Reconstruction of attenuation map in SPECT imaging

The influence of linear attenuation presents large difficulties for quantitative single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) in medical imaging. To apply an attenuation correction algorithm, one has first to reconstruct the attenuation map from transmission measurements. In this case the use of an external source is required, that increases the cost of the equipment and complicates the measurements. We present a method allowing us to reconstruct the attenuation map from SPECT emission projections alone. The method has been derived by applying a uniqueness condition permitting physically relevant solution to be found. The approach has been evaluated on experimental data obtained on an anthropomorphic phantom.