Medical Image Fusion
Image fusion has become a common term used within medical diagnostics and treatment. The term is used when multiple patient images are registered and overlaid or merged to provide additional information. Fused images may be created from multiple images from the same imaging modality, or by combining information from multiple modalities, such as magnetic resonance image (MRI), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). In radiology and radiation oncology, these images serve different purposes. For example, CT images are used more often to ascertain differences in tissue density while MRI images are typically used to diagnose brain tumors.
For accurate diagnoses, radiologists must integrate information from multiple image formats. Fused, anatomically-consistent images are especially beneficial in diagnosing and treating cancer. Companies such as Nicesoft, Velocity Medical Solutions, Mirada Medical, Keosys, MIM Software Inc., IKOE, and BrainLAB have recently created image fusion software for both improved diagnostic reading, and for use in conjunction with radiation treatment planning systems. With the advent of these new technologies, radiation oncologists can take full advantage of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Being able to overlay diagnostic images onto radiation planning images results in more accurate IMRT target tumor volumes.
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