A new imaging method using ultra-low doses of radiation has been developed for long axial field-of-view PET scanners. The method allows for images to be obtained with a 50 times lower radiopharmaceutical dose than the standard effective dose. Additionally, this technique can generate quantitative PET images without the need for accompanying CT scans, greatly reducing radiation exposure to patients. The method utilizes Lutetium-176 as a transmission source and combines it with deep learning-based methodologies to generate CT-free attenuation maps. The reduction in radiation dose could expand the use of PET scans in screening studies, research studies, and enhanced treatment response assessments. The researchers are working to further optimize the method, including the application of artificial intelligence-based image enhancement algorithms. Bern University Hospital is collaborating with scanner vendor Siemens Healthineers to facilitate easier use of the proposed method.
Tue, 11 Jun 2024 12:33:45 GMT | EurekAlert