Comparison of planar, SPECT, and 3-D synthetic reprojection images. A case study

A case study is presented in which three types of images from a Ga-67 study are compared. The Ga-67 study was performed on a patient with fever of unknown origin (FUO). Planar and SPECT images were obtained. Planar data were presented as standard 2-D images on radiographic film. The SPECT data were used to generate two sets of images: standard 2-D multiple 'slice' images presented on radiographic film and a rotating 3-D synthetic reprojection displayed on a computer monitor. Compared to the planar and SPECT images, three sites of inflammation and the path of an oblique sinus tract were best seen in the 3-D synthetic reprojection. Recognition of anatomic structures and their spatial relationships was most readily apparent when viewing the 3-D synthetic reprojection, and this method of display facilitated the rapid recognition of abnormal findings.