MRI treatment planning for CNS neoplasm: graphic display of target volume using boxed cursor

Treatment planning systems are now capable of interfacing with MRI units, however, reconstructing images in multiple planes remains a laborious process. We have described the construction of contrast markers used with MRI imaging to determine the isocenter coordinates of preplanned CNS treatment fields. Currently existing software was then used to reconstruct the patients target volume by centering a box cursor of appropriate size over the predetermined coordinate representing isocenter. Off axis views of the target volume were easily reconstructed, as were images in the coronal and axial planes. The box cursor technique was useful in making modifications to field placement and field size.