JP7280464B2 - Planar image generator - Google Patents

Description

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Law (A) The 302nd Regular Research Meeting of the Kinki Regional Conference of the Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine Technology (December 9, 2017) (B) Program of the 28th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Nuclear Cardiology and Nuclear Medicine Abstracts, page 72 (June 20, 2018) (C) The 28th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Nuclear Cardiology (July 6, 2018)

The present invention relates to a technique for generating a planar image based on a nuclear medicine examination three-dimensional image such as a SPECT image, which is measured in an examination section perpendicular to the body axis direction of a subject.

A radiopharmaceutical is injected into a subject, and the distribution of radiation is measured with a gamma camera to obtain a planar image (planar image, nuclear medicine inspection planar image). This is used when comparing the functions of two organs. For example, by injecting radiopharmaceuticals into the blood and making a planar image of the blood flow, lung and heart function can be compared.

On the other hand, there are also devices, such as SPECT examination devices and PET examination devices, that capture three-dimensional nuclear medicine examination images in examination cross-sections perpendicular to the body axis direction of the subject. This makes it possible to three-dimensionally analyze the state of blood flow in the brain, etc., and is used for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

These two-dimensional images and three-dimensional images have advantages and are used properly according to the purpose of diagnosis.

JP 2012-220305

However, imaging of planar images (planar images for nuclear medicine examination), imaging of SPECT images and PET images (three-dimensional images of nuclear medicine examination), etc., all start with the injection of radiopharmaceuticals, and comparison with equipment that gives a feeling of oppression. It requires a long period of imaging, which puts a heavy mental and physical burden on the subject.

As described above, both the planar image and the nuclear medicine three-dimensional image have advantages, and both images may be required in some cases. Alternatively, in some cases, which image should be used for diagnosis can be determined only after capturing both the planar image and the three-dimensional nuclear medicine examination image.

Therefore, originally, it is preferable to capture both planar images and three-dimensional nuclear medicine images. rice field. For this reason, acquisition of planar images has often been omitted even though it has been found to be preferable for diagnosis.

For example, Patent Literature 1 proposes a device that reduces the psychological pressure on the subject, but it is not a fundamental solution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems and to provide an apparatus capable of obtaining planar images and three-dimensional nuclear medicine examination images while reducing the burden on the subject.

(1)(2) An image generating apparatus according to the present invention is an apparatus for generating a planar image based on three-dimensional nuclear medicine examination data measured in an examination cross-section of a subject. Based on the three-dimensional data acquisition means to acquire and the acquired three-dimensional data of the nuclear medicine examination, a cross section in a direction different from the examination cross section and including the region of interest and a plurality of cross sections parallel to the cross section and synthesizing means for synthesizing the plurality of different cross-sectional data to obtain a planar image.

Therefore, a planar image can be generated based on nuclear medicine examination three-dimensional data measured in an examination section perpendicular to the body axis direction of the subject.

(3) The image generating apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the different cross-section data is generated based on a cross-section perpendicular to the examination cross-section perpendicular to the body axis direction.

Therefore, it is possible to generate a planar image from the front of the subject or the like.

(4) The image generating apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the synthesizing means synthesizes only different cross-sectional data of cross sections including the region of interest to generate a planar image.

Therefore, it is possible to generate a planar image from which unnecessary information is eliminated.

(5) The image generating apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the synthesizing means synthesizes only different cross-sectional data of a cross section including the attention area for each attention area to be compared to generate a planar image.

Therefore, it is possible to generate a planar image from which unnecessary information is eliminated for each region of interest.

(6) The image generating apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the synthesizing means simply adds the different cross-section data, or weights and adds the different cross-section data according to the distance from the body surface. there is

Therefore, it is possible to generate a suitable planar image according to the purpose.

(7) The image generating apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the synthesizing means synthesizes different cross-sectional data based on nuclear medicine examination three-dimensional data that has not undergone image filtering.

Therefore, a planar image can be generated based on the unfiltered nuclear medicine examination three-dimensional data.

(8) The image generating apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the synthesizing means synthesizes different cross-sectional data on which image filtering has already been performed.

Therefore, a planar image can be generated based on the filtered nuclear medicine examination three-dimensional data.

(9) The image generating apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the region of interest is the heart and lungs, the left lung and right lung, or the heart and a portion without blood flow.

Therefore, these blood flow states and the like can be compared.

