What does a maximum intensity projection (MIP) do in CT imaging?

A maximum intensity projection (MIP) is a technique used in CT imaging that specifically focuses on the highest intensity values in a dataset. It works by examining a series of voxels along a defined line of sight and selecting the voxel with the highest value from each data slice that the line intersects. This process effectively highlights structures that have high attenuation, such as blood vessels or lesions, which are more likely to appear brighter on the CT scan.

The use of MIP is particularly beneficial in various clinical applications, such as evaluating vascular structures, where it allows for enhanced visualization of areas of interest by suppressing the lower-intensity background tissues. By projecting only the highest intensity values, MIP enhances anatomical details and can aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.

This choice correctly identifies the unique functionality of MIP, distinguishing it from techniques that may utilize lower values or average across data points.