The evolution from 2D snapshots to 3D models in medical imaging marks significant progress toward a more nuanced understanding of human anatomy. This is particularly relevant in the study of uterine fibroids, benign tumours that develop within or attach to the uterine wall, and their relationship with the pelvic floor and lower urogenital tract. First appearing in Journal of Medical Systems (2023), this pioneering study utilised cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to create detailed 3D visualisations of pelvic organs, highlighting the presence and effects of fibroids.

© 2024 The Authors. Hosting by Atomic Academia Ltd. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

---

1. Introduction and Objectives

The study focuses on women with uterine fibroids who experience urinary symptoms, aiming to clarify the impact of these growths on surrounding pelvic structures. By comparing two different image processing applications for 3D volume rendering, the research sheds light on the spatial relationships between the bladder, uterus, fibroids, and other pelvic organs. The significance of this research lies in its potential to revolutionise diagnostic procedures, surgical planning, and educational resources in gynaecology.

Nomenclature

Fibroid: a benign tumour that consists of fibrous and muscular tissue that occurs especially in the uterine wall.
LUTS: Lower urinary tract symptoms include a wide variety of problems with urination, including involuntarily leaking urine or having sudden and strong urges to pee.

---

2. Methodology

The researchers utilised MRI scans to capture detailed cross-sectional images of the pelvic region in women with fibroids. These scans were then processed using advanced software to create 3D renderings of the pelvic floor anatomy. The comparative analysis of different image processing applications aimed to identify the best tool for visualising the complex interactions between fibroids and the lower urogenital tract. This article was written as a short-form version of the original research by the Atomic Academic AI, reviewed by the original author and peer-reviewed openly.

---

3. Results

The study's findings highlight the superior clarity and detail provided by 3D volume rendering over traditional 2D imaging techniques. These 3D models offer unprecedented views of the pelvic organs, allowing for the precise localization of fibroids and their effect on the bladder and uterus. This enhanced perspective is crucial for understanding the anatomical variations caused by fibroids and for planning surgical interventions with greater accuracy.

---

4. Discussion

1. Measurements made with both OsiriX and 3D Slicer correlated strongly across all dimensional and volumetric metrics, emphasising the reliability of these tools in 3D modelling of pelvic structures.
2. 3D MRI can enhance the understanding of the spatial relationships between pelvic organs and fibroids, which is crucial for advancing diagnostic accuracy and surgical planning, particularly in relation to LUTS.
3. The research underscores the need for more studies focusing on the spatial relationships of pelvic organs, as the current literature is limited primarily to cross-sectional imaging, which may contribute to discrepancies in understanding LUTS development.

Figure 1 - Image generated using Bing Image Creator from the prompt 3D MRI Insights into Pelvic Floor Anatomy: Revealing Fibroids' Hidden Impacts.

---

5. Conclusion

The advent of 3D volume rendering based on MRI scans marks a significant advancement in the field of medical imaging, particularly in the study and treatment of uterine fibroids. By providing a detailed and dynamic view of pelvic anatomy, this technology offers new avenues for diagnosis, education, and surgical planning. As we continue to explore the potential of 3D imaging, the future looks bright for patients suffering from fibroids and other pelvic conditions, promising more accurate diagnoses, more precise treatments, and ultimately, better health outcomes.

---

6. Implications and Future Research

The implications of this research extend far beyond the immediate benefit of improved diagnostic accuracy. By offering a detailed view of the pelvic anatomy in three dimensions, these 3D models are powerful educational tools for both medical professionals and patients. Surgeons can use these visualisations to better plan and execute fibroid removal procedures, potentially reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes. Moreover, the detailed anatomical insights gained from these models could inform the development of more effective treatment strategies for women with fibroids.
Despite the promising results, the study acknowledges certain limitations, including the need for specialised software and expertise in 3D image processing. Future research will need to address these challenges, making 3D modelling more accessible and practical for widespread clinical use. Additionally, further studies could explore the application of this technology in other areas of gynaecology and pelvic health, potentially transforming the way we understand and treat a variety of conditions.

---

7. Original Work

Fan KS, Durnea C, Campani Nygaard C, Khalil M, Doumouchtsis SK. Three‐dimensional volume rendering of pelvic floor anatomy with focus on fibroids in relation to the lower urogenital tract based on sross‐sectional MRI images. J Med Sys. 2023;47:62. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-023-01947-y