Image-derived input function in PET studies: an exploration of its application in the quantification process

Abstract

The exploration of molecular neuroimaging obtained by positron emission tomography (PET), has been a very useful technique in neuroscience research. The pharmacokinetics study is carried out to quantify the density of the receptor or molecular transporter. Studies about the evaluation of the level of arterial blood radioactivity when PET imaging is obtained has been described in the literature. Methods for obtaining an image-derived input function (IDIF) for brain studies are increasingly being explored. This is an alternative technique which causes less discomfort to the patient and can show more accurate results due the presence of anatomical information from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (in both universities of study, this technique can be studied in PET/MR devices). This research internship abroad scholarship (BEPE) focuses on learning the IDIF technique. There is already a partnership between our group and members of the KU Leuven University, and we want to intensify our studies associated with the quantification of PET imaging with the experience of Prof. Dr. Michel Koole. With the application of this method in the origin university, we want to explore unknow mechanisms of the brain functionality through a more precise process of quantification. Furthermore, we want to further this method to serve as a basis for further studies in different areas, like neurology and oncology. (AU)