Three-dimensional transparencies in computed tomography - Technique and indications

We describe a technique which uses on-the-scanner programmes to reconstruct routine CT acquisitions as three-dimensional (30) models with transparency display of specific areas of interest (targets). The technique is performed by isolating a series of mask images and superimposing target images in the same view by threshold sampling or manual segmentation. The overall view of the volume examined and the partial reduction of artifacts due to the Hounsfield effect mean that transparencies not only offer a synthesis of the key information contained in the CT scan, but also provide original diagnostic information in patients with large metal prostheses.