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Fast Monte Carlo-simulator with full collimator and detector response modelling for SPECT

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Abstract

Objective

Monte Carlo (MC)-simulations have proved to be a valuable tool in studying SPECT-reconstruction algorithms. Despite their popularity, the use of Monte Carlo-simulations is still often limited by their large computation demand. This is especially true in situations where full collimator and detector modelling with septal penetration, scatter and X-ray fluorescence needs to be included. This paper presents a rapid and simple MC-simulator, which can effectively reduce the computation times.

Methods

The simulator was built on the convolution-based forced detection principle, which can markedly lower the number of simulated photons. Full collimator and detector response look-up tables are pre-simulated and then later used in the actual MC-simulations to model the system response. The developed simulator was validated by comparing it against 123I point source measurements made with a clinical gamma camera system and against 99mTc software phantom simulations made with the SIMIND MC-package.

Results

The results showed good agreement between the new simulator, measurements and the SIMIND-package. The new simulator provided near noise-free projection data in approximately 1.5 min per projection with 99mTc, which was less than one-tenth of SIMIND’s time.

Conclusion

The developed MC-simulator can markedly decrease the simulation time without sacrificing image quality.

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Acknowledgments

A. Sohlberg has a consulting agreement with HERMES Medical Solutions, Stockholm, Sweden.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Joint Authority for Päijät-Häme Social and Health Care, Keskussairaalankatu 7, 15850, Lahti, Finland

    Antti O. Sohlberg & Markus T. Kajaste

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  1. Antti O. Sohlberg
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  2. Markus T. Kajaste
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Correspondence to Antti O. Sohlberg.

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Sohlberg, A.O., Kajaste, M.T. Fast Monte Carlo-simulator with full collimator and detector response modelling for SPECT. Ann Nucl Med 26, 92–98 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12149-011-0550-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12149-011-0550-7

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