Philips Astonish image processing software phantom evaluation used on planar mode acquisition images

Abstract

A multi-phantom study is presented, comparing planar image properties modification while using Philips Astonish image enhancement software. Three types of phantoms were used to evaluate the effects of the software on the images and to estimate when and how this software can be used safely without introducing relevant artifacts that could induce clinical misreading and wrong diagnosis. According to the manufacturer, the point spread function (PSF) problem, which is mandatory for precise image deconvolution on an Anger camera (or gamma-camera), was solved and a corrected object image estimation can be achieved from the blurred original acquired image. Regardless the apparent clinical planar image enhancement achieved with the Philips Astonish software, it was found that, in a phantom planar acquisition image evaluation, the inexistence of a precise PSF description leads, in some cases, to a notorious inaccurate image reconstruction. The obtained experimental and reconstructed results were compared with an image deconvolution algorithm, where the PSF is a known parameter. Thus, the difficulty of not knowing exactly this parameter in an Anger camera still leads to the failure of exact activity quantification, as well as precise morphologic determination of the isotope distribution inside the body, when exact location of this distribution is not known in advance. Nevertheless, the Philips Astonish software can be helpful in planar imaging when used with precaution and as a tool for a better clinical image presentation when contrast enhancement is desired and when a careful clinical image evaluation is previously carried out.