Black-blood cinematic rendering: A new method for cardiac CT intraluminal visualization

Background: Cinematic rendering (CR) is a method of generating photorealistic 3D images from volumetric computed tomography (CT) data. In this manuscript, we describe a CR preset we have termed black-blood cinematic rendering (BBCR) that allows for detailed endoluminal views of the heart. Methods: Three recent chest CT scans were retrospectively selected as representative examples for BBCR visualization. All scans had been performed with our institution's clinical standard, post-contrast, cardiac-gated chest CT. The BBCR images were created from isotropic-voxel reconstructed volumetric data on a stand-alone workstation. Results: The BBCR technique was successfully utilized to demonstrate intraluminal cardiac findings in a patient with a normal left ventricle, a patient with a left ventricular mural thrombus, and a patient status-post transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Conclusions: BBCR is a new method of utilizing volumetric chest CT data in order to provide detailed images of intraluminal anatomy and pathology of the heart. Further study of this promising method is warranted.