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.

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.

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.

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

General Requirements

  • Biograph Vision™2 PET/CT
  • Biograph mCT PET/CT
  • Biograph Horizon PET/CT
  • Symbia Intevo Bold™ SPECT/CT
  • Symbia Intevo Bold: MI SPECT VB20
  • Biograph Horizon: PETsyngo VJ10
  • Biograph mCT: PETsyngo VG60
  • Biograph mCT Flow: PETsyngo VG60
  • Biograph Vision: PETsyngo VG75

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.

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