Application of virtual reality combined with Flair imaging skills in three-dimensional anatomy of nucleus surrounding the lateral ventricle

Objective To establish three-dimensional anatomic models of nucleus surrounding the lateral ventricle by utilizing MRI data of Flair sequence and virtual reality system,and then,observe the spacial form and relationships of above anatomic structures.Methods MRI scan of T2 Flair sequence was performed to adult cadaver heads,of which Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine data was inputted into the Vitrea virtual reality workstation to build interactive three-dimensional anatomic models of lateral ventrical,caudate nucleus,putamen,external segment of globus pallidus,internal segment of globus pallidus,hippocampus,amygdala,mamillary body,thalamus,subthalamus nucleus,red nucleus,and substantia nigra.Anatomic observation was performed for above structures.Results High resolution was achieved to distinguish lateral ventrical and surrounding nucleus from remaining tissues.In the image of Flair sequence,cerebral cortex and other nucleus,except red nucleus and subthalamus nucleus,demonstrated high signal; red nucleus and subthalamus nucleus showed slight low signal oval and len form,respectively; white matter,ventricle and brain sulcus demonstrated low signal.Procedures of image segmentation were convenient.Three-dimensional visualization effect of virtual reality models were well,of which spacial form and relationships displayed clearly.Lateral ventrical and surrounding nucleus were observed with multiple visual angles,multiple levels and non-invasive way by rotating model and modulating transparency.Conclusion Three-dimensional anatomic models of nucleus surrounding lateral ventricle simulated by Flair image combined with virtual reality technique is helpful in observing and understanding the global spacial relationship of nucleus non-invasively and objectively; the procedure is time-and specimen-saving and provides reliable information for relative surgery. Key words: Nerve nuclei;  Ventricle;  Three-dimensional anatomy;  Virtual reality