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First published online June 13, 2008, 10.2967/jnumed.107.040568
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Journal of Nuclear Medicine Vol. 49 No. 7 1141-1145
© 2008 by Society of Nuclear Medicine
doi: 10.2967/jnumed.107.040568

Basic Science Investigation

Direct Imaging of Radionuclide-Produced Electrons and Positrons with an Ultrathin Phosphor

Liying Chen1, Lisa S. Gobar1, Negar G. Knowles1, Zhonglin Liu1, Arthur F. Gmitro1,2 and Harrison H. Barrett1–3

1 Department of Radiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona; 2 College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona; and 3 Applied Mathematics Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona

Correspondence: For correspondence or reprints contact: Liying Chen, Department of Radiology, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 245067, Tucson, AZ 85724. E-mail: lichen{at}email.arizona.edu

Current electron detectors are either unable to image in vivo or lack sufficient spatial resolution because of electron scattering in thick detector materials. This study was aimed at developing a sensitive high-resolution system capable of detecting electron-emitting isotopes in vivo. Methods: The system uses a lens-coupled charge-coupled-device camera to capture the scintillation light excited by an electron-emitting object near an ultrathin phosphor. The spatial resolution and sensitivity of the system were measured with a 3.7-kBq 90Y/90Sr β-source and a 70-µm resin bead labeled with 99mTc. Finally, we imaged the 99mTc-pertechnetate concentration in the mandibular gland of a mouse in vivo. Results: Useful images were obtained with only a few hundred emitted β particles from the 90Y/90Sr source or conversion electrons from the 99mTc bead source. The in vivo image showed a clear profile of the mandibular gland and many fine details with exposures of as low as 30 s. All measurements were consistent with a spatial resolution of about 50 µm, corresponding to 2.5 detector pixels with the current camera. Conclusion: Our new electron-imaging system can image electron-emitting isotope distributions at high resolution and sensitivity. The system is useful for in vivo imaging of small animals and small, exposed regions on humans. The ability to image β particles, positrons, and conversion electrons makes the system applicable to most isotopes.

Key Words: electron imaging • CCD • phosphor • in vivo imaging • positron

COPYRIGHT © 2008 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine, Inc.


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