Comparative evaluation of quantitative analysis using two phantom-based software programs for ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Medical Imaging
• Radiopharmacology

Background:

• Variability in 18F-FDG-PET/CT image quality and quantitative accuracy exists across institutions and devices.
• The Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine (JSNM) established guidelines for image quality assurance.
• Automated software solutions are emerging to streamline quality assurance processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the performance of a new automated software, Arimaru, against conventional software for quantitative analysis of 18F-FDG-PET/CT images.
• To evaluate Arimaru's accuracy in calculating physical parameters relevant to image quality.
• To assess Arimaru's compliance with JSNM guidelines.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the NEMA IEC Body phantom with list-mode acquisition (1800s) and reconstruction at multiple time points (30-1800s) on two PET/CT systems (GE Healthcare Discovery MI and IQ).
• Calculated five physical parameters (Q H,10, N 10, Q H,10/N 10, CV BG, and SUV max) using both Arimaru and conventional software (PETquact IE).
• Assessed region of interest (ROI) positioning accuracy and correlation between methods.

Main Results:

• Arimaru accurately positioned ROIs and demonstrated strong correlations (r > 0.85, p < 0.05) with the conventional method for all parameters.
• Significant differences were observed in some physical parameter values between Arimaru and conventional software.
• The automated method met JSNM guidelines.

Conclusions:

• The automated Arimaru software shows strong concordance with conventional methods and adheres to JSNM guidelines for 18F-FDG-PET/CT quantitative analysis.
• Systematic differences in calculated values necessitate understanding software-specific characteristics.
• Adoption of automated tools like Arimaru can promote standardized PET imaging practices.