“Soap‐Bubble” visualization and quantitative analysis of 3D coronary magnetic resonance angiograms

TLDR

Coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) requires adequate visualization and presentation to compare data from different scanning methodologies. The study develops a software tool, “Soap‑Bubble,” to facilitate visualization and quantitative comparison of 3D coronary MRA data. The tool lets users interactively select a curved subvolume, applies 3D Delaunay triangulation and parallel projection to display multiple coronary segments in a single 2D view, and computes quantitative metrics such as SNR, CNR, vessel length, sharpness, and diameter. Initial results in healthy adults and coronary artery disease patients demonstrate the tool’s ability to compare MRA data. Published in Magn Reson Med 48:658–666, 2002; © 2002 Wiley‑Liss, Inc.

Abstract

Abstract In order to compare coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) data obtained with different scanning methodologies, adequate visualization and presentation of the coronary MRA data need to be ensured. Furthermore, an objective quantitative comparison between images acquired with different scanning methods is desirable. To address this need, a software tool (“Soap‐Bubble”) that facilitates visualization and quantitative comparison of 3D volume targeted coronary MRA data was developed. In the present implementation, the user interactively specifies a curved subvolume (enclosed in the 3D coronary MRA data set) that closely encompasses the coronary arterial segments. With a 3D Delaunay triangulation and a parallel projection, this enables the simultaneous display of multiple coronary segments in one 2D representation. For objective quantitative analysis, frequently explored quantitative parameters such as signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR); contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR); and vessel length, sharpness, and diameter can be assessed. The present tool supports visualization and objective, quantitative comparisons of coronary MRA data obtained with different scanning methods. The first results obtained in healthy adults and in patients with coronary artery disease are presented. Magn Reson Med 48:658–666, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.