• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.14-18
• /
• 2010

Objectives : We evaluated the use of FDG PET/CT for the identification of cervical nodal metastases of SCC of the oral cavity and oropharynx with histological correlation. Material and Methods : We reviewed 46 medical records, from January 2004 to July 2007, of patients who underwent FDG PET/CT and CT/MRI for SCC of the oral cavity and oropharynx before surgery. We recorded the lymph node metastases according to the neck level affected and the system used for the imaging-based nodal classification. Results : The FDG PET/CT had a sensitivity of 75.6% and a specificity of 96.7% ; it had a higher sensitivity than the CT/MRI for identification of cervical metastases on the side of the neck(26/28 vs. 20/28, p=0.031) and at each of the cervical levels(34/45 vs. 26/45, p=0.008). There was a significant difference in the $SUV_{max}$ between the benign and malignant cervical lymph nodes($3.31{\pm}3.23$ vs. $4.22{\pm}2.57$, p=0.028). The receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for differentiating the benign from the malignant cervical lymph nodes, showed that the area under the curve(AUC) of the FDG PET/CT was 0.775. The cut-off value for the $SUV_{max}$ was 2.23 based on the ROC curve. There was a significant correlation between the $SUV_{max}$ and the size of the cervical lymph nodes(Spearman r=0.353, p=0.048). Conclusion : FDG PET/CT images were more accurate than the CT/MRI images. In addition, the $SUV_{max}$ cut-off values were important for evaluating cervical the cervical nodes in the patients with SCC of the oral cavity and oropharynx.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
• /
• v.13 no.6
• /
• pp.331-338
• /
• 2013

CT for follow-up visits because of liver disease, body mass index (BMI) and kVp according to the change of the image quality and radiation dose to evaluate for changes. March 2010 to June 2011 at Pusan P University Hospital, abdominal CT scans a patient BMI (Body Mass Index. Less BMI) index was less than 25 in the treatment of subjects had a 48-person Noise and SNR at 100kVp abdominal image is lager than the 120kVp image. CTDI volume value at by the analysis of the radiation dose is 4.47mGy(100kVp) and 9.01mGy(120kVp). So CTDIvol in 100kVp is smaller than CTDIvol in 120kVp(decrease by 44.1%). And, effective dose is 7.1mSv(100kVp) and 12.51mSv(120kVp). So effective dose in 100kVp is smaller than effective dose in 120kVp(decrease by 43%). Evaluation of image quality is that Unacceptable 0 person, Suboptimal 0 person, Adequate 0 person, Good 1 person, Excellent 47 person. In case of repeatly patient, we examinate abdomianl CT scan by using low kVp and body mass index less than 25. We can has good quality image and benefit of low radiation dose.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.38-42
• /
• 2010

Purpose: The clinical utility of brain computed tomography (CT) in detecting temporal bone fracture is not well established. We performed this study to determine the utility of brain computed tomography (CT) in detecting fractures of the temporal bones in correlation with fracture patterns. We used high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) as the gold standard for diagnosing temporal bone fracture and its pattern. Methods: From January 2007 to December 2009, patients who underwent both brain CT and HRCT within 10 days of head trauma were investigated. Among them, 58 cases of temporal bone fracture confirmed by HRCT were finally included. Fracture patterns (transverse or non-transverse, otic capsule sparing or otic capsule violating) were determined by HRCT. Brain CT findings in correlation with fracture patterns were analyzed. Results: Among 58 confirmed cases of temporal bone fracture by HRCT, 14 cases (24.1%) were not detected by brain CT. Brain CT showed a significantly lower ability to detect temporal bone fracture with transverse component than without transverse component (p=0.020). Moreover, brain CT showed lower ability to detect otic capsule violating pattern than otic capsule sparing pattern (p=0.015). Among the 14 cases of temporal bone fracture that were not detected by brain CT, 4 cases lacked any objective physical findings (facial palsy, hemotympanum, external auditory canal bleeding) suggesting fractures of the temporal bones. Conclusion: Brain CT showed poor ability to detect temporal bone fracture with transverse component and otic capsule violating pattern, which is associated with a poorer clinical outcome than otic capsule sparing pattern. Routine use of HRCT to identify temporal bone fracture is warranted, even in cases without evidence of temporal bone fracture on brain CT scans or any objective physical findings suggestive of temporal bone fracture.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.55-59
• /
• 2010

Purpose: Renal excretion is the main route of FDG clearance in FDG PET/CT scan. Applying optimal method of renal excretion is very important for enhancing image quality and diagnostic accuracy. We evaluated several methods of renal excretion in FDG PET/CT scan. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with normal renal function were prospectively included. Patients were divided into three group and undergone early and delayed FDG PET/CT scans. (1) Delay group; at 1 hour later of early scan, delayed scan was performed without additional hydration, (2) Hydration group; at 1 hour later of early scan, delayed scan was performed with additional oral hydration (700 mL of water), (3) Lasix group; lasix was administered at the end of early scan and dealyed scan was performed 30 min later. Early and delayed scans were compared to evaluate efficiency of renal excretion. Visual and quantitative analyses were performed by experienced physician and technologist of nuclear medicine. Results: On the visual analysis, renal excretion was the most evident in Lasix group followed by Hydration group. Delay group showed poor renal excretion. On the quantitative analysis, washout rates were $9.2{\pm}20.7%$, $28.1{\pm}22.8%$ and $29.5{\pm}23.1%$ for Delay, Hydration and Lasix groups, respectively. Conclusion: Administration of lasix was the best method for enhancing renal excretion. Delayed scan with hydration was also efficient method, but delayed scan without hydration was not adequate method.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.65 no.6
• /
• pp.457-463
• /
• 2008

Background: The attenuation of the lung parenchyma increases on expiration as a consequence of decreased air in the lung. Expiratory CT scans have been used to show air trapping in patients with chronic airway disease and diffuse parenchymal disease and also in asymptomatic smokers. Although there have been several reports investigating the regional air trapping on a expiratory CT scan, there have been only a few reports evaluating the changes of whole lung attenuation with considering its clinical significance, and especially in healthy subjects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation of an expiratory increase of lung attenuation with age and smoking in healthy subjects. Methods: Asymptomatic subjects who underwent a low dose chest CT scan as part of a routine check-up and who showed normal spirometry and a normal inspiratory CT scan were recruited for this study. We excluded the subjects with significant regional air trapping seen on their expiratory CT scan. Lung attenuation was measured at 24 points of both the inspiratory and expiratory CT scans, respectively, for 100 subjects. The correlations between an expiratory increase of the lung attenuation and the amount of smoking, the patient's age and the results of spirometric test were assessed. Results: There were 87 men and 13 women included in this study. Their median age was 49.0 years old (range:25~71). Sixty current smokers, 24 ex-smokers and 16 non-smokers were included. As age increased, the expiratory increase of lung attenuation was reduced at every measuring points (r=-0.297~-0.487, Pearson correlation). The statistical significance was maintained after controlling for the effect of smoking. Smoking was associated with a reduction of the expiratory increase of lung attenuation. But the significance was reduced after controlling for the patient's age. The $FEV_1$, FVC, $FEV_1/FVC$ and $FEF_{25{\sim}75%}$ were not associated with an expiratory increase of lung attenuation. Conclusion: The expiratory increase of lung attenuation in subjects with a normal inspiratory CT scan was negatively correlated with age. It was also reduced in heavy smokers. It may reflect aging and the smoking related changes.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
• /
• v.44 no.3
• /
• pp.207-212
• /
• 2014

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the deviation of landmarks from horizontal or midsagittal reference planes according to the methods of establishing reference planes. Materials and Methods: Computed tomography (CT) scans of 18 patients who received orthodontic and orthognathic surgical treatment were reviewed. Each CT scan was reconstructed by three methods for establishing three orthogonal reference planes (namely, the horizontal, midsagittal, and coronal reference planes). The horizontal (bilateral porions and bilateral orbitales) and midsagittal (crista galli, nasion, prechiasmatic point, opisthion, and anterior nasal spine) landmarks were identified on each CT scan. Vertical deviation of the horizontal landmarks and horizontal deviation of the midsagittal landmarks were measured. Results: The porion and orbitale, which were not involved in establishing the horizontal reference plane, were found to deviate vertically from the horizontal reference plane in the three methods. The midsagittal landmarks, which were not used for the midsagittal reference plane, deviated horizontally from the midsagittal reference plane in the three methods. Conclusion: In a three-dimensional facial analysis, the vertical and horizontal deviations of the landmarks from the horizontal and midsagittal reference planes could vary depending on the methods of establishing reference planes.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
• /
• v.46 no.6
• /
• pp.549-555
• /
• 2013

Human influence on soil formation has dramatically increased as the development of human civilization and industry. Increase of anthropogenic soils induced research of those soils; classification, chemical and physical characteristics and plant growth of anthropogenic soils. However there have been no reports on soil pore properties from the anthropogenic soils so far. Therefore the objectives of this study were to test computer tomography (CT) to characterize physical properties of an anthropogenic paddy field soil and to find differences between natural and anthropogenic paddy field soils. Soil samples of a natural paddy field were taken from Ansung, Gyeonggi-do (Ansung site), and samples of an anthropogenic paddy field were from Gumi in Gyeongsangnam-do (Gasan) where paddy fields were remodeled in 2011-2012. Samples were taken at three different depths and analyzed for routine physical properties and CT scans. CT scan provided 3 dimensional images to calculate pore size, length and tortuosity of soil pores. Fractal analysis was applied to quantify pore structure within soil images. The results of measured physical properties (bulk density, porosity) did not show differences across depths and sites, but hardness and water content had differences. These differences repeated within the results of pore morphology. Top soil samples from both sites had greater pore numbers and sizes than others. Fractal analyses showed that top soils had more heterogeneous pore structures than others. The bottom layer of the Gasan site showed more degradation of pore properties than ploughpan and bottom layers from the Ansung site. These results concluded that anthropogenic soils may have more degraded pore properties as depth increases. The remodeled paddy fields may need more fundamental remediation to improve physical conditions. This study suggests that pore analyses using CT can provide important information of physical conditions from anthropogenic soils.

• Korean Journal of Computational Design and Engineering
• /
• v.15 no.4
• /
• pp.297-305
• /
• 2010

Medical image acquisition techniques such as CT and MRI have disadvantages in that the numerous time and efforts are needed. Furthermore, a great amount of radiation exposure is an inherent proberty of the CT imaging technique, a number of side-effects are expected from such method. To improve such conventional methods, a number of novel methods that can obtain 3D medical images from a few X-ray images, such as algebraic reconstruction technique (ART), have been developed. Such methods deform a generic model of the internal body part and fit them into the X-ray images to obtain the 3D model; the initial shape, therefore, affects the entire fitting process in a great deal. From this fact, we propose a novel method that can generate a 3D vertebraic generic model based on the statistical database of CT scans in this study. Moreover, we also discuss a method to generate patient-tailored generic model using the facts obtained from the statistical analysis. To do so, the mesh topologies of CT-scanned 3D vertebra models are modified to be identical to each other, and the database is constructed based on them. Furthermore, from the results of a statistical analysis on the database, the tendency of shape distribution is characterized, and the modeling parameters are extracted. By using these modeling parameters for generating the patient-tailored generic model, the computational speed and accuracy of ART can greatly be improved. Furthermore, although this study only includes an application to the C1 (Atlas) vertebra, the entire framework of our method can be applied to other body parts generally. Therefore, it is expected that the proposed method can benefit the various medical imaging applications.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
• /
• v.33 no.3
• /
• pp.187-193
• /
• 2003

Purpose: To compare the measurements of the mandible and the detectability of the mandibular canal on reformatted images using a newly developed 3-dimensional implant simulation program with traditionally used CT multiplanar reconstruction program and true measurements. Materials and Methods: Ten dry dog mandibles were used in this study. Occlusal templates for CT examination were fabricated and marked with gutta perch a at ten sites. Axial CT scans were taken and reconstructed using DentaScan (D group) and Vimplant program (V group), and each mandible was sectioned at the previously marked sites (R group). Maximum vertical height (H) and maximum width (W) of the mandible, the distances from buccal border of the mandibular canal to the most buccal aspect of the mandible (X), and the distance from the superior border of the mandibular canal to the alveolar crest (Y) were measured, and the mandibular measurements in each group were compared. Detectability of mandibular canal was evaluated using a 3-point scale in both V and D groups by three oral radiologists and compared. Results: H in the V group was slightly greater than that in the D group, and Wand X in the V group was slightly less than those in the D group. H in the V group was less than that in the R group, and Wand X in the V group was larger than those in the R group. The detectability of the mandibular canal did not show statistically significant differences between V and D groups. Conclusion: The results of the experiment show that the newly developed, inexpensive Vimplant/TM/ simulation program can be used as an alternative to the traditionally used, and more expensive CT multiplanar reconstruction program.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.36 no.2
• /
• pp.100-107
• /
• 2010

Introduction: A cyst is a closed pathologic sac containing fluid or semi-solid material in central region. The most common conventional treatment for a cyst is enucleation. It was reported that spontaneous bone healing could be accomplished without bone grafting. We are trying to evaluate bone reconstruction ability by analyzing panorama radiograph and computed tomography (CT) scan with retrograde studying after cyst enucleation. In this way we are estimating critical size defect for spontaneous healing without bone graft. Materials and Methods: The study comprised of 45 patients who were diagnosed as cysts and implemented enucleation treatment without bone graft. After radiograph photo taking ante and post surgery for 6, 12, 18, 24 months, the healing surface and volumetric changes were calculated. Results: 1. Spontaneous bone healing was accomplished clinically satisfying 12 months later after surgery. But analyzing CT scan, defect volume changes indicate 79.24% which imply incomplete bone healing of defect area. 2. Comparing volume changes of defect area of CT scan, there are statistical significance between under $5,000mm^{3}$ and over $5,000mm^{3}$. The defect volume of $5,000mm^{3}$ shows $2.79{\times}1.91$cm in panoramic view. Conclusion: Bone defects, which are determined by a healed section using a panoramic view, compared to CT scans which do not show up. Also we can estimate the critical size of defects for complete healing.