scholarly journals Quality Enhancement of Gamma Camera SPECT Images Via the Taguchi-Based Optimization of Their Minimum Detectable Difference And a V-Shaped Slit Gauge

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ching-Hsiu Ke ◽  
Wan-Ju Liu ◽  
Bing-Ru Peng ◽  
Lung-Fa Pan ◽  
Lung-Kwang Pan
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Camera ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Fish Bone ◽  
Line Pair ◽  
Matrix Size ◽  
Taguchi Analysis ◽  
Detectable Difference ◽  
Minimum Detectable Difference ◽  
Student’S T ◽  
Spect Images

Abstract Background: This study optimized the minimum detectable difference (MDD) of gamma camera SPECT images via the Taguchi analysis and an indigenous V-shaped slit gauge. The latter was customized to satisfy the Taguchi analysis’ quantitative requirements. Methods: The slit gauge MDD quantification of derived SPECT images was based on a pair of overlapped-peak profiles obtained from a tangent slice of the V-shaped slit with two adjacent peaks. Using the revised Student’s t-test with a multiplied constant, 1.96, the MDD was defined as the minimum distance between two peak centers, which deviation was large enough to ensure a 95% confidence level of their separation. In total, eighteen combinations of six gamma camera scanned factors (A-F), namely (A) collimator, (B) detector to target distance, (C) total counts, (D) acquired energy width, (E) Matrix size, and (F) zoom of collected ROI with each of two or three levels were organized into 18 groups to collect the slit gauge images according to Taguchi L18 orthogonal array. Next, three well-trained radiologists ranked the scanned gauge images to derive the fish-bone-plot of signal-to-noise ratio (S/N, dB) and correlated ANOVA. Results: The quantified MDD was proposed to verify the optimal suggestion of gamma camera scanned protocol, and obtained the MDD as 8.44, 7.88, and 7.40 mm for the 2nd group of the original L18, conventional, and optimal presets, respectively. Conclusions: The optimal preset of gamma camera was achieved according to Taguchi analysis. The MDD-based approach was found more beneficial in evaluating the spatial resolution than the line pair/cm approach in routine quality control in this study.

scholarly journals MINIMUM DETECTABLE DIFFERENCE OF CT ANGIOGRAPHY SCANS AT VARIOUS CARDIAC BEATS: EVALUATION VIA A CUSTOMIZED OBLIQUE V-SHAPED LINE GAUGE AND PMMA PHANTOM

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
CHAO-YU CHIANG ◽  
YI-HUA CHEN ◽  
LUNG-FA PAN ◽  
CHIEN-CHOU CHO ◽  
BING-RU PENG ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ct Angiography ◽  
Figure Of Merit ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Quality Characteristic ◽  
Step Motor ◽  
Line Pair ◽  
Detectable Difference ◽  
Minimum Detectable Difference ◽  
Factor Combination ◽  
Scanned Images

The minimum detectable difference (MDD) at various beats/min (BPM) of CT angiography (CTA) was evaluated using an oblique V-shape line gauge and poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantom in this study. The customized phantom with the size of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm3 was made from a 1[Formula: see text]cm-thick PMMA. The reciprocating mechanism in the phantom was run by a step motor with an eccentric gear connected to a crank rod to provide a stable harmonic motion, simulating the cardiac beats. The MDD has a unique feature in defining the quality characteristic of CT-scanned images and provides more information than simple line pair/cm in the previous studies. The derived MDD was quantified according to various BPM, and the CTA factor combination was preset following either the conventional recommendation or the optimal one. In doing so, the performance was substantiated by the Taguchi-based signal-to-noise ratio and integrated by another index, namely, figure of merit (FOM). The MDD and corresponding [Formula: see text] (dB) changed from [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm and from 16.7[Formula: see text]dB to 14.2[Formula: see text]dB, respectively, for conventional settings; while those obtained for the optimal preset changed from [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm and from 12.2 dB to 16.4 dB, respectively of CTA at 0–90 BPM. The integrated FOM values for conventional or optimal cases were 1240 and 1337, respectively. The MDD proved to be a useful technique in justifying the CTA-scanned images. For compliance with previous studies, MDD results can be converted to the line pair/cm results, but it is more informative than the quantized number of line pairs.

OPTIMIZING THE MINIMUM DETECTABLE DIFFERENCE OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCANNED IMAGES VIA THE TAGUCHI ANALYSIS: A FEASIBILITY STUDY WITH AN INDIGENOUS HEPATIC PHANTOM AND A LINE GROUP GAUGE

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (08) ◽  
pp. 1940048
Author(s):  
BING-RU PENG ◽  
SAMRIT KITTIPAYAK ◽  
LUNG-FA PAN ◽  
LUNG-KWANG PAN
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Ct Scan ◽  
Optimization Analysis ◽  
Taguchi Analysis ◽  
Rotation Time ◽  
Detectable Difference ◽  
Minimum Detectable Difference ◽  
Optimal Setting ◽  
Scanned Images ◽  
Practical Factors

Objective: The minimum detectable difference (MDD) of computed tomography (CT) scanned images was quantified and optimized according to an indigenous hepatic phantom, line group gauge and Taguchi [Formula: see text] optimization analysis in this work. Methods: Optimal combinations of CT scan factors in every group with the level organization were judged using the Taguchi analysis, in which every factor was organized into only 18 groups, creating evaluated outcomes with the same confidence as if every factor was analyzed independently. The five practical factors of the CT scan were (1) kVp, (2) mAs, (3) pitch increment, (4) field of view (FOV) and (5) rotation time for one loop of CT scan. Insofar as each factor had two or three levels, the total number of 162 (i.e., [Formula: see text]) combinations was considered. Results: The optimal setting was 120[Formula: see text]kVp, 300[Formula: see text]mAs, 0.641 pitch, 320[Formula: see text]mm FOV and 1.0[Formula: see text]s of rotation time of CT scan. The minimal MDD was 2.65[Formula: see text]mm under 0.39[Formula: see text]mm of the slit depth from the revised Student’s [Formula: see text]-test with a 95% confidence level. In contrast, the MDD of conventional and the best one (no. 7) among all original 18 groups were 3.27[Formula: see text]mm and 2.93[Formula: see text]mm for 0.43[Formula: see text]mm and 0.41[Formula: see text]mm slit depths, respectively. Conclusion: The Taguchi analysis was found very lucrative for the design of imaging analysis in practical diagnosis. The indigenous line group gauge and hepatic phantom also proved to be suitable in simulating the human body in real hepatic carcinoma examination.

TAGUCHI METHOD-BASED OPTIMIZATION OF THE MINIMUM DETECTABLE DIFFERENCE OF A CARDIAC X-RAY IMAGING SYSTEM USING A PRECISE LINE PAIR GAUGE

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (07) ◽  
pp. 1940030 ◽  
Author(s):  
LUNG-FA PAN ◽  
KENG-YI WU ◽  
KE-LIN CHEN ◽  
SAMRIT KITTIPAYAK ◽  
LUNG-KWANG PAN
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Resolution ◽  
Imaging System ◽  
Low Noise ◽  
Optimal Combination ◽  
Line Pair ◽  
Test Analysis ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Imaging ◽  
Detectable Difference ◽  
Minimum Detectable Difference

Objective: To optimize the minimum detectable difference (MDD) of a cardiac X-ray imaging system using the Taguchi L8(27) analysis and a precise line pair (LP) gauge. Methods: The optimal combination of the four critical factors of the cardiac X-ray imaging system, namely X-ray focus, kilovoltage (kVp), milliamper-seconds (mAs) and source image distance (SID), providing the MDD was calculated via the Taguchi analysis and experimentally verified. Two (low and high) levels were assigned for each factor, and eight combinations of four factors were used to acquire instant X-ray images using an NDT commercial LP gauge (with a gauge length of 64[Formula: see text]mm and a width of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm). The latter had five lines and was split gradually from top to bottom for the inspection of X-ray images, whose quality was ranked by three well-trained radiologists according to the double-blind criterion. The ranking grade was given by sharp contrast, low noise and precision to distinguish the LP. Accordingly, the MDD was derived to represent the spatial resolution of instant X-ray images by the revised Student’s [Formula: see text]-test analysis. The optimal combination of factors was experimentally identified and clinically verified in the follow-up inspections. Results: For the conventional setting, Group No. 7 (which obtained the highest grade among eight groups) and the optimal setting, the obtained MDD values were [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm, respectively, while the LP (line pair/mm) interpolated from the gauge scale amounted to [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]LP/mm, respectively. Conclusion: The Taguchi L8 analysis was proved to be instrumental in optimizing the cardiac X-ray imaging system MDD and is recommended to be used jointly with the revised Student’s [Formula: see text]-test analysis for improving the spatial resolution of instant X-ray images.

scholarly journals Correlation between spatial resolution and ball distortion rate of panoramic radiography

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Han-Gyeol Yeom ◽  
Sam-Sun Lee ◽  
Jo-Eun Kim ◽  
Kyung-Hoe Huh ◽  
Won-Jin Yi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Spatial Resolution ◽  
Panoramic Radiography ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
Vertical Line ◽  
Line Pair ◽  
Horizontal Line ◽  
Student’S T ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Distortion Rate

