title: Dynamic high resolution positron emission imaging of rats.
abstract: The performance criteria for a dedicated rat positron emission tomography has been investigated. A survey of researchers indicated that 3 mm image spatial resolution and 2 second dynamic imaging capabilities were desirable characteristics for a dedicated system. Monte Carlo computer simulations were used to evaluate potential PET designs. The conclusion from the simulations were twofold: 1) unlike human imaging where both sensitivity and spatial resolution limitations significantly effect the quantitative imaging performance of a tomograph, the imaging performance of a dedicated rat tomography is almost solely based upon its spatial resolution limitations and 2) desirable performance could be obtained using a novel multi-layered detector system. Computer simulations were run to evaluate economical modular detector implementations. Two optimal dedicated rat PET designs were found, and prototype multilayered detector module is currently being constructed.
authors.affiliation: Univ. of Washington, Seattle.
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Miyaoka
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006321:Heart / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008954:Models, Biological; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D051381:Rats; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014055:Tomography, Emission-Computed