JP5176355B2 - Diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a diagnostic apparatus for obtaining diagnostic data of a subject based on electromagnetic waves from the subject.

A nuclear medicine diagnosis apparatus, that is, an ECT (Emission Computed Tomography) apparatus will be described as an example of the diagnosis apparatus described above, and a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) apparatus will be described as an example of the nuclear medicine diagnosis apparatus. As one of the PET apparatuses, there is a mammographic PET apparatus applied to a mammogram for detecting breast cancer. Conventionally, this mammo PET apparatus has a configuration in which a detector for detecting γ-rays is partially or entirely arranged on a ring or polygon having a diameter large enough to cover the cross section of the subject. (For example, refer nonpatent literatures 1 and 2).
Seminars in Nuclear Medicine, Vol.XXXIV, No.2, 2004: 87-111 J Nucl Med 2003; 44: 756-769

  However, in the conventional case, there is a problem that examination cannot be flexibly performed in a diagnosis represented by a nuclear medicine diagnosis or the like.

  For example, in a conventional PET apparatus, the distance between two detectors facing each other across the body with respect to the body part to be examined is constant. In the case of a whole-body dome type in which detectors are arranged around the body axis of the subject, there is a great sense of pressure on the subject, and the subject is mentally burdened. In addition, if the size of the subject to be examined is too large, the subject cannot be accommodated in the dome. Conversely, if the size of the subject is too small, the subject and the detector Therefore, the nuclear medicine diagnosis cannot be performed accurately because the distance cannot be examined closely.

  Moreover, in the conventional mammo PET apparatus, when the size of the body (breast) to be examined is too large, the body of the subject can be accommodated between two detectors facing each other across the body. On the other hand, if the body (breast) size is too small, the distance between the subject and the detector is increased, and the breast cancer can be detected accurately without being close to the test. Can not.

  This invention is made in view of such a situation, Comprising: It aims at providing the diagnostic apparatus which can test | inspect flexibly in a diagnosis.

In order to achieve such an object, the present invention has the following configuration.
That is, the invention described in claim 1 is a diagnostic device for obtaining diagnostic data of a subject based on electromagnetic waves from the subject, and includes two detection means for detecting the electromagnetic waves, and among the detection means The detection region of at least one of the detection means is provided with a notch for applying to the side of the subject.

[Operation / Effect] According to the invention described in claim 1, two detection means for detecting electromagnetic waves are provided, and the detection region of at least one of the detection means is located beside the subject. Make a notch to apply. If the detection means is installed so that the notch is located at a location that is difficult to inspect (for example, the side of the subject), the detection means provided with the notch can be brought close to the location that is difficult to inspect. Therefore, it is possible to perform inspection by the detecting means even in a place where it is difficult to perform inspection, and as a result, it is possible to perform inspection flexibly in diagnosis.

  In particular, when the diagnostic device is a nuclear medicine diagnostic device and the nuclear medicine diagnostic device is a mammo PET device, in breast cancer, the cancer cell-prone portion is located near or beside the lymph node, near the lymph node or the armpit. Is a difficult part to inspect. Therefore, if the detection means is installed so that the notch is located near or on the side of the lymph node, the detection means provided with the notch can be brought close to or near the lymph node. Aside, cancer cells can be examined, and as a result, breast cancer can be accurately detected in nuclear medicine diagnosis.

The above-described invention may be provided with support means for supporting the detection means, and each detection means may be configured to be detachable from the support means (the invention according to claim 2 ). If the support means is installed in a place where inspection is easy to perform, each detection means can be easily attached to the support means, and inspection can be performed by the detection means in a place where inspection is easy to perform. Can be performed flexibly.

These inventions described above may include support means for supporting the detection means, and the support means may be configured to be detachable from the installation location (the invention according to claim 3) . If the support means is installed and installed in a place where inspection is easy to perform, the detection means can be easily installed in the place together with the support means, and the inspection can be performed by the detection means in a place where inspection is easy to perform. Inspection can be performed flexibly in diagnosis.

These inventions described above may include support means for supporting the detection means, and tilting means for tilting the detection means together with the support means (the invention according to claim 4) . By inclining the detection means together with the support means by the inclination means, the detection means can be inspected with a posture easy to inspect, and as a result, the inspection can be flexibly performed in diagnosis.

  In particular, when the diagnostic device is a nuclear medicine diagnostic device and the nuclear medicine diagnostic device is a mammographic PET device, the tilting means tilts the detection means together with the support means when the breast cancer is detected as described above. Thus, the breast can be spread in the same direction as the direction of gravity. As a result, breast cancer can be accurately detected in nuclear medicine diagnosis.

These inventions described above may include a support means for supporting the detection means, and each detection means may be configured to slide relative to the support means (the invention according to claim 5) . If the detection means is slid to a place where the inspection is easy to be performed, the detection means can perform the inspection at the place where the inspection is easy to perform, and as a result, the inspection can be flexibly performed in the diagnosis.

