Variable tilt-angle, parallel-hole collimation system for high-resolution molecular imaging gamma tomosynthesis

Purpose: This study investigates a novel gamma tomosynthesis (GT) method based on a variable tilt-angle, parallel-hole collimator (VAPHC) which, mounting to a conventional gamma, is able to perform high-resolution three-dimensional imaging. Methods: The VAPHC has the remarkable feature to be modular, consisting of independent collimation elements able to tilt according to variable angles [−45° to +45°]. Spatial resolutions were measured in reconstructed GT images using a point source at different source-to-collimator distances, while sensitivity was evaluated over the range of slant angles using a disk-source. Image contrast (IC) and contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR) of sub-centimeters tumors were evaluated using a breast phantom containing a background activity and spheres filled with 99mTc to simulate lesions at two depths. Breast phantom GT images were compared with planar and circularorbit SPECT acquisitions of equal scan-time. Results: Planar spatial resolutions range from 9 to 14mm over a depth range of 6–10 cm; spatial resolution in depth dimension becomes two times greater than those in the other dimensions. The measured sensitivity decreases from 9 cps/μCi to 6 cps/μCi varying the slant angle from 5° to 45°. The measured IC and CNR of GT reconstructed images demonstrated that it was possible to improve the spatial resolution/sensitivity trade-off. Conclusions: The proposed GT based VAPHC demonstrated the potential for superior spatial resolution and contrast compared to planar and SPECT acquisitions. A conventional gamma camera equipped with the VAPHC could be located at the minimum distance from the patient, thus improving detection, localisation and characterisation of sub-centimetre lesions.