title: Image filtering in single-photon emission computed tomography: principles and applications.
abstract: Among the factors contributing to optimal image quality in single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), image filtering is an important, though mostly subjectively applied, image-processing parameter. We have aimed at giving an overview of current available SPECT filtering options. Current SPECT applications are discussed and practical guidelines to choose optimal filter parameters for a given situation are provided. It is shown that Hann and Butterworth filters allow accurate approximations to most filter types. The authors support the use of limited filter types in an attempt to standardise image-processing approaches, which may lead to better diagnostic compatibility and interpretation of interdepartmental results.
authors.affiliation: Nuclear Medicine Department, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium. koen.vanlaere@rug.ac.be
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Van Laere
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Koole
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lemahieu
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dierckx
mesh_terms: D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes; D006321:Heart / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012372:ROC Curve; D015899:Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes