PACS: a prerequisite for image fusion in nuclear medicine

Abstract

Digital images of nuclear medicine (NM) are produced by a gamma camera. Compared with radiological images, the resolution of NM images is low. However, they reveal regional functional differences, whereas radiological images show high-resolution anatomical details. Combination of anatomical and functional image data from the same part of the body is important and can enhance the understanding of functional abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to introduce a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) for practical clinical use in the divisions of nuclear medicine. The effect of PACS on customizing image fusion in nuclear medicine was also evaluated. For routine use of image fusion, it is essential to have a fast image network for transferring images from different modalities and a PACS for storing them. It is also essential to have a common commitment to Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (Dicom) standard. Open-architecture PACS seems to remove the remaining difficulties in customising image fusion. The PACS introduced in the hospital district will be one of the largest in the world when completed in 2003.