• Title/Summary/Keyword: CT image

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Study for Automatic Exposure Control Technique (AEC) in SPECT/CT for Reducing Exposure Dose and Influencing Image Quality (SPECT/CT에서 자동노출제어(AEC)를 이용함으로써 얻어지는 영상의 질 평가와 피폭선량 감소에 관한 고찰)

  • Yoon, Seok-Hwan;Lee, Sung-Hwan;Cho, Seong-Wook;Kim, Jin-Eui
    • The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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    • v.18 no.2
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    • pp.33-38
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    • 2014
  • Purpose Auto exposure control (AEC) in SPECT/CT automatically controls the exposure dose (mA) according to patient's shape and size. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of AEC in SPECT/CT on exposure dose reduction and image quality. Materials and Methods The model of SPECT/CT used in this study was Discovery 670 (GE, USA), Smart mA for AEC; and $^{99m}Tc$ as a radioisotope. To compare SPECT and CT images by CT exposure dose variation, we used a standard technique set at 80, 100, 120, 140 kVp, 10, 30, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 mA, and AEC at 80, 100, 120, 140 kVp, 10-250 mA. To evaluate resolution and contrast of SPECT images, triple line phantom and flangeless Esser PET phantom were used. For CT images, noise and uniformity were checked by anthropomrphic chest phantom. For dose evaluation to find DLP value, anthropomorphic chest phantom was used and the CT protocol of torso was applied by standard technique (120 kVp, 100 mA) and AEC (120 kVp, 10-250 mA). Results When standard and AEC were applied, the resolutions at SPECT images with attenuation correction (AC) were the same as FWHM by center 3.65 mm, left 3.48 mm, right 3.61 mm. Contrasts of standard and AEC showed no significant difference: standard 53.5, 29.8, 22.5, 15.8, 6.0, AEC 53.5, 29.6, 22.4, 15.7, 6.1 In CT images, noise values at standard and AEC were 15.4 and 18.5 respectively. The application of AEC increases noise but the value of coefficient variation were 33.8, 24.9 respectively, obtaining uniform noise image. The values of DLP at standard and AEC were 426.78 and 352.09 each, which shows that the application of AEC decreases exposure dose more than standard by approximately 18%. Conclusion The results of our study show that there was no difference of AC in SPECT images based on the CT exposure dose variation at SPECT/CT images. It was found that the increased CT exposure dose leads to the improvement of CT image quality but also increases the exposure dose. Thus, the use of AEC in SPECT/CT contributes to obtaining equal AC SPECT images, and uniform noise in CT images while reducing exposure dose.

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Efficient Osteoporosis Prediction Using A Pair of Ensemble Models

  • Choi, Se-Heon;Hwang, Dong-Hwan;Kim, Do-Hyeon;Bak, So-Hyeon;Kim, Yoon
    • Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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    • v.26 no.12
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    • pp.45-52
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    • 2021
  • In this paper, we propose a prediction model for osteopenia and osteoporosis based on a convolutional neural network(CNN) using computed tomography(CT) images. In a single CT image, CNN had a limitation in utilizing important local features for diagnosis. So we propose a compound model which has two identical structures. As an input, two different texture images are used, which are converted from a single normalized CT image. The two networks train different information by using dissimilarity loss function. As a result, our model trains various features in a single CT image which includes important local features, then we ensemble them to improve the accuracy of predicting osteopenia and osteoporosis. In experiment results, our method shows an accuracy of 77.11% and the feature visualize of this model is confirmed by using Grad-CAM.

Deriving the Effective Atomic Number with a Dual-Energy Image Set Acquired by the Big Bore CT Simulator

  • Jung, Seongmoon;Kim, Bitbyeol;Kim, Jung-in;Park, Jong Min;Choi, Chang Heon
    • Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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    • v.45 no.4
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    • pp.171-177
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    • 2020
  • Background: This study aims to determine the effective atomic number (Zeff) from dual-energy image sets obtained using a conventional computed tomography (CT) simulator. The estimated Zeff can be used for deriving the stopping power and material decomposition of CT images, thereby improving dose calculations in radiation therapy. Materials and Methods: An electron-density phantom was scanned using Philips Brilliance CT Big Bore at 80 and 140 kVp. The estimated Zeff values were compared with those obtained using the calibration phantom by applying the Rutherford, Schneider, and Joshi methods. The fitting parameters were optimized using the nonlinear least squares regression algorithm. The fitting curve and mass attenuation data were obtained from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The fitting parameters obtained from stopping power and material decomposition of CT images, were validated by estimating the residual errors between the reference and calculated Zeff values. Next, the calculation accuracy of Zeff was evaluated by comparing the calculated values with the reference Zeff values of insert plugs. The exposure levels of patients under additional CT scanning at 80, 120, and 140 kVp were evaluated by measuring the weighted CT dose index (CTDIw). Results and Discussion: The residual errors of the fitting parameters were lower than 2%. The best and worst Zeff values were obtained using the Schneider and Joshi methods, respectively. The maximum differences between the reference and calculated values were 11.3% (for lung during inhalation), 4.7% (for adipose tissue), and 9.8% (for lung during inhalation) when applying the Rutherford, Schneider, and Joshi methods, respectively. Under dual-energy scanning (80 and 140 kVp), the patient exposure level was approximately twice that in general single-energy scanning (120 kVp). Conclusion: Zeff was calculated from two image sets scanned by conventional single-energy CT simulator. The results obtained using three different methods were compared. The Zeff calculation based on single-energy exhibited appropriate feasibility.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Deformable Image Registration Methods for CT Imaging

