Abstract
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Learning Objectives 1. Provide a pictorial reference for PET and PET/CT QC/QA procedures from major scanner manufacturers. 2. Provide a teaching guide for potential PET and PET/CT imaging artifacts and their possible solutions. 3. Understand the sources of error in PET and PET/CT image quantification and learn about techniques to suppress them.
PET or PET/CT imaging is increasingly becoming the dominant nuclear medicine imaging modality for oncology, cardiology and neurology applications; yet there is no comprehensive reference which illustrates and describes potential problems that could arise due to inadequate QC/QA practice and their potential impact on the quantitative accuracy of the reconstructed PET image. The IAEA in collaboration with an international group of PET physicists is in the process of compiling such a reference. The reference is divided into two main sections; the first focuses on QC/QA procedures with specific examples from major PET/CT manufacturers. The second section focuses on sources of image artifacts and their impact on image quantification. Subcategories in this section include factors relating to scanner instrumentation, data corrections, patient compliance, and scanning conditions. The book is formatted as a collection of images similar to an atlas, each corresponding to a specific subcategory from the two sections of the book. Each image will be accompanied by text providing a brief background describing the respective conditions and parameters of the data acquisition and image formation. In addition, the text will describe what was done to correct the problem and provide a corrected image if applicable. Currently contributions from collaborating physicists are being compiled. The book is intended as a pictorial educational guide that is suited for physicists, physicians, technologists and service engineers. The atlas will be made available as a free downloadable resource upon completion, which is expected by the end of 2010