The influence of tomograph sensitivity on kinetic parameter estimation in positron emission tomography imaging studies of the rat brain

We investigated the influence of tomograph sensitivity on reliability of pa rameter estimation in positron emission tomography studies of the rat brain . The kinetics of two tracers in rat striatum and cerebellum were simulated . A typical injected dose of 10 MBq and a reduced dose of 1 MBq were assume d. Kinetic parameters were estimated using a region of interest (ROI) analy sis and two pixel-by pixel analyses. Striatal binding potential was estimat ed as a function of effective tomograph sensitivity (S-eff) using a simplif ied reference tissue model. A S-eff value of greater than or equal to 1% wa s required to ensure reliable parameter estimation for ROT analysis and a S -eff of 3-6% was required for pixel-by pixel analysis. We conclude that eff ective tomograph sensitivity of 3% may be an appropriate design goal for ra t brain imaging. NUCL MED BIOL 27;6: 617-625, 2000. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scien ce Inc. All rights reserved.