Abstract
AIM: This study aimed to optimize the quantitative aspects of ((18)F) fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging by investigating the impact of various reconstruction parameters on the recovery coefficients (RCs) using the NEMA image quality phantom. Specifically, the study aims to assess how different matrix sizes, iterations, subsets, and Gaussian postfilters affect the accuracy of standardized uptake value (SUV) quantification in ((18)F) FDG PET/CT imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study utilized the "Vue Point FX + Sharp IR" algorithm for PET image reconstruction, incorporating 3D-ordered subset expectation maximization (3D-OSEM), time-of-flight, and point spread function technologies. Various reconstruction parameters were explored, including two distinct matrix sizes, multiple iterations, subsets, and a wide range of Gaussian postfilters. The investigation focused on the impact of these parameters on RCs using the NEMA image quality phantom. RESULTS: The results of the study indicated that for accurate SUV quantification in spheres ≥17 mm, the 256 × 256 matrix size and mean SUV should be employed. Conversely, for spheres ≤13 mm, maximum SUV was found to be more suitable. The choice of postfiltering value was shown to have a significant impact on SUV quantification accuracy, particularly for small-sized spheres. In addition, a larger matrix size was found to partially mitigate the effects of Gibbs artifact and slightly enhance SUV quantification for the spheres of various sizes. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the critical importance of optimizing PET reconstruction parameters in accordance with the guidelines set by European Association of Nuclear Medicine/EARL. By optimizing these parameters, the accuracy and reliability of SUV quantification in ((18)F) FDG PET imaging can be significantly enhanced, especially for small-sized spheres. This underscores the necessity of carefully considering reconstruction parameters to ensure precise and reliable quantitative measurements in PET/CT imaging.