• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.46-53
• /
• 2010

Purpose: The static image of nuclear medicine study should be acquired without a motion, however, it is difficult to acquire static image without movement for the serious patients, advanced aged patients. These movements cause decreases in reliability for quantitative and qualitative analysis, therefore re-examination was inevitable in the some cases. Consequently, in order to improve the problem of motion artifacts, the authors substituted the dynamic acquisition technique for the static acquisition, using motion correction. Materials and Methods: A capillary tube and IEC body phantom were used. First, the static image was acquired for 60 seconds while the dynamic images were acquired with a protocol, 2 sec/frame${\times}$30 frames, under the same parameter and the frames were summed up into one image afterwards. Also, minimal motion and excessive motion were applied during the another dynamic acquisition and the coordinate correction was applied towards X and Y axis on the frames where the motion artifact occurred. But the severe blurred images were deleted. Finally, the resolution and counts were compared between the static image and the summed dynamic images which before and after applying motion correction, and the signal of frequency was analysed after frequency spatial domain was transformed into 2D FFT. Supplementary examination, the blind test was performed by the nuclear medicine department staff. Results: First, the resolution in the static image and summed dynamic image without motion were 8.32 mm, 8.37 mm on X-axis and 8.30 mm, 8.42 mm on Y-axis, respectively. The counts were 484 kcounts, 485 kcounts each, so there was nearly no difference. Secondly, the resolution in the image with minimal motion applying motion correction was 8.66 mm on X-axis, 8.85 mm on Y-axis and had 469 kcounts while the image without motion correction was 21.81 mm, 24.02 mm and 469 kcounts in order. So, this shows the image with minimal motion applying motion correction has similar resolution with the static image. Lastly, the resolution in the images with excessive motion applying motion correction were 9.09 mm on X-axis, 8.83 mm on Y-axis and had 469 kcounts while the image without motion correction was 47.35 mm, 40.46 mm and 255 kcounts in order. Although there was difference in counts because of deletion of blurred frames, we could get similar resolution. And when the image was transformed into frequency, the high frequency was decreased by the movement. However, the frequency was improved again after motion correction. In the blind test, there was no difference between the image applying motion correction and the static image without motion. Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the static image and the summed dynamic image. This technique can be applied to patients who may have difficulty remaining still during the imaging process, so that the quality of image can be improved as well as the reliance for analysis of quantity. Moreover, the re-examination rate will be considerably decreased. However, there is a limit of motion correction, more time will be required to successfully image the patients applying motion correction. Also, the decrease of total counts due to deletion of the severe blurred images should be calculated and the proper number of frames should be acquired.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.101-104
• /
• 2010

Purpose: Raynaud scan is divided to flow, blood pool and local-delay image. Usually, we evaluate comparison through blood pool and local-delay image. We will evaluate about usability when comparative observe blood image and local-delay image in Raynaud scan that used $^{201}Tl$ as making flow image to one sheet of images. Materials and Methods: We have selected 29 Raynaud phenomenon patients aged 14~68 years who visited department of vascular surgery between Feb. 2008 and Aug. 2009. An intravenous injection $^{201}Tl$ of 111 MBq (3 mCi) to opposite side diagonal line limbs above an internal auditing department. Equipment used Philips gamma camera forte A-Z, and collimator used LEHR. Matrix size set up to each $64{\times}64$, $128{\times}128$, $256{\times}256$ and zoom factor used to full field. Protocol of dynamic is 2 second to 155 frames. Blood pool and delay count to 300 second. We set up ROI by a foundation to data acquired in PEGASYS processing program. Each results were analyzed with the SPSS 12.0 statistical software. Results: Each averages of count ratio (Rt / Lt) to have been given at composite image, a blood pool image, delay images analyzed at Raynaud phenomenon patients is $1.25{\pm}0.39$, $1.20{\pm}0.33$, $1.11{\pm}0.17$. The sample analysis results of blood pool image and delay image contented itself with p<0.029. Also, there don't have been each difference, and blood pool image, delay image regarding composite image was able to know. Conclusion: We were able to give help for comparison to evaluate a blood pool image and a local delay image at the Raynaud scan which used $^{201}Tl$ while making a flow image to one sheet image. Identification to be visual too was possible. If you are proceeded a researcher that there was further depth, you are more appropriate for, and you may get useful information.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
• /
• v.13 no.1
• /
• pp.104-111
• /
• 2009

