Parameter estimation using reduced dynamic imaging data in PET studies

Dynamic imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) has a great impact on the quantification of physiological parameters in humans. However, physiological parameters of interest are usually estimated with measurements obtained from a huge amount of dynamic image data. In this paper, a new estimation method is proposed which is suitable for parameter estimation using reduced dynamic imaging data in PET studies. The method was tested with the use of a well-known tracer kinetic model, and computer simulations were performed. It has been found that good parameter estimates can be obtained using the method with reduced dynamic imaging data.