A novel high resolution, high sensitivity SPECT detector for molecular imaging of cardiovascular diseases

F. Cusanno, A. Argentieri, M. Baiocchi, S. Colilli, E. Cisbani, G. De Vincentis, R. Fratoni, F. Garibaldi, F. Giuliani, M. Gricia, M. Lucentini, M. L. Magliozzi, S. Majewski, G. Marano, P. Musico, M. Musumeci, F. Santavenere, S. Torrioli, B. M.W. Tsui, L. VitelliY. Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in western countries. Understanding the rupture of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques and monitoring the effect of innovative therapies of heart failure is of fundamental importance. A flexible, high resolution, high sensitivity detector system for molecular imaging with radionuclides on small animal models has been designed for this aim. A prototype has been built using tungsten pinhole and LaBr 3(Ce) scintillator coupled to Hamamatsu Flat Panel PMTs. Compact individual-channel readout has been designed, built and tested. Measurements with phantoms as well as pilot studies on mice have been performed, the results show that the myocardial perfusion in mice can be determined with sufficient precision. The detector will be improved replacing the Hamamatsu Flat Panel with Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) to allow integration of the system with MRI scanners. Application of LaBr3(Ce) scintillator coupled to photosensor with high photon detection efficiency and excellent energy resolution will allow duallabel imaging to monitor simultaneously the cardiac perfusion and the molecular targets under investigation during the heart therapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)217-218
Number of pages2
JournalNuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment
Volume617
Issue number1-3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 11 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • SPECT
  • Small-animal imaging

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • Instrumentation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A novel high resolution, high sensitivity SPECT detector for molecular imaging of cardiovascular diseases'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this