What factors influence the R value in data-driven respiratory gating technique? A phantom study.

OBJECTIVE

The R value is adopted as a metric for the effectiveness of the respiratory waveform in the Advanced Motion Free implemented in the PET scanner as the data-driven respiratory gating (DDG) algorithm. The effects of changes in various factors on R values were evaluated by phantom analysis.

METHODS

We used a programmable respiratory motion phantom QUASAR with a sphere filled with an 18F solution. Respiratory motion simulation was performed by changing the sphere diameter, radioactivity concentration, amplitude, respiratory cycle, and respiratory waveform shape. Three evaluations were performed. (1) The power spectra calculated from the input waveforms were evaluated. (2) The effects of changes in the factors on the R value were evaluated. (3) DDG waveforms and inspiratory peak intervals were compared with the input waveform data set.

RESULTS

The R values were increased and converged to a certain value as sphere diameter, radioactivity concentration, and amplitude gradually increased. The respiratory cycle showed the highest R value at 7.5 s, and the graph showed an upward convex pattern. The R value of the sinusoid waveform was higher than that of the typical waveform. There was a relationship between the power spectrum of the input waveform and R value. The visual score was also lower in the condition with a lower R value. In cases of no sphere, radioactivity, or motion, and a fast respiratory cycle, peak intervals were not accurately acquired.

CONCLUSIONS

Factors affecting the R value were sphere diameter, radioactivity concentration, amplitude, respiratory cycle, and respiratory waveform shape.