celiac artery, and the tortuous splenic artery and hepatic artery. (b) On the coronal oblique MIP image, the 3D relationships are lost because of the rendering technique.
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Figure 5b. Liver mass evaluation. (a) Coronal oblique volume-rendered image provides good 3D definition of the superior mesenteric artery, the celiac artery, and the tortuous splenic artery and hepatic artery. (b) On the coronal oblique MIP image, the 3D relationships are lost because of the rendering technique.
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Figure 6a. Liver mass evaluation. (a) Coronal volume-rendered image depicts a replaced right hepatic artery (small arrow) that branches from the superior mesenteric artery, as well as two hepatic hemangiomas (large arrows). (b) Coronal MIP image depicts the hepatic lesions (large arrows) but inaccurately indicates that the right hepatic artery (small arrow) arises from the right renal artery.
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Figure 6b. Liver mass evaluation. (a) Coronal volume-rendered image depicts a replaced right hepatic artery (small arrow) that branches from the superior mesenteric artery, as well as two hepatic hemangiomas (large arrows). (b) Coronal MIP image depicts the hepatic lesions (large arrows) but inaccurately indicates that the right hepatic artery (small arrow) arises from the right renal artery.
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Figure 7a. Occlusion of the superior vena cava. (a, b) Volume-rendered images obtained with different rendering parameters demonstrate the flexibility of volume rendering for visualization of the chest wall musculature, thoracic bone, and the superior vena cava, which is nearly occluded by a tumor. (c) MIP image obtained with thin-slab reconstruction also shows near-occlusion of the superior vena cava.
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Figure 7b. Occlusion of the superior vena cava. (a, b) Volume-rendered images obtained with different rendering parameters demonstrate the flexibility of volume rendering for visualization of the chest wall musculature, thoracic bone, and the superior vena cava, which is nearly occluded by a tumor. (c) MIP image obtained with thin-slab reconstruction also shows near-occlusion of the superior vena cava.
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Figure 7c. Occlusion of the superior vena cava. (a, b) Volume-rendered images obtained with different rendering parameters demonstrate the flexibility of volume rendering for visualization of the chest wall musculature, thoracic bone, and the superior vena cava, which is nearly occluded by a tumor. (c) MIP image obtained with thin-slab reconstruction also shows near-occlusion of the superior vena cava.
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Figure 8a. CT images obtained to rule out abscess. Coronal volume-rendered images of the hand and wrist from a posterior orientation (a with different reconstruction parameters than b) show soft-tissue swelling and localized erythema due to cellulitis, but no abscess.
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Figure 8b. CT images obtained to rule out abscess. Coronal volume-rendered images of the hand and wrist from a posterior orientation (a with different reconstruction parameters than b) show soft-tissue swelling and localized erythema due to cellulitis, but no abscess.
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Figure 9a. CT angiography depicts an enlarged mass at a prior anastomotic site in the right side of the groin. Coronal (a) and coronal oblique (b) color-coded volume-rendered images provide realistic 3D views of the pseudoaneurysm, feeding and draining vessels, and occlusion of the left limb of the graft.
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Figure 9b. CT angiography depicts an enlarged mass at a prior anastomotic site in the right side of the groin. Coronal (a) and coronal oblique (b) color-coded volume-rendered images provide realistic 3D views of the pseudoaneurysm, feeding and draining vessels, and occlusion of the left limb of the graft.
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Figure 10a. Evaluation of an endovascular stent with CT angiography. Coronal (a, c) and sagittal (b, d) MIP images (a, b) and volume-rendered images (c, d) show successful stent placement. The sagittal image with color mapping in d provides improved depiction of the stent detail, as well as a more accurate 3D perspective.
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Figure 10b. Evaluation of an endovascular stent with CT angiography. Coronal (a, c) and sagittal (b, d) MIP images (a, b) and volume-rendered images (c, d) show successful stent placement. The sagittal image with color mapping in d provides improved depiction of the stent detail, as well as a more accurate 3D perspective.
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Figure 10c. Evaluation of an endovascular stent with CT angiography. Coronal (a, c) and sagittal (b, d) MIP images (a, b) and volume-rendered images (c, d) show successful stent placement. The sagittal image with color mapping in d provides improved depiction of the stent detail, as well as a more accurate 3D perspective.
