A Maximum-Likelihood Timing Resolution Estimation algorithm for TOF-PET


A Maximum-Likelihood Timing Resolution Estimation algorithm for TOF-PET

Nikulin, P.; Lougovski, A.; Hofheinz, F.; Maus, J.; van den Hoff, J.

Timing resolution in time-of-flight (TOF) PET is known to be to a different extend count-rate dependent, while using the actual timing resolution during TOF-PET image reconstruction is crucial for achieving high contrast recovery. However, a count-rate dependent TOF-resolution calibration procedure is usually not provided by the vendor. We therefore developed such a procedure which is compatible with clinical routine and is also applicable retrospectively to existing data.

We propose a novel Maximum-Likelihood Timing Resolution Estimation algorithm that maximizes likelihood by updating activity image and TOF-kernel width alternately. For activity update TOF-MLEM was used and quadratic surrogate based maximization of the likelihood was performed to update timing resolution.

The algorithm was integrated into our previously developed reconstruction tool THOR, see ref. (1), and evaluated using the Philips Ingenuity TF PET/MR scanner and phantom and patient studies covering a large range of count-rates. Studies were grouped by imaging protocol ("brain" and "whole-body", covering different transaxial fields of view). Within each group a linear dependency of timing resolution on count-rate was observed which is in correspondence with reports by other groups. The timing resolution degradation value approaches 150 ps (~25% of initial TOF-kernel width) for clinical relevant count-rates. No difference in estimated timing resolution between the study groups was encountered.

Our preliminary results indicate that the proposed algorithm is capable of realistic timing resolution estimation. The timing resolution of the Philips Ingenuity TF PET/MR degrades rapidly with count-rate. This should be accounted for during image reconstruction.

(1) A. Lougovski, F. Hofheinz, J. Maus, et al., Physics in Medicine and Biology 59(3), 561 (2014)

Keywords: PET; MLEM; MLTRE; image reconstruction; TOF-PET; calibration; TOF-resolution

  • Poster
    56. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Nuklearmedizin, 18.-21.04.2018, Bremen, Deutschland

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Publ.-Id: 27403