Towards standardization of absolute SPECT/CT quantification: a multi-center and multi-vendor phantom study.

Unlabelled: Absolute quantification of radiotracer distribution using SPECT/CT imaging is of great importance for dosimetry aimed at personalized radionuclide precision treatment. However, its accuracy depends on many factors. Using phantom measurements, this multi-vendor and multi-center study evaluates the quantitative accuracy and inter-system variability of various SPECT/CT systems as well as the effect of patient size, processing software and reconstruction algorithms on recovery coefficients (RC).

Scatter correction on its own increases image contrast in Tl-201 myocardium perfusion scintigraphy, but does it also improve diagnostic accuracy?

Unlabelled: Poor and variable spatial resolution of the gamma camera, the movement of the heart and, above all, the inclusion of scattered photons in the acquisition data contribute to the deterioration of image contrast in 201Tl myocardium perfusion studies. Scatter correction algorithms may correct for the latter factor by removing (most of) the scattered photons from the acquisition data.

Methods: In this study we investigated the contrast changes induced by the Triple Energy Window scatter correction method (TEW) applied to clinical 201Tl myocardium perfusion studies and its influence on the reading of the images.