[Three-dimensional image display of the kidney from X-ray CT scan utilizing the 3DCT method]

Stereographic reproduction of human organs, now under development as an application of computer graphics, aims at delineating the three-dimensional spread of a lesion, simulating an operation and drawing up a radiotherapeutic plan. We are currently attempting to obtain a stereo display of the kidney using a 3DCT method based on X-ray CT data obtained by scanning a 4 mm slice in cases of bilateral renal calculus of the template type, renal bleeding and renal carcinoma. This 3DCT method was capable of displaying a stereo image of the kidneys relatively with ease since it made analysis possible, using a computer built inside the X-ray CT device. The development of a software program capable of stereographically displaying many organs on the same screen is an awaited future project.