SPECT/CT Atlas of Quality Control and Image Artefacts

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), as any other imaging modality, is acceptable for routine clinical and research applications only if technical pitfalls can be avoided. Artefacts from incorrect or sub-optimal acquisition procedures should be recognized and, if possible, corrected retrospectively and the resulting image information interpreted correctly, which entails an appreciation of variants of the represented image information. This publication provides guidance on the physics and technical aspects behind PET and PET/CT image distortions. Cases are presented to provide nuclear medicine and radiology professionals with an assortment of examples of possible image distortions and errors in order to support a correct image interpretation. Nearly 70 typical PET and PET/CT cases, comprising image sets and cases, have been collected in this volume, all catalogued and augmented with explanations as to the causes of, and solutions to, each individual image problem. The atlas will prove useful to physicists, physicians, technologists, and service engineers in the clinical field.

The field of nuclear medicine has evolved rapidly in recent years, and one very important aspect of this progress has been the introduction of hybrid imaging systems. PET-CT has already gained widespread acceptance in many clinical settings, especially within oncology, and now SPECT-CT promises to emulate its success. Useful applications of this new approach have been identified not only in oncology but also in endocrinology, cardiology, internal medicine, and other specialties. This atlas, which includes hundreds of high-quality images, is a user-friendly guide to the optimal use and interpretation of SPECT-CT. The full range of potential SPECT-CT applications in clinical routine is considered and assessed by acknowledged experts. The book is designed to serve as a reference text for both nuclear physicians and radiologists; it will also provide fundamental support for radiographers, technologists, and nuclear medicine and radiology residents.

The atlas focuses specifically on single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) in musculoskeletal imaging, and thus illustrates the inherent advantages of the combination of the metabolic and anatomical component in a single procedure. In addition, the atlas provides information on the usefulness of several sets of specific indications. The publication, which serves more as a training tool rather than a textbook, will help to further integrate the SPECT and CT experience in clinical practice by presenting a series of typical cases with many different patterns of SPECT/CT seen in bone scintigraphy.

This publication provides guidelines for the implementation of quality assurance and control programs concerning the combined medical diagnostic modality of positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT). These independent, but complementary, imaging techniques are in frequent and increasing use within the fields of diagnostic imaging, oncology, cardiology and neurology, where they allow physicians to locate and diagnose malignant diseases accurately. This publication establishes guidelines for acceptance testing and routine quality control as necessary for optimal clinical performance. Specific topics of discussion include frameworks for reference values, tolerances and action levels, minimal required configurations with corresponding performances characteristics, and the management of ancillary equipment.

Accurate interpretation of nuclear medicine image data depends upon an understanding of image patterns and quantitative results. This book presents numerous examples which allow the reader to gain an understanding of the interpretation of quality control tests and to recognize artefacts. The examples are not limited to the quality control tests, but include clinical images obtained from unsuspected malfunctioning in the scintillation camera and/or computer system, suboptimal use of the system or operator error.

Quality assurance (QA) is a crucial part of all aspects of nuclear medicine practice. The objective of this publication is to provide professionals in nuclear medicine centers with detailed quality control test procedures for the scintillation camera and computer system. Three types of quality tests are described in detail: acceptance, reference and routine tests for the scintillation camera, both in single and multiple head configurations, for obtaining images and quantitative data in planar imaging mode; whole body imaging mode; and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The publication is primarily intended to be of use to medical physicists, technologists, and other healthcare professionals who are responsible for ensuring optimal performance of imaging instruments, particularly SPECT systems. It may also be useful to managers, clinicians, and other decision-makers who are responsible for implementing quality assurance and quality control programs in nuclear medicine c

This atlas showcases cross-sectional anatomy for the proper interpretation of images generated from PET/MRI, PET/CT, and SPECT/CT applications. Hybrid imaging is at the forefront of nuclear and molecular imaging and enhances data acquisition for the purposes of diagnosis and treatment. Simultaneous evaluation of anatomic and metabolic information about normal and abnormal processes addresses complex clinical questions and raises the level of confidence of the scan interpretation. Extensively illustrated with high-resolution PET/MRI, PET/CT and SPECT/CT images, this atlas provides precise morphologic information for the whole body as well as for specific regions such as the head and neck, abdomen, and musculoskeletal system. Atlas and Anatomy of PET/MRI, PET/CT, AND SPECT/CT is a unique resource for physicians and residents in nuclear medicine, radiology, oncology, neurology, and cardiology.