Image processing from 2D to 3D

Three-dimensional representations of volumetric CT data provide a powerful means to display and perceive complex anatomy and pathology. The development of advanced, multi-slice CT scanners that could rapidly acquire isotropic data sets without significant patient respiratory or voluntary motion has allowed for the implementation of a number of 3D reconstruction methods into clinical practice. In this chapter, we will discuss the technical considerations that underlie the most common 3D reconstruction methodologies (including surface rendering, maximum intensity projection, volume rendering, and cinematic rendering), the similarities and differences between these methodologies and how this impacts the types of imaging data each methodology is most suited to evaluate, and provide examples of some of the most common clinical uses of these techniques.