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Published on: September 20, 2015
Simultaneous MR/PET imaging of the human brain: feasibility study.
Heinz-Peter W Schlemmer1, Bernd J Pichler, Matthias Schmand
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Strasse 3, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany. heinz-peter.schlemmer@med.uni-tuebingen.de
Radiology
|August 20, 2008
Summary
This study demonstrates the feasibility of simultaneous magnetic resonance (MR) and positron emission tomography (PET) brain imaging in humans. This novel approach integrates MR/PET data for enhanced molecular imaging of the brain and skull base.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Neuroscience
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Simultaneous imaging offers synergistic benefits over standalone techniques.
- Advancements in detector technology are crucial for integrated imaging systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the application of MR imaging-compatible PET detector technology for simultaneous human brain and skull base imaging.
- To assess the feasibility and potential of integrated MR/PET for molecular imaging.
Main Methods:
- Utilized lutetium oxyorthosilicate (LSO) scintillation crystals and avalanche photodiodes (APDs) for the PET detector ring.
- Integrated the PET detector within a clinical 3-Tesla MR imager with a birdcage head coil.
- Conducted phantom studies followed by simultaneous fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET and MR imaging/spectroscopy in two patients.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the feasibility of simultaneous MR/PET imaging in human subjects.
- Achieved accurate coregistration of morphologic (MR) and functional (PET) data.
- MR/PET imaging successfully visualized the human brain and skull base.
Conclusions:
- Simultaneous MR/PET imaging is a viable technique for human brain and skull base examination.
- This technology opens new avenues for molecular imaging research and clinical applications.
- Integrated MR/PET provides a powerful tool for combining anatomical and functional information.
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