Evaluation of basis function and linear least squares methods for generating parametric blood flow images using 15O-water and Positron Emission Tomography.

Purpose: Parametric analysis of (15)O-water positron emission tomography (PET) studies allows determination of blood flow (BF), perfusable tissue fraction (PTF), and volume of distribution (V (d)) with high spatial resolution. In this paper the performance of basis function and linear least squares methods for generating parametric flow data were evaluated.

Procedures: Monte Carlo simulations were performed using typical perfusion values for brain, tumor, and heart.