Monte Carlo Simulation of the Siemens Biograph Vision PET With Extended Axial Field of View Using Sparse Detector Module Rings Configuration

We report on the NEMA-NU2-2012 performance of a hypothetical Monte Carlo (MC) model, Ex-PET, Siemens Biograph Vision positron emission tomography (PET)/CT (Bio-Vis) with sparse detector module rings and extended axial field view (AFOV). MC simulations were performed interleaved 32-mm gaps, equivalent to dimension each module, yielding an AFOV 48.0 cm (Bio-Vis has 25.6-cm AFOV). 3D-PET acquisition combined limited continuous-bed-motion (limited-CBM) was used compensate for loss in sensitivity within gaps' regions. Bio-Vis comparison purposes. All using GATE toolkit. Ex-PET exhibited 0.49, 0.16, 0.16 mm deterioration resolution at 1, 10, 20 off-center transaxial view, respectively, compared Bio-Vis. Only 1% reduction system 6% peak NECR observed 3D-OSEM image reconstruction, CBM, allowed compensating lack counts NEMA Image Quality test showed <; contrast recovery versus Bio-Vis, yet background variability increased by up 8%. The feasibility PET imaging easily adoptable configuration demonstrated. This can lay pathway future development cost-effective systems long conventional AFOV's.