(10) The image generating apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the nuclear medicine examination three-dimensional data is SPECT data or PET data.

Therefore, a planar image can be generated based on SPECT data or PET data.

(11) A server device according to the present invention is a server device that generates a planar image based on nuclear medicine three-dimensional data in an examination section of a subject, and acquires the nuclear medicine three-dimensional data from a terminal device. a three-dimensional data acquisition means for acquiring three-dimensional data obtained from the nuclear medicine examination; The apparatus includes different cross-sectional data generating means for generating different cross-sectional data, synthesizing means for synthesizing the plurality of different cross-sectional data to obtain a planar image, and transmitting means for transmitting the planar image to the terminal device.

Therefore, a planar image can be generated based on nuclear medicine examination three-dimensional data measured in an examination section perpendicular to the body axis direction of the subject.

(12) A nuclear medicine examination apparatus according to the present invention comprises a detection unit that detects the amount of radiation from a radiation source introduced into the body, and based on the amount of radiation detected by the detection unit, A nuclear medicine inspection three-dimensional data generating means for generating nuclear medicine inspection three-dimensional data, a cross-section in a direction different from the inspection cross-section and including a region of interest based on the nuclear medicine inspection three-dimensional data, and the cross-section and a synthesizing means for synthesizing the plurality of different cross-sectional data to obtain planar data.

Therefore, a planar image can be generated based on nuclear medicine examination three-dimensional data measured in an examination section perpendicular to the body axis direction of the subject.

(13) A method for producing a nuclear medicine image according to the present invention is a method for producing a nuclear medicine image using a phantom having a lung field, in which a radioactive aqueous solution is injected after filling the lung field with spherical polystyrene foam. It is characterized by performing nuclear medicine imaging.

Therefore, it is possible to obtain an image in which the lung field is accurately simulated.

"Three-dimensional data acquisition means" corresponds to step S2 in the embodiments.

"Different cross-section data generating means" corresponds to step S5 in the embodiment.

"Synthesizing means" corresponds to step S6 in the embodiment.

"Image" is a concept that includes not only a displayed image but also data for displaying the image.

"Program" is a concept that includes not only programs that can be directly executed by the CPU, but also programs in source format, compressed programs, encrypted programs, and the like.

1 is a functional block diagram of a planar image generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram including a planar image generation device; FIG. It is a hardware configuration of a planar image generation device. 4 is a flowchart of a planar image generation program; It is an example of SPECT data. This is an image of SPECT data. It is a figure which shows the imaging cross section of SPECT data. It is an example of a screen for designating the direction and range when generating a planar image. It is an example of different cross-section data. It is a figure which shows typically a planar image generation process. FIG. 2 is an example of a generated SPECT planar image; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the structure and usage of the phantom; It is a planar image of the phantom. 2 is a SPECT planar image of the phantom; It is the graph which compared the linearity of the radioactivity density|concentration of a planar image and a SPECT planar image. It is the graph which compared the linearity of the pulmonary heart ratio of a planar image and a SPECT planar image. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the correlation between the heart-to-lung ratio of a planar image and the heart-to-lung ratio of a SPECT planar image; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing setting of different cross-sections according to another embodiment; It is an example of a range and direction setting screen according to another embodiment. This is an example in which the planar image generation device is constructed as a server device. 1 is a block diagram of a planar image generation device integrated with an image processing device; FIG.

1. Functional Configuration FIG. 1 shows a functional block diagram of a planar image generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. A three-dimensional data acquisition means 2 acquires SPECT data, which is nuclear medicine examination three-dimensional data. This SPECT data is imaged by the SPECT inspection device and recorded in the server device. The SPECT data is formed as three-dimensional data as a collection of cross-sectional images in examination cross-sections perpendicular to the body axis direction of the subject. The three-dimensional data acquisition means 2 acquires the SPECT data recorded in the server device via the network.

The different cross-section data generation means 4 generates, for example, a cross section horizontal to the body axis direction and including a region of interest such as the heart and lungs, based on the three-dimensional data of the examination data perpendicular to the body axis direction of the subject. Generate cross-section data. Further, different cross-section data are generated for a plurality of different cross-sections horizontal to this different cross-section. Synthesizing means 6 synthesizes these different cross-sectional data to generate a planar image.

As described above, a planar image can be generated based on SPECT data. Therefore, as long as the SPECT data is picked up, there is no need to separately pick up a planar image.

