• Title/Summary/Keyword: Bilateral

Search Result 3,575, Processing Time 0.041 seconds

Primary Orbital Lymphoma : A Retrospective Analysis of Results of Radiation Therapy (원발성 안와 림프종의 방사선치료 성적에 관한 후향적 분석)

  • Kim Sussan;Ahn Seung Do;Chang Hyesook;Kim Kyoung Ju;Lee Sang-wook;Choi Eun Kyung;Kim Jong Hoon;Huh Jooryung;Suh Cheol Won;Kim Sung Bae
    • Radiation Oncology Journal
    • /
    • v.20 no.2
    • /
    • pp.139-146
    • /
    • 2002
  • Purpose : This study evaluated the treatment outcomes, patterns of failure, and treatment related complications of primary lymphoma patients who received definitive radiation therapy. Materials and Methods : A retrospective analysis was undertaken for 31 patients with primary orbital lymphoma at the Asan Medical Center between February 1991 and April 2001. There were 18 males and 13 females with ages ranging from 3 to 73 years (median, 44 years). The involved sites were 9 conjunctivae, 12 eyelids and 10 other orbits. The histological types were 28 MALT lymphomas (low-grade B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type), 1 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, 1 anaplastic large cell lymphoma and 1 lymphoblastic lymphoma. The Ann Arbor stages were all IE $(100\%)$. Ann Arbor stage III or IV patients were excluded from this study, Bilateral orbital involvement occurred in 6 cases. Radiation therapy was given with one anterior port of high energy electrons $(6\~16\;MeV)$ for the lesions located at the anterior structures like the conjunctivae or eyelids. Lesions with a posterior extension or other orbital lesions were treated with 4 or 6 MeV photons with appropriately arranged portals. In particular, lens blocks composed of lead alloy were used in conjunctival or eyelid lesions. Twelve patients received chemotherapy. The median follow-up period was 53 months. Results : The 5-year overall, cause-specific, and disease-free survival was $91\%,\;96\%,\;and\;80\%$, respectively. The complete response rate 6 months after radiation therapy was $100\%$. Local recurrences were observed in 2 patients at 16 and 18 months after completion of radiation treatment. They were salvaged with additional radiation therapy. Two patients developed distant metastases. A MALT lymphoma patient with a lung relapse was successfully salvaged with radiotherapy, but the other lymphoblastic lymphoma patient with bone marrow relapse expired. There were no severe complications but 5 patients developed radiation-induced cataracts and 2 patients developed dry eye. Conclusion : Most primary orbital lymphomas consisted of MALT lymphomas. Radiation therapy was a successful treatment modality for orbital lymphoma without any severe complications. In cases of local relapses, radiation therapy is also a very successful salvage treatment modality.

Comparison of Tc-99m-Tetrofosmin and Tc-99m-MIBI Scintimammography in Differential Diagnosis of Breast Mass (유방종양의 감별진단에서 Tc-99m-Tetrofosmin과 Tc-99m-MIBI 유방신티그라피의 비교)

