A computer based system and method of visualizing a region using multiple
image data sets is provided. The method includes acquiring first
volumetric image data of a region and acquiring at least second
volumetric image data of the region. The first image data is generally
selected such that the structural features of the region are readily
visualized. At least one control point is determined in the region using
an identifiable structural characteristic discernable in the first
volumetric image data. The at least one control point is also located in
the at least second image data of the region such that the first image
data and the at least second image data can be registered to one another
using the at least one control point. Once the image data sets are
registered, the registered first image data and at least second image
data can be fused into a common display data set. The multiple image data
sets have different and complimentary information to differentiate the
structures and the functions in the region such that image segmentation
algorithms and user interactive editing tools can be applied to obtain 3d
spatial relations of the components in the region. Methods to correct
spatial inhomogeneity in MR image data is also provided.