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Single-Input–Dual-Output Modeling of Image-Based Input Function Estimation

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Abstract

Purpose

Quantification of small-animal positron emission tomography (PET) images necessitates knowledge of the plasma input function (PIF). We propose and validate a simplified hybrid single-input–dual-output (HSIDO) algorithm to estimate the PIF.

Procedures

The HSIDO algorithm integrates the peak of the input function from two region-of-interest time–activity curves with a tail segment expressed by a sum of two exponentials. Partial volume parameters are optimized simultaneously. The algorithm is validated using both simulated and real small-animal PET images. In addition, the algorithm is compared to existing techniques in terms of area under curve (AUC) error, bias, and precision of compartmental model micro-parameters.

Results

In general, the HSIDO method generated PIF with significantly (P < 0.05) less AUC error, lower bias, and improved precision of kinetic estimates in comparison to the reference method.

Conclusions

HSIDO is an improved modeling-based PIF estimation method. This method can be applied for quantitative analysis of small-animal dynamic PET studies.

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Acknowledgments

This project was supported by internal funding to KIS and partly by funding from the NIH/NHLBI grant 5-PO1-HL-13851 and the Washington University Small Animal Imaging Resource (WUSAIR) R24-CA83060.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 510 South Kingshighway Boulevard, Campus Box 8225, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA

    Yi Su & Kooresh I. Shoghi

Authors
  1. Yi Su
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  2. Kooresh I. Shoghi
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kooresh I. Shoghi.

Additional information

Significance: A novel input function model is proposed and validated for image-based estimation of input function. The proposed method will enable accurate quantitative analysis of small-animal PET images.

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Su, Y., Shoghi, K.I. Single-Input–Dual-Output Modeling of Image-Based Input Function Estimation. Mol Imaging Biol 12, 286–294 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11307-009-0273-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11307-009-0273-5

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