  • Kang Houn Lee;Young Nam Kang
    • Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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    • v.44 no.5
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    • pp.303-314
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    • 2023
  • This study aimed to assess the practical feasibility of advanced deformable image registration (DIR) algorithms in radiotherapy by employing two distinct datasets. The first dataset included 14 4D lung CT scans and 31 head and neck CT scans. In the 4D lung CT dataset, we employed the DIR algorithm to register organs at risk and tumors based on respiratory phases. The second dataset comprised pre-, mid-, and post-treatment CT images of the head and neck region, along with organ at risk and tumor delineations. These images underwent registration using the DIR algorithm, and Dice similarity coefficients (DSCs) were compared. In the 4D lung CT dataset, registration accuracy was evaluated for the spinal cord, lung, lung nodules, esophagus, and tumors. The average DSCs for the non-learning-based SyN and NiftyReg algorithms were 0.92±0.07 and 0.88±0.09, respectively. Deep learning methods, namely Voxelmorph, Cyclemorph, and Transmorph, achieved average DSCs of 0.90±0.07, 0.91±0.04, and 0.89±0.05, respectively. For the head and neck CT dataset, the average DSCs for SyN and NiftyReg were 0.82±0.04 and 0.79±0.05, respectively, while Voxelmorph, Cyclemorph, and Transmorph showed average DSCs of 0.80±0.08, 0.78±0.11, and 0.78±0.09, respectively. Additionally, the deep learning DIR algorithms demonstrated faster transformation times compared to other models, including commercial and conventional mathematical algorithms (Voxelmorph: 0.36 sec/images, Cyclemorph: 0.3 sec/images, Transmorph: 5.1 sec/images, SyN: 140 sec/images, NiftyReg: 40.2 sec/images). In conclusion, this study highlights the varying clinical applicability of deep learning-based DIR methods in different anatomical regions. While challenges were encountered in head and neck CT registrations, 4D lung CT registrations exhibited favorable results, indicating the potential for clinical implementation. Further research and development in DIR algorithms tailored to specific anatomical regions are warranted to improve the overall clinical utility of these methods.

The Extraction of Liver from the CT Images Using Co-occurrence Matrix (Co-occurrence Matrix를 이용한 CT 영상에서의 간 영역 추출)

  • 김규태
    • Proceedings of the Korean Information Science Society Conference
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    • 2000.04b
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    • pp.508-510
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    • 2000
  • 본 논문은 의료 영상 중에서 복부 방사선 분야에서 보편적으로 사용되고 있는 CT 영상으로부터 간영역을 분할해내는 방법을 제시한다. 본 논문에서는 복부 CT영상에서 근육 부분과 척추, 늑골 부분을 제거하고, co-occurrence matrix를 이용한 국부 영상 이진화(local image thresholding) 방법을 통해 영상에서 간 영역을 분할한다.

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Comparative Evaluation of Single-Energy CT and Dual-Energy CT in Brain Angiography : Using a Rando Phantom and OSLD (뇌혈관조영검사 시 단일에너지 CT와 이중에너지 CT의 비교평가 : 화질 및 유효선량평가)

  • Byeong-Geun Shin;Seong-Min Ahn
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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    • v.17 no.6
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    • pp.809-817
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    • 2023
  • Single source and dual source measurements using anthropomorphic phantoms in which the phantoms are lined up in human body equivalents use OSLD (Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dosimeter), so the effective dose is calculated using OSLD. For hospital images, SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) and CNR (Contrast to Noise Ratio) were measured in MCA (Middle Cerebral Artery) for single source and dual source, and for phantom images, SNR and CNR were measured for brain parenchyma of single source and dual source. For hospital imaging, SNR and CNR were measured in MCA for both single-source and dual-source, and for phantom images, SNR and CNR were measured for brain parenchyma from single-source and dual-source. As a result of comparing the SNR and CNR of the hospital image and the phantom image, there was no statistical difference. Comparing patient doses in hospital images, the effective dose of the dual source was 53.53% less and the effective dose of the dual energy phantom was 57.94% less. The dose can be increased in other areas, but the cerebrovascular area is useful because the dose is small.

