RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to test a new volume-rendering method, volumetric depth peeling (VDP), for use in virtual pyeloscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: VDP was applied to axial contrast-enhanced source computed tomographic (CT) images and coronal reformatted maximum intensity projections of three contrast-filled gloves containing objects of varying density. Similar renderings were performed on CT urograms performed to evaluate hematuria (n = 20). Renderings were assessed for anatomic appearance of ureters and specific calyces in comparison with source images. RESULTS: Objects of soft-tissue and calcific density ranging in size from 4 to 20 mm were identified by using VDP within the glove phantoms. Normal and deformed renal calyces were well visualized by using VDP; however, two stones were not identified. The minimal ureteral width that could be visualized was 3 mm. CONCLUSION: VDP may be a useful technique for virtual pyeloscopy providing that a robust and user-friendly computer interface can be developed.
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to test a new volume-rendering method, volumetric depth peeling (VDP), for use in virtual pyeloscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: VDP was applied to axial contrast-enhanced source computed tomographic (CT) images and coronal reformatted maximum intensity projections of three contrast-filled gloves containing objects of varying density. Similar renderings were performed on CT urograms performed to evaluate hematuria (n = 20). Renderings were assessed for anatomic appearance of ureters and specific calyces in comparison with source images. RESULTS: Objects of soft-tissue and calcific density ranging in size from 4 to 20 mm were identified by using VDP within the glove phantoms. Normal and deformed renal calyces were well visualized by using VDP; however, two stones were not identified. The minimal ureteral width that could be visualized was 3 mm. CONCLUSION: VDP may be a useful technique for virtual pyeloscopy providing that a robust and user-friendly computer interface can be developed.
Authors: Pal Bata; David Laszlo Tarnoki; Adam Domonkos Tarnoki; Zsolt Domjan; Istvan Buzogany; Viktor Berczi Journal: Can Urol Assoc J Date: 2012-10 Impact factor: 1.862