Proposal of a new OpenPET based simultaneous whole-body PET/CT geometry

Based on the OpenPET imaging structure, one conceptual simultaneous whole-body PET/CT imaging geometry is proposed. Compared with the conventional PET/CT system, the new geometry implements simultaneous PET and CT scanning which can image the same field of view at the exactly same time. In this paper, we described the new features of the proposed geometry and conducted quantitative analysis to the new geometry by computer simulation. Then we examined and compared the iterative and analytical algorithms in terms of image quality. Results indicated that under premise of adequate PET sensitivity performance, the new geometry provided decent CT image quality. Better images were acquired with the iterative algorithms under this geometry for the whole-body range. Improved reconstruction images were still expected with generalization of modified algorithm for the proposed geometry. Technical implementation of the geometry in clinical application should also be considered in the next phase.