Abstract
BackgroundPositron Emission Tomography (PET) is traditionally used to image patients in restrictive positions, with few devices allowing for upright, brain‐dedicated imaging. Our team has explored the concept of wearable PET imagers which could provide functional brain imaging of freely moving subjects. To test feasibility and determine future considerations for development, we built a rudimentary proof‐of‐concept prototype (Helmet_PET) and conducted tests in phantoms and four human volunteers.MethodsTwelve Silicon Photomultiplier‐based detectors were assembled in a ring with exterior weight support and an interior mechanism that could be adjustably fitted to the head. We conducted brain phantom tests as well as scanned four patients scheduled for diagnostic F18‐ FDG PET/CT imaging. For human subjects the imager was angled such that field of view included basal ganglia and visual cortex to test for typical resting‐state pattern. Imaging in two subjects was performed ~4 hr after PET/CT imaging to simulate lower injected F18‐ FDG dose by taking advantage of the natural radioactive decay of the tracer (F18 half‐life of 110 min), with an estimated imaging dosage of 25% of the standard.ResultsWe found that imaging with a simple lightweight ring of detectors was feasible using a fraction of the standard radioligand dose. Activity levels in the human participants were quantitatively similar to standard PET in a set of anatomical ROIs. Typical resting‐state brain pattern activation was demonstrated even in a 1 min scan of active head rotation.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of imaging a human subject with a novel wearable PET imager that moves with robust head movements. We discuss potential research and clinical applications that will drive the design of a fully functional device. Designs will need to consider trade‐offs between a low weight device with high mobility and a heavier device with greater sensitivity and larger field of view.
Highlights
There has been an intense private and public interest within the neuroscience research community in developing a “ generation” human brain imager that can address some of the constraints and limitations of current imaging modalities
None of these modalities currently combine high spatial resolution with whole- brain imaging of a moving patient; neither current upright Positron Emission Tomography (PET), magnetoencephalography (MEG), or MRI allow for large-scale head motion, and the low field strength (0.6 Tesla) of the Fonar upright MRI scanner is prohibitive for fMRI as well as requiring one to be still during the actual imaging
We have introduced, presented, and discussed the concept of a wearable PET imager using a prototype light-weight brain-dedicated upright device
Summary
Limited progress has been made in upright imagers that allow a patient to be seated, including an upright head-only PET scanner (website-b), a whole-body upright MRI scanner (website-c), dense array EEG, and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) imaging. None of these modalities currently combine high spatial resolution with whole- brain imaging of a moving patient; neither current upright PET, magnetoencephalography (MEG), or MRI allow for large-scale head motion, and the low field strength (0.6 Tesla) of the Fonar upright MRI scanner is prohibitive for fMRI as well as requiring one to be still during the actual imaging. Designs will need to consider trade-offs between a low weight device with high mobility and a heavier device with greater sensitivity and larger field of view
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
