A multicenter evaluation of seven commercial ML-EM algorithms for SPECT image reconstruction using simulation data

Abstract

The maximum likelihood expectation maximization (ML-EM) algorithm has become available as an alternative to filtered back projection in SPECT. The actual physical performance may be different depending on the manufacturer and model, because of differences in computational details. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of seven different types of ML-EM algorithms using simple simulation data. Seven ML-EM algorithm programs were used: Genie (GE), esoft (Siemens), HARP-III (Hitachi), GMS-5500UI (Toshiba), Pegasys (ADAC), ODYSSEY-FX (Marconi), and Windows-PC (original software). Projection data of a 2-pixel-wide line source in the center of the field of view were simulated without attenuation or scatter. Images were reconstructed with ML-EM by changing the number of iterations from 1 to 45 for each algorithm. Image quality was evaluated after a reconstruction using full width at half maximum (FWHM), full width at tenth maximum (FWTM), and the total counts of the reconstructed images. In the maximum number of iterations, the difference in the FWHM value was up to 1.5 pixels, and that of FWTM, no less than 2.0 pixels. The total counts of the reconstructed images in the initial few iterations were larger or smaller than the converged value depending on the initial values. Our results for the simplest simulation data suggest that each ML-EM algorithm itself provides a simulation image. We should keep in mind which algorithm is being used and its computational details, when physical and clinical usefulness are compared.