Image registration and fusion via picture archiving and communication system

Objective The preliminary studies of the multimodality image registration and fusion were performed using picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and image fusion software to explore the methodology. Methods The original image volume data were acquired with Siemens Somatom Plus S CT scanner, Magneton Vision 1.5T MR and E.CAM + dual-head coincidence SPECT, respectively. The data sets from all imaging devices were acquired, retrieved, transferred and accessed via DICOM PACS. The image fusion was performed at SPECT ICON work-station, where the medical image merge (MIM)fusion software was installed. The images were created by reslicing original volume on the fly. The image volumes were aligned by translation and rotation of these view ports with respect to the original volume orientation. The transparency factor and contrast were adjusted in order that both volumes can be visualized in the merged images. Results The image volume data of CT, MR and nuclear medicine were transferred, accessed and loaded via PACS successfully. The perfectly fused images of brain MR/SPECT and chest CT/ 18 F-FDG were obtained. Conclusions The results showed that the image fusion technique using PACS was feasible and practical. Further experimentation and larger validation studies are needed to explore the full potential of the clinical use.