  • Park, Jung-Mi;Choi, Joon-Young;Lee, Kyung-Han;Choi, Yong;Choe, Yearn-Seong;Kim, Sang-Eun;Kim, Byung-Tae;Nam, Seok-Jin;Yang, Jeong-Hyun
    • The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
    • /
    • v.34 no.5
    • /
    • pp.393-402
    • /
    • 2000
  • Purpose: Tc-99m-MIBI (MIBI) and Tc-99m-Tetrofosmin (TF) are commonly used for scintimammog (SMM). We compared the diagnostic ability of SMM using Tc-99m-MIBI and Tc-99m-TF for the diagnosis of breast mass. Materials and Methods: The study subjects were comprised of 123 breast lesior 86 normal breasts of 114 patients who underwent SMM. Bilateral prone images and anterior supine images obtained at 5 minutes and 1 or 3 hours after intravenous injection of 740 MBq of either MIBI or TF. of tumors were not significantly different between the MIBI and TF groups. First, two observers read the SMM without clinical information (1st interpretation), then read again with information about location (2nd interpretation). Sensitivity and specificity of each radiopharmaceutical for the diagnosis of cancer were evaluated in terms of image acquisition time, tumor size, and location. Results: The SMM a good agreement between two observers for 1st and 2nd interpretation, except for TF SMM at 3 hr. first interpretation, the sensitivities at 5 min, 1 hr, and 3 hr were not significantly different between MIBI TF SMM (81.6%, 80.0%, 60.9% in MIBI vs. 88.9%, 80.6%, 42.9% in TF), although the sensitivities of images were significantly lower than 5 min images in both MIBI and TF SMM. The specificity of TF at was superior to that of MIBI (81.5%, 90.0%, 82.9% in MIBI vs. 96.7%, 100%, 90.0% in TF, p<0.01 MIBI TF at 5 min). For the second interpretation with information of mass location, the sensitivities at 3 hr were significantly lower than 5 min images (86.8%, 86.7%, 78.3% in MIBI vs. 88.9%, 93.5%, 57.1% between MIBI and TF SMM. However, there was no significant difference in the specificity (60.0%, 75.0% for MIBI vs. 86.7%, 100%, 100% for TF). MIBI and TF SMM showed lower sensitivities for the with less than 1 cm than tumors with more than 1 cm. However, the location of tumors did not sensitivity and specificity between MIBI and TF SMM. Conclusion: The ability for the differential of breast tumor is similar between MIBI and TF SMM, and delayed image is not necessary. TF may be than MIBI considering the specificity of SMM without clinical information and labeling convenience.

  • PDF

Parotid Gland Sparing Radiotherapy Technique Using 3-D Conformal Radiotherapy for Nasopharyngeal CarcinomB (비인강암에서 방사선 구강 건조증 발생 감소를 위한 3차원 입체조형치료)

  • Lim Jihoon;Kim Gwi Eon;Keum Ki Chang;Suh Chang Ok;Lee Sang-wook;Park Hee Chul;Cho Jae Ho;Lee Sang Hoon;Chang Sei Kyung;Loh Juhn Kyu
    • Radiation Oncology Journal
    • /
    • v.18 no.1
    • /
    • pp.1-10
    • /
    • 2000
  • Purpose : Although using the high energy Photon beam with conventional Parallel-opposed beams radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, radiation-induced xerostomia is a troublesome problem for patients. We conducted this study to explore a new parotid gland sparing technique in 3-D conformal radiotherapy (3-D CRT) in an effort to prevent the radiation-induced xerostomia. Materials and Methods : We peformed three different planning for four clinically node-negative nasopharyngeal cancer patients with different location of tumor(intracranial extension, nasal cavity extension, oropharyngeal extension, parapharyngeal extension), and intercompared the plans. Total prescription dose was 70.2 Gy to the isocenter. For plan-A, 2-D parallel opposing fields, a conventional radiotherapy technique, were employed. For plan-B, 2-D parallel opposing fields were used up until 54 Gy and afterwards 3-D non-coplanar beams were used. For plan-C, the new technique, 54 Gy was delivered by 3-D conformal 3-port beams (AP and both lateral ports with wedge compensator; shielding both superficial lobes of parotid glands at the AP beam using BEV) from the beginning of the treatment and early spinal cord block (at 36 Gy) was peformed. And bilateral posterior necks were treated with electron after 36 Gy. After 54 Gy, non-coplanar beams were used for cone-down plan. We intercompared dose statistics (Dmax, Dmin, Dmean, D95, DO5, V95, VOS, Volume receiving 46 Gy) and dose volume histograms (DVH) of tumor and normal tissues and NTCP values of parotid glands for the above three plans. Results : For all patients, the new technique (plan-C) was comparable or superior to the other plans in target volume isodose distribution and dose statistics and it has more homogenous target volume coverage. The new technique was most superior to the other plans in parotid glands sparing (volume receiving 46 Gy: 100, 98, 69$\%$ for each plan-A, B and C). And it showed the lowest NTCP value of parotid glands in all patients (range of NTCP; 96$\~$100$\%$, 79$\~$99$\%$, 51$\~$72$\%$ for each plan-A, B and C). Conclusion : We conclude that the new technique employing 3-D conformal radiotherapy at the beginning of radiotherapy and cone down using non-coplanar beams with early spinal cord block is highly recommended to spare parotid glands for node-negative nasopharygeal cancer patients.

