An improved filtered back-projection algorithm using pre-processing

The theoretical basis for the filtered backprojection (FBP) algorithm is analyzed, and the underlying assumptions inherent in its use in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are examined. Using both theoretical considerations and experimental investigation, the authors propose an improvement to the FBP algorithm for application to SPECT imaging. In the proposed modification to the filtered backprojection algorithm, the projection images are preprocessed so that the SPECT projection images more closely fit the model by which the FBP algorithm is formulated. The authors compare this approach with standard FBP in SPECT phantom and patient studies.<>