Three-dimensional fusion digital subtraction angiography: new reconstruction algorithm for simultaneous three-dimensional rendering of osseous and vascular information obtained during rotational angiography.

This report describes three-dimensional (3D) fusion digital subtraction angiography (FDSA), a new algorithm for rotational angiography that combines reconstructions of the blood vessels and the osseous frame in a single 3D representation. 3D-FDSA is based on separate reconstructions of the mask and contrast sequences of the rotational acquisition. The two independent 3D data sets (3D-bone and 3D-digital subtraction angiography [DSA]) are fused in a single 3D representation. The algorithm uses a modification of the Feldkamp method that compensates for signal intensity inhomogeneity inherent to the reconstruction of nonsubtracted rotational acquisitions. By separately reconstructing the osseous and vascular information obtained from the rotational angiogram, 3D-FDSA provides optimal angiographic resolution and precise topographic analysis even when the studied vascular tree is in the immediate vicinity of bone.