Development of anthropomorphic mathematical phantoms for simulations of clinical cases in diagnostic nuclear medicine

We seek to propose a new generation of mathematically stylised phantoms with high levels of anatomical detail for the purposes of SPECT and PET simulations. Two bask phantoms were created: a mathematical model of the torso (MMT) and a mathematical model of the whole body (MMB). The phantoms can be manipulated by varying the position, size and shape of bones and organs to simulate patients with anatomical variants. Verification of the developed phantoms was performed by comparing simulated planar images for MMT and MMB with clinical data. Both phantoms did produce realistic planar images, which closely mimic real clinical planar images. Images obtained in computer simulation of myocardial perfusion SPECT with virtual patient (MMT) demonstrate the same errors and interpretation problems that exist in clinical routine. These phantoms can be used for simulations of clinical cases to help medical experts to understand the causes of artefacts and bias in PET and SPECT images.