Abosrbed Dose Measurements and Phantom Image Ecaluation at Minimum CT Dose for Pediatric SPECT/CT Scan (소아 SPECT/CT 검사를 위한 최저조건에서의 피폭선량측정 및 팬텀의 영상평가)

  • Park, Chan Rok;Choi, Jin Wook;Cho, Seong Wook;Kim, Jin Eui
    • The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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    • v.18 no.1
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    • pp.82-88
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    • 2014
  • Purpose: The purpose of study was to evaluate radiation dose for pediatric patients by changing tube voltage (kVp) and tube current (mA) at minimum conditions. By evaluating radiation dose, we want to provide dose reduction for pediatric patients and maintain good quality of SPECT/CT images. Materials and Methods: Discovery NM/CT 670 Scanne was used as SPECT/CT. Tube voltages are 80 and 100 kvP. Tube currents are 10, 15, 20, 25 mA. Using PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate) Phantom, radiation dose which were calculated at center and peripheral dose and SNRD (Signal to Noise Ratio Dose) were evaluated. Using the CT performance phantom, spatial resolution was evaluated as the MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) graph. Jaszczak phantom was used for SPECT image evaluation by CNR (Contrast to Noise to Ratio). Results: Radiation dose using the PMMA phantom was higher peripheral dose than center dose about 7%. SNRD were 7.8, 8.2, 8.3, 8.8, 8.8, 9.9, 9.8, 9.6 for 80 kVp 10, 15, 20, 25 mA, 100 kVp 10, 15, 20, 25 mA. We can distinguish 35, 45, 70, 71, 52, 58, 90, 110 linepair for 80 kVp 10, 15, 20, 25 mA, 100 kVp 10, 15, 20, 25 mA at resolution with MTF. CNR of SPECT images using CT attenuation map were 57.8, 57.7, 57.1, 56.7, 56.6, 56.7, 56.7, 56.7% for 80 kVp 10, 15, 20, 25 mA, 100 kVp 10, 15, 20, 25 mA. Conclusion: In this study, radiation dose for pediatric patients showed decreased low dose condition. And SNRD value was similar in all condition. Resolution showed higher value at 100kVp than 80kVp. for CNR, there was no significant difference. we should take additional study to prove better quality and dose reduction.

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Feasibility of Pediatric Low-Dose Facial CT Reconstructed with Filtered Back Projection Using Adequate Kernels (필터보정역투영과 적절한 커널을 이용한 소아 저선량 안면 컴퓨터단층촬영의 시행 가능성)

  • Hye Ji;Sun Kyoung You;Jeong Eun Lee;So Mi Lee;Hyun-Hae Cho;Joon Young Ohm
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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    • v.83 no.3
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    • pp.669-679
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    • 2022
  • Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of pediatric low-dose facial CT reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP) using adequate kernels. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and imaging data of children aged < 10 years who underwent facial CT at our emergency department. The patients were divided into two groups: low-dose CT (LDCT; Group A, n = 73) with a fixed 80-kVp tube potential and automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) and standard-dose CT (SDCT; Group B, n = 40) with a fixed 120-kVp tube potential and ATCM. All images were reconstructed with FBP using bone and soft tissue kernels in Group A and only bone kernel in Group B. The groups were compared in terms of image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Two radiologists subjectively scored the overall image quality of bony and soft tissue structures. The CT dose index volume and dose-length product were recorded. Results Image noise was higher in Group A than in Group B in bone kernel images (p < 0.001). Group A using a soft tissue kernel showed the highest SNR and CNR for all soft tissue structures (all p < 0.001). In the qualitative analysis of bony structures, Group A scores were found to be similar to or higher than Group B scores on comparing bone kernel images. In the qualitative analysis of soft tissue structures, there was no significant difference between Group A using a soft tissue kernel and Group B using a bone kernel with a soft tissue window setting (p > 0.05). Group A showed a 76.9% reduction in radiation dose compared to Group B (3.2 ± 0.2 mGy vs. 13.9 ± 1.5 mGy; p < 0.001). Conclusion The addition of a soft tissue kernel image to conventional CT reconstructed with FBP enables the use of pediatric low-dose facial CT protocol while maintaining image quality.