| A novel technique (called nSPECT) is proposed for Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging that replaces the conventional radioactive isotopes with Prompt Gamma Neutron Activated (PGNA) isotopes. The PGNA isotopes remain stable until they are activated by an external source of neutrons. This method has several advantages over traditional SPECT, including being able to restrict radiation dose to target tissue rather than over the entire body, which is currently the case, and removing the requirement for radioisotopes, including those made in nuclear reactors. Experiments with a commercial SPECT system were conducted to determine the feasibility of nSPECT for planar bone imaging. Planar images were acquired of simulated bone lesions in a plastic phantom containing 131I as a proxy for a neutron-activated tracer. Estimated Compton scattering from concomitant hydrogen neutron-activation in the body was added to the 131I images to simulate the confounding effect of hydrogen activation. Simulated lesions with a 1 cm diameter could be seen after a 30 minute acquisition time. Discussions are included of patient doses from the pharmaceutical that might be used to deliver the isotope, and from the neutrons used to activate the isotope, both of which were found to be within acceptable limits. |
