title: Evaluation of spatial resolution of a PET scanner through the simulation and experimental measurement of the recovery coefficient.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In order to measure spatial resolution of a PET tomograph in clinical conditions, this study describes and validates a method based on the recovery coefficient, a factor required to compensate underestimation in measured radioactivity concentration for small structures.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a PET image, the recovery factors of radioactive spheres were measured and their comparison with simulated recovery coefficients yielded the tomographic spatial resolution. Following this methodology, resolution was determined in different surrounding media and several conditions for reconstruction, including clinical conditions for brain PET studies. All spatial resolution values were compared with those obtained using classical methods with point and line sources.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In each considered condition, spatial resolution of the PET image estimated using the recovery coefficient showed good agreement with classical methods measurements, validating the procedure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Measurement of the recovery coefficient provides an assessment of tomographic spatial resolution, particularly in clinical studies conditions.
authors: Department of Nuclear Medicine, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Prieto
authors: J M
authors: JM
authors: Martí-Climent
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Arbizu
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Garrastachu
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Domínguez
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Quincoces
authors: M J
authors: MJ
authors: García-Velloso
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Lecumberri
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Gómez-Fernández
authors: J A
authors: JA
authors: Richter
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005462:Fluorine Radioisotopes; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography
chemical_list: D005462:Fluorine Radioisotopes