Perspectives of brain imaging with PET systems

Abstract In this partial review and partial attempt at vision of what may be the future of dedicated brain PET scanners, the key implementations of the PET technique, we postulate that we are still on a development path and there is still a lot to be done in order to develop optimal brain imagers. Optimized for particular imaging tasks and protocols, and also mobile, that can be used outside the PET center, in addition to the expected improvements in sensitivity and resolution. For this multi-application concept to be more practical, flexible, adaptable designs are preferred. This task is greatly facilitated by the improved TOF performance that allows for more open, adjustable, limited angular coverage geometries without creating image artifacts. As achieving uniform very high resolution in the whole body is not practical due to technological limits and high costs, hybrid systems using a moderate-resolution total body scanner (such as J-PET) combined with a very high performing brain imager could be a very attractive approach. As well, as using magnification inserts in the total body or long-axial length imagers to visualize selected targets with higher resolution. In addition, multigamma imagers combining PET with Compton imaging should be developed to enable multitracer imaging.