Initial clinical experience in digital PET/CT

Objectives The first use of digital PET/CT imaging

Methods The recently introduced first digital PET/CT scanner allows for new opportunities in diagnostic image quality in PET/CT. Thirty patients received clinical scans on the analog PET/CT (Philips Gemini TOF) and then followed by the Philips Healthcare digital PET prototype (CT for attenuation and location was used from clinical scan), the studies varied from whole body tumor, neurology and cardiac patients. Digital PET features major technological differences and advantages from conventional PET/CT devices. The use of silicon-based photodiodes instead of traditional PMT’s, faster timing resolution and use of smaller pixel sizes are some of the major advances in this technology. Image’s sets were then reviewed for diagnostic quality by physicians experienced in PET/CT imaging.

Results Digital PET has increased image quality and image sharpness compared to analog PET. The use of 2mm voxels has better image quality on the digital compared to 4 mm voxel analog imaging in whole body tumor and cardiac imaging. Digital PET gives the opportunity to use 1mm voxels on neurological imaging, compared to 2mm on analog PET. Digital PET clearly surpasses analog PET in image quality and sharpness.

Conclusions With better spatial resolution, better dynamic range of count rate and increased effective sensitivity, this novel technology has multiple image quality and image sharpness advantages over analog PET.