  • PDF

A Study on BRCA1/2 Mutations, Hormone Status and HER-2 Status in Korean Women with Early-onset Breast Cancer (젊은 한국인 유방암 환자에서 BRCA1/2 돌연변이와 호르몬 수용체, HER-2 상태에 관한 연구)

  • Choi, Doo-Ho;Jin, So-Young;Lee, Dong-Wha;Kim, Eun-Seog;Kim, Yong-Ho
    • Radiation Oncology Journal
    • /
    • v.26 no.1
    • /
    • pp.65-73
    • /
    • 2008
  • Purpose: Women with breast cancer diagnosed at an age of 40 years or younger have a greater prevalence of germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations than the prevalence of women with breast cancer diagnosed at older ages. Several immunohistochemical characteristics have been identified in breast cancers from studies of Caucasian women with BRCA1/2 mutations having familial or early-onset breast cancers. The aim of this study is to determine whether early-onset breast cancer in BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers, who were not selected from a family history, could be distinguished by the use of immunohistochemical methods and could be distinguished from breast cancer in women of a similar age without a germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. We also analyzed the prognostic difference between BRCA1/2 related and BRCA1/2 non-related patients by the use of univariate and multivariate analysis. Materials and Methods: Breast cancer tissue specimens from Korean women with early-onset breast cancers were studied using a tumor tissue microarray. Immunohistochemical staining of estrogen receptor(ER), progesterone receptor(PR) and HER-2, as well as the histology and grade of these specimens, were compared. The prognostic impact of immunohistochemical and histological factors as well as the BRCA1/2 mutation status was investigated separately. Results: There were 14 cases and 16 deleterious BRCA1/2 mutations among 101 patients tested. A family history(4/14) and bilateral breast cancers(3/9) were high risk factors for BRCA1/2 mutations. BRCA1/2-associated cancers demonstrated more expression of ER-negative(19.4% versus 5.1%, p=0.038) and HER-2 negative than BRCA1/2 negative tumors, especially for tumors with BRCA1 tumors The BRCA1/2 mutation rate for patients with triple negative tumors(negative expression of ER, PR and HER-2) was 24.2%. Tumor size, nodal status, and HER-2 expression status were significantly associated with disease free survival, as determined by univariate and multivariate analysis, but the BRCA1/2 status was not a prognostic factor. Conclusion: Breast cancer that occurs in women with a germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations have recognizable immunohistochemical features, which may be useful in identifying individuals that are more likely to carry germline mutations. Although the BRCA1/2 mutation status was not a prognostic factor in Korean women with early-onset breast cancer, more cases with a longer follow-up period are needed for further study.

Clinical Outcomes of Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (심폐바이패스 없는 관상동맥우회술의 임상성적)

  • Shin, Je-Kyoun;Kim, Jeong-Won;Jung, Jong-Pil;Park, Chang-Ryul;Park, Soon-Eun
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
    • /
    • v.41 no.1
    • /
    • pp.34-40
    • /
    • 2008
  • Background: Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) shows fewer side effects than cardiopulmonary by. pass, and other benefits include myocardial protection, pulmonary and renal protection, coagulation, inflammation, and cognitive function. We analyzed the clinical results of our cases of OPCAB. Material and Method: From May 1999 to August 2007, OPCAB was performed in 100 patients out of a total of 310 coronary artery bypass surgeries. There were 63 males and 37 females, from 29 to 82 years old, with a mean age of $62{\pm}10$ years. The preoperative diagnoses were unstable angina in 77 cases, stable angina in 16, and acute myocardial infarction in 7. The associated diseases were hypertension in 48 cases, diabetes in 42, chronic renal failure in 10, carotid artery disease in 6, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 5. The preoperative cardiac ejection fraction ranged from 26% to 74% (mean $56.7{\pm}11.6%$). Preoperative angiograms showed three-vessel disease in 47 cases, two-vessel disease in 25, one-vessel disease in 24, and left main disease in 23. The internal thoracic artery was harvested by the pedicled technique through a median sternotomy in 97 cases. The radial artery and greater saphenous vein were harvested in 70 and 45 cases, respectively (endoscopic harvest in 53 and 41 cases, respectively). Result: The mean number of grafts was $2.7{\pm}1.2$ per patient, with grafts sourced from the unilateral internal thoracic artery in 95 (95%) cases, the radial artery in 62, the greater saphenous vein in 39, and the bilateral internal thoracic artery in 2. Sequential anastomoses were performed in 46 cases. The anastomosed vessels were the left anterior descending artery in 97 cases, the obtuse marginal branch in 63, the diagonal branch in 53, the right coronary artery in 30, the intermediate branch in 11, the posterior descending artery in 9 and the posterior lateral branch in 3. The conversion to cardiopulmonary bypass occurred in 4 cases. Graft patency was checked before discharge by coronary angiography or multi-slice coronary CT angiography in 72 cases, with a patency rate of 92.9% (184/198). There was one case of mortality due to sepsis. Postoperative arrhythmias or myocardial in-farctions were not observed. Postoperative complications were a cerebral stroke in 1 case and wound infection in 1. The mean time of respirator care was $20{\pm}35$ hours and the mean duration of stay in the intensive care unit was $68{\pm}47$ hours. The mean amounts of blood transfusion were $4.0{\pm}2.6$ packs/patient. Conclusion: We found good clinical outcomes after OPCAB, and suggest that OPCAB could be used to expand the use of coronary artery bypass grafting.

