Integrated MicroPET/CT

A microCT scanner has been built and integrated with the microPET II scanner, forming a combined dual modality system for in vivo anatomic and molecular imaging of the mouse. The system is aimed at achieving high resolution PET images, low x-ray dose with adequate CT image quality, and high throughput screening capability. It has a well-designed gantry and user interface which can simplify operation, facilitate the accurate registration and visualization of CT and PET images, and minimize scanning time. Currently the prototype system is in use to: study the x-ray detector response; calibrate the system geometry, in order to establish a scan protocol and allow accurate and reproducible coregistration of three-dimensional PET and CT datasets; and develop a protocol that allows for reduced radiation dose per scan without degrading image quality.

[system]
The microPET II scanner is in the front, the CT system in the rear.

[images]
Fused PET and CT images.

Presentation Slides from 2006 IEEE NSS/MIC Conference (San Diego, CA)