• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.36-42
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• 2013

Background/Aims: Gemcitabine is regarded as a reference regimen for advanced pancreatic cancer and shows relatively safe toxicity profiles compared with other cytotoxic agents. However, many oncologists are appeared to be still reluctant to treat elderly pancreatic cancer patients with cytotoxic chemotherapy because of predicted low response rate and potential adverse events. Methods: All patients who were received gemcitabine based chemotherapy between 2007 and 2010 were identified and clinical, laboratory, radiographic data were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups based on their ages: less than 65, and equal or more than 65 years old. Gemcitabine, at a dose of 1,000 mg per square meter of body surface area, was administered by intravenously over 30 minutes weekly for 3 weeks followed by 1 week rest, alone or along with other chemotherapeutic agents including cisplatin, capecitabine and erlotinib. Results: A total of 61 patients were identified and all patients were not eligible to receive operation because of advanced stage at diagnosis. Twenty three patients (37.7%) were equal or more than 65 year of age. Mean age was 56 years old and 71 years old in each group. Laboratory data including CA 19-9 were not significantly different. More gemcitabine monotherapy was delivered (56.5% vs. 26.3%, p=0.029) and less second or third line therapy was adminis- tered (17.4% vs. 50.0%, p=0.014) in elderly group. Cholangitis occurred and stent placement were performed similarly in both groups. Conclusion: Gemcitabine based chemotherapy can be administered safely to elderly pancreatic cancer patients and comparable response rate and progression free survival can be expected as young patients.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.401-410
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• 2009

Purpose : Pelvis and lumbar spine radiography, among various types of diagnostic radiography, include gonads of the human body and give patients high radiation dose. Nevertheless, diagnostic reference levels for patient radiation dose in pelvis and lumbar spine radiography has not yet been established in Korea. Therefore, the radiation dose that patients receive from pelvis and lumbar radiography is measured and the diagnostic reference level on patient radiation dose for the optimization of radiation protection of patients in pelvis and lumbar spine radiography was established. Methods : The conditions and diagnostic imaging information acquired during the time of the postero-anterior view of the pelvis and the postero-anterior and lateral view of the lumbar spine at 125 medical institutions throughout Korea are collected for analysis and the entrance surface dose received by patients is measured using a glass dosimeter. The diagnostic reference levels for patient radiation dose in pelvis and lumbar spine radiography to be recommended to the medical institutes is arranged by establishing the dose from the patient radiation dose that corresponds to the 3rd quartile values as the appropriate diagnostic reference level for patient radiation dose. Results : According to the results of the assessment of diagnostic imaging information acquired from pelvis and lumbar spine radiography and the measurement of patient entrance surface dose taken at the 125 medical institutes throughout Korea, the tube voltage ranged between 60~97 kVp, with the average use being 75 kVp, and the tube current ranged between 8~123 mAs, with the average use being 30 mAs. In the posteroanterior and lateral views of lumbar spine radiography, the tube voltage of each view ranged between 65~100 kVp (average use: 78 kVp) and 70~109 kVp (average use: 87 kVp), respectively, and the tube current of each view ranged between 10~100 mAs(average use: 35 mAs) and between 8.9~300 mAs(average use: 64 mAs), respectively. The measurements of entrance surface dose that patients receive during the pelvis and lumbar spine radiography show the following results: in the posteroanterior view of pelvis radiography, the minimum value is 0.59 mGy, the maximum value is 12.69 mGy and the average value is 2.88 mGy with the 1st quartile value being 1.91 mGy, the median being 0.59 mGy, and the 3rd quartile value being 3.43 mGy. Also, in the posteroanterior view of lumbar spine radiography, the minimum value is 0.64 mGy, the maximum value is 23.84 mGy, and the average value is 3.68 mGy with the 1st quartile value being 2.41 mGy, the median being 3.40 mGy, and the 3rd quartile value being 4.08 mGy. In the lateral view of lumbar spine radiography, the minimum value is 1.90 mGy, the maximum value is 45.42 mGy, and the average value is 10.08 mGy with the 1st quartile value being 6.03 mGy, the median being 9.09 mGy and the 3rd quartile value being 12.65 mGy. Conclusions : The diagnostic reference levels for patient radiation dose to be recommended to the medical institutes in Korea is 3.42 mGy for the posteroanterior view of pelvis radiography, 4.08 mGy for the posteroanterior view of lumbar spine radiography, and 12.65 mGy for the lateral view of lumbar spine radiography. Such values are all lower than the values recommended by 6 international organizations including World Health Organization, where the recommended values are 10 mGy for the posteroanterior view of pelvis radiography, 10 mGy for the posteroanterior view of lumbar spine radiography and 30 mGy for the lateral view of lumbar spine radiography.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.30-38
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• 2000