2. Hardware Configuration FIG. 2 shows a system using a planar image generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This system comprises a gamma camera 10 , an image processing device 11 , a server device 12 and a planar image generating device 14 . These are connected by an in-hospital network. The gamma camera 10 measures the radiation concentration of subjects injected with radiopharmaceuticals (thallium chloride ( ²⁰¹ TI), ^99m Tc-tetrafosmine, ¹²³ I-BMIPP, ^99m Tc-MIBI, ¹²³ I-MIBG, etc.). The image processing device 11 processes and reconstructs the measurement data to reconstruct cross-sectional data of a plane (cross section) perpendicular to the body axis (vertical axis) of the subject.

The reconstructed SPECT data is sent to the server device 12 . The server device 12 records this. The planar image generation device 14 acquires SPECT data from the server device 12 and generates a planar image.

The generated planar image is recorded in the server device 12 . Therefore, a terminal device connected to the server device 12 via a network can acquire and view the planar image.

FIG. 3 shows the hardware configuration of the planar image generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. A memory 22 , a display 24 , a hard disk 26 , a DVD-ROM drive 26 , a keyboard/mouse 30 and a communication circuit 32 are connected to the CPU 20 . The communication circuit 32 is a circuit for communicating with a server device or the like via a network.

The hard disk 26 stores an operating system 34 and a planar image generation program 36 . The planar image generation program 36 cooperates with the operating system 34 to exhibit its functions. These programs are recorded on the DVD-ROM 38 and installed on the hard disk 26 via the DVD-ROM drive 28 .

3. Planar Image Generation Processing FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the planar image generation processing. The CPU 20 acquires SPECT data from the server device in response to an operation command from the operator's keyboard/mouse 30 (step S1). For example, the CPU 20 transmits a SPECT data request command specified by the patient ID to the server device via the communication circuit 32 .

The SPECT data imaged by the SPECT device is recorded in the server device together with the patient ID. The server device transmits SPECT data of the requested patient ID. The CPU 20 receives this via the communication circuit 32 and records it in the hard disk 26 (step S2).

SPECT data, as shown in FIG. 7, is data indicating count values in cross sections (cross sections) SC1, SC2, . FIG. 5 shows an example of one section of SPECT data. A count value is recorded in association with the coordinates (X, Y) on the cross section. The X-axis is the horizontal axis and the Y-axis is the sagittal axis. Cross-sectional data as shown in FIG. 5 are recorded at predetermined intervals.

FIG. 6 shows an image of each section of the SPECT data. They are color-coded according to the count values. In the figure, 18 cross-sectional images are shown.

In this way, since the SPECT data is composed of cross-sectional images at predetermined intervals, each cross-sectional data is two-dimensional data, but when a plurality of cross-sectional images are aggregated, it becomes three-dimensional data representing three dimensions. there is

Next, the CPU 20 receives a direction/range instruction input for generating a planar image. FIG. 8 shows an example of the instruction screen. A projection image (an image of projection data) 90 is displayed on the left side. To its right, there are provided a coronal plane button 91, a sagittal plane button 92, and a transverse plane button 93 for designating directions.

The coronal plane button 91 is a button for instructing generation of a planar image based on a plurality of parallel coronal planes (planes dividing the body into ventral and dorsal sides). The sagittal plane button 92 is a button for instructing generation of a planar image based on a plurality of parallel sagittal planes (planes dividing the body into left and right). The transverse plane button 93 is a button for instructing generation of a planar image based on a plurality of parallel transverse planes (planes dividing the body into upper and lower parts).

When the coronal plane button 91 is clicked, the CPU 20 displays the cross section on the first width determination screen 94 and displays the coronal plane 95 on the second width determination screen 95 . Similarly, when the sagittal plane button 92 (the transverse plane button 93) is clicked, the CPU 20 displays the transverse plane (coronal plane) on the first width determination screen 94, and displays the coronal plane (coronary plane) on the second width determination screen 95. sagittal plane).

In the following description, it is assumed that the coronal plane button 91 has been clicked. The first width determination screen 94 displays a cross section and a sagittal axis. The operator can manipulate both ends 85, 86 of this sagittal axis with the mouse 30 to adjust its length. The CPU 20 generates a planar image with the SPECT data in the length range corresponding to this sagittal axis. In the first width display area 97, the number of pixels (the number of cross sections) is displayed in real time according to the length of the sagittal axis.