Purpose: Osteocalcin is also known as the bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) protein (BGP), is noncollagenous bone protein synthesized by osteoblasts. Serum concentrations of Osteocalcin have been used as a biochemical marker of bone turnover. The reference intervals of Osteocalcin is categorized by kit corporation according to the age. However, each laboratory should establish its own reference intervals. In this study, the variation in the serum Osteocalcin level were used to find actual standard age-specific Osteocalcin reference intervals. Materials and Methods: We have selected 864 healthy females aged 20~80 years who visited a health promotion center between Aug. 2007 and Sep. 2008. The Osteocalcin IRMA Kit (OSTEO-RIACT, CIS Bio international, Gif-sur-Yvette, France) was used for the quantification. Each results were analyzed with the SPSS 12.0 statistical software. Results: The analyzed reference intervals of Osteocalcin by using Hoffmann method are from 8.8~39.4 ng/mL to 6.3~28.8 ng/mL for the case of the age from 20 to 30, from 7.7~31.9 ng/mL to 5.9~17.4 ng/mL for the case of the age from 31 to 40, and from 8.0~36.0 ng/mL to 5.5~20.1 ng/mL for the case of the age from 41 to 50, and from 8.0~50.5 ng/mL to 6.7~27.0 ng/mL for the case of the age from 51 to 60, and from 12.9~55.9 ng/mL to 7.5~27.5 ng/mL for the case of the age from 61 to 80. Reference intervals of Osteocalcin were not in agreement with those recommended by the manufacturers. Conclusions: Osteocalcin is used as an indication of metabolic bone diseases. So in our study we wanted to provide reference intervals of Osteocalcin that can be useful to a clinical decisions. Also, previous reference intervals should not be re-used and new intervals should be set by continuous analyzing.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.109-116
• /
• 2017

Upper gastrointestinal series is non-invasive examination, and it is useful for patients or elderly patients who have difficulty in endoscopic examination because of absence of any side effects other than temporary constipation or abdominal pain. The entire image of the gastrointestinal tract can be seen and have been widely used in the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal diseases. However, there is a possibility that radiation dose increases due to improper movement and breath control, when examination is carried out by lack of understanding the overall inspection process for the upper gastrointestinal series. In upper gastrointestinal series to increase understanding of examination, to induce appropriate cooperation during examination, to reduce the number of retakes and shorten examination time, and to reduce dose of the subject, the procedure and precautions of the gastrointestinal test were made as a movie. We investigated the effectiveness of pre-education using the movie to reduce the inspection time, the number of re-shoots, and the reduction of exposure dose by watching the movie during the waiting time before examination. 120 patients that were selected each 20 patients aged from 30s to 80s were evaluated were evaluated for exposure dose, examination time, and the number of retakes before and after the movie training. The radiation dose, the examination time, and the number of retakes were respectively $3171.83{\mu}Gy{\cdot}m^2$ and $2931.73{\mu}Gy{\cdot}m^2$, 8.05 min, and 6.75 min, and 1.68 times and 1.22 times before and after movie training. It can be concluded that the movie training on the gastrointestinal examination influences the reduction of the examination time, the number of retakes and the reduction of the radiation dose.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• v.3 no.1
• /
• pp.68-74
• /
• 2000

