Abstract:
A malignancy probability is automatically calculated for one or more lesions. The malignancy probability is based on assessments of one or more malignancy characteristics for each lesion derived from two or more structural and/or functional image data sets. Likewise, in some embodiments, the malignancy probability is based on assessments of one or more malignancy characteristics for each lesion derived from a combination of structural and functional image data. In one embodiment, the set of structural image data is a set of CT image data and the set of functional image data is a set of PET image data. The one or more lesions may be detected in the structural and/or functional image data by automated routines or by a visual inspection by a clinician or other reviewer.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to a technique for reconstructing PET scan images. According to one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for reconstructing PET scan images. The method comprises: detecting a plurality of coincidence events in a PET scanner; storing data associated with the plurality of coincidence events in a chronological list based on a detection time for each of the plurality of coincidence events; generating correction data based on scatter coincidence events and random coincidence events in the plurality of coincidence events; and reconstructing one or more PET scan images based at least in part on the chronological list of data and the correction data.
Abstract:
A method and system for controlling a positron emission tomography (PET) system is disclosed. The method includes acquiring image data and time-of-flight information from a PET system during an imaging scan. Further, the method includes performing scatter correction on the image data using the time-of-flight information.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for providing scatter correction in a positron emission tomography (PET) system are provided. The method includes determining a look-up table of scatter sinograms during a PET acquisition scan period. The method further includes scatter correcting acquired scan data obtained during the PET acquisition scan period.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for controlling a positron emission tomography (PET) system are provided. The method includes receiving timing information from a PET system during an imaging scan using the PET system. The method further includes processing the received timing information and timing bias information relating to the PET system to control the PET system.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for imaging a patient are provided. The method includes determining a location of a volume of interest within the patient and acquiring a plurality of frames of emission data, at least one frame including the volume of interest. The method further includes determining a time-of-flight (TOF) information of at least a portion of the annihilations detected along a line of response between corresponding coincidence detectors and generating an image of the patient from the emission data using the determined TOF information.
Abstract:
A Nuclear Medicine (NM) imaging system and method using multiple types of imaging detectors are provided. One NM imaging system includes a gantry, at least a first imaging detector coupled to the gantry, wherein the first imaging detector is a non-moving detector, and at least a second imaging detector coupled to the gantry, wherein the second imaging detector is a moving detector. The first imaging detector is larger than the second imaging detector and the first and second imaging detectors have different detector configurations. The NM imaging system further includes a controller configured to control the operation of the first and second imaging detectors during an imaging scan of an object to acquire Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) image information such that at least the first imaging detector remains stationary with respect to the gantry during image acquisition.
Abstract:
A method for determining the effectiveness of an image transformation process includes acquiring a four-dimensional (4D) image data set, sorting the 4D image data set into separate field-of-view bins using a temporal gating system generating a plurality of deformation vectors using the sorted 4D image data set, and using the plurality of deformation vectors to generate a transformation effectiveness value that is representative of the effectiveness of the image transformation process. The method further includes acquiring a respiratory signal, calculating a power spectrum of the respiratory signal, calculating a power spectrum for each of the plurality of deformation vectors, and comparing the power spectrum of the respiratory signal to the power spectrum of the plurality of deformation vectors to generate the transformation effectiveness value.
Abstract:
A method for determining the effectiveness of an image transformation process includes acquiring a four-dimensional (4D) image data set, sorting the 4D image data set into separate field-of-view bins using a temporal gating system generating a plurality of deformation vectors using the sorted 4D image data set, and using the plurality of deformation vectors to generate a transformation effectiveness value that is representative of the effectiveness of the image transformation process. The method further includes acquiring a respiratory signal, calculating a power spectrum of the respiratory signal, calculating a power spectrum for each of the plurality of deformation vectors, and comparing the power spectrum of the respiratory signal to the power spectrum of the plurality of deformation vectors to generate the transformation effectiveness value.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for imaging by using a filter for Time-Of-Flight Positron Emission Tomography (TOF PET) are described. The described methods of imaging a patient by using a positron emission tomography (PET) system includes acquiring a plurality of frames of sinogram data, filtering the acquired sinogram data and back-projecting the filtered sinogram data to form an output image of the patient. The acquired sinogram data defines a line of response (LOR) and a time-of-flight (TOF) measurement that localizes positron annihilation within the patient. The filtering of the acquired sinogram data is performed using the TOF measurement.