CONTINUING EDUCATION Computer Processing Methods for Nuclear Medicine Images

Objective: This review is a discussion of computer processing methods for modern nuclear medicine images. Methods: Basic image processing and quantification techniques are described, and their application to specific nuclear medicine studies is presented. Generation and use of regions of interest, time-activity curves, tomographic reconstruction and oblique reformatting are all addressed, as well as common nuclear medicine protocols for processing multiple gated blood pool studies, first-pass cardiac studies, renograms and tomographic perfusion studies. Resuns: Since processing cannot be separated from acquisition and display methods, short summaries of necessary information on these topics are included with primary emphasis placed not only on how and what processing and quantification steps are taken, but also on why they are taken. Conclusion: Although some nuclear medicine images require very little processing, others are quite complex and are not always fully understood. The technologist's comprehension of these procedures will ensure nuclear medicine's successful foray into an ever-changing future.