Effect of acquisition time on image quality and lesion detectability with 131I SPECT: A phantom study
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Abstract
Background: One important parameter in single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is the acquisition time. Longer acquisition time can reduce noise, improving image quality while patient motion might be presented.
Objectives: This study intended to examine the effect of acquisition time on qualitative and quantitative analysis of 131I (Iodine-131) SPECT.
Materials and methods: A National Electrical Manufacturers Association/International Electrotechnical Commission (NEMA/IEC) phantom with a set of fillable spheres was filled with 131I solution to generate two conditions: (a) hot lesion with no background and (b) hot lesion with a warm background at a ratio of 10:1. SPECT images were acquired with acquisition times per frame of 20, 30, 40, and 90 second/frame (s/f).
Results: Qualitative assessment in the no background condition showed that all spheres were visible at all acquisition settings, while the smallest sphere in the images in hot lesion with a warm background at a ratio of 10:1 was not visible even at the longest acquisition time of 90 s/f. Quantitative analysis revealed that the contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) increased upon extending the acquisition time in both conditions. Interestingly, the statistical results indicated that the mean CNRs acquired at 20 or 30 s/f were not significantly different when compared with 40 s/f for no background. However, for the warm background, the mean CNRs at 20 s/f were significantly different than those at 40 s/f, while they were not significantly different at 30 s/f.
Conclusion: The acquisition time for no background condition can be optimized, while the image quality is still clinically acceptable. For the warm background, the acquisition time can be shortened; however, the time selection must be carefully considered.
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Personal views expressed by the contributors in their articles are not necessarily those of the Journal of Associated Medical Sciences, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University.
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