Reconstruction views (MPR, MIP, VR)

Five reformats every reader uses — MPR, CPR, MIP, MinIP, VR — and when to pick each one.

The six reconstruction views — axial, MPR, CPR, MIP, VR, MinIP — and what each is best for.
1
MPR — Multiplanar Reformatted

Oblique views outside the traditional axial / sagittal / coronal planes. Highly useful for the en-face view of the aortic valve during TAVR planning, or for accurately evaluating stenosis at any angle.

2
CPR — Curved Multiplanar Reconstruction

Bends the image to stretch an entire tortuous coronary into a single straight plane (the “rotisserie view”). The ideal view for grading stenosis severity — compare the narrowed site to a healthy reference segment side-by-side.

3
MIP — Maximum Intensity Projection

Maximizes the brightest structures. Excellent for long segments of small-caliber vessels and bright pulmonary nodules.

⚠️ Do not use MIP for myocardial perfusion — it will obscure small dark perfusion defects.

4
MinIP — Minimum Intensity Projection

Maximizes the darkest structures. Favored for valve leaflet coaptation, vegetations, and pulmonary emboli.

5
VR — 3D Volume Rendering

External 3D model of the heart. Excellent for anomalous coronary courses, fistulas, and surgical bypass grafts in relation to the aorta. Should not be used to grade luminal stenoses — the surface renderer flatters the lesion.

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