A multiwire proportional gamma camera for imaging 99Tcm radionuclide distributions.

A gamma camera made of multiple multiwire proportional chambers with thin converter foils has been evaluated for clinical application. Results are presented from a small prototype (10 cm x 10 cm)showing good imaging of 99Tcm radionuclide distributions and comfirming the predictions of the theory regarding quantum efficiency and spatial resolution. The technique is especially aimed at creating a gamma camera with an active area greater than or approximately equal to 1 m2, a quantum efficiency of 15% and a spatial resolution approximately 3 mm, to be applied in whole body scanning and tomographic applications. The results generated by the current prototype indicate that the above requirements can be met using relatively cheap mass production techniques from the electronic industry. This apparatus is covered by patent applcation number 26595/77.