Recent advances in parametric neuroreceptor mapping with dynamic PET: basic concepts and graphical analyses

Neurosci Bull. 2014 Oct;30(5):733-54. doi: 10.1007/s12264-014-1465-9. Epub 2014 Sep 28.

Abstract

Tracer kinetic modeling in dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) has been widely used to investigate the characteristic distribution patterns or dysfunctions of neuroreceptors in brain diseases. Its practical goal has progressed from regional data quantification to parametric mapping that produces images of kinetic-model parameters by fully exploiting the spatiotemporal information in dynamic PET data. Graphical analysis (GA) is a major parametric mapping technique that is independent on any compartmental model configuration, robust to noise, and computationally efficient. In this paper, we provide an overview of recent advances in the parametric mapping of neuroreceptor binding based on GA methods. The associated basic concepts in tracer kinetic modeling are presented, including commonly-used compartment models and major parameters of interest. Technical details of GA approaches for reversible and irreversible radioligands are described, considering both plasma input and reference tissue input models. Their statistical properties are discussed in view of parametric imaging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods*
  • Radioligand Assay
  • Statistics as Topic