Harmonization based on quantitative analysis of standardized uptake value variations across PET/CT scanners: a...

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Medical Imaging
• Quantitative Analysis

Background:

• Standardized uptake value (SUV) quantification in PET/CT can vary significantly between scanners.
• Inter-system variability hinders accurate comparison of imaging results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure and reduce variations in SUV measurements across different PET/CT scanners.
• To harmonize quantitative PET/CT imaging for improved reproducibility.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the NEMA IEC phantom across three PET/CT scanners.
• Applied Gaussian filters with tuned FWHM for SUV harmonization.
• Assessed inter-site SUV variations using digital reference objects and EANM/EARL recommendations.
• Performed test-retest analysis for repeatability.

Main Results:

• Harmonization significantly decreased inter-site SUV differences for SUVmean, SUVmax, and SUVpeak (e.g., SUVmean from 17.3% to 4.8%).
• P values <0.05 confirmed statistical significance of harmonization.
• Image quality was preserved, with contrast-to-noise ratio >2.8% in the smallest phantom lesion.

Conclusions:

• Harmonization effectively reduces SUV measurement variability across PET/CT scanners.
• The applied method improves the reproducibility of quantitative PET/CT imaging.
• Image quality is maintained post-harmonization, ensuring reliable diagnostic information.