Feasibility of Ultra-Low-Activity 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging Using a Long–Axial-Field-of-View PET/CT System

Abstract

¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT imaging is widely used in oncology. Long–axial-field-of-view (LAFOV) PET/CT systems exhibit ultrahigh sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratios, enabling significant reductions in tracer activity and shorter acquisition times. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using ultralow activities for semiquantitative measurements in ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT imaging performed on an LAFOV PET/CT system through a high–low activity test–retest study. Methods: Eleven oncology patients underwent 2 ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT scans, the first with standard activity (3.0 MBq/kg) and, within 7 d, 1 with ultralow activity (0.3 MBq/kg). List-mode data of both scans were resampled to simulate activities of 0.3 and 0.03 MBq/kg. Semiquantitative measurements (SUV_mean, SUV_peak, and SUV_max) and their repeatability in healthy organs and lesions were compared across different activities and reconstruction protocols. Results: SUV_mean remained stable across activity reductions and reconstruction protocols, whereas SUV_peak showed stability except when simulating 1% of the standard ¹⁸F-FDG activity. SUV_max significantly increased at lower ¹⁸F-FDG activities, particularly with clinically preferred scans. Repeatability analysis showed that SUV_mean and SUV_peak maintained variability within acceptable limits (<15%) even at 0.03 MBq/kg, whereas SUV_max variability often exceeded these limits. Lesion detection was reliable at 0.3 MBq/kg, but several lesions could not be delineated at 0.03 MBq/kg, indicating compromised image quality. Conclusion: The use of ultralow ¹⁸F-FDG activity (0.3 MBq/kg) is feasible for PET/CT imaging on an LAFOV PET/CT system, as shown by semiquantitative measurements, repeatability analyses, lesion detectability, and semiautomated delineation methods. These findings support imaging protocols that keep radiation exposure levels as low as reasonably or practically achievable, which are particularly relevant for radiation-sensitive patients (e.g., children, pregnant women).