Assessment of MicroPET Image Quality Based on Reconstruction Methods and Post-Filtering

The accuracy of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is hampered by the partial volume effect (PVE), which causes image blurring and sampling. The PVE produces spillover phenomena, making PET analysis difficult. Generally, the PVE values vary based on reconstruction methods and filtering. Thus, selection of the proper reconstruction and filtering method can ensure accurate and high-quality PET images. This study compared the values of factors (recovery coefficient (RC), uniformity, and spillover ratio (SOR)) associated with different reconstruction and post-filtering methods using a mouse image quality phantom (NEMA NU 4), and we present an effective approach for microPET images. The PET images were obtained using a microPET scanner (Inveon, Siemens Medical Solutions, Malvern, PA, USA). PET data were reconstructed and/or post-filtered. For tumors smaller than 3 mm, iterative reconstruction methods provided better image quality. For tumor sizes bigger than 3 mm, reconstruction methods without post-filtering showed better results.