What is an effect of scattered events on PET imaging?

In PET imaging, scattered events refer to the phenomenon where emitted photons from positron-electron annihilation undergo Compton scattering before being detected. This scattering can lead to a lower accuracy in detecting the original source of the radiation. As a result, the detected signals do not correspond solely to the target tissue, but are further influenced by scattered photons that originate from adjacent or distant tissues.

The impact of these scattered events is significant in reducing the overall contrast of the images produced. Lower contrast images result in a diminished ability to distinguish between different tissue types or pathological conditions, making it difficult to accurately interpret the PET scan. This effect is particularly detrimental in areas where subtle differences are crucial for diagnostic purposes.

Consequently, while scattered events can complicate the imaging process, the key issue they introduce is a reduction in contrast, which directly affects the quality and reliability of the images acquired. Therefore, understanding the influence of scattered events on image quality is essential for improving PET imaging techniques and enhancing diagnostic accuracy.