CT/SPECT image fusion in patients treated with iodine-131

Computer tomography gives visualization of anatomical structures and abnormalities, but it lacks of functional information. On the other hand, single photon emission tomography provides the missing information about the tumour function, but it has relative low resolution and the localization of the visible focus may be difficult, especially when iodine ¹³¹I is used. Thus, several methods of image fusion are applied. We present an algorithm of image fusion based on affine transformation. On the base of a phantom study, we showed that the created program can be a useful tool to fuse CT and SPECT images and then applied to patients' datasets. External marker method was used to align patient functional and anatomical data. Image alignment quality depends on appropriate marker placement and acquisition protocol. The program estimates maximal misalignment in a volume between the markers. Created acquisition protocol minimizes misalignment of patient placement on both CT and gamma camera, however misalignment derived from respiratory movements cannot be avoided. The proposed technique is simple, low-cost and can be easily adopted in any hospital or diagnostic centre equipped with gamma camera and CT. Fusion of morphology and function can improve diagnostic accuracy in many clinical circumstances.