Validation of 99mTc and 177Lu quantification parameters for a Monte Carlo modelled gamma camera

Purpose Monte Carlo (MC) simulation in Nuclear Medicine is a powerful tool for modeling many physical phenomena which are difficult to track or measure directly. MC simulation in SPECT/CT imaging is particularly suitable for optimizing the quantification of activity in a patient, and, consequently, the absorbed dose to each organ. To do so, validating MC results with real data acquired with gamma camera is mandatory. The aim of this study was the validation of the calibration factor (CF) and the recovery coefficient (RC) obtained with SIMIND Monte Carlo code for modeling a Siemens Symbia Intevo Excel SPECT-CT gamma camera to ensure optimal 99 m Tc and 177 Lu SPECT quantification. Methods Phantom experiments using 99 m Tc and 177 Lu have been performed to measure spatial resolution and sensitivity, as well as to evaluate the CF and RC from acquired data. The geometries used for 2D planar imaging were (1) Petri dish and (2) capillary source while for 3D volumetric imaging were (3) a uniform filled cylinder phantom and (4) a Jaszczack phantom with spheres of different volumes. The experimental results have been compared with the results obtained from Monte Carlo simulations performed in the same geometries. Results Comparison shows good accordance between simulated and experimental data. The measured planar spatial resolution was 8.3 ± 0.8 mm for 99 m Tc and 11.8±0.6 mm for 177 Lu. The corresponding data obtained by SIMIND for 99 m Tc was 7.8±0.1 mm, while for 177 Lu was 12.4±0.4 mm. The CF was 110.1±5.5 cps/MBq for Technetium and 18.3±1.0 cps/MBq for Lutetium. The corresponding CF obtained by SIMIND for 99 m Tc was 107.3±0.3 cps/MBq, while for 177 Lu 20.4±0.7 cps/MBq. Moreover, a complete curve RCs vs Volume (ml) both for Technetium and Lutetium was determined to correct the PVE for all volumes of clinical interest. In none of the cases, a RC coefficient equal to 100 was found. Conclusions The validation of quantification parameters shows that SIMIND can be used for simulating both gamma camera planar and SPECT images of Siemens Symbia Intevo using 99 m Tc and 177 Lu radionuclides for different medical purposes and treatments.