Brilliance ct scanner

A previous study was referenced to perform ^99mTc-MDP SPECT/CT examinations [15 (link)]. Initially, patients received intravenous injections of 20 mCi (±10%) ^99mTc-MDP (800 MBq for those with age >75 years or weight >100 kg), then after 3 to 3.5 h of this protocol, patients were scheduled to undergo the ^99mTc-MDP SPECT/CT procedure (Figure S1B,C). All SPECT/CT examinations were performed on a Precedence 6-section or a 16-section scanner (Skylight SPECT system and Brilliance CT scanner; Philips Healthcare, Best, the Netherlands). The set of SPECT parameters was as follows: 128 $$\times$$ 128-word mode matrix, step-and-shoot angular step of 3°, 1.46 zoom factor, 128 views at 20 s per view, body contouring, and low-energy all-purpose collimator. The set of CT parameters was as follows: 60 mAs per section, 120 kVp, increment of 3 mm, and section thickness of 3 mm. Analysis specific to uptake activities in facet joints and sacroiliac joints were defined by a visual grading method (0 = nil activity, 1 = marginal activity, 2 = mild activity, 3 = mild to moderate activity, 4 = moderate activity, 5 = moderate to marked activity, 6 = intense activity) [18 (link)]. For scintigraphy, grades 0 to 2 were considered as negative and 3–6 as positive.

Philips Brilliance CT-scanner at PWH was used to perform simulation. Patients were simulated in supine position, with wing board and vacuum vaclok as immobilization devices to support both their arms raised over the head. Slice thickness was set as 3 mm. This is standard setup for lung tumour treatment in PWH. A free-breathing CT image was acquired without a contrast agent. 4D CT was also acquired to measure the tumour motion within the breathing cycle. For this cohort, patients had compromised lung function and large tumours. In consideration of patient tolerance and reproducibility, clinical team decided not to restrict breathing motion using motion management devices. Magnetic resonance image (MRI) was acquired to improve OARs contouring.