[Clinical application of 3D imaging for brain tumors]

Advances in image analysis methods and computer technology have increasingly facilitated the clinical application of three-dimensional(3D) imaging for brain tumors. This paper illustrates various types of 3D imaging that can be applied to diagnosis or surgery of brain tumors. A preoperatively acquired 3D data set is used for brain tumor surgery simulation and navigation, and is useful for elucidating the relationship between the brain tumor and adjacent brain including the cortical surface, vasculature or eloquent areas of the brain. Recent developments in 3D imaging have allowed the fusion of anatomical and functional images. Integration of 3D images by automatic registering of multiple images facilitates safe and effective treatment of brain tumors.