Developing a high sensitivity and spatial resolution SPECT molecular imaging system through the use of novel multiplexing

Abstract

Molecular imaging is an important tool in both clinical and pre-clinical settings. Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) is a molecular imaging technique provides important information for everything from medical diagnoses in the hospital to looking at the spatial distribution of drugs in the body. However, current SPECT systems consisting of collimation in conjunction with a gamma emission require high radiation doses to be administered to achieve the desired imaging resolution because of the low sensitivity. In order to improve on both imaging resolution and sensitivity in SPECT without increasing the radiation dose given to a patient different detector designs must be examined. The overarching goal of this project was the development of a novel SPECT detector design using synthetic collimation combined with high levels of multiplexing to increase imaging resolution and sensitivity while allowing for lower radiation doses to subjects. A silicon detector enclosure was designed that allowed for a stacked configuration with the silicon detector mounted between the collimator and a germanium detector. Initial testing of this unique camera was performed, and a method for designing an optimized multi-pinhole collimator for this synthetic collimation system through the use of simulations was also developed.