Tracer kinetic parametric imaging in PET

Dynamic PET image acquisition is combined with tracer kinetic modeling techniques to produce quantitative estimates of physiological parameters on the regional or voxel level. Current and future challenges in this area are explored. As the resolution of PET scanners improves, correction for subject motion during the long acquisition periods must be applied. Direct measurement of an appropriate input function for the models is being replaced by image-based analyses. Development of improved, rapid parameter estimation algorithms is necessary to assure unbiased parametric images with low statistical noise. Finally, direct incorporation of the kinetic model into the reconstruction process is likely to be the ultimate path for production of tracer kinetic parametric images for PET.