Towards quantitation for dual head coincidence cameras by using attenuation, random and scatter corrections, Fourier rebinning and OSEM

Abstract

As dual head coincidence cameras start being accepted in clinics, the demand for better image quality and image quantification becomes high. In the investigation, we have applied the latest techniques, including singles-transmission attenuation correction, the Fourier rebinning algorithm and OSEM reconstruction plus scatter and random corrections to images from a dual head coincidence camera towards the goal of quantification. We examined the performance of the camera through the resolution, the target-to-background ratio and the image distortion using several phantoms. The results indicate that attenuation correction improves the image quality significantly, especially for lung and cardiac studies. It not only improves tumor detection but also significantly removes the distortions due to attenuation. Fourier rebinning further improves the image resolution compared to single slice rebinning, especially for an off-center object. OSEM provides a less noisy image than FBP, using comparable processing time. In summary, incorporating the latest correction techniques significantly improves the quality of images obtained from a dual head coincidence camera.