PET image reconstruction using physical and mathematical modelling for time of flight PET-MR scanners in the STIR library

This work demonstrates how computational and physical modelling of the positron emission tomography (PET) image acquisition process for a state-of-the-art integrated PET magnetic resonance imaging (PET-MR) system can produce images comparable to manufacturer. The GE SIGNA PET/MR scanner is manufactured by General Electric has time-of-flight (TOF) capabilities about 390 ps. All software development took place in Software Tomographic Image Reconstruction (STIR: http://stir.sf.net) library, which widely used open source reconstruct data as exported from scanners. new developments will be into STIR, providing opportunity researchers worldwide establish expand their reconstruction methods. Furthermore, this particular significance it provides first validation TOF real datasets using STIR library. paper presents methodology, analysis, critical issues encountered implementing an independent package. Acquired were processed via several appropriate algorithms are necessary accurate precise quantitative image. included mathematical, anatomical patient simulation various aspects acquisition. These random coincidences ‘singles’ rates per crystals, detector efficiencies geometric effects. Attenuation effects calculated STIR’s attenuation correction model. Modelling all these within matrix allowed metabolic uptake administered radiopharmaceutical. implementations validated measured phantom clinical datasets. tested ordered subset expectation maximisation (OSEM) more recently proposed kernelised (KEM) algorithm incorporates information MR reconstruction.