Technical note: Partitioning of gated single photon emission computed tomography raw data for protocols optimization

Abstract

Purpose: Methodologies for optimization of SPECT image acquisition can be challenging due to imaging throughput, physiological bias, and patient comfort constraints. We evaluated a vendor-independent method for simulating lower count image acquisitions. Methods: We developed an algorithm that recombines the ECG-gated raw data into reduced counting acquisitions. We then tested the algorithm to simulate reduction of counting statistics from phantom SPECT image acquisition, which was synchronized with an ECG simulator. The datasets were reconstructed with a resolution recovery algorithm and the summed stress score (SSS) was assessed by three readers (two experts and one automatic). Results: The algorithm generated varying counting levels, simulating multiple examinations at the same time. The error between the expected and the simulated countings ranged from approximately 5% to 10% for the ungated simulations and 0% for the gated simulations. Conclusions: The vendor-independent algorithm successfully generated lower counting statistics datasets from single-gated SPECT raw data. This method can be readily implemented for optimal SPECT research aiming to lower the injected activity and/ or to shorten the acquisition time.