An example in which each detection means is configured to slide relative to the support means is provided such that the support means is provided with two frames so that the two detection means facing each other across the subject slide within the frame. By configuring, the detecting means slides without changing the distance between the detecting means (the invention according to claim 6 ). If these detection means are slid within the frame in order to be close to the place where the inspection is performed, the inspection can be performed flexibly in the diagnosis. For example, if the support means is installed in a horizontal posture, the detection means can slide in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction) within the frame, and the detection means can be brought close to the horizontal direction. If the support means is installed in a vertical posture, the detection means slides in the vertical direction (vertical direction) within the frame, and the detection means can be brought close to the vertical direction.

Another example in which each detection means is configured to slide relative to the support means is provided with two frames on the support means, and each frame is supported together with two detection means facing each other with the subject interposed therebetween. The distance between the detection means is changed by making the slide movement while contacting and separating the means (the invention according to claim 7 ). In order to make it close to the place where the inspection is performed, if each frame is slid along with the detection means while being in contact with and away from the support means, the inspection can be performed flexibly in the diagnosis. Further, the distance between the detecting means can be freely changed by configuring each frame together with the detecting means so as to slide while contacting and separating from the support means. By freely changing the distance between the detection means, the detection means can be brought close to the subject or the body regardless of the size of the subject or the body, and the diagnosis can be performed accurately. For example, if the support means is installed in a vertical posture, each frame slides in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction) together with the detection means, and the detection means can be brought close to the horizontal direction. Note that the invention described in claim 6 and the invention described in claim 7 may be combined.

In the above-described inventions , the distance between the detection means may be changed by configuring the two detection means facing each other with the subject interposed therebetween so as to be detachable from the support means (claim 8 ). Invention). By freely changing the distance between the detection means, the detection means can be brought close to the subject or the body regardless of the size of the subject or the body, and the diagnosis can be performed accurately.

In these inventions described above, when the electromagnetic wave is radiation, for example, a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus for obtaining nuclear medicine data of a subject based on radiation generated from the subject to which a radiopharmaceutical is administered (claims) 9 ). Therefore, the detection means detects radiation. In addition, when the electromagnetic wave is light, for example, the optical data of the subject is obtained based on the light from the subject (the invention according to claim 10 ). Therefore, the detection means detects light.

When the diagnostic device is a nuclear medicine diagnostic device and the nuclear medicine diagnostic device is a mammo PET device, the size of the notch (the invention according to claim 1 ) is preferably set to the following size, for example. .
That is, the length in the width direction of the notch is at least about the width of the shoulder when the armpit is placed, and the length of the notch in the longitudinal direction can cover at least the upper part of the breast when the armpit is placed. It is a height of about (the invention according to claim 11 ). Such a size enables an examination that can sufficiently cover the breast, regardless of the presence of the arm.

According to the diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, two detection means for respectively detecting electromagnetic waves are provided, and a notch for applying aside the subject is provided in a detection region of at least one of the detection means. (Invention of claim 1), if the detecting means is installed so that the notch portion is located at a position where it is difficult to inspect, the detecting means provided with the notch can be brought close to the place where inspection is difficult. In addition, it is possible to perform the inspection by the detecting means even at a place where the inspection is difficult to perform, and as a result, the inspection can be performed flexibly in the diagnosis.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mammo PET (Positron Emission Tomography) apparatus according to an embodiment and a schematic diagram of a γ-ray detector used in the mammo PET apparatus. In this embodiment, a PET apparatus will be described as an example of a nuclear medicine diagnosis apparatus, and a mammographic PET apparatus applied to a mammogram for breast cancer detection will be described as an example.

  As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1A, the mammo PET apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a detector unit 1, a coincidence counting circuit 2, a projection data deriving unit 3, and a reconstruction unit 4. In the present embodiment, the detector unit 1 is composed of two detector plates 1A and 1B facing each other with the subject M (see FIGS. 8 to 11) in between. As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1B, each detector plate 1A, 1B cuts a γ-ray detector 1a composed of a scintillator block (not shown) and a photomultiplier (not shown). A plurality of juxtapositions are arranged in accordance with the notches 1C. The detector plates 1A and 1B correspond to detection means in the present invention, and the cutout 1C corresponds to the cutout in the present invention.

In particular, in the case of a mammo PET apparatus as in this embodiment, the size of the notch 1C is preferably set to the following size, for example.
That is, the length in the width direction of the notch 1C is at least the width of the shoulder when the armpit is placed, and the length in the longitudinal direction of the notch 1C is at least the upper part of the breast when the armpit is placed. It is high enough to cover. Such a size enables an examination that can sufficiently cover the breast, regardless of the presence of the arm.

The γ-rays generated from the subject M (see FIGS. 8 to 11) to which the radiopharmaceutical, ie, the radioisotope (RI) was administered, were converted into light by the scintillator block of the γ-ray detector 1a. its photo Multiplier of light γ ray detector 1a outputs the electric signal through photoelectric conversion. The electric signal is sent to the coincidence counting circuit 2 as image information (pixel).

