title: Image fusion using an integrated, dual-head coincidence camera with X-ray tube-based attenuation maps.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to characterize a dual-head gamma camera capable of FDG imaging using coincidence detection and equipped with an integrated x-ray transmission system for attenuation correction, anatomic mapping, and image fusion.
  
  
  METHODS
  Radiation dose (425 mrads skin dose) and tissue contrast (0.7% deviation from expected values) were assessed for the x-ray system. Registration of transmission and emission scans was validated using a hot sphere phantom and was verified in selected patient studies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fusion of anatomic maps and FDG images allowed precise anatomic localization of lesions identified using dual-head coincidence imaging.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The combined approach of x-ray attenuation, anatomic mapping, and image fusion with scintigraphic studies provides a new diagnostic tool for nuclear medicine and fertile ground for future research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2675, USA.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Patton
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Delbeke
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Sandler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D015902:Gamma Cameras; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014055:Tomography, Emission-Computed / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18