Minimum intensity projection

{{Short description|Scientific visualization method}}

File:Minimum_intensity_projection.gif

In scientific visualization, minimum intensity projection (MinIP) is a method for visualization of structures with low intensity in a specific volume.{{cite journal |last1=Dalrymple |first1=Neal C. |last2=Prasad |first2=Srinivasa R. |last3=Freckleton |first3=Michael W. |last4=Chintapalli |first4=Kedar N. |title=Introduction to the Language of Three-dimensional Imaging with Multidetector CT |journal=RadioGraphics |date=September 2005 |volume=25 |issue=5 |pages=1409–28 |doi=10.1148/rg.255055044 |pmid=16160120 }}{{cite journal |last1=Hayabuchi |first1=Yasunobu |last2=Inoue |first2=Miki |last3=Watanabe |first3=Noriko |last4=Sakata |first4=Miho |last5=Nabo |first5=Manal Mohamed Helmy |last6=Kagami |first6=Shoji |title=Minimum-intensity projection of multidetector-row computed tomography for assessment of pulmonary hypertension in children with congenital heart disease |journal=International Journal of Cardiology |date=June 2011 |volume=149 |issue=2 |pages=192–198 |doi=10.1016/j.ijcard.2010.01.008 |pmid=20144487 }} 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.

File:Coronal minimum intensity projection CT thorax.gif

MinIP is mainly used to diagnose lung diseases with computed tomography scans where the attenuation values are reduced (for example traction bronchectasis and emphysema).{{cite journal |last1=Ghonge |first1=Nitin P |last2=Chowdhury |first2=Veena |title=Minimum-intensity projection images in high-resolution computed tomography lung: Technology update |journal=Lung India |date=2018 |volume=35 |issue=5 |pages=439–440 |doi=10.4103/lungindia.lungindia_489_17 |pmid=30168468 |pmc=6120307 |doi-access=free }} 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).{{cite journal |last1=Rao |first1=Narayana D. L. V. |last2=Gulati |first2=Manpreet Singh |last3=Paul |first3=Shashi Bala |last4=Pande |first4=Girish Kumar |last5=Sahni |first5=Peush |last6=Chattopadhyay |first6=Tushar Kanti |title=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=Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology |date=February 2005 |volume=20 |issue=2 |pages=304–8 |doi=10.1111/j.1440-1746.2004.03548.x |pmid=15683436 }}