3D visualization of LGE site
The method of the 3D visualization for the LGE site was as follows.
First, the LA was segmented semi-manually by contouring the endocardial
and epicardial borders of the atrium, including the PVs. Second, the
mean value and SD of the voxel intensity was measured on the “healthy”
LA wall where no hyper-enhanced areas in the LGE-MRI were involved.
Third, a voxel intensity histogram analysis of the LA wall identified
LGEs as intensities >2 SD on the “healthy” LA wall.
Furthermore, the degree of the intensity was categorized by color-coded
scaling (green: > 1SD: yellow: 2 – 3SD; and red:
> 3SD). Finally, a 3D reconstruction of the color-coded LGE
and volume-rendered LA and PV image generated from the CE-MRA were fused
semi-automatically. The LGE site was defined as a site with a signal
intensity of > 1SD.