Clinical Characteristics of the Patients with Mycobacterium avium Complex Pulmonary Disease (Mycobacterium avium complex 폐질환 환자의 임상적 특징)

  • Koh, Won-Jung;Kwon, O Jung;Kang, Eun Hae;Jeon, Ik Soo;Pyun, Yu Jang;Ham, Hyoung Suk;Suh, Gee Young;Chung, Man Pyo;Kim, Hojoong;Han, Daehee;Kim, Tae Sung;Lee, Kyung Soo
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
    • /
    • v.54 no.1
    • /
    • pp.33-44
    • /
    • 2003
  • Background : Mycobacterium avium complex(MAC) is the most common respiratory pathogen in nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease. This study described the clinical characteristics of the patients with pulmonary disease caused by MAC. Materials and Methods : The clinical characteristics of 24 patients with pulmonary disease caused by the MAC, who fulfilled the 1997 American Thoracic Society diagnostic criteria for nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease, were retrospectively analyzed. Results : Fourteen patients(58%) were male and the median age at diagnosis was 61 years(range 46-75). Of the 24 patients, 16(67%) had a M. intracellulare infection, 7(29%) had a M. avium infection and one patient was not identified. Coughing (92%) and sputum (88%) were most frequently observed symptoms. The sputum smear for acid-fast bacilli was positive in 17(71%) patients. Fourteen(58%) patients had the upper lobe cavitary form and 10(42%) patients had the nodular bronchiectatic form. In a comparison between the patients with the upper lobe cavitary form and those with the nodular bronchiectatic form, significant differences were found according to sex(male 86% vs. 20%, p=0.003), smoking history(79% vs. 10%, p=0.008), the presence of an underlying disease(64% vs. 20%, p=0.036), the pulmonary function(% forced vital capacity, median 71% vs. 88%, p=0.022; % forced expiratory volume in one second, median 69% vs. 89%, p=0.051) and bilateral disease at chest radiography(29% vs. 90%, p=0.005). The time from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis was longer in those with the nodular bronchiectatic form(median 72 months, range 8-132) than those with the upper lobe cavitary form(median 22 months, range 6-60) Conclusions : MAC pulmonary disease occurs in two distinct populations with two distinct clinical presentations. For a correct diagnosis of MAC pulmonary disease, knowledge of the diverse clinical and radiological findings is essential.

Clinical Study of Pulmonary Tuberculosis for Admitted Patients at National Masan Tuberculosis Hospital (국립마산결핵병원에 입원한 환자에 대한 폐결핵의 임상적 동태에 관한 연구)

