Estimation of pulmonary motion in healthy subjects and patients with intrathoracic tumors using 3D-dynamic MRI: initial results.

Objective: To estimate a new technique for quantifying regional lung motion using 3D-MRI in healthy volunteers and to apply the technique in patients with intra- or extrapulmonary tumors.

Materials And Methods: Intraparenchymal lung motion during a whole breathing cycle was quantified in 30 healthy volunteers using 3D-dynamic MRI (FLASH [fast low angle shot] 3D, TRICKS [time-resolved interpolated contrast kinetics]). Qualitative and quantitative vector color maps and cumulative histograms were performed using an introduced semiautomatic algorithm.

Advances in medical image computing.

Objectives: Medical image computing has become a key technology in high-tech applications in medicine. Nowadays, medical image computing techniques are applied in daily routine in various medical disciplines. However, further developments are needed to improve computer-aided diagnoses and computer-assisted therapy planning and performance in the future.