[Novel phantom for evaluating contrast resolution in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)]

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging Physics
• Nuclear Medicine Technology
• Quantitative Imaging

Background:

• Accurate evaluation of imaging system performance is crucial in SPECT.
• Traditional phantoms may have limitations in assessing contrast resolution.
• Developing reliable phantoms aids in optimizing SPECT protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a novel line pair (LP) phantom for assessing SPECT acquisition and reconstruction parameters.
• To determine the phantom's accuracy in measuring contrast resolution using contrast transfer function (CTF).

Main Methods:

• A phantom with spaced cubic containers was constructed.
• Phantom accuracy was validated by comparing measured and theoretical count profiles using line spread function (LSF).
• SPECT scans were performed with specific acquisition (256x256 matrix, 0.9x0.9 mm pixels) and reconstruction parameters (filtered backprojection, OSEM) using LEHR and LMEGP collimators.

Main Results:

• The measured count profiles and CTF closely matched theoretical values.
• The LP phantom demonstrated high accuracy in contrast resolution evaluation.
• The size of the cubic containers had minimal impact on accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The developed LP phantom is accurate for evaluating SPECT acquisition and reconstruction parameters.
• This phantom offers a reliable method for assessing contrast resolution in SPECT imaging.
• The phantom can be a valuable tool for quality control and protocol optimization in SPECT.