Siemens Healthineers nuclear medicine knee scan using iMAR.

iMARIterative metal artifact reduction

The iterative algorithm for metal artifact reduction, iMAR,¹ allows artifacts—often caused by implants, artificial joints, or pacemakers—to be significantly reduced, thus improving the image quality of your CT and attenuation-corrected PET and SPECT images. The ability to see more detail in these types of challenging exams leads to efficient image interpretation and accurate quantification.

Features & Benefits

Enhance PET and SPECT image quality when metal is present by improving the attenuation correction (AC), as compared to non-iMAR CT images used for AC
Improve process efficiency with an algorithm that can handle different metal implants in a smooth workflow
Leverage your ability to address more challenging cases (e.g. dental fillings, pacemakers, and extremity implants) and better satisfy your referral base by delivering outstanding image quality
Use iMAR with conventional reconstruction methods or iterative reconstruction, such as SAFIRE
Enhance xSPECT Bone™ image quality by improving the bone zone maps for advanced reconstruction

Head scans taken using iMAR on a Symbia Intevo Bold. — Data courtesy of University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.

More accurate quantification

In this study, iMAR reduced the ipsilateral and contralateral metal artifacts and diminished artifacts impacting SPECT AC and xSPECT Quant™ values, which resulted in accurate quantification. Additionally, iMAR xSPECT Bone images clearly demonstrated focal uptake in the mandible, showing suspected osteomyelitis.

Pelvic scans taken using iMAR on a Symbia Intevo Bold. — Data courtesy of University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.

Rule out additional findings

Whether PET/CT or SPECT/CT, iMAR helps rule out additional findings in metal artifact-impacted areas as seen on these Symbia Intevo Bold™ SPECT/CT images. The reduction of metal artifacts in the hip enabled thorough inspection of all bony structures of the pelvis.

Head scans taken using iMAR on Biograph Horizon. — Data courtesy of Yamagata Saisei Hospital, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan.

Decrease metal artifacts in staging

In this example Biograph™ Horizon PET/CT with iMAR decreased metal artifacts in staging head and neck disease. iMAR allowed for the correction of obscuring artifacts from metal implants and was used for the reconstruction of AC PET images.

Technical Specifications

How it works

Without iMAR

With iMAR

Courtesy of Universitaetsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany

General Requirements

System

Biograph Vision™² PET/CT
Biograph mCT PET/CT
Biograph Horizon PET/CT
Symbia Intevo Bold™ SPECT/CT

Minimum Software Version

Symbia Intevo Bold: MI SPECT VB20
Biograph Horizon: PETsyngo VJ10
Biograph mCT: PETsyngo VG60
Biograph mCT Flow: PETsyngo VG60
Biograph Vision: PETsyngo VG75

Other

Please Note: Additional technical pre-requisites may apply. Upon receiving your request, your local Siemens Healthineers representative will clarify whether your system meets the requirements.

Services & Support

Education & Training

The amount of metal artifact reduction and corresponding improvement in image quality depends on a number of factors including: composition and size of the metal object, patient size, anatomical location and clinical practice. It is recommended to perform reconstruction with iMAR enabled in addition to conventional reconstruction without iMAR.

Biograph Vision is not commercially available in all countries. Due to regulatory reasons, its future availability cannot be guaranteed. Please contact your local Siemens organization for further details.

Header images data courtesy of University Radiology Associates, Syracuse, NY, USA