  • Park, Seung-Kyu;Choi, In-Hwan;Kim, Chul-Min;Kim, Cheon-Tae;Song, Sun-Dae
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
    • /
    • v.44 no.2
    • /
    • pp.241-250
    • /
    • 1997
  • Objective : Although the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis has decreased progressively after the national control program for tuberculosis began, nowadays the number of MDRTB is increasing seriously. MDRTB tends to be poor responsive to current antituberculosis regimens. It is mainly due to poor compliance, high rate of side reaction of secondary drugs, and limitation in number of available drugs. The purpose of present study is to evaluate the clinical features of pulmonary tuberculosis patients admitted in one national tuberculosis hospital and to expose the problems pertaining to current remedies, to increase the treatment efficacy for pulmonary tuberculosis including MDRTB in the end. Method : Retrospective analysis of 336 pulmonary tuberculosis patients admitted in National Masan Tuberculosis Hospital was done. Contents of analysis were patients profile, the first diagnosed time and medical institutes, family history, residence, previous treatment history, chief complaints at the time of admission, lesion site on chest X -ray film, combined deseases, side reaction to antibuberculosis drugs, used drugs before admission and the results of drug sensitivity test. Results : The ratio between male and female was 4 : 1. Age showed relatively even distribution from 3rd to 6 th decades. 64.6% of the patients was diagnosed at public health center. Weight loss was the most common complaint at admission. Bilateral lesions on chest X-ray films were 59.8%. 130patients had combined desease, of which DM was the most common(37.7%). 95patients had family history, of which parents were the most common(41.7%). According to the time of first diagnosis, 31 patients were diagnosed before 1980, and after then the number of patients was increased by degrees. Residence overwhelmed in pusan and gyung-nam province. 258 patients got previous treatment history, of which 112 patients(43.4%) had more than 3 times and only 133 patients(51.6%)got regular medication. 97 patients used more than other 3 drugs in addition to INH, EMB, RFP and PZA before admission. 154 patients were informed with the results of drug sensitivity test. of which 77 patients had resistance to more than 5 drugs. Gastrointestinal problem was the most common in side reaction to drugs. Conclusion : In the case of weight loss of unknown cause, tuberculosis should be suspected. In first treatment, sufficient and satisfactory explanation for tuberculosis is necessary and treatment period should not be stict to 6 month-short term therapy. In retreatment, new drugs should not be added to used drugs even though drug sensitivity results show sensitivity to some of them. Proper time for surgical intervention should not be delayed.

  • PDF

Acute and Chronic Eosinophilic Pneumonia; Clinical and Laboratory Findings (급성 및 만성 호산구성 폐렴의 임상적 고찰)

  • Hyun, D.S.;Yeo, D.S.;Kim, J.W.;Lee, S.H.;Lee, S.Y.;Kim, S.C.;Seo, J.Y.;Song, S.H.;Kim, C.H.;Moon, H.S.;Song, J.S.;Park, S.H.
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
    • /
    • v.45 no.4
    • /
    • pp.795-804
    • /
    • 1998
  • Background: Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia(CEP) is interstitial lung disease characterized by multiple infiltration on radiographic study, accumulation of eosinophils in the alveolar space and interstitium of the lung, chronic persistent symptoms and possible relapse. Acute eosinophilic pneumonia(AEP) is a recently described illness, characterized by rapid clinical course, acute respiratory insufficiency and no relapse. Method : To better characterize acute and chronic eosinophilic pneumonia, we studied the clinical and laboratory features of 16 patients(AEP : 7 patients, CEP : 9 patients), which were clinico-pathohistologically diagnosed and not to be associated with organic disorders producing peripheral blood eosinophilia. Results: The mean age was higher for patients with CEP than for patients with AEP ($55.4{\pm}15.1$ vs. $24.6{\pm}7.9$ years, p<0.05). High fever(above $38^{\circ}C$) was presented in all patients of AEP and in one patient(11%) of CEP. All patients of AEP and eight patients (89%) of CEP showed bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, and 6 patients(86%) of AEP and 2 patients(22%) of CEP showed pleural effusion in chest radiograph. The mean white blood cell count of AEP and CEP were $17,186/mm^3$ and $12,867/mm^3$, respectively. The mean peripheral blood eosinophil count of AEP and CEP were $939/mm^3$ and $2,104/mm^3$, respectively. The mean eosinophil fraction of BAL fluid of AEP and CEP were 32.4% (range: 18~47%) and 35.8% (range: 15.3~88.2%), respectively. The mean $PaO_2$ was lower for patients with AEP than for patients with CEP ($44.1{\pm}15.5$ vs. $62.7{\pm}6.9$mmHg, p<0.05). All patients of AEP and CEP were initially treated with antibiotics. All patients of CEP and one patients of AEP were finally required systemic steroid therapy. 6 patients of AEP were improved without steroid therapy. Relapse was observed in 3 patients(33%) of CEP. Conclusion : Compair with of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia, acute eosinophilic pneumonia was characterized by relatively young age, acute onset, high fever, severe hypoxemia, diffuse pulmonary infiltrates with pleural effusion, steroid therapy is effective but spontaneous improvement with conservative therapy was frequent.

