Work

Physically informed deep neural networks for metabolite-corrected plasma input function estimation in dynamic PET imaging

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: We propose a novel approach for the non-invasive quantification of dynamic PET imaging data, focusing on the arterial input function (AIF) without the need for invasive arterial cannulation. METHODS: C]PBR28 in whole blood and the free tracer in metabolite-corrected plasma. RESULTS: We found a robust linear correlation between our model's predicted AIF curves and those obtained through traditional, invasive measurements. We achieved an average cross-validated Pearson correlation of 0.86 for whole blood and 0.89 for parent plasma curves. Moreover, our method's ability to estimate the volumes of distribution across several key brain regions - without significant differences between the use of predicted versus actual AIFs in a two-tissue compartmental model - successfully captures the intrinsic variability related to sex, the binding affinity of the translocator protein (18 kDa), and age. CONCLUSIONS: These results not only validate our method's accuracy and reliability but also establish a foundation for a streamlined, non-invasive approach to dynamic PET data quantification. By offering a precise and less invasive alternative to traditional quantification methods, our technique holds significant promise for expanding the applicability of PET imaging across a wider range of tracers, thereby enhancing its utility in both clinical research and diagnostic settings.

Source: Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2024.108375