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Figure 10d. Evaluation of an endovascular stent with CT angiography. Coronal (a, c) and sagittal (b, d) MIP images (a, b) and volume-rendered images (c, d) show successful stent placement. The sagittal image with color mapping in d provides improved depiction of the stent detail, as well as a more accurate 3D perspective.
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Figure 11a. CT angiography of the pulmonary vasculature. Coronal MIP images (a, b) and volume-rendered images (c, d) based on a volume data set obtained with 64-section multi–detector row CT show an amazing level of detail. Color mapping helps increase the 3D effect in d. The MIP images show a bit more vessel detail at the periphery, produced with less operator interaction than was detail on the volume-rendered images.
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Figure 11b. CT angiography of the pulmonary vasculature. Coronal MIP images (a, b) and volume-rendered images (c, d) based on a volume data set obtained with 64-section multi–detector row CT show an amazing level of detail. Color mapping helps increase the 3D effect in d. The MIP images show a bit more vessel detail at the periphery, produced with less operator interaction than was detail on the volume-rendered images.
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Figure 11c. CT angiography of the pulmonary vasculature. Coronal MIP images (a, b) and volume-rendered images (c, d) based on a volume data set obtained with 64-section multi–detector row CT show an amazing level of detail. Color mapping helps increase the 3D effect in d. The MIP images show a bit more vessel detail at the periphery, produced with less operator interaction than was detail on the volume-rendered images.
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Figure 11d. CT angiography of the pulmonary vasculature. Coronal MIP images (a, b) and volume-rendered images (c, d) based on a volume data set obtained with 64-section multi–detector row CT show an amazing level of detail. Color mapping helps increase the 3D effect in d. The MIP images show a bit more vessel detail at the periphery, produced with less operator interaction than was detail on the volume-rendered images.
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Figure 12a. CT angiography for evaluation of renal artery stenosis. Both the volume-rendered image (a) and the MIP image (b) provide excellent vessel depiction in the coronal plane, but b shows a bit more of the peripheral intrarenal vessels.
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Figure 12b. CT angiography for evaluation of renal artery stenosis. Both the volume-rendered image (a) and the MIP image (b) provide excellent vessel depiction in the coronal plane, but b shows a bit more of the peripheral intrarenal vessels.
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Figure 13a. CT angiography of the carotid artery. (a) Sagittal oblique MIP image suggests internal carotid artery occlusion. (b, c) Sagittal oblique (b) and sagittal (c) opaque 3D volume-rendered images show that the calcification does not cause luminal narrowing. Both opaque and transparent volume-rendered images are helpful in this application.
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Figure 13b. CT angiography of the carotid artery. (a) Sagittal oblique MIP image suggests internal carotid artery occlusion. (b, c) Sagittal oblique (b) and sagittal (c) opaque 3D volume-rendered images show that the calcification does not cause luminal narrowing. Both opaque and transparent volume-rendered images are helpful in this application.
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Figure 13c. CT angiography of the carotid artery. (a) Sagittal oblique MIP image suggests internal carotid artery occlusion. (b, c) Sagittal oblique (b) and sagittal (c) opaque 3D volume-rendered images show that the calcification does not cause luminal narrowing. Both opaque and transparent volume-rendered images are helpful in this application.
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Figure 14a. CT angiography for evaluation of peripheral vascular disease. Extensive calcifications make it impossible to assess luminal patency on the posterior coronal MIP images (a, b). On the posterior coronal volume-rendered images (c, d), the calcifications are depicted on the vessel walls, and luminal patency is well defined.
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Figure 14b. CT angiography for evaluation of peripheral vascular disease. Extensive calcifications make it impossible to assess luminal patency on the posterior coronal MIP images (a, b). On the posterior coronal volume-rendered images (c, d), the calcifications are depicted on the vessel walls, and luminal patency is well defined.
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Figure 14c. CT angiography for evaluation of peripheral vascular disease. Extensive calcifications make it impossible to assess luminal patency on the posterior coronal MIP images (a, b). On the posterior coronal volume-rendered images (c, d), the calcifications are depicted on the vessel walls, and luminal patency is well defined.
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Figure 14d. CT angiography for evaluation of peripheral vascular disease. Extensive calcifications make it impossible to assess luminal patency on the posterior coronal MIP images (a, b). On the posterior coronal volume-rendered images (c, d), the calcifications are depicted on the vessel walls, and luminal patency is well defined.
