The present study aimed to validate the accuracy of normal databases (NDBs) with respect to variable injected doses and acquisition times by use of three-dimensional stereotactic surface projections (3D-SSP) in N-isopropyl-p-[123I]-iodoamphetamine (I-123-IMP) brain perfusion images. We constructed NDBs based on brain SPECT images obtained from 29 healthy volunteers. Each NDB was rebuilt under simulated unique conditions by use of dynamic acquisition datasets and comprised injected doses (222, 167, and 111 MBq) and acquisition times (30, 20, and 15 min). We selected seven of 29 datasets derived from the volunteers to simulate patients' data (PD). The simulated PD were designed to include regions of hypoperfusion. The study comprised protocol A (same conditions for PD and NDB) and protocol B (mismatched conditions for PD and NDB). We used 3D-SSP to compare with the Z score and detection error. The average Z scores were decreased significantly in protocol A [PD (High)-NDB (High) vs. PD (Low)-NDB (Low); PD (30 m)-NDB (30 m) vs. PD (15 m)-NDB (15 m) and PD (20 m)-NDB (20 m)].The average Z scores of PD (High) and PD (Medium) with NDB (High) did not differ significantly in protocol B, whereas all others were decreased significantly. The error of detection increased 6.65 % (protocol A) and 32.05 % (protocol B). The Z scores were specific to the injected dose and acquisition time used in 3D-SSP studies, and the calculated Z scores were affected by mismatched injected doses and acquisition times between PD and selected NDBs.
SummaryPurpose: The present study aims to quantitatively investigate a normal database (NDB) created under the same acquisition and reconstruction conditions for three gamma camera systems (four types of collimator systems) with use of three-dimensional stereotactic surface projections (3D-SSP). We rebuilt a NDB with use of the N-isopropyl-p-123 I-iodoamphetamine ( 123 I-IMP) SPECT data derived from 30 healthy individuals at 20 institutions nationwide. We standardized the acquisition and reconstruction conditions, evaluated Z scores using patient data (PD) and examined each compensation effect. Results: Z scores determined using the advanced NDB were the same value. Artifacts were often generated in Z score maps derived from the conventional NDB (CONDB). The Z score of the own site NDB (OWNDB) was 70% of that calculated based on the CONDB. The combinatorial difference in compensation (scatter and attenuation) resulted in many artifacts being generated in Z score map images. Discussions: More artifacts were generated in Z score map images using the novel NDB compared with the CONDB. The novel NDB was comparable to the performance of OWNB. The accuracy of brain function image analysis can be improved the reconstruction conditions and correcting for scatter and attenuation on both the novel NDB and PD.
Because SPECT images are acquired under normal respiration, the respiratory motion induces artifacts and decreases resolution. In this study we developed a novel method of acquiring SPECT data during deep inhalation breath-hold (BrST) and assessed its efficacy in reducing motion artifacts and improving resolution. Reproducibility studies found that variations in SPECT image homogeneity were reduced using the BrST method to within a clinically non-problematic range. An experiment using a custom-built respiration phantom showed almost complete elimination of motion artifacts and significant improvement in resolution using the BrST method. Clinical assessment confirmed a significant reduction in motion artifacts along with the improvement in resolution. The BrST method enabled visualization of lesions that previously had been impossible to detect by standard acquisition under normal respiration. The BrST method is expected to both significantly reduce motion artifacts and improve resolution.
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