Effect of the normalization template in statistical parametric mapping of PET scans

摘要

The standard template provided with the statistical software package SPM'99 was originally developed for /sup 15/O-H/sub 2/O PET scans in resting condition with eyes closed. This template is commonly applied regardless of the tracer actually used in the scans being analyzed. This work studies the effect of three different normalization templates in the outcome of the statistical analyses of PET scans, as compared to a reference normalization. Results show that the use of the standard template in adverse conditions-different tracer, different cerebral condition-may introduce errors in the interpretation of the results of the statistical analysis.