Minimum intensity projection

In scientific visualization, minimum intensity projection (MinIP) is a method for visualization of structures with low intensity in a specific volume.^[1][2] A two-dimensional image of a selected volume (for example all images that make up a 10 mm slab) is generated where each pixel is represented by displaying the lowest attenuation value in each voxel.

Example of a coronal MPR (slice thickness 10 mm) with minimal intensity projection. Air filled structures (especially bronchi) are enhanced.

Schematic illustration of minimal intensity projection.

MinIP is mainly used to diagnose lung diseases with computed tomography scans where the attenuation values are reduced (for example traction bronchectasis and emphysema).^[3] Another application is for assessing the bile tree and pancreatic duct which compared to the surrounding tissue is hypoattenuating (especially after intravenous contrast media administration).^[4]

See also

• Maximum intensity projection

References

1. Dalrymple, Neal C.; Prasad, Srinivasa R.; Freckleton, Michael W.; Chintapalli, Kedar N. (September 2005). "Introduction to the Language of Three-dimensional Imaging with Multidetector CT". RadioGraphics. 25 (5): 1409–28. doi:10.1148/rg.255055044. PMID 16160120.
2. Hayabuchi, Yasunobu; Inoue, Miki; Watanabe, Noriko; Sakata, Miho; Nabo, Manal Mohamed Helmy; Kagami, Shoji (June 2011). "Minimum-intensity projection of multidetector-row computed tomography for assessment of pulmonary hypertension in children with congenital heart disease". International Journal of Cardiology. 149 (2): 192–198. doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2010.01.008. PMID 20144487.
3. Ghonge, Nitin P; Chowdhury, Veena (2018). "Minimum-intensity projection images in high-resolution computed tomography lung: Technology update". Lung India. 35 (5): 439–440. doi:10.4103/lungindia.lungindia_489_17. PMC 6120307. PMID 30168468.
4. Rao, Narayana D. L. V.; Gulati, Manpreet Singh; Paul, Shashi Bala; Pande, Girish Kumar; Sahni, Peush; Chattopadhyay, Tushar Kanti (February 2005). "Three-dimensional helical computed tomography cholangiography with minimum intensity projection in gallbladder carcinoma patients with obstructive jaundice: comparison with magnetic resonance cholangiography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography". Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 20 (2): 304–8. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1746.2004.03548.x. PMID 15683436.

Further reading

• https://radiopaedia.org/articles/minimum-intensity-projection-minip