  Specifically, when a radiopharmaceutical is administered to the subject M, two γ rays are generated due to the disappearance of the positron of the positron emission type RI. The coincidence circuit 2 checks the position of the scintillator block and the incident timing of γ rays, and γ rays are simultaneously incident on the scintillator blocks of the two detector plates 1A and 1B that are opposite to each other with the subject M interposed therebetween. Only when the image information sent is determined to be appropriate data. When γ-rays enter only one of the scintillator blocks, the coincidence circuit 2 treats the image information sent at that time as noise instead of γ-rays generated by the annihilation of the positron, and rejects it. To do.

  The projection data deriving unit 3 obtains the image information sent from the coincidence counting circuit 2 as projection data (RI distribution image), and sends the projection data to the reconstruction unit 4. The reconstruction unit 4 reconstructs the projection data to obtain a tomographic image.

  In order to perform inspection flexibly, the relative positions and orientations of the detector plates 1A and 1B always change depending on the configuration of this embodiment described later. The detector plates 1A and 1B are inclined or brought close to each other according to the imaging posture and size of the breast of the subject M (see FIGS. 8 to 11). Thereby, the amount of γ-rays detected by the detector plates 1A and 1B is increased, and the γ-ray detection sensitivity of the detector plates 1A and 1B is improved. Therefore, in this embodiment, the photographing proceeds while the positions and orientations of the detector plates 1A and 1B with respect to the mechanical origin of the apparatus are changed.

  Next, a reconstruction algorithm when the position / orientation of the detector plates 1A and 1B with respect to the mechanical origin of the apparatus changes will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement relationship between the detector plates 1A and 1B and the image reconstruction area, and FIG. 3 is a graph showing the coordinate system of the detector plates 1A and 1B and the image reconstruction area. .

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each detector plate 1A, 1B is an assembly of minute γ-ray detection elements a, b (corresponding to γ-ray detector 1a in FIG. 1B). An image reconstruction area S having a center coordinate OC defined by a vector VC starting from the mechanical origin OM of the apparatus is set between the detector plates 1A and 1B. The vectors VA and VB from the mechanical origin OM of the apparatus to the center coordinates OA and OB of the detector plates 1A and 1B are the position data and angles of the detector plates 1A and 1B detected by a position sensor (not shown). It is obtained based on rotation angle data of each detector plate 1A, 1B detected by a sensor (not shown).

  Accordingly, when a phenomenon occurs in which γ rays emitted from the subject M are simultaneously counted (hereinafter abbreviated as “event” as appropriate), a γ ray detecting element a that simultaneously detects γ rays from the mechanical origin OM of the apparatus. , B, the vectors uA and uB are also obtained according to the following equations (1) and (2).

uA = VA + WA (1)
uB = VB + WB (2)
On the other hand, when a phenomenon (event) in which γ rays emitted from the subject m are simultaneously counted occurs, address pair data of the γ ray detection elements a and b that detect γ rays, and γ that detects γ rays. Address pair data of vectors uA and uB for the line detection elements a and b are collected and stored as list mode type data for each event. On the other hand, a straight line LOR (Line of Response) connecting γ-ray detection elements a and b that simultaneously detect γ-rays is obtained for each event from address pair data of vectors uA and uB collected and stored as list mode type data. The positron emitting species is above the straight line LOR.

The vector uA is obtained according to the position and orientation information of the detector plates 1A and 1B stored as list mode type data and the following equation (3). Note that the position and orientation data of the detector plates 1A and 1B may be stored as tag information only when there is a change.
uA = R _X , R _Y , R _Z , T, WA (3)
However, as shown below, R _X , R _Y , R _Z are rotations of the γ-ray detectors 1, 2 around the X, Y, and Z axes orthogonal to each other with the mechanical origin OM of the apparatus as the origin, T Is the position in each direction of the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis (ie, VA). Further, the vector uB can be obtained in the same manner as the vector uA.

  In this way, when a straight line LOR (Line of Response) connecting γ-ray detection elements a and b that simultaneously detect γ-rays is obtained for each event, a successive approximation list mode reconstruction algorithm is applied [ For example, see J Reader et al 1998 Phys. Med Bial. 43 835-846 (non-patent literature). The image update formula of this list mode reconstruction algorithm is as shown in formula (4). The RI distribution image is obtained by repeating the updating formula (4).

Here, f ^k _j is the pixel value of the pixel j in the k-th iteration, a _ij is the probability that the γ-ray emitted from the pixel j is detected by LORi, M is the number of measured events, and I is the main imaging condition It is the number of all LORs in (detector plate arrangement). The update formula used in the image reconstruction algorithm applied to the embodiment is not limited to the formula (4).

Further, in the embodiment, the center coordinate OC of the image reconstruction area S is set at the midpoint between the first and second γ-ray detectors 1 and 2. Since the γ-ray detection mechanism 3 only rotates about one axis of the Xa axis, β = 0 and γ = 0. As a result, R _Y and R _Z in the equation (3) are In either case, the following equation (5) is obtained.

  Next, specific configurations of the detector plates 1A and 1B will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the sliding movement of the detector plates 1A and 1B in the vertical direction, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the sliding movement of the detector plates 1A and 1B in the horizontal direction, and FIG. FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view of the fixed base and the movable base constituting the support mechanism, FIG. 6B is a rear view of the fixed base and the movable base, and FIG. 6C is a motor, a drive shaft, and a speed reducer. 7A is a front view illustrating only the pinion and the rack, FIG. 7A is an exploded perspective view of the movable base, the arm, and the detector plates 1A and 1B, and FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the movable base and the arm. It is a front view of a part. 6A and 6B, illustration of the motor 23A, the electric cylinder 23B, and the guide rail 23C shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the mammo PET apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a support mechanism 20. The support mechanism 20 supports the detector plates 1A and 1B via the two arm portions 31 facing each other with the subject M (see FIGS. 8 to 11) interposed therebetween, so that the detector plates 1A and 1B are It is configured to face each other. The support mechanism 20 corresponds to the support means in this invention.

  The support mechanism 20 includes two frames 21 provided in accordance with the respective arm portions 31, a fixed base 22 (see FIG. 6) and a movable base 23 (see FIG. 6) accommodated in the frame 21. It is configured. As shown in FIG. 6, the movable table 23 is configured to slide in the vertical direction with respect to the fixed table 22. As shown in FIG. 7, each arm portion 31 is configured to slide in the horizontal direction with respect to the movable base 23. Each arm 31 is attached to detector plates 1A and 1B. The frame 21 corresponds to the frame in the present invention.

  With this configuration, as shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), the movable base 23 (FIGS. 6 and 7 is replaced with the fixed base 22 (see FIG. 6) within the frame 21. 2) slides in the vertical direction together with the two arm portions 31, and the detector plates 1A and 1B attached to the arm portions 31 also slide in the vertical direction in the frame 21. As the detector plates 1A and 1B slide in the frame 21, the detector plates 1A and 1B slide and move without changing the distance between the detector plates 1A and 1B.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, each arm 31 is configured to slide in the horizontal direction with respect to the movable base 23 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). Thus, each frame 21 slides and moves together with the arm portion 31 with respect to the fixed base 22 (see FIG. 6). Each frame 21 slides while moving toward and away from the fixed base 22 (see FIG. 6) together with the arm portion 31 so that each frame 21 is supported together with the detector plates 1A and 1B attached to the arm portion 31. The distance between the detector plates 1A and 1B is changed by sliding while moving toward and away from the mechanism 20.

  Specifically, in the sliding movement of the detector plates 1A and 1B in the vertical direction, as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b), the motor 22a, the drive shaft 22b, A reduction gear 22c, a pinion 22d, and a guide rail 22e are provided. In addition, a rack 23a and a block 23b are disposed on the movable table 23 described above. As shown in FIG. 6B, the speed reducer 22c is connected to the motor 22a via the drive shaft 22b, and is disposed to face the pinion 22d with the fixed base 22 interposed therebetween. The pinion 22d is connected to the speed reducer 22c and is fitted to a rack 23a extending in the vertical direction. The guide rail 22e is fitted to the block 23b.

  When the motor 22a is driven, the pinion 22d rotates through the drive shaft 22b and the speed reducer 22c. As the pinion 22d rotates, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6C, the rack 23a fitted to the pinion 22d moves up and down in the vertical direction. As the rack 23a moves, the block 23b moves up and down in the vertical direction along the guide rail 22e, and the movable table 23 provided with the rack 23a and the block 23b slides in the vertical direction with respect to the fixed table 22. To do. As the movable base 23 slides in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 7, the two arm portions 31 also slide in the vertical direction, so that the detector plates 1A and 1B attached to the arm portion 31 also move. Slide it vertically.

  Further, in the sliding movement of the detector plates 1A and 1B in the horizontal direction, the movable table 23 described above has a surface opposite to the surface on which the rack 23a and the block 23b are disposed, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7B, a motor 23A, an electric cylinder 23B, and a guide rail 23C are provided. Further, the arm 31 described above is provided with a block 31A. One end of the electric cylinder 23B is connected to the motor 23A, and the other end opposite to the connecting portion of the motor 23A is connected to the arm portion 31. The guide rail 23C is fitted to the block 31A.

  When the motor 23A is driven, the electric cylinder 23B expands and contracts in the horizontal direction by driving the motor 23A. As the electric cylinder 23B expands and contracts, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the arm portions 31 respectively connected to the electric cylinder 23B slide in the horizontal direction with respect to the movable base 23. Moving. As the arm portion 31 slides in the horizontal direction, the detector plates 1A and 1B attached to the arm portion 31 also slide in the horizontal direction.

  Thus, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the support mechanism 20 includes two frames 21, a fixed base 22 (see FIG. 6) and a movable base 23 (see FIG. 6) accommodated in the frame 21. The other end of the electric cylinder 23B (see FIG. 7) of the movable base 23 is connected to the arm portion 31, and the arm portion 31 is attached to the detector plates 1A and 1B, respectively. Therefore, each detector plate 1A, 1B is configured to be detachable from the support mechanism 20. The detector plates 1A and 1B may be configured to be detachable from the arm portion 31. For example, the detector plates 1A and 1B may be configured to be fitted to the arm portion 31. .

  The motor is moved electrically by a motor in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, but in the case of manual movement, a gas spring mechanism may be employed. For example, when manually moving in the vertical direction, a ball screw is used instead of the rack 23a of FIG. 6, and a gas spring mechanism is used instead of the motor 22a of FIG. 6, and the fixed base shown in FIG. 22 and the movable base 23 are coupled. If the movable table 23 is moved up and down in the vertical direction along the ball screw by the gas spring mechanism, the movable table 23 can be manually moved freely without any burden. Note that the rotation of the ball screw can be stopped by fastening the lock lever at a predetermined position, whereby the movable base 23 can be fixed.

  Next, imaging modes of the detector plates 1A and 1B according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a photographing mode and a tilting mechanism in a sitting posture, FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a photographing mode in a sitting posture without a tilting mechanism, and FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the photographing mode when lying on its face. In addition, in the imaging | photography aspect in FIGS. 8-11, detector board 1A, 1B is installed so that the notch 1C may be located near a lymph node or a side. 8 to 11, the detector plates 1A and 1B are sandwiched at the base of the arm of the subject M so that the notch 1C is located near or on the side of the lymph node.

  The detector plates 1A and 1B supported by the support mechanism 20 can be installed together with the support mechanism 20 at the installation location. That is, the support mechanism 20 is configured to be detachable from the installation location. That is, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the detector plates 1A and 1B supported by the support mechanism 20 are also portable with the support mechanism 20, and carry the detector plates 1A and 1B together with the support mechanism 20. Thus, it can be installed at each installation location shown in FIGS.

  For example, the support mechanism 20 is installed on the tilt mechanism 32 shown in FIG. The tilt mechanism 32 includes a leg portion 32a, a support shaft 32b, and a holding portion 32c coupled to the leg portion 32a via the support shaft 32b. The sandwiching portion 32c is configured to sandwich and hold the entire support mechanism 20. As shown in FIG. 8B, by tilting the holding portion 32c with the support shaft 32b as a fulcrum, the support mechanism 20 sandwiched between the holding portions 32c is also inclined. With this configuration, the tilt mechanism 32 tilts the detector plates 1A and 1B together with the support mechanism 20. The tilt mechanism 32 corresponds to the tilting means in the present invention.

  In FIG. 8, the subject M sits on the chair 33 and takes an image in the sitting position. Further, when the holding portion 32c is inclined as shown in FIG. 8B, in order to reduce the burden on the subject M, the arm placing board 34A on which the subject M places the left and right arms is disposed. The table 34 may be installed in front of the subject M.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the detector plates 1 </ b> A and 1 </ b> B may be installed on the chair 33 together with the support mechanism 20 without providing the tilt mechanism 32 shown in FIG. 8. At this time, in order to reduce the burden on the subject M, it is preferable that the mat 35 is sandwiched between the back of the subject M and the support mechanism 20 to buffer the impact caused by the contact of the support mechanism 20. The support member 20 is attached to the chair 20 with the fastening member 36 in a standing state.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to breast imaging for breast cancer detection. For example, the detector plates 1A and 1B may be slid in accordance with the waist to capture the waist. Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in addition to performing imaging by sandwiching the left and right sides of the subject M with the detector plates 1A and 1B, the detector plate is used to connect the front of the abdomen or chest of the subject M and the back of the back. Shooting may be performed by sandwiching between 1A and 1B. In that case, by mounting the support mechanism 20 on either the left or right side of the subject, imaging in which the front and back surfaces of the subject M are sandwiched between the detector plates 1A and 1B can be realized.

  Further, the photographing may be performed in a standing posture without being limited to the sitting posture as shown in FIGS. Note that the imaging may be performed with the subject M sitting in a wheelchair or the like, not limited to the chair 33 shown in FIGS. Further, as described below, the detector plates 1A and 1B may be installed on the bed together with the support mechanism 20, and photographing may be performed in a horizontal posture.

  For example, in the case of sleeping upward (in a supine posture), the support mechanism 20 is installed on the bed 37 shown in FIG. The bed 37 includes a base 37a, a top plate 37b placed on the stand 37a, a spacer 37c placed on the top plate 37b, and a mat 37d placed on the spacer 37c. . That is, the spacer 37c is interposed between the top plate 37b and the mat 37d. A space corresponding to the height of the spacer 37c is provided between the top plate 37b and the mat 37d at a location where the spacer 37c is not interposed, and the support mechanism 20 is attached to the location in a horizontal state. The back of the subject M is placed in contact with the mat 37d so that the subject M lies down on the mat 37d.

  By attaching the support mechanism 20 in a horizontal state, unlike the sitting posture shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the detector plates 1A and 1B supported by the support mechanism 20 are erected, and the subject in the supine posture It is possible to sandwich the detector plates 1A and 1B at the base of the M arm. As described in the sitting posture shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the detector plates 1 </ b> A and 1 </ b> B are slid in accordance with other places such as the waist or the head, for example, without being limited to photographing the breast for detecting breast cancer. Alternatively, the entire support mechanism 20 may be installed at that location for shooting.

  Further, even when lying on a prone position, the support mechanism 20 is installed on the bed 37 shown in FIG. In FIG. 11, the bed 37 does not include the spacer 37c as shown in FIG. 10, but instead has an opening 37A in the top plate 37b and the mat 37d. By inserting the breast of the subject M lying on his / her face into the opening 37A, photographing can be performed while lying on his / her face without placing a burden on the breast. It should be noted that the detector plates 1A and 1B shown in FIG. 10 and the detector plates 1A and 1B shown in FIG. 11 are separate. By lying on its face and turning its breast downward, it can be spread in the same direction as gravity. As a result, breast cancer can be accurately detected in nuclear medicine diagnosis.

  Further, the height position of the support mechanism 20 and the detector plates 1A and 1B to be installed varies depending on the size of the breast, and therefore, an elevating mechanism 38 as shown in FIG. 10 is provided, and the elevating mechanism 38 has the detector plates 1A and 1B. Is preferably placed together with the support mechanism 20. When the size of the breast is small, the detector plates 1A and 1B are lifted together with the support mechanism 20 by the elevating mechanism 38 to approach the breast. On the contrary, when the size of the breast is large, the detector plates 1A and 1B are moved down together with the support mechanism 20 by the elevating mechanism 38 to approach the breast.

  According to the mammo PET apparatus according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, each detector plate 1A, 1B is configured to be detachable from the support mechanism 20. If the support mechanism 20 is installed in a place where the inspection is easy to perform, each detector plate 1A, 1B is simply attached to the support mechanism 20, and the inspection is performed by the detector plates 1A, 1B in a place where the inspection is easy to perform. As a result, the examination can be performed flexibly in the nuclear medicine diagnosis.

  In this embodiment, each detector plate 1A, 1B is provided with a notch 1C. If the detector plates 1A and 1B are installed so that the notched portions are located in places where the inspection is difficult (for example, side or crotch) (see FIGS. 8 to 11), the detector plate provided with the notches 1C. 1A and 1B can be brought close to places that are difficult to inspect, and even at places where inspection is difficult to perform, the detector plates 1A and 1B can be inspected, and as a result, inspection can be performed flexibly in nuclear medicine diagnosis. it can.

  In particular, in the case of a mammographic PET apparatus as in this embodiment, in breast cancer, portions where cancer cells are likely to be formed are in the vicinity of the lymph nodes and the sides, and the vicinity of the lymph nodes and the sides are difficult to examine. Therefore, if the detector plates 1A and 1B are installed so that the notch portions are positioned near or on the side of the lymph nodes, the detector plates 1A and 1B provided with the notches 1C can be brought close to or near the lymph nodes. In addition, the detector plates 1A and 1B can examine the vicinity of the lymph nodes and the side or the cancer cells, and as a result, the breast cancer can be accurately detected in the nuclear medicine diagnosis.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the support mechanism 20 is configured as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, so that the detector plates 1 </ b> A and 1 </ b> B supported by the support mechanism 20 are also portable with the support mechanism 20. Therefore, the support mechanism 20 is configured to be detachable from the installation location. If the support mechanism 20 is attached and installed in a place where inspection is easy to be performed (see FIGS. 8 to 11), the detector plates 1A and 1B can be easily installed in the place together with the support mechanism 20 to facilitate inspection. The inspection can be performed by the detector plates 1A and 1B at a place, and as a result, the inspection can be performed flexibly in the nuclear medicine diagnosis.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a tilt mechanism 32 that tilts the detector plates 1 </ b> A and 1 </ b> B together with the support mechanism 20 is provided. By inclining the detector plates 1A and 1B together with the support mechanism 20 by the tilting mechanism 32, the detector plates 1A and 1B can be inspected in a posture easy to inspect, and as a result, the inspection can be flexibly performed in the nuclear medicine diagnosis. It can be carried out.

  In particular, in the case of the mammographic PET apparatus as in this embodiment, when detecting the above-described breast cancer, the detector plate 1A together with the support mechanism 20 is tilted forward by the tilt mechanism 32 as shown in FIG. 8B. , 1B can be inclined to expand the breast in the same direction as the direction of gravity. As a result, breast cancer can be accurately detected in nuclear medicine diagnosis.

  In this embodiment, the detector plates 1A and 1B are configured to slide relative to the support mechanism 20. If the detector plates 1A and 1B are slid and moved to a place where the inspection is easy to perform, the inspection can be performed by the detector plates 1A and 1B in the place where the inspection is easy to perform. It can be carried out.

  Specifically, two frames 21 are provided in the support mechanism 20, and two detector plates 1A and 1B facing each other with the subject M interposed therebetween are configured to slide in the frame 21, thereby detecting the detection. The detector plates 1A and 1B are slidingly moved without changing the distance between the device plates 1A and 1B. If these detector plates 1A and 1B are slid within the frame 21 in order to be close to the place where the examination is performed, the examination can be performed flexibly in the nuclear medicine diagnosis. For example, if the support mechanism 20 is installed in a horizontal position as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the detection means slides in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction) within the frame 21, and the detector plates 1A and 1B are moved in the horizontal direction. Can be close. If the support mechanism 20 is installed in a vertical posture as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the detector plates 1A and 1B slide and move in the vertical direction (vertical direction) within the frame as shown in FIG. The instrument plates 1A and 1B can be brought close to each other in the vertical direction.

  In addition, the detector plates 1A and 1B are configured such that each frame 21 slides in contact with and away from the support mechanism 20 together with the two detector plates 1A and 1B facing each other with the subject M interposed therebetween. The distance between has been changed. If each frame 21 together with the detector plates 1A and 1B is slid while moving toward and away from the support mechanism 20 in order to be close to the place where the examination is performed, the examination can be performed flexibly in the nuclear medicine diagnosis. . In addition, the distance between the detector plates 1A, 1B can be freely changed by configuring the detector plates 1A, 1B together with the detector plates 1A, 1B so that the respective frames 21 slide and move with respect to the support mechanism 20. By freely changing the distance between the detector plates 1A and 1B, the detector plates 1A and 1B can be brought close to the subject M and the body regardless of the size of the subject M and the body (for example, the breast). And accurate nuclear medicine diagnosis. For example, if the support mechanism 20 is installed in a vertical posture as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, each frame 21 slides in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction) together with the detector plates 1A and 1B as shown in FIG. The detector plates 1A and 1B can be brought close to each other in the lateral direction.

  In summary, in this embodiment, (A) each detector plate 1A, 1B is configured to be detachable from the support mechanism 20, and (B) each detector plate 1A, 1B is provided with a notch 1C. (C) The support mechanism 20 is configured to be detachable from the installation location, (D) the support mechanism 20 is configured to include the tilt mechanism 32 that tilts the detector plates 1A and 1B, and (E) each detector. The plates 1A and 1B are configured to slide relative to the support mechanism 20. In this embodiment, all the configurations (A) to (E) are provided, and the inspection can be flexibly performed by these configurations.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as follows.

  (1) In the above-described embodiments, the PET apparatus has been described as an example. However, the present invention is a SPECT (Single Photon Emission CT) apparatus that reconstructs a tomographic image of a subject by detecting a single γ-ray. It can also be applied.

  (2) In the above-described embodiment, as the electromagnetic wave, γ rays generated from the subject M to which the radiopharmaceutical is administered are described as an example, and a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus is described as an example of the diagnostic apparatus. Electromagnetic waves are not limited to γ rays. For example, in the case where the electromagnetic wave is light, the subject is irradiated from a light source, and the detection means detects the absorbed light of the subject or the fluorescence from the subject, and based on the detected light, You may apply to the apparatus which calculates | requires the data for optics. In the case of a mammo device, the present invention can be applied to a device for obtaining such optical data. The detection means includes a photoelectric conversion means such as a solid-state imaging device (CCD), an avalanche photodiode, or a photomultiplier tube. Examples of the light source include a laser and an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) halogen lamp. In addition to a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus and such an apparatus, the present invention is also applied to an X-ray diagnostic apparatus that irradiates a subject with an X-ray from an X-ray tube and performs diagnosis based on the X-ray transmitted through the subject. It is possible.

  (3) In the above-described embodiments, (A) each detector plate 1A, 1B is configured to be detachable from the support mechanism 20, and (B) each detector plate 1A, 1B is provided with a notch 1C. (C) The support mechanism 20 is configured to be detachable with respect to the installation location, (D) the support mechanism 20 is configured to include the tilt mechanism 32 that tilts the detector plates 1A and 1B, and (E) each detector plate. Although 1A and 1B are configured to slide relative to the support mechanism 20, it is not necessary to provide all of the configurations (A) to (E). If at least one of the configurations (A) to (E) is provided, the examination can be flexibly performed in the diagnosis.

  For example, the remaining configurations (B) to (E) may be included without including the configuration (A), or the remaining (A) and (C) without including the configuration (B). All the configurations of (E) may be provided, or the remaining configurations (A), (B), (D), and (E) may be provided without the configuration of (C). , (D) may not be provided, and all the remaining (A) to (C), (E) may be provided, or (E) may be provided without remaining (A) to (A) to (D). You may provide all the structures of (D).

  For example, the remaining configurations (C) to (E) may be included without including the configurations (A) and (B), or the remaining configurations without including the configurations (B) and (C). (A), (D), and (E) may all be provided, or (C) and (D) may not be provided, and the remaining (A), (B), and (E) may be provided. All of the configurations may be provided, or the remaining configurations (A) to (C) may be provided without providing the configurations (D) and (E), or (A) and (E). You may provide all the structures of the remaining (B)-(D), without providing a structure. As described above, the configuration of (A) to (E) is not particularly limited as long as all the remaining three configurations are included without including two configurations.

  The remaining configurations (D) and (E) may be included without including the configurations (A) to (C), and the remaining (D) may be included without including the configurations (B) to (D). A) and (E) may be provided, or (C) to (E) may be provided, and the remaining (A) and (B) may be provided. The configurations (A), (D), and (E) may not be provided, and the remaining configurations (B) and (C) may be provided, or the configurations (A), (B), and (E) may be provided. You may provide all the structures of the remaining (C) and (D), without providing. As described above, the configuration of (A) to (E) is not particularly limited as long as all the remaining two configurations are included without including the three configurations.

  Further, only the configuration (A) may be provided, only the configuration (B) may be provided, only the configuration (C) may be provided, or only the configuration (D) may be provided. Alternatively, only the configuration (E) may be provided.

  (4) In the embodiment described above, the detection means is the two detector plates 1A and 1B. However, as long as a plurality of detection means are provided, three or more detection means may be provided.

  (5) In the above-described embodiment, both detector plates 1A and 1B have a structure in which notches 1C are provided. However, if at least one notch is provided, the remaining detector plates are not necessarily notched. There is no need to provide. The same applies when three or more detection means are provided.

(A) is a block diagram of a mammo PET (Positron Emission Tomography) apparatus according to the embodiment, and (b) is a schematic diagram of a γ-ray detector used in the mammo PET apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship between both detector plates and an image reconstruction area. It is a graph which shows the coordinate system of both detector plates and an image reconstruction area. (A), (b) is the schematic of the sliding movement of the detector board regarding a perpendicular direction. (A), (b) is the schematic of the sliding movement of the detector board regarding a horizontal direction. (A) is an exploded perspective view of a fixed base and a movable base constituting the support mechanism, (b) is a rear view of the fixed base and the movable base, and (c) is a motor, a drive shaft, a speed reducer, and a pinion. It is the front view which illustrated only the rack. (A) is a disassembled perspective view of a movable stand, an arm part, and a detector board, (b) is a front view of a movable stand and an arm part. (A), (b) is the schematic of the imaging | photography aspect and inclination mechanism in a sitting posture. It is the schematic of the imaging | photography aspect in a sitting posture without an inclination mechanism. It is the schematic of the imaging | photography aspect at the time of sleeping upwards. It is the schematic of the imaging | photography aspect in the case of lying down on its face.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1A, 1B ... Detector board 1C ... Notch 20 ... Support mechanism 21 ... Frame 32 ... Inclination mechanism M ... Subject

Claims (11)

A diagnostic apparatus for obtaining diagnostic data of a subject based on electromagnetic waves from the subject, comprising two detection means for detecting the electromagnetic waves, respectively, in a detection region of at least one of the detection means A diagnostic device, characterized by providing a notch for application to the side of the subject. 2. The diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising support means for supporting the detection means, wherein each detection means is configured to be detachable from the support means. 3. The diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a support unit that supports the detection unit, and the support unit is configured to be detachable from an installation location. The diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a support unit that supports the detection unit; and a tilt unit that tilts the detection unit together with the support unit. 5. The diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising support means for supporting the detection means , wherein each detection means is configured to slide relative to the support means. Diagnostic device. The diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the support means is provided with two frames, and the two detection means facing each other with the subject interposed therebetween are configured to slide in the frame. A diagnostic apparatus characterized in that the detection means slide and move without changing the distance between the detection means. 7. The diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the support means is provided with two frames, and each of the frames is opposed to the support means together with the two detection means facing each other with the subject interposed therebetween. A diagnostic apparatus characterized in that the distance between the detection means is changed by being configured to slide while moving toward and away from each other. The diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7 , wherein two detection means facing each other with the subject interposed therebetween are configured to be detachable from the support means. A diagnostic apparatus characterized by changing a distance. In the diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, together with the electromagnetic wave is a radiation, said apparatus for nuclear medicine of a subject based on the radiation generated from a subject radiopharmaceutical administered A nuclear medicine diagnosis apparatus for obtaining data, wherein the detection means detects radiation. The diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the electromagnetic wave is light, and the apparatus obtains optical data of a subject based on light from the subject, The diagnostic device characterized in that the detection means detects light. The diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the length of the cutout in the width direction is at least about the width of the shoulder when placed aside, and the length of the cutout in the vertical direction. The diagnostic apparatus is characterized in that the height is high enough to cover at least the upper part of the breast when aside is placed.

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