New System Expands Dual-Use Capabilities in CT

Innovative dual-energy scanning options can enable lower patient dose, reduced metal artifacts for enhanced detail, and improved computerized tomography (CT) image quality.

The Siemens Healthineers (Erlangen, Germany) Symbia Intevo Bold system combines single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) technologies with new, high-performance CT capabilities to address the growing trend of health care facilities using SPECT/CT systems as standalone or backup diagnostic CT systems. Advanced CT options include the sinogram affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) algorithm, which enables fast image reconstruction and reduced noise image quality while reducing patient radiation dose by as much as 60%.

Another feature is the iterative metal artifact reduction (IMAR) algorithm for orthopedic and dental implants. With IMAR, user can not only curb or eliminate artifact-induced distortion in CT images, but can also attenuate image correction to provide more enhanced, accurate SPECT. An optional interleaved volume reconstruction (IVR) feature reconstructs overlapping CT images to extract a maximum amount of diagnostic information from measured data, enabling evaluation of small structures such as lesions or fractures. IVR also improves spatial resolution in the z-direction of all CT scans, regardless of pitch.

Finally, the single-source dual energy capability of the Symbia Intevo Bold employs two sequential spiral CT scans operating at different kV levels to combine tissue information with disease morphology, also improving image quality. Post-processing applications available with syngo Dual Energy software include monoenergetic, calculi characterization, and gout. The system also offers new capabilities in SPECT imaging, such as xSPECT Quant, which offers automated, accurate and reproducible quantification of not only Technetium-99m, but also Iodine-123, Lutetium-177, and Indium-111.

“Symbia Intevo Bold advances the dual-use capabilities of SPECT/CT, enabling exceptional image quality in both forms of imaging at the lowest possible patient dose,” said Jim Williams, head of Siemens Healthineers Molecular Imaging. “This capability extends the use of advanced SPECT quantification from general nuclear medicine and bone studies to indications including neurological disorders, neuroendocrine tumors, and prostate cancer.”