A novel approach for quantitative harmonization in PET.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Medical Imaging
• Quantitative Analysis

Background:

• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) enables in vivo measurement of radiotracer concentrations, vital for monitoring treatment response via quantitative changes in tracer uptake.
• PET quantification is significantly influenced by reconstruction algorithms and settings, necessitating scanner harmonization for reliable results.
• Current harmonization methods often require complex phantoms, limiting accessibility for some institutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a novel, simplified harmonization methodology for quantitative PET imaging.
• To demonstrate that this new method, using simple cylindrical phantoms, can match the performance of complex harmonization techniques.
• To facilitate easier adoption of quantitative PET harmonization, aligning with accreditation programs like EARL FDG-PET/CT.

Main Methods:

• Developed a harmonization methodology utilizing simple cylindrical phantoms for resolution and noise measurements.
• Simulated NEMA image quality phantom spherical inserts using data from cylindrical phantoms.
• Employed an optimization algorithm to identify optimal smoothing filters for harmonizing PET scanners across different models and institutions.

Main Results:

• The methodology accurately predicted contrast recovery coefficients (CRCs) from NEMA phantoms with errors within ±5.2% for CRCmax and ±3.7% for CRCmean.
• Post-harmonization, all CRC values met EANM tolerances.
• Achieved quantitative harmonization compliant with the EARL FDG-PET/CT accreditation program.

Conclusions:

• A novel, simplified PET scanner harmonization methodology using cylindrical phantoms is effective and accurate.
• This approach eliminates the need for complex NEMA phantoms, simplifying workflows.
• The proposed method enhances accessibility to standardized quantitative PET imaging, particularly for smaller institutions.