Purpose: We investigated the role of myocardial perfusion SPECT in prediction of ventricular dilatation and the role of revascularization including thrombolytic therapy and PTCA in prevention of ventricular dilatation after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Materials and Methods: We performed dipyridamole stress, 4 hour redistribution, and 24 hour reinjection Tl-201 SPECT in 16 patients with AMI two to nine days after attack. Perfusion and wall motion abnormalities were quantified by perfusion index (PI) and wall motion index (WMI). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), WMI and ventricular volume were measured within 1 week of AMI and after average of 6 months. According to serial changes of left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), patients were divided into two groups. We compared WMI, PI and LVEF between the two groups. Relationships among degree of volume, stress-rest PI, WMI, CKMB, Q wave, LVEF and revascularization were analysed using multivariate analysis. Results: Only initial rest perfusion index was significantly different between the two groups (p<0.05). While initial LVEF, stress PI, CKMB, trial of revascularization procedure, presence of Q wave and WMI were not significantly different between the two groups. Eight of 16 patients (50%) showed LV dilatation on follow-up echocardiography. Three of 3 patients (100%) who did not undergo revascualrization procedure documented LV dilatation. And only 5 (38%) of the remaining 13 patients who underwent revascularization revealed LV dilatation. There was no difference in infarct location between the two groups. By multivariate linear regression analysis in patients only undergoing revascularization, rest perfusion index was the only significant factor. Conclusion: Myocardial perfusion SPECT performed prior to revascularization was useful in prediction of LV dilatation after an AMI. Rest perfusion index on myocardial perfusion plays as a significant predictor of left ventricular dilatation after AMI. And revascularization appears to be a valuable procedure in alleviating LV dilatation after AMI with or without viable myocardium in a limited number of patients studied retrospectively.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2009

Purpose: Lymphonodular hyperplasia of the colon (LNHC) is a rare finding in children and its significance as a pathologic finding is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of LNHC by analyzing clinical and histopathologic findings in children with LNHC. Methods: We analyzed data from 38 patients who were confirmed to have LNHC by colonoscopy. We checked age, birth history, past history, family history, and clinical symptoms. A hematologic exam, stool exam, and image studies were performed and biopsy specimens were examined by a pathologist. All patients were asked to have short- and long-term follow-up. Results: The mean age of the patients was 12.5${\pm}$14.4 months. All patients presented with complaints of bloody stool. They appeared healthy and the hematologic findings were within a normal range, with the exception of one case. There was no other identified source of bleeding. On histologic exam, 36 patients (94.7%) had lymphoid follicles and 34 patients (84.5%) fulfilled the criteria of allergic colitis. Regardless of diet modification and presence of residual symptom, there was no recurrence of bloody stool through long-term follow-up in all patients. Conclusion: LNHC is more common in infants who are affected by allergic colitis, but it can appear even after infancy. LNHC should be regarded as the etiology when there are any other causes of rectal bleeding, especially in healthy children. We suggest that LNHC has a benign course regardless of diet modification and it might not require excessive concerns.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.26-33
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• 2007

[ $\underline{Purpose}$ ]: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the incidence and aspects of myocardial perfusion defects in patients who were subjected to either two-dimensional or three-dimensional simulation techniques for early left-sided breast cancer. The myocardial perfusion defects were determined from using single photon emitted computerized tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion images. $\underline{Materials\;and\;Methods}$: Between January 2002 and August 2003, 32 patients were enrolled in this study. The patients were diagnosed as having early (AJCC stage T1-T2N0M0) left-sided breast cancer and were treated with tangential irradiation after breast-conserving surgery and systemic chemotherapy. The patients were divided into two groups according to the type of simulation received: two-dimensional simulation using an X-ray fluoroscope simulator or three-dimensional simulation with a CT simulator. All patients underwent technetium-99m-sestamibi gated perfusion SPECT at least 3 years after radiotherapy. The incidence and area of myocardial perfusion defects were evaluated and were compared in the two groups, and at the same time left ventricular ejection fraction and cardiac wall motion were also analyzed. The cardiac volume included in the radiation fields was calculated and evaluated to check for a correlation between the amount of irradiated cardiac volume and aspects of myocardial perfusion defects. $\underline{Results}$: A myocardial perfusion defect was detected in 11 of 32 patients (34.4%). There were 7 (46.7%) perfusion defect cases in 15 patients who underwent the two-dimensional simulation technique and 4 (23.5%) patients with perfusion defects in the three-dimensional simulation group (p=0.0312). In 10 of 11 patients who had myocardial perfusion changes, the perfusion defects were observed in the cardiac apex. The left ventricular ejection fraction was within the normal range and cardiac wall motion was normal in all patients. The irradiated cardiac volume of patients in the three-dimensional simulation group was less than that of patients who received the two-dimensional simulation technique, but there was no statistical significance as compared to the incidence of perfusion defects. $\underline{Conclusion}$: Radiotherapy with a CT simulator (three-dimensional simulation technique) for early left-sided breast cancer may reduce the size of the irradiated cardiac volume and the incidence of myocardial perfusion defects. Further investigation and a longer follow-up duration are needed to analyze the relationship between myocardial perfusion defects and clinical ischemic heart disease.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.482-489
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• 1998

