What is a major disadvantage of very thin collimation in PET imaging?

In the context of PET imaging, very thin collimation does indeed present certain disadvantages, primarily influenced by scan time. Thin collimation allows for higher spatial resolution, which is beneficial for obtaining detailed images. However, this increased resolution often comes at the cost of longer scan times. The reason for this is that thinner collimators allow fewer photons to reach the detector, resulting in a lower counting rate. To obtain a sufficient amount of data for a quality image, the scan must be performed for a longer duration, which can be a significant drawback in clinical settings where time efficiency is crucial.

Longer scan times can also lead to patient discomfort or movement during the imaging process, further complicating the acquisition of clear images. Therefore, while thin collimation is advantageous for resolution, the associated increase in scan time is a notable disadvantage that can impact both the patient experience and overall workflow in a clinical environment.