Multiparametric Imaging with PET Scans Using High Temporal-Resolution Dynamic Data Acquisition and Modeling

Abstract

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have developed a method to acquire and model high temporal resolution (1-2 seconds per frame) dynamic data with PET scans.

Full Description

Current clinical PET scanning methods and data modeling allow for a temporal resolution of 5-10 seconds per frame with compromised image quality. A high temporal resolution dynamic PET scan can attain a higher temporal resolution, around 2 seconds per frame, but currently cannot be adequately resolved. New methodologies and models are needed to obtain and optimize high-resolution dynamic PET scanning data.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have developed a method to acquire and model high temporal resolution PET scans that are a function of temporal and spatial locations. This model is able to directly estimate blood flow and blood volume from the dynamic PET data using a single tracer injection. Using this method, for example, one can obtain simultaneous imaging of blood flow and glucose metabolism using a single dynamic 18F-FDG PET scan. This has applications in characterization of flow-metabolism mismatch or coupling in aggressive tumors, myocardial viability, and brain function in neurodegenerative diseases.

Applications

• Data analysis of high temporal resolution PET scans
• Single tracer multiparametric imaging (e.g., perfusion-metabolism imaging by ¹⁸F-FDG)
• Blood flow imaging and analysis
• Characterization of tumor aggressiveness in cancer therapy
• Myocardial viability in coronary artery disease
• Brain function in neurodegenerative diseases

Features/Benefits

• Derives blood flow without a flow-specific tracer
• Allows for a reduced imaging time, cost, and radiation dose
• Requires only one tracer injection
  • Applicable to any radiotracers
• Is effective in all regions, including regions where extraction fraction is low
• Applicable to all existing clinical PET scanners

Related Materials

• • Wang GB.”High temporal-resolution dynamic PET image reconstruction using a new spatiotemporal kernel method”. IEEE Trans Med Imaging. 2018 Sep 12. doi: 10.1109/TMI.2018.2869868. [Epub ahead of print]. - 09/12/2018

Patent Status