Parametric imaging with Bayesian priors: A validation study with 11C-Altropane PET

Yu Hua Dean Fang, Georges El Fakhri, John A. Becker, Nathaniel M. Alpert

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

It has been suggested that Bayesian estimation methods may be used to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of parametric images. However, there is little experience with the method and some of the underlying assumptions and performance properties of Bayesian estimation remain to be investigated. We used a sample population of 54 subjects, studied previously with 11C-Altropane, to empirically evaluate the assumptions, performance and some practical issues in forming parametric images. By using normality tests, we showed that the underpinning normality assumptions of data and parametric distribution apply to more than 80% of voxels. The standard deviation of the binding potential can be reduced 30-50% using Bayesian estimation, without introducing substantial bias. The sample size required to form the a priori information was found to be modest; as little as ten subjects may be sufficient and the choice of specific subjects has little effect on Bayesian estimation. A realistic simulation study showed that detection of localized differences in parametric images, e.g. by statistical parametric mapping (SPM), could be made more reliable and/or conducted with smaller sample size using Bayesian estimation. In conclusion, Bayesian estimation can improve the SNR of parametric images and better detect localized changes in cohorts of subjects.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)131-138
Number of pages8
JournalNeuroImage
Volume61
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 05 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bayesian estimation
  • Kinetic modeling
  • Parametric image
  • Variance reduction

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