Purpose: Radionuclide cisternography may be helpful in understanding pathophysiology of postural head-ache and low CSF pressure in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension. The purpose of this study was to characterize radionuclide cisternographic findings of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Materials and Methods: The study population consists of 15 patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Diagnosis was based on their clinical symptoms and results of lumbar puncture. All patients underwent radionuclide cisternography following injection of 111 to 222 MBq of Tc-99m DTPA into the lumbar subarachnoid space. Sequential images were obtained between 112 hour and 24 hour after the injection of Tc-99m DTPA. Radioactivity of the bladder, soft tissue uptake, migration of radionuclide in the subarachnoid space, and extradural leakage of radionuclide were evaluated according to the scan time. Results: Radionuclide cisternogram showed delayed migration of radionuclide into the cerebral convexity (14/15), increased soft tissue uptake (11/15), and early visualization of bladder activity at 30min (6/10) and 2hr (13/13). Cisternography also demonstrated leakage site of CSF in 4 cases and 2 of these were depicted at 30min. Epidural blood patch was done in 11 patients and headache was improved in all cases. Conclusion: The characteristic findings of spontaneous intracranial hypotension were delayed migration of radionuclide and early visualization of the soft tissue and bladder activity. These scintigraphic findings suggest that CSF leakage rather than increased CSF absorption or decreased production may be the main pathophysiology of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Early and multiple imaging including the bladder and soft tissue is required to observe the entire dynamics of radionuclide migration.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.167-175
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• 2006

With the recent prevalence of helical CT and multi-slice CT, which deliver higher radiation dose than conventional CT due to overbeaming effect in X-ray exposure and interpolation technique in image reconstruction. Although multi-detector and helical CT scanner provide a variety of opportunities for patient dose reduction, the potential risk for high radiation levels in CT examination can't be overemphasized in spite of acquiring more diagnostic information. So much more concerns is necessary about dose characteristics of CT scanner, especially dose efficient design as well as dose modulation software, because dose efficiency built into the scanner's design is probably the most important aspect of successful low dose clinical performance. This study was conducted to evaluate z-axis geometric dose efficiency in single detector CT and each level multi-detector CT, as well as to compare z-axis dose efficiency with change of technical scan parameters such as focal spot size of tube, beam collimation, detector combination, scan mode, pitch size, slice width and interval. The results obtained were as follows ; 1. SDCT was most highest and 4 MDCT was most lowest in z-axis geometric dose efficiency among SDCT, 4, 8, 16, 64 slice MDCT made by GE manufacture. 2. Small focal spot was 0.67-13.62% higher than large focal spot in z-axis geometric dose efficiency at MDCT. 3. Large beam collimation was 3.13-51.52% higher than small beam collimation in z-axis geometric dose efficiency at MDCT. 4. Z-axis geometric dose efficiency was same at 4 slice MDCT in all condition and 8 slice MDCT of large beam collimation with change of detector combination, but was changed irregularly at 8 slice MDCT of small beam collimation and 16 slice MDCT in all condition with change of detector combination. 5. There was no significant difference for z-axis geometric dose efficiency between conventional scan and helical scan, and with change of pitch factor, as well as change of slice width or interval for image reconstruction. As a conclusion, for reduction of patient radiation dose delivered from CT examination we are particularly concerned with dose efficiency of equipment and have to select proper scanning parameters which increase z-axis geometric dose efficiency within the range of preserving optimum clinical information in MDCT examination.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.115-121
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• 2008

Purpose: Aortic Dissection is very dangerous, prognostic disease, which the bloodstream flow out of the true lumen of the aorta by the bursting of aortic intima resulting in a rapid dissociation of inner and outer layer from the media. It is difficult to diagnose aortic dissection clinically by normal X-ray. This study was to investigate the occurrence frequency by age and number of patients who are identified to be aortic dissection by CT (Computed Tomography) scan. Materials and methods: We investigated the trend of yearly fluctuation, gender, age, and department of clinical research of the 112 patients who conducted CT scan in C- University Hospital for two years from January 2005 to December 2006. The MIP and SSD which reconstructed CT image and the VRT image were obtained for the accurate observation. The result was investigated by comparing normal X-ray and CT scan. Results and Conclusion: 1. The yearly check of 112 patients conducted CT scan showed 37 people (41.9%) in 2005, and it was increased to 65 (58.1%) in 2006 by 1.4 times. 2. The gender distribution of patients given a CT scan showed 45 males (40.1%), and female 67 (59.9 %). The aortic dissection patients were 9 (20%) out of 45 males, 21 (31.3%) out of 67 females and women were 1.6 times more than men. Women are also 1.5 times more than men in the number of examinee. 3. The age distribution of patient's who conducted CT scan revealed that there was no patient under 30 years old while 88.3% of all patients were through 41 to 80 years old. The higher the age was, the higher the occurrence of aortic dissection was. The difference in the occurrence frequency of age was statistically significant (p<0.01). 4. The departments that requested CT scan were the emergency department 46 (41.1%), circulatory internal medicine 37 (33.0%), chest surgery 13 (11.6%), and others 6 (14.3%). The combined ratio of emergency medicine and circulatory internal medicine was 74.1% of all. The results show that the aortic dissection is a very dangerous disease whose patients visit mainly via the emergency room. 5. The aortic dissection patients had normal X-ray readings in 22 (73.3%) out of 30, and only 8 (26.7 percent) are abnormal in the X-ray diagnosis. Therefore, the CT scan needs to be enforced in order to assess accurately the disease of aortic dissection.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.20-27
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• 2020

The study was performed to calculate canopy temperatures and crop water stress index (CWSI) of 2-year-old 'Yumi' peach trees using thermal infrared imaging under different soil water conditions, and to evaluate availability for water stress determination. Canopy temperatures showed similar daily variations to air temperatures and they were higher during the daytime than air temperatures. Canopy temperatures for 24 h were correlated highly to air temperatures (r² =0.95), solar radiations (r² =0.74), and relative humidity (r² =-0.88). In addition, soil water potential showed a highly negative correlation to canopy temperatures (r² =-0.57), temperature differences between leaf and air (TD) (r² =-0.71), and CWSI (r² =-0.72) during the daytime (11 to 16 h). CWSI for 24 h was highly related to canopy temperatures (r² =0.90) and TD (r² =0.92), whereas CWSI was not correlated to soil water potential (r² =-0.27) for 24 h but related highly to water potential (r² =-0.72) during the daytime (11 to 16 h). Correlation coefficients between CWSI (y) and soil water potential (x) were highest from 11 to 12 h and a regression equation was deduced as y = -0.0087x + 0.14. CWSI was calculated as 0.575 at -50 kPa, which soil water stress generally occurs. Thus our result suggests that this regression equation using thermal infrared imaging is useful to evaluate soil water stress of peach trees.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.128-134
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• 2008

Purpose: We prospectively evaluated the clinical usefulness of the patellar inferior pole (PIP) as a landmark of the anteromedial (AM) portal for the arthroscopic surgery of the medial mensiscus posterior horn (MMPH). Materials and Methods: Group 1 (50 normal left knees of adults), Group 2 (10 normal knees under anesthesia), and Group 3 (50 consecutive knees undergoing elective arthroscopic surgery for relatively simple intraarticular pathologies, or diagnostic arthroscopy) were included. In Group 1 and 2, the true lateral (A) and valgus stress lateral radiographs (B) on $30^{\circ}$ flexion were obtained, and the lines (AM portal line) passing through the PIP and distal-most medial femoral condyle (MFC) were drawn under the condition without considering the thickness of articular cartilage of MFC (1, 2-A, B group), and considering it as 2.5mm on B (1, 2-C group). Then, we investigated the meeting point of the AM portal line with medial tibial plateau (C-D percentage), and measured the distance between the PIP and the anterior joint line (E-length), and medial tibial-femoral joint space (F-length). In Group 3, the AM portal was made at the PIP level and clinical usefulness of the approach to the MMPH and body of the lateral meniscus (LM) was analyzed. Results: The average C-D percentage came out as 85.8, 101.3, 69.1% for each Group 1-A, B, C, and 102.4, 144.6, 116.8% for each Group 2-A, B, C. Measured E-length was an average of 15.1 (Group 1-A), 15.5 (Group 1-B, C), 13.1 (Group 2-A), and 12.9 mm (Group 2-B, C) and the change by valgus stress had no statistical significance. The F-length increased about 1.2 (Group 1) and 3.6 mm (Group 2) when valgus stress was applied, which had statistical significance (p<0.001, p<0.001). In Group 3, 49, 48 knees were classified as good for the MMPH, and the body of LM in aspect of the clinical usefulness of AM portal made on the PIP level. Conclusion: We identified the clinical usefulness of the PIP as a skin landmark of AM portal for the arthroscopic surgery of the MMPH.