Patent ID: 8867810

Claim:
A method to determine an irregularity in a medical image scan of a subject, comprising: providing a computerized processor with raw data acquired in a chronological sequence from a subject with multiple detectors, said raw data comprising individually detected photons detected respectively by said multiple detectors, that result from decay of a radioactive tracer administered to the subject; in said processor, automatically converting said chronological sequence of raw data into list data comprising a chronological listing of respective detections of individual photons by respective detectors among said multiple detectors; in said processor, selecting a scan period within an overall duration of said medical image scan; in said processor, automatically determining a model representing a Poisson distribution of decay of said tracer in said list data in said scan period; in said processor, automatically comparing at least some of said list data to said model by calculating a statistical measure of consistency between said model and said at least some of said list data; in said processor, automatically determining, from said statistical measure, a time of occurrence of an irregularity in said chronological sequence of list data; and in said processor, emitting an electrical signal designating said time of occurrence of said irregularity in said chronological sequence of said list data.