Photon Count and Contrast-Detail Detection Potential Comparison between Parallel and Fan Beam Brain SPECT

Current brain SPECT based on parallel beam projection with round shape Anger cameras suffers from both low sensitivity and poor resolution due to shoulder interference. SPECT using fan beam projection with a wide rectangular camera would significantly improve image quality by increased sensitivity and close brain access. For experimental verification a rectangular camera of 16" × 8.7" FOV has been developed with a shoulder edge of 3". For this geometry sensitivity and resolution improvement have been measured. Fan beam imaging tests verified the analysis results by showing 60% sensitivity increase and resolution improvement to 10 mm from 13-14 mm at image center. In order to assess the imaging improvement level quantitatively, analytical comparison on SPECT contrast-detail detectability has been made. Experimental contrast-detail detectability comparison between parallel and fan beam brain SPECT is presented together with the predicted model result.