@inproceedings{e55f594567b944b9828699a7b36b3533,
title = "Fluorescence-enhanced optical tomography and nuclear imaging system for small animals",
abstract = "Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence is an alternative modality for molecular imaging that has been demonstrated in animals and recently in humans. Fluorescence-enhanced optical tomography (FEOT) using continuous wave or frequency domain photon migration techniques could be used to provide quantitative molecular imaging in vivo if it could be validated against {"}gold-standard,{"} nuclear imaging modalities, using dual-labeled imaging agents. Unfortunately, developed FEOT systems are not suitable for incorporation with CT/PET/SPECT scanners because they utilize benchtop devices and require a large footprint. In this work, we developed a miniaturized fluorescence imaging system installed in the gantry of the Siemens Inveon PET/CT scanner to enable NIR transillumination measurements. The system consists of a CCD camera equipped with NIR sensitive intensifier, a diode laser controlled by a single board compact controller, a 2-axis galvanometer, and RF circuit modules for homodyne detection of the phase and amplitude of fluorescence signals. The performance of the FEOT system was tested and characterized. A mouse-shaped solid phantom of uniform optical properties with a fluorescent inclusion was scanned using CT, and NIR fluorescence images at several projections were collected. The method of high-order approximation to the radioactive transfer equation was then used to reconstruct the optical images. Dual-labeled agents were also used on a tumor bearing mouse to validate the results of the FEOT against PET/CT image. The results showed that the location of the fluorophore obtained from the FEOT matches the location of tumor obtained from the PET/CT images. Besides validation of FEOT, this hybrid system could allow multimodal molecular imaging (FEOT/PET/CT) for small animal imaging.",
keywords = "CT, Fluorescence imaging, PET, Tomography",
author = "Tan, {I. Chih} and Yujie Lu and Chinmay Darne and Rasmussen, {John C.} and Banghe Zhu and Ali Azhdarinia and Shikui Yan and Smith, {Anne M.} and Sevick-Muraca, {Eva M.}",
year = "2012",
doi = "10.1117/12.909113",
language = "English (US)",
isbn = "9780819488596",
series = "Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE",
booktitle = "Multimodal Biomedical Imaging VII",
note = "Multimodal Biomedical Imaging VII ; Conference date: 21-01-2012 Through 22-01-2012",
}