Monte Carlo simulations in SPET and PET

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Nuclear Medicine Imaging

Background:

• Monte Carlo (MC) methods are indispensable computational tools in nuclear medicine, addressing complex challenges intractable via experimental or analytical means.
• The application of MC simulations is crucial for advancing single photon emission tomography (SPET) and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current Monte Carlo simulation tools for SPET and PET.
• To provide guidance for selecting appropriate MC codes based on their features, advantages, and disadvantages.
• To explore potential standardization in code descriptions for improved comparison.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of recently developed Monte Carlo codes for SPET and PET.
• Comparative analysis of code features, including commonalities and specific functionalities.
• Classification of codes based on key properties relevant to specific applications.

Main Results:

• Detailed presentation of the advantages and disadvantages of various MC code types available for SPET and PET.
• Classification and discussion of common and specific features across different MC codes.
• Evaluation of critical code properties for suitability in diverse research and clinical purposes.

Conclusions:

• The review offers a structured comparison to aid users in selecting the most suitable Monte Carlo code for their SPET and PET applications.
• Highlighting code features and limitations facilitates informed decision-making in nuclear medicine research.
• The potential for standardizing code descriptions is considered to enhance comparability and usability.