The second width determination screen 95 displays the sagittal plane and the horizontal axis. The operator can operate both ends 87 and 88 of this horizontal axis with the mouse 30 to adjust its length. The CPU 20 generates a planar image with the SPECT data in the length range corresponding to this horizontal axis. In the first width display area 98, the number of pixels (the number of cross sections) is displayed in real time according to the length of the horizontal axis.

As described above, the size and range of the planar image to be generated can be determined.

The CPU 20 executes the processes of steps S5 and S6, which will be described later, by increasing the number of pixels, and displays the predicted planar image 96. FIG. The operator can see this and judge whether or not the directions and ranges for generating the planar image are appropriate.

When the operator clicks a decision button (not shown), the CPU 20 performs processing for generating a planar image in the designated direction and range.

First, the CPU 20 cuts the SPECT data according to the determined direction and range to generate different cross-sectional data (step S5). The CPU 20 sets a plurality of cross-sections parallel to the coronal plane (when the coronal plane button 91 is pressed) at predetermined intervals in the specified range. The CPU 20 acquires SPECT data existing on this cross section and generates different cross-section data.

FIG. 9A shows an example of data of one different cross section. Count values are recorded along with coordinate axes (α, β). Such different cross-section data is generated for each different cross-section at predetermined intervals.

Subsequently, the CPU 20 totals the count values of the different cross-sectional data for each coordinate position, and synthesizes a plurality of different cross-sectional data into one different cross-sectional data (step S6). The different cross-sectional data synthesized in this way is a planar image (planar data).

FIG. 9B schematically shows the above process. A plurality of different cross-sectional data are synthesized to generate a planar image.

The CPU 20 transmits the planar image thus generated to the server device (step S7). The server device records the received planar image. Also, the CPU 20 displays the planar image on the display 24 (step S8).

As described above, a planar image of a region of interest (for example, heart and lungs) can be generated from SPECT data.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a generated planar image. This allows comparisons of the heart and lungs (and mediastinum) to be made.

In FIG. 10, a planar image 110 is shown in the upper left. In this example, a lung ROI (region of interest) 112 and a heart ROI 114 are shown. Note that the ROIs 112 and 114 may be set in advance, or may be set with the mouse 30 or the like each time. In the figure, clicking a default ROI button 130 displays a preset ROI. By clicking the free ROI button 128, it becomes possible to freely set the ROI. Clicking the reset button 126 deletes the ROI.

When the L/H button 116 is clicked, the CPU 20 displays the count value (average value or maximum value) of the lung ROI 112 in the area 120 . The heart ROI 114 count value is displayed in area 122 . Mean Count button and Max Count button allow selection of average value or maximum value for these displays.

Furthermore, in area 124, the heart lung ratio is displayed. This display can select which region of the heart is targeted by the Ant button or the Apex button.

In this way, the planar image 110 can be displayed and its analysis values can be displayed together.

Also, when the H/M button 118 is clicked, the CPU 20 similarly displays the heart-mediastinum ratio for the ROIs of the heart and the mediastinum. When the R/L button 120 is clicked, the CPU 20 similarly displays the left/right lung ratios for the ROIs of the right lung and left lung.

As described above, since the planar image is generated based on the SPECT data, when actually imaging with a planar imaging device, the gastrointestinal tract will interfere and an appropriate image cannot be obtained. Even in this case, a desired planar image can be obtained.

4. Verification An experiment was conducted to compare a planar image generated from SPECT data by the planar image generating device according to the embodiment and a planar image captured by the planar image capturing device.

The following gamma cameras and image processing devices were used for capturing SPECT images and planar images. A PHILIPS BrightView:CHR collimator was used as a gamma camera. JETstreamWorkspace:IDL Image Manuipulation manufactured by PHILIPS was used as an image processing device.

A phantom (heart liver phantom LH type manufactured by Kyoto Chemical Co., Ltd.) as shown in FIG. 11A was used. It has a structure that can simulate the liver, lung field, and right ventricle of the heart. Normally, radiopharmaceuticals with adjusted concentration are enclosed in the lung field. put in. In addition, radiopharmaceuticals with adjusted concentrations are enclosed. This allows a more accurate simulation of the lungs.

