Design and validation of an adaptive SPECT system: AdaptiSPECT

In order to obtain optimal image quality with respect to a particular task, adaptive imaging systems automatically change their acquisition parameters in response to preliminary data being recorded from the object under study. Currently, the adaptive aspect in Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) is limited to a manual collimator interchange and the choice of detector rotation radius. Furthermore, there is often no optimization of any kind with respect to a certain task. There is thus a need for more versatile SPECT systems that autonomously optimize their acquisition geometry for every task and every patient. Here we describe a pinhole SPECT imager, AdaptiSPECT, which is being developed at the Center for Gamma Ray Imaging (CGRI) to enable adaptive SPECT imaging in a pre-clinical context. Furthermore, ideas for an autonomous adaptation procedure are discussed and some preliminary results are reported upon.