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In Positron Emission Tomography (PET) detectors based on monolithic scintillators, the photon interaction position needs to be estimated from the light distribution (LD) on the photodetector pixels. Due to the finite size of the scintillator volume, the symmetry of the LD is truncated everywhere except for the crystal center. This effect produces a poor estimation of the interaction positions towards the edges, an especially critical situation when linear algorithms, such as Center of Gravity (CoG), are used. When all the crystal faces are painted black, except the one in contact with the photodetector, the LD can be assumed to behave as the inverse square law, providing a simple theoretical model. Using this LD model, the interaction coordinates can be determined by means of fitting each event to a theoretical distribution. In that sense, the use of neural networks (NNs) has been shown to be an effective alternative to more traditional fitting techniques as nonlinear least squares (LS). The multilayer perceptron is one type of NN which can model non-linear functions well and can be trained to accurately generalize when presented with new data. In this work we have shown the capability of NNs to approximate the LD and provide the interaction coordinates of \gamma -photons with two different photodetector setups. One experimental setup was based on analog Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) and a charge division diode network, whereas the second setup was based on digital SiPMs (dSiPMs). In both experiments NNs minimized border effects. Average spatial resolutions of 1.9 \pm 0.2~\mm and 1.7 \pm 0.2~\mm for the entire crystal surface were obtained for the analog and dSiPMs approaches, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In \gamma -ray detectors, monolithic scintillation crystals offer the possibility of preserving the scintillation light distribution especially when painted black. The statistical moments of this distribution provide accurate information on the three photon impact coordinates, including their depth of interaction (DOI). Digital SiPMs (dSiPMs) return digital information based on pixels about the collected light distribution, since the signal is a digital sum of the trigger bins. In this work we present, for the first time, an accurate analysis of the statistical moments of the light distribution using monolithic painted black crystals and state-of-the-art dSiPMs. Two 32.6 \times 32.6 ~\mm^2 monolithic LYSO crystals covering the entire photodetectors area have been used in coincidence with 10 mm in thickness. The photosensor tiles were kept at a stable temperature of T = 20\,^\circ\ C. Energy resolution of about 18% was reached in relation to the zeroth moment. The first moment, related to the impact position, determined a spatial resolution of about 3 mm near the crystal center, but quadratically degrading towards the crystal borders. The DOI resolution, measured by means of the second moment, was found to be nearing 4 mm in the crystal center region. The third order moment, the so-called skewness, is related to the degree of truncation and once calibrated minimizes the compression effects. A corrected spatial resolution of about 3 mm was then measured for the entire crystal surface. DOI resolution improved at the crystal’s center, reaching 3.5 mm, but a degradation towards the borders remained due to truncation of the scintillation light distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to characterize pharmacologically the TSPO- radioligand [F]DPA-714 in the brain of healthy cynomolgus monkeys and evaluate the cellular origin of its binding in a model of neurodegeneration induced by intrastriatal injection of quinolinic acid (QA). Methods: [F]DPA-714 PET images were acquired before and at 2, 7, 14, 21, 49, 70, 91 days after putaminal lesioning. Blocking and displacement studies were carried out (PK11195). Different modelling approaches estimated rate constants and V (total distribution volume) which was used to measure longitudinal changes in the lesioned putamen. Sections for immunohistochemical labelling were prepared at the same time-points to evaluate correlations between in vivo [F]DPA-714 binding and microglial/astrocytic activation. Results: [F]DPA-714 showed a widespread distribution with a higher signal in the thalamus and occipital cortex and lower binding in the cerebellum. TSPO was expressed throughout the whole brain and about 73 % of [F]DPA-714 binding was specific for TSPO in vivo. The one-tissue compartment model (1-TCM) provided good and reproducible estimates of V and rate constants, and V values from the 1-TCM and the Logan approach were highly correlated ( r = 0.85). QA lesioning induced an increase in V, which was +17 %, +54 %, +157 % and +39 % higher than baseline on days 7, 14, 21 and 91 after QA injection, respectively. Immunohistochemistry revealed an early microglial and a delayed astrocytic activation after QA injection. [F]DPA-714 binding matched TSPO immunopositive areas and showed a stronger colocalization with CD68 microglia than with GFAP-activated astrocytes. Conclusion: [F]DPA-714 binds to TSPO with high specificity in the primate brain under normal conditions and in the QA model. This tracer provides a sensitive tool for assessing neuroinflammation in the human brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the capabilities of a wide-area gamma ray photosensor based on a SiPM array are investigated. For this purpose, we have mounted an array of 144 (12\times12) SiPMs with individual active area of 3 \times 3~\mm^2 and a pitch of 4.2~\mm, thus covering an active area of 50.2 \times 50.2~\mm^2. The measurements were performed by coupling the SiPM array to LYSO crystal arrays of different pixel size (2\times2~\mm^2, 1.5 \times 1.5~\mm^2, and 1 \times 1~\mm^2) and 10–12 mm thicknesses. The SiPM array was controlled by means of three ASICs, and the SiPM signals were multiplexed in order to determine the gamma ray impact position by means of implementing the Anger logic algorithm in the ASIC. The optimum bias voltage and temperature dependence of the gamma ray sensor were determined. An energy resolution as good as 8%, for individual crystal pixels, were reached at 5 V overvoltage. The ASICs design allows one to “activate” different photosensor array areas. This feature has been used to evaluate the detector performance as a function of the crystal pixel size and the photosensor dark noise contribution. In this work we also show the system capability to provide depth-of-interaction (DOI) information by means of implementing a two-layer staggered approach. We have found that accurate DOI information is obtained when the ASICs enabled an SiPM active area as high as 32\times 32~\mm^2(8 \times 8 SiPMs). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: The authors have developed a trimodal PET/SPECT/CT scanner for small animal imaging. The gamma ray subsystems are based on monolithic crystals coupled to multianode photomultiplier tubes (MA-PMTs), while computed tomography (CT) comprises a commercially available microfocus x-ray tube and a CsI scintillator 2D pixelated flat panel x-ray detector. In this study the authors will report on the design and performance evaluation of the multimodal system. Methods: X-ray transmission measurements are performed based on cone-beam geometry. Individual projections were acquired by rotating the x-ray tube and the 2D flat panel detector, thus making possible a transaxial field of view (FOV) of roughly 80 mm in diameter and an axial FOV of 65 mm for the CT system. The single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) component has a dual head detector geometry mounted on a rotating gantry. The distance between the SPECT module detectors can be varied in order to optimize specific user requirements, including variable FOV. The positron emission tomography (PET) system is made up of eight compact modules forming an octagon with an axial FOV of 40 mm and a transaxial FOV of 80 mm in diameter. The main CT image quality parameters (spatial resolution and uniformity) have been determined. In the case of the SPECT, the tomographic spatial resolution and system sensitivity have been evaluated with a 99mTc solution using single-pinhole and multi-pinhole collimators. PET and SPECT images were reconstructed using three-dimensional (3D) maximum likelihood and ordered subset expectation maximization (MLEM and OSEM) algorithms developed by the authors, whereas the CT images were obtained using a 3D based FBP algorithm. Results: CT spatial resolution was 85 μm while a uniformity of 2.7% was obtained for a water filled phantom at 45 kV. The SPECT spatial resolution was better than 0.8 mm measured with a Derenzo-like phantom for a FOV of 20 mm using a 1-mm pinhole aperture collimator. The full width at half-maximum PET radial spatial resolution at the center of the field of view was 1.55 mm. The SPECT system sensitivity for a FOV of 20 mm and 15% energy window was 700 cps/MBq (7.8 × 10-2%) using a multi-pinhole equipped with five apertures 1 mm in diameter, whereas the PET absolute sensitivity was 2% for a 350-650 keV energy window and a 5 ns timing window. Several animal images are also presented. Conclusions: The new small animal PET/SPECT/CT proposed here exhibits high performance, producing high-quality images suitable for studies with small animals. Monolithic design for PET and SPECT scintillator crystals reduces cost and complexity without significant performance degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A breast dedicated positron emission tomography (PET) scanner has been developed based on monolithic LYSO crystals coupled to position sensitive photomultiplier tubes (PSPMTs). In this study, we describe the design of the PET system and report on its performance evaluation. Methods: MAMMI is a breast PET scanner based on monolithic LYSO crystals. It consists of 12 compact modules with a transaxial field of view (FOV) of 170 mm in diameter and 40 mm axial FOV that translates to cover up to 170 mm. The patient lies down in a prone position that facilitates maximum breast elongation. Quantitative performance analysis of the calculated method for the attenuation correction specifically developed for MAMMI, and based on PET image segmentation, has also been conducted in this evaluation. In order to fully determine the MAMMI prototype's performance, we have adapted the measurements suggested for National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) NU 2-2007 and NU 4-2008 protocol tests, as they are defined for whole-body and small animal PET scanners, respectively. Results: Spatial resolutions of 1.6, 1.8, and 1.9 mm were measured in the axial, radial, and tangential directions, respectively. A scatter fraction of 20.8% was obtained and the maximum NEC was determined to be 25 kcps at 44 MBq. The average sensitivity of the system was observed to be 1% for an energy window of (250 keV-750 keV) and a maximum absolute sensitivity of 1.8% was measured at the FOV center. Conclusions: The overall performance of the MAMMI reported on this evaluation quantifies its ability to produce high quality PET images. Spatial resolution values below 3 mm were measured in most of the FOV. Only the radial component of spatial resolution exceeds the 3 mm at radial positions larger than 60 mm. This study emphasizes the need for standardized testing methodologies for dedicated breast PET systems similar to NEMA standards for whole-body and small animal PET scanners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents abstracts on topics related to nuclear cardiology, including measurement by N-13 ammonia-positron emission tomography (PET) of the effects of spinal cord stimulation on myocardial perfusion and function, the application of logistic regression analysis based on clinical epidemiological data and treadmill test results in choosing patients to undergo myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, as well as the effect of type 2 diabetes on myocardial perfusion and glucose uptake in areas supplied by stenotic and non-stenotic coronary arteries.

The article reports on a case of orbital mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma with breast involvement in a 71-year -old woman detected by fluorodeocyglucose positron emission tomography (F-FDG-PET). FDG-PET showed an area of moderate hypermetabolism in the left breast. Breast lesion showed non-Hodgkin lymphoma consistent with MALT lymphoma.