A 40 KBq/ml aqueous solution of ²⁰¹ TICl was sealed in the right ventricular portion of the heart. Eight types of ²⁰¹ TICl aqueous solutions with radioactivity concentrations ranging from 1 KBq/ml to 8 KBq/ml in increments of 1 KBq/ml were replaced and sealed in the lung field.

A planar image and a SPECT image (spect data) were captured by the gamma camera, and a planar image (hereinafter referred to as a SPECT planar image) was generated based on the SPECT data. In addition, SPECT imaging was performed by both 180-degree acquisition and 360-degree acquisition.

FIG. 12 shows planar images of phantoms injected into the lung field with varying radioactivity concentrations ranging from 1 KBq/ml to 8 KBq/ml. FIG. 13 shows a SPECT planar image (180 degree acquisition) for the same phantom.

Next, the linearity of the radioactivity concentration (average value) in the ROI (region of interest) set in the lung field of the planar image, the SPECT planar image (180-degree acquisition), and the SPECT planar image (360-degree acquisition) was compared. The results are shown in FIG. A region 80 surrounded by a rectangle at the bottom is the ROI set in the lung field.

From the left, a planar image, a SPECT planar image (180-degree acquisition), and a SPECT planar image (360-degree acquisition). A SPECT planar image (180-degree acquisition) and a SPECT planar image (360-degree acquisition) also show linearity similar to the planar image.

In addition, the linearity of the pulmonary heart ratio of the planar image, the SPECT planar image (180-degree acquisition), and the SPECT planar image (360-degree acquisition) were compared. The linearity of the radioactivity concentration (mean value) ratio in the ROI set in the lung field and the right ventricle of the heart was compared. The results are shown in FIG. A region 80 surrounded by a square in the lower row is the ROI set in the lung field, and a region 82 surrounded by a circle is the ROI set in the right ventricle of the heart.

From the left, a planar image, a SPECT planar image (180-degree acquisition), and a SPECT planar image (360-degree acquisition). A SPECT planar image (180-degree acquisition) and a SPECT planar image (360-degree acquisition) also show linearity similar to the planar image.

The left side of FIG. 16 shows the correlation between the heart-to-lung ratio obtained by the planar image and the heart-to-lung ratio obtained by the SPECT planar image (180-degree acquisition). The right side of FIG. 16 shows the correlation between the heart-to-lung ratio obtained by planar images and the heart-to-lung ratio obtained by SPECT planar images (360-degree acquisition). Both show extremely high correlation.

4. others
(1) In the above embodiment, SPECT data is used as nuclear medicine examination three-dimensional data. However, other nuclear medicine examination three-dimensional data such as PET data imaged by a PET device can be used. In this case, ¹⁸ F-FDG, ¹⁸ F-Flurpiridaz, etc. can be used as radiopharmaceuticals.

(2) In the above embodiment, the analysis values are displayed together with the planar image. However, only planar images may be displayed.

(3) In the above embodiment, a planar image is generated with the heart and lungs (and the mediastinum) as regions of interest. However, two or more regions to be compared, such as left lung and right lung, liver and heart, bone and soft tissue, organ such as heart and organ-free portion, may be used as regions of interest to generate a planar image. Alternatively, a planar image may be generated using one organ or the like as a region of interest.

When the liver is the region of interest, ^99m Tc tin colloid, ^99m Tc phytic acid, ^99m Tc-GSA, ^99m Tc-PMT, etc. can be used as radiopharmaceuticals. Also, when the bone is the region of interest, ^99m Tc-MDP, ^99m Tc-HMDP, etc. can be used as radiopharmaceuticals.

(4) In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, all of the different cross-sections DSC1 to DSC26 are synthesized to generate a planar image. However, only cross sections (in the case of FIG. 17, different cross sections DSC4 to DSC23) including images of the region of interest (here, the heart and lungs) may be synthesized to generate a planar image.

The different plane including the image of the region of interest may be automatically selected by the CPU 20 based on the characteristics of the image. Alternatively, the three-dimensional SPECT image and the different cross-section may be displayed on the display, and the operator may select using a mouse or the like.

Also, for each organ to be compared, a planar image may be generated with a cross section including the image of the organ. In this case, a planar image is generated for each organ.

(5) In the above embodiment, a planar image is generated using a SPECT image that has undergone filtering processing for image quality improvement such as contour enhancement and sharpness improvement. However, a SPECT image that has not been filtered may be used to generate a planar image. In this case, the generated planar image may be used as it is, or the generated planar image may be subjected to filtering processing for image quality improvement such as contour enhancement and sharpness improvement.

