Cinematic Rendering of Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Photorealistic Visualization of Normal Neuroanatomy and Primary Brain Tumors

Background: Cinematic rendering (CR) is an advanced post-processing technique that generates volumetric 3-dimensional (3D) visualizations from routine clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, potentially enhancing anatomical interpretation and spatial understanding.

Methods: In this retrospective single-center study, 3.0-T MRI datasets from 35 participants (15 healthy controls and 20 patients with histopathologically confirmed primary brain tumors) were analyzed. Cinematic rendering images were generated from precontrast 3D T1-weighted magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo (MPRAGE) sequences. Two independent senior observers evaluated image resolution, anatomical detail, lesion depiction, visualization utility, and educational value using a 3-point Likert-type scale. Interobserver agreement was assessed using quadratic weighted Cohen’s κ with bootstrap-derived 95% confidence intervals. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 29.0 (IBM Corp.; Armonk, NY, USA).

Results: Cinematic rendering provided consistent, high-fidelity 3D visualization of normal neuroanatomy and tumor-related structural alterations across different primary brain tumor histologies. Image quality ratings were uniformly high (median score: 3), with no significant differences between groups (P ≥ .229). Educational value was rated consistently by both observers across all cases. Interobserver agreement ranged from substantial to almost perfect (κ = 0.65-1.00), with perfect agreement for lesion depiction (κ = 1.00; 100% agreement).

Conclusion: Cinematic rendering applied to routine brain MRI provides reproducible, depth-enhanced 3D visualization of normal brain anatomy and tumor-related spatial relationships. The technique demonstrates consistent image quality and interpretability across different tumor types and may serve as a supplementary tool for neuroanatomical education and spatial understanding in clinical practice.

Cite this article as: Fırat Z, Er F, Ieva AD, Ekinci G, Türe U. Cinematic rendering of brain magnetic resonance imaging: photorealistic visualization of normal neuroanatomy and primary brain tumors. Eurasian J Med. 2026, 58(4), 1605, doi: 10.5152/ eurasianjmed.2026.261605.