Abstract: A system and method for determining kinetic parameters associated with a kinetic model of an imaging agent in a liver is provided. An image reconstruction device can receive radiotracer activities corresponding to a predetermined time period. For example, these radiotracer activities can include PET scan data corresponding to a number of time frames. The radiotracer activities can be used to determine a liver time activity curve and a circulatory input function. The liver time activity curve and circulatory input function can be used along with a kinetic model of the liver to produce kinetic parameters. These kinetic parameters can be used to determine hepatic scores, such as a hepatic steatosis score, a hepatic inflammation score, and a cirrhosis score. These scores are indicative of diseases of the liver, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and hepatic fibrosis.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system that performs ultra-fast tracer imaging on a subject using positron emission tomography. During operation, the system performs a high-temporal-resolution, total-body dynamic PET scan on the subject as an intravenously injected radioactive tracer propagates through the vascular system of the subject to produce PET projection data. Next, the system applies an image reconstruction technique to the PET projection data to produce subsecond temporal frames, which illustrate the dynamic propagation of the radioactive tracer through the vascular system of the subject. Finally, the system outputs the temporal frames through a display device.

Abstract: A system and method for determining kinetic parameters associated with a kinetic model of an imaging agent in a liver is provided. An image reconstruction device can receive radiotracer activities corresponding to a predetermined time period. For example, these radiotracer activities can include PET scan data corresponding to a number of time frames. The radiotracer activities can be used to determine a liver time activity curve and a circulatory input function. The liver time activity curve and circulatory input function can be used along with a kinetic model of the liver to produce kinetic parameters. These kinetic parameters can be used to determine hepatic scores, such as a hepatic steatosis score, a hepatic inflammation score, and a cirrhosis score. These scores are indicative of diseases of the liver, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and hepatic fibrosis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a positron emission tomography (PET) kit are described. A PET detector kit may include a gantry, a plurality of PET detector modules, and an event processing device. A PET detector module may include a housing, a crystal, a light detector, and a communication component. The housing may include at least one connective element configured to removably and adjustably couple the PET detector module to the gantry. The crystal may be located within the housing. The light detector may be configured to detect light emitted by the crystal. The communication component may be configured to communicate data from the at least one light detector to an event processing device. The event processing device may receive data from the plurality of PET detector modules and may cause the one or more processors to determine coincidence events based on the received data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatus for imaging a tissue specimen excised during surgery with a combined positron emission tomography (PET) and micro computed tomography (micro CT) scanner. The specimen is scanned with a CT imaging system of the combined PET and micro CT scanner. The specimen is also scanned with a PET imaging system of the combined PET and micro CT scanner. A PET image is constructed based on data acquired by the PET imaging system. A micro CT image is constructed based on data acquired by the micro CT imaging system. The micro CT image includes at least one visualization of a lesion marker.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a positron emission tomography (PET) kit are described. A PET detector kit may include a gantry, a plurality of PET detector modules, and an event processing device. A PET detector module may include a housing, a crystal, a light detector, and a communication component. The housing may include at least one connective element configured to removably and adjustably couple the PET detector module to the gantry. The crystal may be located within the housing. The light detector may be configured to detect light emitted by the crystal. The communication component may be configured to communicate data from the at least one light detector to an event processing device. The event processing device may receive data from the plurality of PET detector modules and may cause the one or more processors to determine coincidence events based on the received data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatus for imaging a tissue specimen excised during surgery with a combined positron emission tomography (PET) and micro computed tomography (micro CT) scanner. The specimen is scanned with a CT imaging system of the combined PET and micro CT scanner. The specimen is also scanned with a PET imaging system of the combined PET and micro CT scanner. A PET image is constructed based on data acquired by the PET imaging system. A micro CT image is constructed based on data acquired by the micro CT imaging system. The micro CT image includes at least one visualization of a lesion marker.