(6) In the above embodiment, the planar image is generated by combining the count values of the different cross-section data simply by totaling them. However, a planar image may be generated as an average value or normalized by a predetermined value to generate a planar image.

Also, weighting may be performed according to the distance from the body surface, and the sum may be calculated. For example, the closer the distance from the body surface, the higher the weight.

(7) In the above embodiment, the direction and range of planar image generation are determined by a user interface as shown in FIG. The direction is selected from the coronal plane, the sagittal plane, and the transverse plane, but may be selected from any angle. This makes it possible to obtain a planar image from a more appropriate direction. When the angle of the different cross-section is freely set in this way, there are cases where SPECT data does not exist on the different cross-section. In such a case, the CPU 20 spatially interpolates the count value of the SPECT data to determine the count value on the different plane.

(8) A screen as shown in FIG. 18 may be used instead of the user interface as shown in FIG. On this screen, the operator can use the mouse 30 to freely rotate and change the orientation of the displayed human body 50 along the sagittal plane, coronal plane, and transverse plane. For example, when it is desired to generate a planar image viewed from the front, the human body 50 is adjusted to face the front.

At this time, the CPU 20 displays an image based on the SPECT data together with the human body 50 . This allows the operator to adjust the angle to obtain a preferred planar image.

In addition, the CPU 20 displays a frame 52 on the screen that indicates the range for generating the planar image. The operator can use the mouse 30 to manipulate the position and size of the frame 52 so that the region of interest (for example, the heart and lungs) is included. In this embodiment, the orientation of the frame 52 is fixed in the direction horizontal to the screen.

Alternatively, the orientation of the frame 52 may be changed without changing the orientation of the human body 50 . Or you may comprise so that both directions may be changed.

When the angle/frame is determined and the operator clicks the determination button 54, the CPU 20 determines the direction and the frame 52 at that time as the direction/region for planar image generation.

It should be noted that the angle and range may be indicated by numerical values.

(9) In the above embodiment, the planar image generating device 14 is connected to the hospital network. However, as shown in FIG. 19, it may be constructed as a server device on the Internet.

In this case, the terminal device 78 of the hospital or the like accesses the server device 14 and transmits the SPECT data. The three-dimensional data acquisition means 70 of the server device 14 acquires SPECT data from the terminal device 78 .

The different cross-section data generation means 72 is based on a three-dimensional image (SPECT data) of an examination image perpendicular to the body axis direction of the subject, for example, a cross section horizontal to the body axis direction, and a region of interest such as the heart and lungs. Generate different cross-section data of the containing cross-section. Further, different cross-section data are generated for a plurality of different cross-sections horizontal to this different cross-section. The synthesizing means 74 synthesizes these different cross-sectional data to generate a planar image. The transmitting means 76 transmits the generated planar image to the terminal device 78 .

Therefore, if there is an environment for accessing the server device 14, a planar image based on SPECT data can be obtained.

(10) In the above embodiment, the planar image generating device 14 is provided separately from the image processing device 11 . However, the image processing device 11 may perform the planar image generation processing.

FIG. 20 shows a functional block diagram of the gamma camera 10 and the image processing device 11 in this case. In this example, a gamma camera 10 and an image processing device 11 constitute a nuclear medicine examination device. Note that the gamma camera 10 and the image processing device 11 may be integrated.

The detection unit 3 of the gamma camera 10 detects the amount of radiation emitted from the radiation source injected into the subject's body. The three-dimensional data generating means 5 reconstructs the detection data to generate SPECT data.

The different cross-sectional data generating means 4 of the image processing device 11 generates different cross-sectional data based on the SPECT data. Synthesizing means 6 synthesizes a plurality of different cross-sectional data to generate a planar image.

(11) In the above embodiment, nuclear medicine examination three-dimensional data is acquired in the examination section perpendicular to the body axis direction of the subject, and a planar image is generated based on this. However, nuclear medicine examination three-dimensional data may be acquired in an examination section in another direction such as a direction parallel to the body axis, and a planar image may be generated based thereon.

(12) The above-described embodiments and modifications thereof can be combined with each other as long as they do not violate the essence of the embodiments.

