Design, evaluation and initial imaging results of a PET insert based on strip-line readout for simultaneous PET/MRI

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Nuclear Instrumentation
• Biophysics

Background:

• Simultaneous Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers complementary anatomical and functional information.
• Developing integrated PET/MR systems for small animal research presents challenges in detector design and electromagnetic interference mitigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a compact PET insert system for simultaneous PET/MR imaging within a 9.4 T small animal MRI scanner.
• To assess the performance and MR compatibility of the PET insert prototype.

Main Methods:

• A PET insert system utilizing strip-line multiplexing for silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) signal readout was designed.
• The prototype consists of 14 detector modules with LYSO scintillator arrays and MPPC arrays, integrated into a structure fitting a 9.4 T MRI scanner.
• Data acquisition electronics were placed remotely using 5-meter cables to minimize electromagnetic interference.

Main Results:

• The PET insert demonstrated potential for simultaneous PET/MR imaging.
• Phantom and animal imaging were performed to evaluate spatial resolution and MR compatibility.
• Initial results indicate encouraging performance, though shielding is necessary to minimize interference.

Conclusions:

• The developed PET insert system shows promise for integrated PET/MR imaging in small animal research.
• Further development with appropriate shielding is required to optimize performance and minimize mutual interference between PET and MRI components.