Color intensity projections provides a fast, simple and robust method of summarizing the grayscale images from a renal scan in a single color image

TL;DR

Color intensity projections (CIPs) offer a quick, simple, and robust way to summarize renal scan images into a single color image, aiding faster interpretation and training.

Contribution

This paper introduces the peak version of CIPs to effectively visualize renogram data in a single color image, enhancing interpretability.

Findings

CIPs clearly differentiate kidney regions and their functional states.

Late-filling kidneys appear greener or bluer, indicating delayed peak times.

CIPs can speed up initial assessments and serve as a training aid.

Abstract

To assess its usefulness, the peak version of color intensity projections (CIPs) was used to display a summary of the grayscale images composing a renogram as a single color image. Method For each pixel in a renogram, the time point with the maximum intensity was used to control the hue of the color of the corresponding pixel in the CIPs image. The hue ranged over red-yellow-green-light blue-blue with red representing the earliest time. Results For subjects with normal appearing kidneys, the injection site shows up in red, the kidneys in a red-yellow and the bladder in a green-blue. A late fill kidney typically appeared greener or bluer than a normal kidney indicating it reached its peak intensity at a later time point than normal. Conclusions Having the time and intensity information summarized in a single image promises to speed up the initial impression of patients by less experienced interpreters and should also provide a valuable training tool.