Model-based crosstalk compensation for simultaneous Tc99m∕I123 dual-isotope brain SPECT imaging

Abstract

In this work, we developed a model-based method to estimate and compensate for the crosstalk contamination in simultaneous I123 and Tc99m dual isotope brain single photo emission computed tomography imaging. The model-based crosstalk compensation (MBCC) includes detailed modeling of photon interactions inside both the object and the detector system. In the method, scatter in the object is modeled using the effective source scatter estimation technique, including contributions from all the photon emissions. The effects of the collimator-detector response, including the penetration and scatter components due to high-energy I123 photons, are modeled using pre-calculated tables of Monte Carlo simulated point-source response functions obtained from sources in air at various distances from the face of the collimator. The model-based crosstalk estimation method was combined with iterative reconstruction based compensation to reduce contamination due to crosstalk. The MBCC method was evaluated using Monte Carlo simulated and physical phantom experimentally acquired simultaneous dual-isotope data. Results showed that, for both experimental and simulation studies, the model-based method provided crosstalk estimates that were in good agreement with the true crosstalk. Compensation using MBCC improved image contrast and removed the artifacts for both Monte Carlo simulated and experimentally acquired data. The results were in good agreement with images acquired without any crosstalk contamination.

Keywords: Brain; Collimators; Image reconstruction; Image sensors; Isotopes; Medical image quality; Medical imaging; Monte Carlo methods; Neuroscience; Photon scattering; Photons; Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT); biomedical imaging; brain; brain SPECT imaging; crosstalk compensation; dual isotope; single photon emission computed tomography.