RISE: A method for 3D Reconstruction of SPECT Images - Validation with a Hardware Phantom

The ”Reconstructed Image from Simulations Ensemble” (RISE) has been recently demonstrated as an alternative method for tomographic image (2D) reconstruction in emission tomography, comparing favourably to the well-established techniques such as the MLEM and ART. Utilizing Monte-Carlo techniques, the method simulates an ensemble of image-solutions, each one corresponding to a different realization of the activity distribution. In this work, we present the extension of RISE to a 3D reconstruction method directly providing the volumetric image of the activity distribution. The reconstruction capabilities of the method are demonstrated with projection data acquired in an experimental study from a hardware phantom. Reconstruction results are presented and compared to those of MLEM.