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Objective To construct a digital atlas of the globus pallidus internus (Gpi) in the standard stereotactic space using the sectional images of the male cadaver from "Atlas of Chinese Visible Human (Male and Female)". Methods Identification and segmentation of the Gpi,and anterior and posterior commissures from the sectional images were performed. We established the stereotactic coordinate system and reconstructed 3D models of the Gpi. Results Gpi looks like a bean according to the reconstructed models; Putamen and globus pallidus lateral (Gpe) were also constructed; and the location of the Gpi and the relation of Gpi with both Putamen and Gpe were shown in the stereotactic space. The lenticular nucleus could rotate and stretch at any angles in the standard stereotactic space.Conclusion It is feasible to reconstruct the 3D models of the subnucleus in the stereotactic space from the sectional image of the cadaver.
RESUMO
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is widely recognized as one of the most important and commonly targeted nuclei in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery. The success of STN surgery depends on accuracy in target determination. Construction of a digitalized atlas of STN based on stereotactic MRI will play an instrumental role in the accuracy of anatomical localization. The aim of this study was to investigate the three-dimensional (3D) target location of STN in stereotactic space and construct a digitalized atlas of STN to accomplish the visualization of the STN on stereotactic MRI, thus providing clinical guidance on the precise anatomical localization of STN.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and twenty healthy people volunteered to be scanned by 1.5 Tesla MRI scanning with 1-mm-thick slice in the standard stereotactic space between 2005 and 2006. One adult male was selected for 3D reconstruction of STN. The process of 3D reconstruction included identification, manual segmentation, extraction, conservation and reconstruction.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was a significant correlation between the coordinates and age (P < 0.05). The volume of left STN was significantly larger than the right STN, and there was a significant negative correlation between volume and age (P < 0.05). The surface of the STN nucleus after 3D reconstruction appeared smooth, natural and realistic. The morphological feature of STN on the individual brain could be visualized directly in 3D. The 3D reconstructed STN could be rotated, zoomed and displayed at any direction in the stereotactic space. The anteroposterior diameter of the STN nucleus was longer than the vertical and transverse diameters in 3D space. The 3D reconstruction of STN manifested typical structure of the "dual lens".</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The visualization of individual brain atlas based on stereotactic MRI is feasible. However, software for automated segmentation, extraction and registration of MR images need to be further developed.</p>