FDG-PET standardized uptake values in normal anatomical structures using iterative reconstruction segmented attenuation correction and filtered back-projection

Abstract

Filtered back-projection (FBP) is the most commonly used reconstruction method for PET images, which are usually noisy. The iterative reconstruction segmented attenuation correction (IRSAC) algorithm improves image quality without reducing image resolution. The standardized uptake value (SUV) is the most clinically utilized quantitative parameter of [fluorine-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) accumulation. The objective of this study was to obtain a table of SUVs for several normal anatomical structures from both routinely used FBP and IRSAC reconstructed images and to compare the data obtained with both methods. Twenty whole-body PET scans performed in consecutive patients with proven or suspected non-small cell lung cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Images were processed using both IRSAC and FBP algorithms. Nonquantitative or gaussian filters were used to smooth the transmission scan when using FBP or IRSAC algorithms, respectively. A phantom study was performed to evaluate the effect of different filters on SUV. Maximum and average SUVs (SUVmax and SUVavg) were calculated in 28 normal anatomical structures and in one pathological site. The phantom study showed that the use of a nonquantitative smoothing filter in the transmission scan results in a less accurate quantification and in a 20% underestimation of the actual measurement. Most anatomical structures were identified in all patients using the IRSAC images. On average, SUVavg and SUVmax measured on IRSAC images using a gaussian filter in the transmission scan were respectively 20% and 8% higher than the SUVs calculated from conventional FBP images. Scatterplots of the data values showed an overall strong relationship between IRSAC and FBP SUVs. Individual scatterplots of each site demonstrated a weaker relationship for lower SUVs and for SUVmax than for higher SUVs and SUVavg. A set of reference values was obtained for SUVmax and SUVavg of normal anatomical structures, calculated with both IRSAC and FBP image reconstruction algorithms. The use of IRSAC and a gaussian filter for the transmission scan seems to give more accurate SUVs than are obtained from conventional FBP images using a nonquantitative filter for the transmission scan.

Standardised uptake values of 2-deoxy-2-[¹⁸F]fluoro-d-glucose using PET/CT in normal cats

“…It is known that individual differences can also be present within study subjects (Engel et al 1996;Gordon et al, 1997;Ramos et al 2001;Tan and Ong 2004).…”

Clear-PEM system counting rates: a Monte Carlo study

“…Realistic imaging conditions were simulated taking into account the influence of out-of-field activity due to 18 F-FDG uptake in the organs of an anthropomorphic patient model, a detailed description of the detector geometry and the modeling of data acquisition and trigger system response.…”

“…Besides the heart, activity distributions for the liver, kidneys, lungs, spleen, stomach and adipose tissue filling the body contour were also considered. In the present work, standardized uptake values (SUV) for normal tissues available in the literature were used to compute the 18F-FDG concentrations for the various organs in the NCAT phantom [18]. The SUVs are representative of uptake values measured 60 minutes after an injection of 300-370 MBq.…”

“…Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with 18 F-Fluorodeoxyglucose ( 18 F-FDG) is a functional imaging technique that has been proposed as a complementary technique to X-ray mammography in the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of breast cancer [1]. In the recent years, significant progresses has been made in the development of compact systems for breast imaging known as Positron Emission Mammography (PEM) scanners [2,3].…”

Clinical Value and Limitations of [11C]-Methionine PET for Detection and Localization of Suspected Parathyroid Adenomas

“…In all cases, attenuation-corrected images were reviewed on a workstation displaying 3 orthogonal planes (transaxial, coronal, and sagittal) and a maximum intensity-projection image. If rated as abnormal/probably abnormal MET uptake was evaluated using the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), as reported earlier [12,13]. For all other imaging studies, the official clinical reports from US, MIBI scintigraphy, CT and MRI studies, generated by staff physicians at this institution, were used.…”