Image performance of a dedicated prostate TOF-PET based on the ProVision detection concept

Hong Phuc Vo*, Larissa Ahrend, Themistoklis Williams, Katayoun Doroud, Mehdi Amini, Hossein Arabi, Arash Saberi Manesh, Habib Zaidi, Crispin Williams, Magdalena Rafecas

*Corresponding author for this work

Abstract

Ziel/Aim: The ProVision scanner is a dedicated PET system for prostate imaging with a dual-head setup, advanced detector technology, and depth-of-interaction (DOI) and time-of-flight (TOF) capabilities. We have assessed the image performance using a flexible image reconstruction framework for limited-angle TOF-DOI-PET with an initial investigation of point spread function (PSF) correction for truncated angular sampling artifacts.

Methodik/Methods: The ProVision detector [1] array has 4 crystal layers, each with six 30-mm axially oriented crystals with a pitch of 2.05x4.40 mm², providing distinct DOI data. A dual-ended shared readout achieves a timing resolution of 170 ps and intrinsic resolutions of 3.53 mm (Z) and 1.88 mm (X) FWHM. Each scanner head has a 3x4 detector matrix, with top and bottom heads spaced 27.4 cm apart and limited translation movement. A 22-step scanning protocol expands the FOV and reduces truncation artifacts. For image reconstruction, we optimised list-mode Maximum-A-Posteriori, including TOF data, detector attenuation, and positional uncertainty using multiray sampling [2]. Scanner characterisation includes point source data and a NEMA NU4-2008 IQ phantom, with an initial assessment of post-reconstruction PSF correction using Richardson-Lucy deconvolution.

Ergebnisse/Results: The system spatial resolution (FWHM) for an 18F-FDG point source (1 mm diameter, 2 mm length) is 1.5 mm, 3.2 mm, and 2.2 mm in the x, y, and z directions, respectively. Reconstructed images of the IQ phantom yield recovery coefficients of 0.77, 0.71, 0.60, 0.37 and 0.31 for rods from 5 mm to 1 mm, respectively, with a 15.74% non-uniformity and spill-over ratios of 0.21 (air) and 0.31 (water). A post-reconstruction, space-invariant PSF correction reduces elongation by 41.2% in the y-direction and 51.1% in the z-direction for an array of 6 x-axis point sources. A pelvis phantom was scanned, and its reconstructed image superimposed on a CT scan.

Schlussfolgerungen/Conclusions: The ProVision detector concept shows promising results for cost-effective stand-alone prostate PET imaging. Planned improvements include better reconstruction methods, space-variant PSF correction, enhanced timing resolution, and AI integration, aiming to further improve image quality.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNuklearmedizin 2025
Volume64
PublisherGeorg Thieme Verlag KG
Publication date12.03.2025
Edition01
PagesL52
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12.03.2025

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