Abstract BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation between spatial resolution and ball distortion rate of panoramic radiography and to elucidate the minimum criterion for ball distortion rate, which is very relevant to clinical readability.MethodsHorizontal and vertical spatial resolution and ball distortion rates were calculated in the same position, such as the incisor, premolar, molar, and temporomandibular joint area with various object depths corresponding to 48 mm. Three devices were evaluated. A region showing spatial resolution above the reference standard was selected, and the ball distortion rate corresponding to the same region was divided into horizontal and vertical phantom groups.The mean and standard deviation of the obtained ball distortion rates were calculated. Student’s t-test was used to statistically analyze the mean difference in ball distortion rates between vertical and horizontal phantom groups.ResultsIn all devices, the horizontal line pair phantom, but not the vertical line pair phantom, was readable in all areas measured at the line pair value of at least 1.88 lp/mm. The line pair value tended to be higher toward the center and lower toward the outside. The ball distortion rate tended to decrease closer to the center and increased further away. In addition, ball distortion rates could not be measured at some areas as they were not recognized as balls due to the high degree of distortion at the outermost and innermost sides. The number of balls satisfying the reference value using the horizontal line pair phantom was 102 (mean of ball distortion rates, 20.98; standard deviation, 15.25). The number of balls satisfying the reference value using the vertical line pair phantom was 49 (mean of ball distortion rates, 16.33; standard deviation, 14.25). However, mean ball distortion rate was not significantly different between the two groups.ConclusionsFocal layer of panoramic radiography could be evaluated by the spatial resolution using horizontal and vertical line pair phantoms and by assessing ball distortion rates through a ball-type panorama phantom. A ball distortion rate of 20% could be used as a threshold to evaluate the focal layer of panoramic radiography.

Methods for the robust computation of the long-period seismic spectrum of broad-band arrays

2020 ◽  
Vol 222 (3) ◽  
pp. 1480-1501
Author(s):  
Ross C Caton ◽  
Gary L Pavlis ◽  
David J Thomson ◽  
Frank L Vernon
Keyword(s):  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Spectral Band ◽  
Broad Band ◽  
Low Noise ◽  
Small Aperture ◽  
Transient Signals ◽  
Seismic Arrays ◽  
Low Snr ◽  
Long Period ◽  
Student’S T

SUMMARY We describe array methods to search for low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) signals in long-period seismic data using Fourier analysis. This is motivated by published results that find evidence of solar free oscillations in the Earth's seismic hum. Previous work used data from only one station. In this paper, we describe methods for computing spectra from array data. Arrays reduce noise level through averaging and provide redundancy that we use to distinguish coherent signal from a random background. We describe two algorithms for calculating a robust spectrum from seismic arrays, an algorithm that automatically removes impulsive transient signals from data, a jackknife method for estimating the variance of the spectrum, and a method for assessing the significance of an entire spectral band. We show examples of their application to data recorded by the Homestake Mine 3-D array in Lead, SD and the Piñon Flats PY array. These are two of the quietest small aperture arrays ever deployed in North America. The underground Homestake data has exceptionally low noise, and the borehole sensors of the PY array also have very low noise, making these arrays well suited to finding very weak signals. We find that our methods remove transient signals effectively from the data so that even low-SNR signals in the seismic background can be found and tested. Additionally, we find that the jackknife variance estimate is comparable to the noise floor, and we present initial evidence for solar g-modes in our data through the T2 test, a multivariate generalization of Student's t-test.

Spect imaging of the serotonin transporter using a novel ligand - 123-I mZIENT - in human subjects - a dosimetry and biodisortribution study

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 935-935
Author(s):  
R. Krishnadas ◽  
A. Nicol ◽  
S. Champion ◽  
S. Pimlott ◽  
J. Stehouwer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Volunteers ◽  
Gamma Camera ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
The Body ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Body Images ◽  
Promising Agent ◽  
Regional Brain ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Spect Images

Levels of serotonin in the body are regulated by the serotonin transporters (SERT), which are predominantly located on the presynaptic terminals of serotonin-containing neurons. Alterations in the density of SERT have been implicated in the pathophysiology of many neuropsychiatric disorders.AimTo evaluate 123-I mZIENT (2(S)-[(S)-2b-carbomethoxy-3b-[3′-((Z)-2-iodoethenyl)phenyl]nortropane), a novel radiopharmaceutical for imaging SERT. The bio-distribution of the radiopharmaceutical in humans was investigated and dosimetry performed.MethodsThe study includes three healthy volunteers and three patients receiving SSRIs. Whole body images obtained on a gamma camera at 10 minutes, 1, 2, 3, 6, 24 and 48 hours post administration. Dosimetry was performed. ROIs were drawn over the brain, heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, salivary glands, spleen, thyroid and intestines. Blood was sampled at 5, 15, & 30 minutes and 1, 2, 3, 6, 24 and 48 hours post administration. Urine was collected at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 24 and 48 hours. Brain SPECT images were obtained using a neuroSPECT scanner at 4 hours, evaluated visually and analysed using ROI analysis.ResultsHigh quality SPECT images can be obtained after 100–150 MBq 123-ImZEINT. Regional brain uptake was observed in midbrain and basal ganglia in healthy volunteers, consistent with the known distribution of SERT. Biodistribution images demonstrated highest uptake in the lungs, brain, liver and intestines. The effective dose was within range of other commonly used ligands and is acceptable for clinical imaging.Conclusion123-ImZIENT is a promising agent for imaging SERT in humans with acceptable dosimetry.

