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Annals of Nuclear Medicine

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01-09-2009 | Original Article

Improvement of image quality using interpolated projection data estimation method in SPECT

Authors: Akihiro Takaki, Tsutomu Soma, Akihiro Kojima, Kimie Asao, Shinya Kamada, Masanori Matsumoto, Kenya Murase

Published in: Annals of Nuclear Medicine | Issue 7/2009

Abstract

Objective

General data acquisition for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is performed in 90 or 60 directions, with a coarse pitch of approximately 4–6° for a rotation of 360° or 180°, using a gamma camera. No data between adjacent projections will be sampled under these circumstances. The aim of the study was to develop a method to improve SPECT image quality by generating lacking projection data through interpolation of data obtained with a coarse pitch such as 6°.

Methods

The projection data set at each individual degree in 360 directions was generated by a weighted average interpolation method from the projection data acquired with a coarse sampling angle (interpolated projection data estimation processing method, IPDE method). The IPDE method was applied to the numerical digital phantom data, actual phantom data and clinical brain data with Tc-99m ECD. All SPECT images were reconstructed by the filtered back-projection method and compared with the original SPECT images.

Results

The results confirmed that streak artifacts decreased by apparently increasing a sampling number in SPECT after interpolation and also improved S/N ratio of the root mean square uncertainty value. Furthermore, the normalized mean square error values, compared with standard images, had similar ones after interpolation. Moreover, the contrast and concentration ratios increased their effects after interpolation.

Conclusion

These results indicate that effective improvement of image quality can be expected with interpolation. Thus, image quality and the ability to depict images can be improved while maintaining the present acquisition time and image quality. In addition, this can be achieved more effectively than at present even if the acquisition time is reduced.

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Title: Improvement of image quality using interpolated projection data estimation method in SPECT
Authors: Akihiro Takaki
Tsutomu Soma
Akihiro Kojima
Kimie Asao
Shinya Kamada
Masanori Matsumoto
Kenya Murase
Publication date: 01-09-2009
Publisher: Springer Japan
Published in: Annals of Nuclear Medicine / Issue 7/2009
Print ISSN: 0914-7187
Electronic ISSN: 1864-6433
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12149-009-0281-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Improvement of image quality using interpolated projection data estimation method in SPECT

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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