Purpose: This study was to investigate the clinical manifestations of FTT in children. Methods: From March 1997 to July 1999, clinical observations were made on patients with FTT who had visited to Samsung Medical Center. Detailed histories and through physical examinations were taken, and when suspected organic FTT, basic laboratory studies were done. Results: Upon the review of medical records, we investigated the clinical manifestations of 74 children, aged 1 month and 13 year 1 month. The causes of FTT were composed of either physiologic (47.8%) or pathologic (52.2%) ones. Among the physiologic FTT, were there familial short stature (FSS, 14.5%), intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR, 14.5%), constitutional growth delay (CGD, 11.6%), idiosyncrasy and prematurity. Among pathologic causes, neurologic disorders (20%) are the most common causes of FTT, and then follow by GI (13.4%), allergic and infectious disorders in decreasing order. The data showed that average caloric intake in patients with FTT was 76,2% of recommended amount. FTT patients with CGD, IUGR, and idiosyncrasy had tendency to take small foods. The FTT children with prematurity, IUGR and pathologic FTT, were short and thin for their ages. However FTT children with CGD and FSS had tendency to be thin with relatively normal heights for their ages, in comparison with those of the children with prematurity, IUGR and pathologic FTT. Conclusion: The diagnosis of FTT was easily obtained with simple and through medical history, physical examination, and minimal laboratory tests. In this study, organic FTT was more prevalent than physiologic one. This results indicate that early intervention is mandatory, because children may develop significant long-term sequelae from nutritional deficiency.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.160-168
• /
• 2008

Purpose: This study was designed to characterize the nutritional status and assess obesity to determine the relationship between obesity and serum lipid profiles in 6~7 year old children. Methods: In 2007, we surveyed 483 children (233 boys and 250 girls) aged 6~7 years. The total cholesterol, triglyceride levels and HDL-cholesterol were measured in the fasting state. Dietary information was obtained by a questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of obesity was 9.9%. There was no significant difference between genders. The mean caloric intake was 1,781 kcal in boys and 1,640 kcal in girls. The prevalence of excessive calories was 33% in boys and 30% in girls. The prevalence of a total cholesterol ${\geq}$200 mg/dL was 8.4%, TG ${\geq}$130 mg/dL was 5.0%, LDL-cholesterol ${\geq}$130 mg/dL was 3.1%, and HDL-cholesterol <35 mg/dL was 4.4%. The prevalence of hypertension was 2.1%. There was no significant difference between genders. The systolic blood pressure, triglyceride levels and LDL-cholesterol were significantly related to an increased obesity index (p<0.05). The mean caloric intake and nutritive component were not related to the obesity index. The obesity group was compared to the control group: for triglycerides ${\geq}$130 mg/dL the odds ratio was 4.08; for LDL-cholesterol ${\geq}$130 mg the odds ratio was 2.85; for a TC/HDL-cholesterol ${\geq}$4.0 the odds ratio was 1.16. The BMI and triglyceride levels in the group with hypertension were higher than control group (p<0.05). There were significant positive correlations between the BMI and blood pressure as well as the LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides (p<0.05). The BMI was not correlated with the mean caloric intake or nutrition. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia in 6~7 year old children was significantly related to an increased obesity index. The management of obesity in 6~7 year old children should include a reduction in the risk for hyperlipidemia and hypertension.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.239-244
• /
• 1998

Purpose : The incidence of hepatitis A virus infection in Korea has decreased recently. However, the prevalence in children and young adults is on an increasing trend in Inchon-Kyunggi prefecture. Economic development that leads to better living conditions and improves hygiene facilities has reduced the rate of HAV infection. This study was designed to evaluate the recent seroprevalence rate of hepatitis A in children and adolescents. Methods : Study population consisted of 612 children and adolescents aged 1 to 17 years in Inchon-Kyunggi prefecture. Serum samples were collected between 1996 and 1997 and tested for anti HAV by Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay(MEIA). Results : According to age, the seropositive rates were 10.5%(male 13%, female 6.7%) in 1 year-old group, 0% in 3, 5, 11 and 13 year-old group, 6%(male 8%, female 4%) in 15 year-old group, and 11%(male 14%, female 8%) in 17 year-old group. Conclusion : This study showed that seropositive rate of HAV infection increased with age. While it revealed extremely low incidence of HAV infection in children less than 13 years old, they are also likely 10 be exposed 10 the infection. Our findings suggest that the effective administration of vaccination is needed in selected and high risk groups.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.186-192
• /
• 2003