  • PDF

TEMPOROSPATIAL PATTERNS OF PROGRAMMED CELL DEATH DURING EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF THE MOUSE EMBRYOS (생쥐 배자발생초기의 세포자기사 발현 양상에 관한 연구)

  • Baik, Byeong-Ju;Lee, Seung-Ik;Kim, Jae-Gon;Park, Byung-Yong;Park, Byung-Keon
    • Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
    • /
    • v.28 no.4
    • /
    • pp.709-727
    • /
    • 2001
  • The pattern of programmed cell death(PCD) has been examined during the early developmental period of development in mouse embryos, from embryonic day 4.5(E4.5) to E11.5 Embryos from Balb/c breedings were harvested at various embryonic stages between E4.5 and El1.5. Cell death was analysed by in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL) staining in tissue sections and whole embryos. At the blastocyst stage(E4.5), a very few apoptotic cells were found in the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. In the early egg cylinder stage(35.0-5.5), a few apoptotic cells were detected in the embryonic ectoderm, the embryonic endoerm and the proamniotic cavity. In the advanced egg cylinder stage(E5.5-6.5), TUNEL-posifive cells were observed in the extra-embryonic ectoderm and extra-embryonic endoderm as well as in the embryonic ectoderm, embryonic visceral endoderm and proamniotic cavity. In the streak stage(E6.75-7.75), many TUNEL-positive cells were found in the ectoplacental cone. In contrast, only very few apoptotic cells were found in the chorion and extra-embryonic endoderm in extra-embryonic regions. In intra-embryonic region, a few apoptotic cells were randomly found in the embryonic ectoderm, mesoderm and visceral endoderm. At the early somitogenesis stage(E8.0-8.5), most apoptotic cells were observed in the most cranial portion of neural fold (neural ectoderm and adjacent ectoderm). At the mid somitogenesis stage(39.0-9.5), the otic placode first showed TUNEL-positive at this stage. Small number of TUNEL-positive cells were also first seen around optic placode and branchial arches. Three streams of TUNEL-positive cells were clearly seen in the cranial region at 59.5-9.75. At E10.5, apoptotic cells were localized in the developing eye, the junctional portion of medial nasal, lateral nasal and maxillary processes, the lateral portion of branchial arches, the junction of bilateral mandibular processes, and apical ectodermal ridges of limb buds. At E11.5, apoptotic cells were noticeably decreased in most area, except the developing limbs and several somites in the tail region. In this study, the global temporospatial pattern of PCD throughout early development of mouse embryos was discussed. It may provide the basis for further studies on its role in the morphogenesis of the embryo.

