System resolution versus image uncertainty for positron emission tomography scanners.

Purpose: Quantitative measures derived from positron emission tomography (PET) images are subject to statistical uncertainty, depending critically on system parameters, including the spatial resolution of the scanner. Predictions of statistical uncertainty of quantitative measures were compared with measurements. Approach: Measurements were performed on the dual-ring PET prototype setup at the University of Michigan. The setup consisted of multiple detectors that, in combination, span a system resolution ranging between 1 and 5.5 mm full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM). A Micro Jaszczak hot-spot phantom with rod diameters between 1.2 and 4.8 mm was imaged and independently reconstructed for different detector combinations. Statistical properties of quantitative measures were evaluated for different reconstructions. Results: Measured signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) of 108 ± 14 , 85 ± 11 , and 40 ± 5 for high (0.92 to 0.98 mm FWHM), medium (1.3 to 1.5 mm FWHM), and low (5.5 mm FWHM) resolution detector configurations and 1 million events in general terms followed predications based on the detector resolution. Conclusions: The unique tomograph configuration allowed for experimental comparison of the impact of spatial resolution on statistical properties of reconstructions in the same setup. An SNR advantage in systems with high resolutions was predicted and confirmed even for object features significantly larger than the detector resolution.