Background: There is a scarcity of open-source libraries in medical imaging
dedicated to both (i) the development and deployment of novel reconstruction
algorithms and (ii) support for clinical data.
Purpose: To create and evaluate a GPU-accelerated, open-source, and
user-friendly image reconstruction library, designed to serve as a central
platform for the development, validation, and deployment of novel tomographic
reconstruction algorithms.
Methods: PyTomography was developed using Python and inherits the
GPU-accelerated functionality of PyTorch for fast computations. The software
uses a modular design that decouples the system matrix from reconstruction
algorithms, simplifying the process of integrating new imaging modalities or
developing novel reconstruction techniques. As example developments, SPECT
reconstruction in PyTomography is validated against both vendor-specific
software and alternative open-source libraries. Bayesian reconstruction
algorithms are implemented and validated.
Results: PyTomography is consistent with both vendor-software and alternative
open source libraries for standard SPECT clinical reconstruction, while
providing significant computational advantages. As example applications,
Bayesian reconstruction algorithms incorporating anatomical information are
shown to outperform the traditional ordered subset expectation maximum (OSEM)
algorithm in quantitative image analysis. PSF modeling in PET imaging is shown
to reduce blurring artifacts.
Conclusions: We have developed and publicly shared PyTomography, a highly
optimized and user-friendly software for quantitative image reconstruction of
medical images, with a class hierarchy that fosters the development of novel
imaging applications.Comment: 26 pages, 7 figure