  • PDF

APPLICATION OF FUZZY SET THEORY IN SAFEGUARDS

  • Fattah, A.;Nishiwaki, Y.
    • Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Intelligent Systems Conference
    • /
    • 1993.06a
    • /
    • pp.1051-1054
    • /
    • 1993
  • The International Atomic Energy Agency's Statute in Article III.A.5 allows it“to establish and administer safeguards designed to ensure that special fissionable and other materials, services, equipment, facilities and information made available by the Agency or at its request or under its supervision or control are not used in such a way as to further any military purpose; and to apply safeguards, at the request of the parties, to any bilateral or multilateral arrangement, or at the request of a State, to any of that State's activities in the field of atomic energy”. Safeguards are essentially a technical means of verifying the fulfilment of political obligations undertaken by States and given a legal force in international agreements relating to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The main political objectives are: to assure the international community that States are complying with their non-proliferation and other peaceful undertakings; and to deter (a) the diversion of afeguarded nuclear materials to the production of nuclear explosives or for military purposes and (b) the misuse of safeguarded facilities with the aim of producing unsafeguarded nuclear material. It is clear that no international safeguards system can physically prevent diversion. The IAEA safeguards system is basically a verification measure designed to provide assurance in those cases in which diversion has not occurred. Verification is accomplished by two basic means: material accountancy and containment and surveillance measures. Nuclear material accountancy is the fundamental IAEA safeguards mechanism, while containment and surveillance serve as important complementary measures. Material accountancy refers to a collection of measurements and other determinations which enable the State and the Agency to maintain a current picture of the location and movement of nuclear material into and out of material balance areas, i. e. areas where all material entering or leaving is measurab e. A containment measure is one that is designed by taking advantage of structural characteristics, such as containers, tanks or pipes, etc. To establish the physical integrity of an area or item by preventing the undetected movement of nuclear material or equipment. Such measures involve the application of tamper-indicating or surveillance devices. Surveillance refers to both human and instrumental observation aimed at indicating the movement of nuclear material. The verification process consists of three over-lapping elements: (a) Provision by the State of information such as - design information describing nuclear installations; - accounting reports listing nuclear material inventories, receipts and shipments; - documents amplifying and clarifying reports, as applicable; - notification of international transfers of nuclear material. (b) Collection by the IAEA of information through inspection activities such as - verification of design information - examination of records and repo ts - measurement of nuclear material - examination of containment and surveillance measures - follow-up activities in case of unusual findings. (c) Evaluation of the information provided by the State and of that collected by inspectors to determine the completeness, accuracy and validity of the information provided by the State and to resolve any anomalies and discrepancies. To design an effective verification system, one must identify possible ways and means by which nuclear material could be diverted from peaceful uses, including means to conceal such diversions. These theoretical ways and means, which have become known as diversion strategies, are used as one of the basic inputs for the development of safeguards procedures, equipment and instrumentation. For analysis of implementation strategy purposes, it is assumed that non-compliance cannot be excluded a priori and that consequently there is a low but non-zero probability that a diversion could be attempted in all safeguards ituations. An important element of diversion strategies is the identification of various possible diversion paths; the amount, type and location of nuclear material involved, the physical route and conversion of the material that may take place, rate of removal and concealment methods, as appropriate. With regard to the physical route and conversion of nuclear material the following main categories may be considered: - unreported removal of nuclear material from an installation or during transit - unreported introduction of nuclear material into an installation - unreported transfer of nuclear material from one material balance area to another - unreported production of nuclear material, e. g. enrichment of uranium or production of plutonium - undeclared uses of the material within the installation. With respect to the amount of nuclear material that might be diverted in a given time (the diversion rate), the continuum between the following two limiting cases is cons dered: - one significant quantity or more in a short time, often known as abrupt diversion; and - one significant quantity or more per year, for example, by accumulation of smaller amounts each time to add up to a significant quantity over a period of one year, often called protracted diversion. Concealment methods may include: - restriction of access of inspectors - falsification of records, reports and other material balance areas - replacement of nuclear material, e. g. use of dummy objects - falsification of measurements or of their evaluation - interference with IAEA installed equipment.As a result of diversion and its concealment or other actions, anomalies will occur. All reasonable diversion routes, scenarios/strategies and concealment methods have to be taken into account in designing safeguards implementation strategies so as to provide sufficient opportunities for the IAEA to observe such anomalies. The safeguards approach for each facility will make a different use of these procedures, equipment and instrumentation according to the various diversion strategies which could be applicable to that facility and according to the detection and inspection goals which are applied. Postulated pathways sets of scenarios comprise those elements of diversion strategies which might be carried out at a facility or across a State's fuel cycle with declared or undeclared activities. All such factors, however, contain a degree of fuzziness that need a human judgment to make the ultimate conclusion that all material is being used for peaceful purposes. Safeguards has been traditionally based on verification of declared material and facilities using material accountancy as a fundamental measure. The strength of material accountancy is based on the fact that it allows to detect any diversion independent of the diversion route taken. Material accountancy detects a diversion after it actually happened and thus is powerless to physically prevent it and can only deter by the risk of early detection any contemplation by State authorities to carry out a diversion. Recently the IAEA has been faced with new challenges. To deal with these, various measures are being reconsidered to strengthen the safeguards system such as enhanced assessment of the completeness of the State's initial declaration of nuclear material and installations under its jurisdiction enhanced monitoring and analysis of open information and analysis of open information that may indicate inconsistencies with the State's safeguards obligations. Precise information vital for such enhanced assessments and analyses is normally not available or, if available, difficult and expensive collection of information would be necessary. Above all, realistic appraisal of truth needs sound human judgment.

  • PDF