title: Technical performance evaluation of a human brain PET/MRI system.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Technical performance evaluation of a human brain PET/MRI system.
  
  
  METHODS
  The magnetic field compatible positron emission tomography (PET) insert is based on avalanche photodiode (APD) arrays coupled with lutetium oxyorthosilicate (LSO) crystals and slip-fits into a slightly modified clinical 3-T MRI system. The mutual interference between the two imaging techniques was minimised by the careful design of the hardware to maintain the quality of the B (0) and B (1) field homogeneity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the homogeneity of the MR images were minimally influenced by the presence of the PET. Measurements according to the Function Biomedical Informatics Research Network (FBIRN) protocol proved the combined system's ability to perform functional MRI (fMRI). The performance of the PET insert was evaluated according to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standard. The noise equivalent count rate (NEC) peaked at 30.7 × 10(3) counts/s at 7.3 kBq/mL. The point source sensitivity was greater than 7 %. The spatial resolution in the centre field of view was less than 3 mm. Patient data sets clearly revealed a noticeably good PET and MR image quality.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PET and MRI phantom tests and first patient data exhibit the device's potential for simultaneous multiparametric imaging.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  • Combination of PET and MRI is a new emerging imaging technology. • Evaluated brain PET/MRI enables uncompromised imaging performance. • PET/MRI aims to provide multiparametric imaging allowing acquisition of morphology and metabolism.
authors: Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University, Roentgenweg 13, 72076 Tübingen, Germany. Armin.Kolb@med.uni-tuebingen.de
authors: Armin
authors: A
authors: Kolb
authors: Hans F
authors: HF
authors: Wehrl
authors: Matthias
authors: M
authors: Hofmann
authors: Martin S
authors: MS
authors: Judenhofer
authors: Lars
authors: L
authors: Eriksson
authors: Ralf
authors: R
authors: Ladebeck
authors: Matthias P
authors: MP
authors: Lichy
authors: Larry
authors: L
authors: Byars
authors: Christian
authors: C
authors: Michel
authors: Heinz-Peter
authors: HP
authors: Schlemmer
authors: Matthias
authors: M
authors: Schmand
authors: Claus D
authors: CD
authors: Claussen
authors: Vesna
authors: V
authors: Sossi
authors: Bernd J
authors: BJ
authors: Pichler
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008187:Lutetium / Q000494:pharmacology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D059629:Signal-To-Noise Ratio; D017640:Silicates / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D017640:Silicates; C477682:lutetium orthosilicate; D008187:Lutetium