Erschienen in:
01.08.2012 | Molecular Imaging
Technical performance evaluation of a human brain PET/MRI system
verfasst von:
Armin Kolb, Hans F. Wehrl, Matthias Hofmann, Martin S. Judenhofer, Lars Eriksson, Ralf Ladebeck, Matthias P. Lichy, Larry Byars, Christian Michel, Heinz-Peter Schlemmer, Matthias Schmand, Claus D. Claussen, Vesna Sossi, Bernd J. Pichler
Erschienen in:
European Radiology
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Ausgabe 8/2012
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Abstract
Objectives
Technical performance evaluation of a human brain PET/MRI system.
Methods
The magnetic field compatible positron emission tomography (PET) insert is based on avalanche photodiode (APD) arrays coupled with lutetium oxyorthosilicate (LSO) crystals and slip-fits into a slightly modified clinical 3-T MRI system. The mutual interference between the two imaging techniques was minimised by the careful design of the hardware to maintain the quality of the B
0 and B
1 field homogeneity.
Results
The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the homogeneity of the MR images were minimally influenced by the presence of the PET. Measurements according to the Function Biomedical Informatics Research Network (FBIRN) protocol proved the combined system’s ability to perform functional MRI (fMRI). The performance of the PET insert was evaluated according to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standard. The noise equivalent count rate (NEC) peaked at 30.7 × 103 counts/s at 7.3 kBq/mL. The point source sensitivity was greater than 7 %. The spatial resolution in the centre field of view was less than 3 mm. Patient data sets clearly revealed a noticeably good PET and MR image quality.
Conclusion
PET and MRI phantom tests and first patient data exhibit the device’s potential for simultaneous multiparametric imaging.
Key Points
• Combination of PET and MRI is a new emerging imaging technology.
• Evaluated brain PET/MRI enables uncompromised imaging performance.
• PET/MRI aims to provide multiparametric imaging allowing acquisition of morphology and metabolism.