Abstract
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Objectives: To determine whether improved image quality with dose reduction is possible in 99mTc-MDP bone SPECT with 3D OSEM reconstruction with resolution recovery.
Methods: Fifty 99mTc-MDP SPECT studies of the spine were reviewed (36 female, 14 male, mean age of 15.5 years). Each study was acquired on a dual detector gamma camera with each detector rotating 360°. Images were reconstructed from both detectors using filtered back projection (FBP) and OSEM and from one detector (mimicking dose reduction by 2) using OSEM with resolution recovery. Two nuclear medicine physicians blinded to patient data reviewed the images for artifacts, ability to detect lesions, noise and sharpness. A scoring system from 1 (best) to 4 (marginal) was used.
Results: Image quality was significantly better with OSEM reconstruction (full or half dose) compared to FBP. The ability to detect lesions, the reduction of noise and the sharpness were significantly improved (p < 0.01). No significant difference was observed between full or half dose OSEM (p> 0.40).
Conclusions: Improved image quality of skeletal SPECT with a dose reduction of 50% can be obtained with OSEM with resolution recovery compared to FBP reconstruction without increase in noise level or a reduced ability to detect lesions.
- Society of Nuclear Medicine, Inc.