Optimization of Spatial Resolution and Image Reconstruction Parameters for the Small-Animal Metis™ PET/CT System

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the optimization of the spatial resolution and image reconstruction parameters related to image quality in an iterative reconstruction algorithm for the small-animal Metis (TM) PET/CT system. Methods: We used a homemade Derenzo phantom to evaluate the image quality using visual assessment, the signal-to-noise ratio, the contrast, the coefficient of variation, and the contrast-to-noise ratio of the 0.8 mm hot rods of eight slices in the center of the phantom PET images. A healthy mouse study was performed to analyze the influence of the optimal reconstruction parameters and the Gaussian post-filter FWHM. Results: In the phantom study, the image quality was the best when the phantom was placed at the end, keeping the central axis parallel to the X-axis of the system, and selecting between 30 and 40 iterations, a 0.314 mm reconstructed voxel size, and a 1.57 mm Gaussian post-filter FWHM. The optimization of the spatial resolution could reach 0.6 mm. In the animal study, it was suitable to choose a voxel size of 0.472 mm, between 30 and 40 iterations, and a 2.36 mm Gaussian post-filter FWHM. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the optimal imaging conditions and reconstruction parameters are very necessary to obtain high-resolution images and quantitative accuracy, especially for the high-precision recognition of tiny lesions.