Claims (13)

An apparatus for generating an image based on three-dimensional nuclear medicine examination data measured in an examination section of a subject,
three-dimensional data acquisition means for acquiring three-dimensional data of nuclear medicine examination;
Based on the acquired three-dimensional data of the nuclear medicine examination, a plurality of different cross-section data are generated for a cross-section in a direction different from the examination cross-section and including the region of interest and a plurality of cross-sections parallel to the cross-section. data generation means;
synthesizing means for synthesizing the plurality of different cross-sectional data to obtain a planar image;
In an image generation device comprising
A direction different from the examination cross-section and a generation range of the plurality of different cross-section data are selected so that the region of interest is the heart and lungs, the left lung and right lung, or the heart and a portion without blood flow. A device characterized by: An image generation program for realizing, by a computer, an image generation device for generating an image based on nuclear medicine examination three-dimensional data in an examination section of a subject, the computer comprising:
three-dimensional data acquisition means for acquiring three-dimensional data of nuclear medicine examination;
Based on the acquired three-dimensional data of the nuclear medicine examination, a plurality of different cross-section data are generated for a cross-section in a direction different from the examination cross-section and including the region of interest and a plurality of cross-sections parallel to the cross-section. data generation means;
In the image generating program for functioning as synthesizing means for synthesizing the plurality of different cross-sectional data to obtain a planar image,
A direction different from the examination cross-section and a generation range of the plurality of different cross-section data are selected so that the region of interest is the heart and lungs, the left lung and right lung, or the heart and a portion without blood flow. A program characterized by The apparatus of claim 1, wherein
The different cross-sectional data generation means receives an instruction from an operator for a direction of generating the different cross-sectional data, and displays a screen for designating a generation range of the different cross-sectional data. 4. The apparatus of any of claims 1 or 3, wherein
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the different cross-section data is generated based on a cross-section perpendicular to an examination cross-section perpendicular to the body axis direction of the subject . In the device according to any one of claims 1, 3 and 4,
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said synthesizing means simply adds said different cross-section data. In the device according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 5,
An apparatus, wherein the synthesizing means weights and adds the different cross-section data according to the distance from the body surface. In the device according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 6,
The apparatus, wherein the synthesizing means synthesizes the different cross-section data based on nuclear medicine examination three-dimensional data without image filtering. In the device according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 7,
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the synthesizing means synthesizes different cross-sectional data on which image filtering has already been performed. In the device according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 8,
The apparatus, wherein the nuclear medicine examination three-dimensional data is SPECT data or PET data. A server device that generates an image based on three-dimensional nuclear medicine examination data in an examination cross section of a subject,
3D data acquisition means for acquiring 3D data for nuclear medicine examination from a terminal device;
Based on the acquired three-dimensional data of the nuclear medicine examination, a plurality of different cross-section data are generated for a cross-section in a direction different from the examination cross-section and including the region of interest and a plurality of cross-sections parallel to the cross-section. data generation means;
synthesizing means for synthesizing the plurality of different cross-sectional data to obtain a planar image;
a transmitting means for transmitting the planar image to the terminal device;
In an image generation server device comprising
A direction different from the examination cross-section and a generation range of the plurality of different cross-section data are selected so that the region of interest is the heart and lungs, the left lung and right lung, or the heart and a portion without blood flow. An image generation server device characterized by: a detection unit that detects the amount of radiation emitted from a radiation source introduced into the body;
a nuclear medicine inspection three-dimensional data generation means for generating nuclear medicine inspection three-dimensional data in an inspection section of a subject based on the amount of radiation detected by the detection unit;
Different cross-sectional data generation for generating a plurality of different cross-sectional data of cross-sections in a direction different from the examination cross-section and including a region of interest and a plurality of cross-sections parallel to the cross-sections, based on the three-dimensional data of the nuclear medicine examination. means and
synthesizing means for synthesizing the plurality of different cross-sectional data to obtain planar data;
A nuclear medicine examination apparatus comprising
A direction different from the examination cross-section and a generation range of the plurality of different cross-section data are selected so that the region of interest is the heart and lungs, the left lung and right lung, or the heart and a portion without blood flow. A nuclear medicine examination apparatus characterized by: 12. The device of claim 10 or 11,
The different cross-sectional data generation means receives an instruction from an operator for a direction of generating the different cross-sectional data, and displays a screen for designating a generation range of the different cross-sectional data. In the device according to any one of claims 10-12,
An apparatus, wherein the synthesizing means weights and adds the different cross-section data according to the distance from the body surface.

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