A small scintimammography detector based on a 5" PSPMT and a crystal scintillator array

The authors have been developing an application specific scintimammography gamma imaging detector based on a 5" diameter Hamamatsu R3292 position sensitive PMT. They have tested this PSPMT coupled two three different scintillating crystal arrays: YAP, CsI(Na) and NaI(Tl). Their results indicate that CsI(Na) is the best choice. In addition they have made measurements with the CsI(Na) array on a human torso phantom. The studies were directed toward development of optimized performance for imaging small lesions in the breast. Camera positioning during imaging and scatter rejection were investigated to arrive at a gamma imager and patient positioning scheme best suited for future patient studies.