System and methods for generating three-dimensional images from two-dimensional bioluminescence images and visualizing tumor shapes and locations

Abstract

A system and methods for generating 3D images () from 2D bioluminescent images () and visualizing tumor locations are provided. A plurality of 2D bioluminescent images of a subject are acquired during a complete revolution of an imaging system about a subject, using any suitable bioluminescent imaging system. After imaging, the 2D images are registered () according to the rotation axis to align each image and to compensate for differences between adjacent images. After registration (), corresponding features are identified between consecutive sets of 2D image (). For each corresponding feature identified in each set of 2D images an orthographic projection model () is applied, such that rays are projected through each point in the feature. The intersection point of the rays are plotted in a 3D image of a tumor is generated. The 3D image can be registered with a reference image of the subject, so that the shape and location of the tumor can be precisely visualized with respect to the subject.