A method of correlating and merging cerebral morphology and function by a special head holder

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Accurate image registration and correlation between different imaging modalities (MRI, PET, SPECT) are crucial for comprehensive neuroimaging analysis.
• Existing methods may lack the precision or adaptability required for consistent patient fixation across multiple scan types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel head holder system for accurate topographic and functional image data correlation across multiple imaging modalities.
• To ensure precise patient repositioning and consistent slice orientation for enhanced multimodal neuroimaging.

Main Methods:

• Development of a head holder system utilizing a commercially available thermoplastic headmask, molded individually for patient comfort and fixation (7-minute procedure).
• Adaptation of standard offset parameters determined with a homogeneous head phantom for in-plane image correlation.
• Fusion of brain outline contours or images to test accuracy between MRI, PET, and SPECT.

Main Results:

• The method guarantees exact patient repositioning and consistent slice orientation across different imaging modalities.
• Transaxial accuracy was found to be less than or equal to 2.0 mm, and axial accuracy less than or equal to 3.0 mm.
• Accuracy was validated in patients using MRI-slice thickness of 6.0 mm.

Conclusions:

• The described head holder system provides a reliable and accurate method for correlating multimodal neuroimaging data.
• This technique facilitates improved fusion of morphological and functional brain imaging, enhancing diagnostic capabilities.