Assessment of Standardised Uptake Values in PET Imaging Using Different Software Packages

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT) is crucial for patient follow-up.
• Variability in image analysis software may impact diagnostic reliability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the reliability of PET/CT follow-up using different image reviewing software packages.
• To determine if software choice influences the interpretation of patient disease progression.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of PET/CT images from two patients over two years.
• Image review using three distinct software packages.
• Expert radiologist selection of regions of interest (ROI) and volume of interest (VOI).

Main Results:

• Differences observed in standardized uptake value (SUV) measurements across software packages.
• Qualitative time-course analysis showed potential consistency despite quantitative differences.

Conclusions:

• Software variations in PET/CT analysis exist but may not significantly alter qualitative follow-up assessments.
• Consistent use of a single software package is recommended for reliable longitudinal patient monitoring.