Influence of the resolution mode on mean and maximum SUV for PET images acquired by a LabPET SOLO 4 scanner

In preclinical PET, SUV (standardized uptake value) is a robust quantifier that can be used to analyze PET images. Several factors – biological or technical – can affect SUV determination. Among technical factors, it is possible to cite the reconstruction protocols of PET images. This work evaluated the influence of two resolution modes – standard and high – on mean and maximum SUVs. The PET image of a mouse with a tumor in left flank was chosen from a PET image bank and reconstructed using two different protocols varying the resolution mode. The post-processing of images was performed using AMIDE software and eight volumes of interest (VOIs) were defined. Qualitatively, there was light improvement in structures definition in high-resolution image compared to standard resolution image. At the semiquantitative analysis, image reconstruction protocols using high-resolution mode did not significantly improve the recuperation of radiopharmaceutical uptake into analyzed tissues.