Evaluation of A-SPECT: A desktop pinhole SPECT system for small animal imaging

David P. McElroy, Lawrence R. MacDonald, Freek J. Beekman, Yuchuan Wang, Bradley E. Patt, Jan S. Iwanczyk, Benjamin M.W. Tsui, Edward J. Hoffman

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Pinhole collimation of gamma rays to image distributions of radiolabeled tracers is considered promising for use in small animal imaging. The recent availability of transgenic mice, coupled with the development of 125I and 99mTc labeled tracers, has allowed the study of a range of human disease models while creating demand for ultra-high resolution imaging devices. We have developed a compact gamma camera that, in combination with pinhole collimation, allows for accessible, ultra-high resolution in vivo SPECT imaging of small animals. The system is based on a pixilated array of NaI(TI) crystals coupled to an array of position sensitive photomultiplier tubes (PSPMTs). Interchangeable tungsten pinholes with diameters ranging from 0.5 mm to 3 mm are available, allowing the camera to be optimized for a variety of imaging situations. We use a 3D MLEM algorithm to reconstruct projection images, allowing for 3D positioning of isotope distributions. Our evaluation indicates that high quality, sub-millimeter spatial resolution images can be achieved in living mice. Reconstructed axial spatial resolution was measured to be 0.53 mm and 0.74 mm FWHM for rotation radii of 1 cm and 2 cm, respectively, using the 0.5 mm pinhole. In this configuration, sensitivity is comparable to that of a standard high resolution parallel hole collimator. SPECT images of hot and cold rod phantoms and a highly structured monkey brain phantom illustrate that high quality images can be obtained with the system. Images of living mice demonstrate the ability of the system to obtain high resolution images in vivo.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages1835-1839
Number of pages5
StatePublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes
Event2001 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium Conference Record - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Nov 4 2001Nov 10 2001

Other

Other2001 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium Conference Record
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period11/4/0111/10/01

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiation
  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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