Purposes : Recently, acute gastroenteritis broke out among the neonates transferred from postpartum care centers located in Seoul, and Gyeounggi area. Thus, we researched the cause, progress and characters of the disease by analyzing the cases from 9 hospitals in Seoul and Gyeounggi area. Methods : We conducted retrospective study of 33 neonates transferred from postpartum care centers from October 2001 to July 2002 : we divided the neonates into 2 groups. The severe group had any of following 5 conditions : blood pH <7.20, respiratory difficulty, mechanical ventilation, shock, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. And the rest were classified into the moderate group. Results : The severe group was significantly more aged than the moderate group(P= 0.005). Weight loss was significantly severe in the severe group(P=0.0512). In blood gas analysis, bicarbonate was less in the severe group than the moderate group(P=0.032). In the virus examination, rotavirus was detected in 7 cases, and astrovirus was detected in 1 case. In the severe group, 4 neonates were dead. Conclusion : In acute gastroenteritis of neonates, early diagnosis and treatment are important. Thus, the legislation of postpartum care center is needed, and the medical specialists should be stationed in postpartum care center. We assume that the severe group had severe conditions because they were treated comparatively late. However, to find out the cause of the disease and to cope with it, the nationwide epidemiologic study on acute gastrenteritis of neonates is needed.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.15 no.1
• /
• pp.36-44
• /
• 2008

Purpose : Orbital cellulitis is rare, but it could be from the serious complication of sinusitis in children. It is often difficult to distinguish periorbital cellulitis from orbital cellulitis. The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical features of orbital and periorbital cellulitis in a pediatric population and to assess the predisposing factors and their complications. Methods : Forty-one patients aged 18 years and younger who were admitted between January 2000 and December 2006 to Hanil General Hospital and Kyunghee University Hospital with orbital or periorbital cellulitis. The retrospective analyses included clinical characteristics of orbital and periorbital cellulitis, dermographics, past history, predisposing factors, clinical presentations, treatments, and complications. Results : Among 41 patients, 34 patients had periorbital cellulitis, 7 patients had orbital cellulitis. While paranasal sinus disease was the most common predisposing cause in orbital cases, skin lesion, insect bite, dacrocystitis and conjunctivitis were the common causes in periorbital cases. In comparison with periorbital cases, orbital cases had higher level of white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein. Blood cultures were taken in 23 patients, but only one had Staphylococcus aureus from blood. Only one case had surgical incision and drainage and recovered without complications. Conclusion : From the results of our data, when patient shows erythematous swelling of periorbital area with opthalmoplegia, chemosis and proptosis, orbital CT scan is required to make diagnosis of orbital cellulitis. Most cases of orbital cellulitis can be treated successfully without surgical intervention. If there is no clinical improvement, repeated CT scan and/or surgical intervention should be considered.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.194-201
• /
• 2016

Purpose: Monitoring pneumococcal carriage rates is important. We developed and evaluated the accuracy of a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) protocol for the detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Methods: In October 2014, 157 nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from patients aged <18 years admitted to Chung-Ang University Hospital. We developed and evaluated a real-time PCR method for detecting S. pneumoniae by comparing culture findings with the results of the real-time PCR using genomic DNA (gDNA). Of 157 samples, 20 specimens were analyzed in order to compare the results of cultures, real-time PCR, and real-time RT-PCR. Results: The concordance rate between culture findings and the results of real-time PCR was 0.922 (P<0.01, Fisher exact test). The 133 culture-negative samples were confirmed to be negative for S. pneumoniae using real-time PCR. Of the remaining 24 culture-positive samples, 21 were identified as S. pneumonia -positive using real-time PCR. The results of real-time RT-PCR and real-time PCR from 20 specimens were consistent with culture findings for all S. pneumoniae -positive samples except one. Culture and real-time RT-PCR required 26.5 and 4.5 hours to perform, respectively. Conclusions: This study established a real-time RT-PCR method for the detection of pneumococcal carriage in the nasopharynx. Real-time RT-PCR is an accurate, convenient, and time-saving method; therefore, it may be useful for collecting epidemiologic data regarding pneumococcal carriage in children.