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Figure 15a. CT angiography to rule out vascular injury due to trauma. (a, b) Anterior (a) and posterior (b) coronal volume-rendered images define the fracture as well as the patent popliteal artery. Editing is often unnecessary when opaque volume rendering is used, as in this case. (c, d) Anterior coronal MIP images require editing of bone to enable visualization of the vascular map.
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Figure 15b. CT angiography to rule out vascular injury due to trauma. (a, b) Anterior (a) and posterior (b) coronal volume-rendered images define the fracture as well as the patent popliteal artery. Editing is often unnecessary when opaque volume rendering is used, as in this case. (c, d) Anterior coronal MIP images require editing of bone to enable visualization of the vascular map.
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Figure 15c. CT angiography to rule out vascular injury due to trauma. (a, b) Anterior (a) and posterior (b) coronal volume-rendered images define the fracture as well as the patent popliteal artery. Editing is often unnecessary when opaque volume rendering is used, as in this case. (c, d) Anterior coronal MIP images require editing of bone to enable visualization of the vascular map.
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Figure 15d. CT angiography to rule out vascular injury due to trauma. (a, b) Anterior (a) and posterior (b) coronal volume-rendered images define the fracture as well as the patent popliteal artery. Editing is often unnecessary when opaque volume rendering is used, as in this case. (c, d) Anterior coronal MIP images require editing of bone to enable visualization of the vascular map.
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Figure 16a. CT angiography of the liver in a patient with hepatitis C. Coronal (a, b) and axial (c, d) volume-rendered images (a, c) and complementary MIP images (b, d) define the hepatoma in the right lobe of the liver and provide a hepatic arterial map.
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Figure 16b. CT angiography of the liver in a patient with hepatitis C. Coronal (a, b) and axial (c, d) volume-rendered images (a, c) and complementary MIP images (b, d) define the hepatoma in the right lobe of the liver and provide a hepatic arterial map.
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Figure 16c. CT angiography of the liver in a patient with hepatitis C. Coronal (a, b) and axial (c, d) volume-rendered images (a, c) and complementary MIP images (b, d) define the hepatoma in the right lobe of the liver and provide a hepatic arterial map.
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Figure 16d. CT angiography of the liver in a patient with hepatitis C. Coronal (a, b) and axial (c, d) volume-rendered images (a, c) and complementary MIP images (b, d) define the hepatoma in the right lobe of the liver and provide a hepatic arterial map.
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Figure 17a. CT angiography with use of both MIP and volume rendering as complementary techniques for vascular mapping. (a) Coronal MIP image provides good definition of the gastroduodenal artery (arrow). (b) Coronal volume-rendered image shows a pancreatic adenocarcinoma that encases the vessel. (c) Coronal MIP image shows right renal artery stenosis due to noncalcified plaque in the proximal artery. (d) Coronal volume-rendered image elucidates the lower-attenuation soft plaque.
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Figure 17b. CT angiography with use of both MIP and volume rendering as complementary techniques for vascular mapping. (a) Coronal MIP image provides good definition of the gastroduodenal artery (arrow). (b) Coronal volume-rendered image shows a pancreatic adenocarcinoma that encases the vessel. (c) Coronal MIP image shows right renal artery stenosis due to noncalcified plaque in the proximal artery. (d) Coronal volume-rendered image elucidates the lower-attenuation soft plaque.
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Figure 17c. CT angiography with use of both MIP and volume rendering as complementary techniques for vascular mapping. (a) Coronal MIP image provides good definition of the gastroduodenal artery (arrow). (b) Coronal volume-rendered image shows a pancreatic adenocarcinoma that encases the vessel. (c) Coronal MIP image shows right renal artery stenosis due to noncalcified plaque in the proximal artery. (d) Coronal volume-rendered image elucidates the lower-attenuation soft plaque.
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Figure 17d. CT angiography with use of both MIP and volume rendering as complementary techniques for vascular mapping. (a) Coronal MIP image provides good definition of the gastroduodenal artery (arrow). (b) Coronal volume-rendered image shows a pancreatic adenocarcinoma that encases the vessel. (c) Coronal MIP image shows right renal artery stenosis due to noncalcified plaque in the proximal artery. (d) Coronal volume-rendered image elucidates the lower-attenuation soft plaque.
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Copyright © 2006 by the Radiological Society of North America.
