In 2D imaging, background noise is typically _____________ than in 3D imaging.

In 2D imaging, background noise is typically higher than in 3D imaging due to the inherent differences in how data is acquired and processed in each modality. In 2D imaging, the system collects data from a single plane, which can lead to a less complete representation of the distribution of radioactive material in the body. This limitation means that the reconstructed images can exhibit more noise because there is less data contributing to the final image, making it more susceptible to random fluctuations or interference from background radiation.

On the other hand, 3D imaging incorporates data from multiple planes and angles, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of the radiotracer distribution. The additional information collected in 3D imaging helps to average out the noise and artifacts, resulting in images that have better overall signal-to-noise ratios. Consequently, the higher background noise in 2D imaging compared to 3D imaging can impact the clarity and diagnostic value of the resultant images.