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BobP
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Hi, my lecturer said that in PET imaging, the image resolution is superior when the E(max) of the positrons is lower. Why should this be?
Thanks
Thanks
Seems so obvious now you say it! thanks so muchgleem said:A lower positron energy would mean that the positron would not travel as far from the site of origination before it annihilated. i.e., remaining in the area where the radioisotope was accumulating.
Thank youDale said:There is also a second order effect. The higher the positron energy the more the paths of the two photons deviate from a single straight line
PET imaging resolution refers to the ability of a positron emission tomography (PET) scan to accurately capture and display fine details of the internal structures of the body. It is a measure of how well the scanner can differentiate between small structures or lesions within the body.
PET imaging resolution is typically measured using the full width at half maximum (FWHM) method, which calculates the distance between two points where the signal reaches half of its maximum intensity. The smaller the FWHM value, the better the imaging resolution.
E(max) refers to the maximum energy of the positron emitted during a PET scan. Lower E(max) values allow for better resolution because they result in a shorter positron range, meaning the positron will travel a shorter distance before annihilating with an electron. This results in a more precise location for the emitted radiation and leads to better image resolution.
Some of the factors that can affect PET imaging resolution include the type of scanner used, the size and shape of the patient, the type of radiotracer injected, and the imaging protocol used. Additionally, image reconstruction techniques and corrections for motion and scatter can also impact the resolution of PET images.
Yes, PET imaging resolution can be improved through various techniques such as using smaller detector crystals, developing new reconstruction algorithms, and optimizing imaging protocols. Additionally, advancements in scanner technology and radiotracer design can also contribute to improved imaging resolution.