Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 2, 2025

Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Visualization in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Published on: June 9, 2023
Photorealistic three-dimensional visualization of fusion datasets: cinematic rendering of PET/CT
Steven P Rowe1, Martin G Pomper2, Jeffrey P Leal2
1Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Russell H. Morgan, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA. srowe8@jhmi.edu.
Purpose:
Cinematic rendering (CR) is a method of photorealistic 3D visualization of volumetric imaging data. We applied this technique to fusion PET/CT data.
Methods:
Two recent PET/CT cases were selected, one each of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted 18F-DCFPyL, and somatostatin-receptor-targeted 68 Ga-DOTATATE. Targeted radiotracers were selected in order to provide high-contrast images for this proof-of-principle study. Cinematic rendering was performed with an enhanced algorithm that incorporated internal lighting within the PET-avid organs and lesions to allow for a distinct visual signature.
Results:
The use of internal lighting for PET data provided CR of fused PET/CT scans. The interpreting radiologist must make judicious use of presets and cut planes in order to ensure important findings are not missed.
Conclusions:
CR of PET/CT data provides a photorealistic means of visualizing complex fusion imaging datasets. Such visualizations may aid anatomic understanding for surgical or procedural applications, may improve teaching of trainees, and may allow improved communication with patients.
Related Concept Videos
Positron Emission Tomography
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body...
Computed Tomography
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy
Fundamental Principles of PET
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography

