On the development of a high-resolution multi-pinhole SPECT/CT

Multi-Pinhole SPECT systems provide high-resolution and high-sensitivity imaging for small animal research. We currently perform SPECT imaging using commercial gamma cameras upgraded with multi-pinhole collimators. We have shown that for most tasks we are capable of achieving reconstructed spatial resolutions as low as 1.2 mm with average sensitivities up to 1600 cps/MBq. In an attempt to achieve better orientation in SPECT images we are equipping a compact commercial gamma camera with an X-ray CT system to create an integrated dual modality system. We are adding the CT system to our gantry to enhance the imaging capabilities of our SPECT system. Our gantry is equipped with a 3D translation stage that enables us to image objects that extend beyond the field of view in the axial direction by performing helical scan orbits. We are capable of performing such helical scan orbits for both modalities. We have designed a cost-effective CT add-on that provides additional anatomical information to the systems users. Specifically, the CT reconstructions aid in the acquisition and interpretation of the corresponding SPECT images.