Joint Optimization of Kinetic Modelling and CBM Acquisition Parameters in Hybrid Whole-Body Dynamic PET Imaging

Abstract

In our previous work we proposed a modilfied protocol for simultaneous estimation of compartmental and graphical analysis kinetic parameters in whole-body (WB) dynamic PET imaging. The protocol is clinically feasible in continuous bed motion (CBM) acquisition mode. Therefore certain kinetic modelling related parameters, such as temporal frame definition and duration are selected a priori through CBM pass and bed speed selection. This is in contrast to traditional single bed dynamic imaging where such parameters are defined a posteriori. Furthermore optimum CBM parameters might vary between compartmental and graphical analysis. To this end a joint optimization of acquisition and kinetic modelling parameters is attempted. Using the XCAT phantom as well as clinical studies, the impact of temporal frame definition, frame duration and total scan duration on micro-and macro-parametric images is evaluated, through modulation of CBM parameters such as the bed speed and number of passes. Furthermore for Patlak graphical analysis and compartmental modelling, the optimum regression window was systematically investigated with respect to the selected CBM parameters.