Multi-planar Reconstruction (MPR)

TelePax Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) is the simplest method of reconstruction. A volume is built by stacking the axial slices. The software then cuts slices through the volume in a different plane (usually orthogonal). Optionally, a special projection method, such as maximum-intensity projection (MIP) or minimum-intensity projection (MIP), can be used to build the reconstructed slices.

MPR is frequently used for examining the spine. Axial images through the spine will only show one vertebral body at a time and cannot reliably show the inter-vertebral discs. By reformatting the volume, it becomes much easier to visualize the position of one vertebral body in relation to the others.

Modern software allows reconstruction in non-orthogonal (oblique) planes so that the optimal plane can be chosen to display an anatomical structure. This may be particularly useful for visualizing the structure of the bronchi as these do not lie orthogonal to the direction of the scan.

For vascular imaging, curved-plane reconstruction can be performed. This allows bends in a vessel to be ‘straightened’ so that the entire length can be visualized on one image or a short series of images. Once a vessel has been ‘straightened’ in this way, quantitative measurements of length and cross-sectional area can be made so that surgery or interventional treatment can be planned.

MIP reconstructions enhance areas of high radio-density, and so are useful for angiography studies. MIP reconstructions tend to enhance air spaces so are useful for assessing lung structure.