scholarly journals Investigation of TlCl-201 SPECT images using 240 degree reconstraction in three-headed rotated gamma camera

1995 ◽  
Vol 51 (8) ◽  
pp. 1068
Author(s):  
Shigehiro Nakatsuru ◽  
Tokie Nagai ◽  
Tetsuro Katabuchi ◽  
Hisashi Oka ◽  
Makoto Hayashi
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Camera ◽  
Spect Images

scholarly journals Analysis of physiological noise in quantitative cardiac magnetic resonance

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terrence Jao ◽  
Krishna Nayak
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Parallel Imaging ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Acceleration Factor ◽  
Physiological Noise ◽  
Matrix Size ◽  
Cardiac Mr ◽  
Bssfp Imaging ◽  
The Impact

AbstractPurposeTo determine the impact of imaging parameters on the temporal signal-to-noise ratio (TSNR) of quantitative cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) in humans, and to determine applicability of the physiological noise covariance (PNC) model for physiological noise (PN).MethodsWe conducted MRI experiments in four healthy volunteers, and obtained series of short-axis cardiac images acquired with snapshot balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) and snapshot gradient echo (GRE) using a broad range of spatial resolutions and parallel imaging acceleration factors commonly used in quantitative cardiac MR. We measured regional SNR and TSNR in these datasets and fit the measurements to the PNC model for PN, which assumes that PN scales with signal strength.ResultsThe relationship between SNR and TSNR in human cardiac MR without contrast preparation was well modeled by the PNC model. SNR consistently decreased as the spatial resolution (matrix size) and acceleration factor (R) increased for both GRE and bSSFP imaging. TSNR varied linearly with SNR using GRE imaging, when SNR was low (SNR < 20), and approached an asymptotic limit using bSSFP imaging, when SNR was high (SNR > 40).ConclusionsThe PNC model can be used to guide the choice of matrix size and acceleration factor to optimize TSNR in stable contrast cardiac MR, such as T2-prepared Blood-Oxygen-Level-Dependent (BOLD) and several variants of Arterial Spin Labeled (ASL) cardiac MR.

Quantification of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction from 16- and rebinned 8-frame gated 99mTc-tetrofosmin SPECT

2007 ◽  
Vol 46 (01) ◽  
pp. 22-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.-J. Kaiser ◽  
H. Kuehl ◽  
K.-C. Koch ◽  
B. Nowak ◽  
U. Buell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gated Spect ◽  
Gamma Camera ◽  
Cardiac Cycle ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Volumes ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Clinical Routine ◽  
Data Set ◽  
99Mtc Tetrofosmin

Summary Aim: Using 8-frames/cardiac cycle with gated SPECT underestimates end-diastolic volumes (EDV) and ejection fractions (LVEF), and overestimates end-systolic volumes (ESV). However, using 16-frames/cardiac cycle significantly decreases the signal-to-noise-ratio. We analyzed 16-frames and rebinned 8-frame gated SPECT data using common 4D-MSPECT and QGS algorithms. Patients, methods: 120 patients were examined using gated SPECT on a Siemens Multispect 3 (triple-head gamma camera) 60 minutes after intravenous administration at rest of about 450 MBq (two-day protocol) or about 750 MBq (one-day protocol) 99mTc-tetrofosmin. Reoriented short axis slices (16-frames) were summed framewise (1+2,3+4, etc.) yielding 8-frame data sets. EDV, ESV and LVEF were calculated for both data sets using 4D-MSPECT and QGS. Results: QGS succeeded with 119, 4D-MSPECT with 117 patients. For the remaining 116 patients, higher EDV (+0.8ml/+3.8ml) and LVEF (+1.5%/+2.6%; absolute) and lower ESV (–1.7ml/–0.9ml) (4D-MSPECT/QGS) were found for 16-frame runs. Bland-Altman limits were smaller for QGS than 4D-MSPECT [EDV 32/12ml, ESV 21/10ml, LVEF 17/7% (4D-MSPECT/QGS)]. Conclusion: Both algorithms showed the expected effects. Contour finding using QGS failed with only one data set, whereas contour finding using 4D-MSPECT failed with three data sets. Since the effects observed between the 8– and the 16-frame studies are relatively small and quite predictable, 8-frame studies can be employed in clinical routine with hardly any loss at all, plus contour finding appears less susceptible to error.

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