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Fluorescence diffuse optical tomography with functional and anatomical a priori information: feasibility study.
1Tu and Yuen Center for Functional Onco Imaging, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617, USA.
Physics in Medicine and Biology
|September 7, 2007
Summary
Functional and structural prior information significantly improves fluorescence diffuse optical tomography (FT) accuracy. This molecular imaging technique requires hybrid systems for precise in vivo measurements of fluorophore concentration and lifetime.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical optics
- Molecular imaging
- Optical tomography
Background:
- Fluorescence diffuse optical tomography (FT) is an emerging technique for resolving fluorophore concentration and lifetime.
- Heterogeneous backgrounds and small inclusions pose challenges for FT system performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the performance of a frequency-domain FT system for small inclusions in heterogeneous backgrounds.
- Determine the impact of functional and structural a priori information on parameter recovery accuracy.
Main Methods:
- Simulated a frequency-domain FT system performance.
- Evaluated parameter recovery with and without functional and structural a priori information.
- Assessed the impact of incorporating diffuse optical absorption tomography (DOT) and anatomical imaging.
Main Results:
- Without a priori information, fluorophore concentration recovery had 50% error, and lifetime was unrecoverable.
- With both functional and structural a priori information, lifetime was accurately recovered, and concentration error reduced to 5%.
- Hybrid systems acquiring DOT, FT, and anatomical images are essential for accurate in vivo recovery.
Conclusions:
- Functional and structural a priori information are crucial for accurate FT parameter recovery.
- Hybrid imaging systems are necessary for precise in vivo quantification of fluorophore concentration and lifetime.
- FT shows promise for molecular imaging when combined with complementary techniques.
