Nuklearmedizin 2021; 60(02): 135
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1726710
Leuchtturm
Technologie, Algorithmen und Radiochemie

Development of a Breast PET Insert for the Biograph mMR

FP Schmidt
1   Eberhard Karls University, Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Tübingen
,
CM Pommranz
2   Eberhard Karls University, Institute of Astrophysics, Tübingen
,
JC Krämer
1   Eberhard Karls University, Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Tübingen
,
SJ Diebold
2   Eberhard Karls University, Institute of Astrophysics, Tübingen
,
JG Mannheim
1   Eberhard Karls University, Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Tübingen
,
C la Fougère
3   Eberhard Karls University, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Molecular Imaging, Tübingen
,
BJ Pichler
1   Eberhard Karls University, Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Tübingen
› Author Affiliations
› Further Information
 
 

    Ziel/Aim To enhance clinical PET/MR breast imaging in terms of spatial resolution and sensitivity, we develop a breast PET insert for a clinical 3T whole-body PET/MRI scanner (Biograph mMR, Siemens Healthineers). One advantage of this combination is the possibility for the detection of coincident events between the whole-body PET and the insert. We intend to use this concept to improve the identification of lymph nodes in the thorax region, which are needed for breast cancer diagnosis and staging.

    Methodik/Methods We designed three different geometries for the breast PET insert that can be integrated into a clinical standard four channel RF breast coil. For this we created a Monte-Carlo simulation framework based on GATE which integrates the XCAT phantom for comprehensive performance studies. While the detectors and system electronics are based on the C13500 series PET modules (Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.), we implemented the following changes to match the requirements for the breast insert. First, we implemented a simultaneous, distortion free operation inside the MRI scanner Second, to use smaller sized crystals with the PET modules, we developed a custom front-end detector with a 16×16 LSO array with crystal dimensions of 1.51×1.51×10 mm3 that interfaces with the Hamamatsu PET modules system.

    Ergebnisse/Results We showed mutual compatibility between a two detector setup and the Biograph mMR with comprehensive tests, whereas a data communication via optical fiber, RF shielding of the front-end and filter for the power supply were required to prevent mutual distortions. A light sharing approach was implemented for the crystal position identification and an energy resolution of 14.1 ± 2.0 % as well as a CRT of 341ps were accomplished.

    Schlussfolgerungen/Conclusions Based on the achieved work with regards to MRI compatibility, detector development and simulations of the breast insert, we aim to build a single layer prototype and investigate the mixed coincidences with the Biograph mMR.


    #

    Publication History

    Article published online:
    08 April 2021

    © 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

    Georg Thieme Verlag KG
    Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany