Project: Software for evaluating PET cardiac perfusion imaging uncertainties for more accurate diagnosis

Acronym	19SIP04 TracPETperf (Reference Number: 19SIP04)
Duration	01/07/2020 - 01/07/2022
Project Topic	Visualising the precise characteristics of blood flow (perfusion) is important for personalising patient treatments for cardiovascular disease (CVD), the general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels that cause about 1.8 million deaths a year in the EU. Cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) is a promising imaging technology, offering high sensitivity and high resolution. However, as accurate calibrations of perfusion measurements are currently only possible using costly invasive procedures, use of PET in research settings fails to provide device and facility comparability. In clinical practice, inaccuracies run the risk of false diagnoses, patient distress, unnecessary treatments and litigation. Another EMPIR project, PerfusImaging, found the inaccuracies in perfusion measurements are due to variable scanner settings and problems with image analysis – and recommended standardisation measures and software that considers the measurement uncertainties. In this project, NPL will develop an add-on for Carimas image processing software, currently distributed for research purposes by the Turku PET Centre in Finland. The new package will specify causes of measurement uncertainties and display data as an interpretable and actionable visual map. New protocols will enable calibrations so users can understand sources and effects of errors, and so image interpretation can be automated. The resulting increased reproducibility will facilitate effective comparisons between systems and institutes. After the add-on is validated, it will also be offered to manufacturers using proprietary software. The outcomes developed in the project will enable more reliable diagnoses of perfusion issues, allowing clinicians to provide personalised and timely patient treatments for improved survivability and quality of life.
Website	visit project website
Network	EMPIR
Call	EMPIR Call 2019

Project partner

Number	Name	Role	Country
1	NPL Management Limited	Coordinator	United Kingdom
2	TURUN YLIOPISTO	Observer	Finland