[Diagnostic evaluation of the breast using PET: optimization of data acquisition and postprocessing]

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiochemistry

Background:

• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is crucial for breast lesion detection.
• Optimizing PET protocols for female breast imaging is essential for accurate diagnosis.
• Current limitations in patient positioning and image reconstruction impact breast PET efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an optimized protocol for F-18-FDG PET examinations of the female breast.
• To enhance image quality and anatomical localization of breast lesions.
• To assess the feasibility of the protocol in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a whole-body PET system (ECAT EXACT HR+) with a custom-designed patient table extension for prone positioning.
• Employed 3D data acquisition followed by Fourier rebinning and iterative 2D reconstruction (HOSP).
• Superimposed emission scans with transmission images for anatomical correlation; compared with dynamic MR imaging.

Main Results:

• The specialized table extension facilitated prone positioning with freely pendant breasts, accommodating corpulent patients.
• 3D acquisition and iterative reconstruction yielded excellent emission scan quality with reduced F-18-FDG dosage.
• Super-positioning of emission and transmission scans improved anatomical localization of breast lesions, reducing motion artifacts.

Conclusions:

• The developed PET protocol is effective for female breast imaging, offering improved image quality and lesion localization.
• The protocol's efficiency, with post-processing completed in 60 minutes, supports its integration into clinical practice.
• This optimized approach allows for direct comparison with MR imaging and enhances diagnostic accuracy.