Abstract
Due to technological developments in positron emission tomography (PET) detectors and PET-MR integration, the simultaneous measurement of PET-MR-EEG has become feasible, offering the possibility of exploring the complementary information provided by each modality. Studies have already shown the benefits of simultaneous measurement using PET-MR, however, such achievements come with different technical and practical challenges. In this context, we aim to give an overview of the technical challenges involved in integrating electroencephalography with hybrid PET-MR scanners and demonstrate possible solutions. When acquiring simultaneous data from multiple modalities, the data acquisition protocol should be optimized in order to utilize time and complementary information most effectively. Thus, practical considerations with regard to protocol optimization are also discussed, alongside relevant examples. In addition to simultaneous data acquisition, another major challenge is the integration of the multimodal data, which is also addressed. Finally, a clinical application with a strong focus on neuro-psychiatry is shown. This clinical application is discussed with relevant examples from an ongoing clinical study. Finally, the possibility of utilizing the PET-MR-EEG data in search for new biomarkers for individualized medicine in clinical neuroscience is briefly explored.
Highlights
N EW DEVELOPMENTS in all fields of medical imaging technology have paved the way for the simultaneous acquisition of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) [1]–[3]
Examples of hybrid MR-PET protocols will be given alongside the initial results of clinical studies which aim to search for biomarkers to enable individualized medicine in clinical neuroscience
All of these components are usually placed inside the bore of the MR scanner for the simultaneous acquisition of MR and EEG data. In addition to these components, a synchronization unit and an EEG recording unit are located inside the MR control room. Such commercially available MR-compatible EEG systems can only be used in hybrid MR-PET scanners if the components used in the electrode cap with electrodes (EEG cap) cause very minimal, or no attenuation, to the 511 keV photons emitted by the PET radiotracer; or if their attenuation can be corrected
Summary
N EW DEVELOPMENTS in all fields of medical imaging technology have paved the way for the simultaneous acquisition of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) [1]–[3]. The key element, and main advantage of this approach, is that structural and functional (via MRI) and metabolic (via PET) signatures can be assessed simultaneously under the same physiological and psychological conditions. As neuronal networks function and regroup in a time frame of milliseconds, the high temporal information provided by electroencephalography (EEG) is highly desirable. We highlight the technical challenges arising from the combination of the three very distinct imaging techniques. Examples of hybrid MR-PET protocols will be given alongside the initial results of clinical studies which aim to search for biomarkers to enable individualized medicine in clinical neuroscience
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