ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to introduce the principles of positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging systems and describe the sources of error and artifact in CT-based attenuation correction algorithm. It focuses on currently available PET/CT systems and their areas of application. The advent of dual-modality PET/CT imaging has revolutionized the practice of clinical and preclinical studies by improving lesion localization and the possibility of accurate quantitative analysis. X-ray computed tomography is an imaging modality that produces cross-sectional images representing the x-ray attenuation properties of the body. In collaboration of multimodality imaging, accurate calibrations of the data acquisition sequences and prevention of subject movement during data acquisition process have decisive roles. The advantages of the integrated dual-modality image systems for clinical and preclinical applications and biological research cause riveting in the use. Attenuation correction in preclinical imaging is potentially important due to presenting accurate estimation of tracer uptake in high-resolution images of a small animal.
