Optimal image sampling schedule for both image-derived input and output functions in PET cardiac studies

Area of Science:

• Nuclear medicine
• Medical imaging
• Biophysics

Background:

• Positron emission tomography (PET) dynamic cardiac studies require accurate input and output functions.
• Simultaneous derivation of plasma time-activity curves (PTAC) and tissue time-activity curves (TTAC) from PET images is crucial.
• Existing methods may not be optimal for efficient data acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate an optimal sampling schedule (OSS) for simultaneous input and output function derivation in dynamic cardiac PET.
• To develop a novel target function for OSS design incorporating spillover correction.
• To evaluate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed OSS compared to conventional methods.

Main Methods:

• Integral PET measurements were utilized.
• Spillover correction was integrated into the OSS design.
• A D-optimal criterion-based target function was proposed, using fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and a six-parameter PTAC model.
• Computer simulations based on real study parameters were performed.
• A double modeling approach was used for parameter estimation.

Main Results:

• An OSS with six scanning intervals was derived.
• The OSS demonstrated effectiveness comparable to conventional sampling schedules (CSS).
• Similar parameter estimates were obtained with both OSS and CSS.
• The OSS resulted in approximately 70% reduction in storage space and data processing time.

Conclusions:

• The proposed OSS is effective for simultaneous PTAC and TTAC derivation in dynamic cardiac PET.
• OSS offers significant advantages in data management and processing efficiency.
• This approach enhances the practicality of noninvasive dynamic cardiac PET studies.