Quantitative salivary gland SPECT/CT using deep convolutional neural networks

Sci Rep. 2021 Apr 9;11(1):7842. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-87497-0.

Abstract

Quantitative single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) using Tc-99m pertechnetate aids in evaluating salivary gland function. However, gland segmentation and quantitation of gland uptake is challenging. We develop a salivary gland SPECT/CT with automated segmentation using a deep convolutional neural network (CNN). The protocol comprises SPECT/CT at 20 min, sialagogue stimulation, and SPECT at 40 min post-injection of Tc-99m pertechnetate (555 MBq). The 40-min SPECT was reconstructed using the 20-min CT after misregistration correction. Manual salivary gland segmentation for %injected dose (%ID) by human experts proved highly reproducible, but took 15 min per scan. An automatic salivary segmentation method was developed using a modified 3D U-Net for end-to-end learning from the human experts (n = 333). The automatic segmentation performed comparably with human experts in voxel-wise comparison (mean Dice similarity coefficient of 0.81 for parotid and 0.79 for submandibular, respectively) and gland %ID correlation (R2 = 0.93 parotid, R2 = 0.95 submandibular) with an operating time less than 1 min. The algorithm generated results that were comparable to the reference data. In conclusion, with the aid of a CNN, we developed a quantitative salivary gland SPECT/CT protocol feasible for clinical applications. The method saves analysis time and manual effort while reducing patients' radiation exposure.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Deep Learning*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neural Networks, Computer*
  • Parotid Gland / diagnostic imaging*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals / administration & dosage
  • Salivary Gland Calculi / diagnostic imaging*
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Computed Tomography / methods*
  • Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m / administration & dosage
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m