Monte Carlo Calculations in Nuclear Medicine (2^nd Ed.) Applications in Diagnostic Imaging Series in Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering Series

From first principles to current computer applications, Monte Carlo Calculations in Nuclear Medicine, Second Edition: Applications in Diagnostic Imaging covers the applications of Monte Carlo calculations in nuclear medicine and critically reviews them from a diagnostic perspective. Like the first edition, this book explains the Monte Carlo method and the principles behind SPECT and PET imaging, introduces the reader to some Monte Carlo software currently in use, and gives the reader a detailed idea of some possible applications of Monte Carlo in current research in SPECT and PET.

New chapters in this edition cover codes and applications in pre-clinical PET and SPECT. The book explains how Monte Carlo methods and software packages can be applied to evaluate scatter in SPECT and PET imaging, collimation, and image deterioration. A guide for researchers and students developing methods to improve image resolution, it also demonstrates how Monte Carlo techniques can be used to simulate complex imaging systems.

Introduction to the Monte Carlo Method. Variance Reduction Techniques. Anthropomorphic Phantoms: Early Developments and Current Advances. The Gamma Camera: Basic Principles. Positron Emission Tomography. The SimSET Program. The SIMIND Monte Carlo Program. GATE: A Toolkit for Monte Carlo Simulations in Tomography and Radiation Therapy. The MCNP Monte Carlo Program. The EGS Family of Code Systems. ASIM: An Analytic PET Simulator. Monte Carlo in SPECT Scatter Correction. Monte Carlo in Quantitative 3D PET: Scatter. Design of Molecular Imaging Systems Assisted by the Monte Carlo Methods. Introduction to Task-Based Assessment of Image Quality for Investigators Employing Monte Carlo Simulation of Imaging Systems. Monte Carlo Method Applied in Nuclear Medicine Dosimetry.

Michael Ljungberg is Professor of Medical Radiation Physics, Department of Radition Physics, Lund University.

Sven-Erik Strand is Professor of Medical Radiation Physics, Department of Radition Physics, Lund University.