Image fusion using an integrated, dual-head coincidence camera with X-ray tube-based attenuation maps.
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.
Patton
J A
JA
Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2675, USA.
Delbeke
D
D
Sandler
M P
MP
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
D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18