Comparative analysis of iterative reconstruction algorithms with resolution recovery and time of flight modeling for F-18-FDG cardiac PET: A multi-center phantom study

摘要

Background. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the image quality in cardiac F-18-FDG PET using the time of flight (TOF) and/or point spread function (PSF) modeling in the iterative reconstruction (IR). Methods. Three scanners and an anthropomorphic cardiac phantom with an insert simulating a transmural defect (TD) were used. Two sets of scans (with/without TD) were acquired, and four reconstruction schemes were considered: (1) IR; (2) IR 1 PSF, (3) IR 1 TOF, and (4) IR 1 TOF 1 PSF. LV wall thickness (FWHM), contrast between LV wall and inner chamber (CIC), and TD contrast in LV wall (CTD) were evaluated. Results. Tests of the reconstruction protocols showed a decrease in FWHM from IR (13 mm) to IR 1 PSF (11 mm); an increase in the CIC from IR (65%) to IR 1 PSF (71%) and from IR 1 TOF (72%) to IR 1 TOF 1 PSF (77%); and an increase in the CTD from IR 1 PSF (72%) to IR 1 TOF (75%) and to IR 1 TOF 1 PSF (77%). Tests of the scanner/ software combinations showed a decrease in FWHM from Gemini_TF (13 mm) to Biograph_mCT (12 mm) and to Discovery_690 (11 mm); an increase in the CIC from Gemini_ TF (65%) to Biograph_mCT (73%) and to Discovery_690 (75%); and an increase in the CTD from Gemini_TF/Biograph_mCT (72%) to Discovery_690 (77%). Conclusion. The introduction of TOF and PSF increases image quality in cardiac 18 F-FDG PET. The scanner/software combinations exhibit different performances, which should be taken into consideration when making cross comparisons.