Influence of the resolution mode on mean and maximum SUV for PET images acquired by a LabPET SOLO 4 scanner

In preclinical PET, SUV (standardized uptake value) is a robust quantifier that can be used to analyze PET images. Several factors –biological or technical –can affect SUV determination. Among technical factors, it is possible to cite the reconstruction protocols of PET images. This work evaluated the influence of two resolution modes –standard and high –on mean and maximum SUVs. The PET image of a mouse with a tumor in left flank was chosen from a PET image bank and reconstructed using two different protocols varying the resolution mode. The post-processing of images was performed using AMIDE software and eight volumes of interest (VOIs) were defined. Qualitatively, there was light improvement in structures definition in high-resolution image compared to standard resolution image. At the semiquantitative analysis, image reconstruction protocols using high-resolution mode did not significantly improve the recuperation of radiopharmaceutical uptake into analyzed tissues. (author)