Combining anatomy and function: the path to true image fusion.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Modern non-invasive imaging technologies aid disease visualization.
• Software-based image fusion aligns anatomical and functional data, improving abnormality localization.
• Limited success in software-based image fusion outside the brain necessitates alternative approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present alternative approaches to software-based image fusion.
• To describe dual-modality imaging devices for combined anatomical and functional imaging.
• To review the current status and future prospects of dual-modality imaging.

Main Methods:

• Development and evaluation of dual-modality imaging devices.
• Integration of two imaging modalities within a single gantry.
• Utilizing existing scanner technology to maintain clinical efficacy.

Main Results:

• A combined positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) scanner has been developed and is in clinical evaluation.
• Combining PET with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) presents technological challenges due to magnetic field interference.
• Dual-modality devices aim to provide comprehensive diagnostic information without compromising individual modality performance.

Conclusions:

• Dual-modality imaging offers a promising alternative to software-based fusion, particularly for non-brain applications.
• Integrated imaging devices can enhance diagnostic accuracy and disease staging.
• Further development is needed to overcome technical challenges, especially for modalities like PET-MRI.