Visualization of mediastinal lymph nodes and the adjacent structures

Objective: To investigate the stereoscopic shapes and locations and the relationship between mediastinal lymph nodes and adjacent anatomical structures based on the cross-sectional images from the first female Chinese Visible Human (CVH) dataset, and to reconstruct a three-dimensional model of the structures. Methods: The thoracic section (from the pleura to the diaphragm) was selected for the study. Adobe Photoshop was used to outline and define mediastinal lymph nodes and adjacent structures in cross-sectional contours, and the Amira software was then applied to realize three-dimensional reconstruction and visualization of these structures. Results: The reconstructed digital model clearly demonstrated the shapes of mediastinal lymph nodes and adjacent structures and their spatial relationship. The reconstructed structures can be displayed separately or as a whole,and rotated or cut at any angle. Conclusion: This study clearly defines the forms and locations of lymph nodes and the related structures and their relationship. The reconstructed three-dimensional model of mediastinal lymph nodes and adjacent structures also provides a useful and convenient reference for anatomic study and clinical application.