Optimization of PET/CT image quality using the GE "Sharp IR' point-spread function reconstruction algorithm

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to quantify any improvement with the GE Sharp IR' point-spread function (PSF) reconstruction algorithm in addition to ordered subsets expectation maximum (OSEM) and time-of-flight (TOF) reconstruction algorithms and establish the optimum parameters to be used in clinical studies.Materials and methodsWe conducted a range of experiments using the National Electrical Manufacturers Association image quality phantom filled with a 4:1 signal-to-background ratio. We scanned the phantom using the GE Discovery 690 PET/CT scanner. We varied iteration number and Gaussian filtration. Results were compared for OSEM, OSEM+TOF and OSEM+TOF+PSF reconstructions. A sample of 15 whole-body fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose were reconstructed with OSEM+TOF and OSEM+TOF+PSF using a selection of optimum reconstruction parameters determined in phantom studies. Clinicians qualitatively ranked their preferred images to choose optimum parameters.ResultsThe addition of PSF improved signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), contrast, hot contrast recovery coefficients and noise over OSEM and OSEM+TOF reconstruction algorithms. SNRs were the highest at two iterations and with 0 or 2mm filters with OSEM+TOF+PSF reconstruction in all phantom studies. Clinicians generally favoured OSEM+TOF+PSF reconstruction with three iterations and a 2mm filter.ConclusionPSF reconstruction significantly improved image quality for both clinical and phantom studies. We recommended the optimum reconstruction parameters using three iterations, 24 subsets and a 2mm filter, which improved SNRs by up to 28.8% for small lesions (P<0.05).