• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.77-81
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• 2009

Purpose: The PET of the PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography) quantitatively shows the biological and chemical information of the body, but has limitation of presenting the clear anatomic structure. Thus combining the PET with CT, it is not only possible to offer the higher resolution but also effectively shorten the scanning time and reduce the noises by using CT data in attenuation correction. And because, at the CT scanning, the contrast media makes it easy to determine a exact range of the lesion and distinguish the normal organs, there is a certain increase in the use of it. However, in the case of using the contrast media, it affects semi-quantitative measures of the PET/CT images. In this study, therefore, we will be to establish the reliability of the SUV (Standardized Uptake Value) with CT data correction so that it can help more accurate diagnosis. Materials and Methods: In this experiment, a total of 30 people are targeted - age range: from 27 to 72, average age : 49.6 - and DSTe (General Electric Healthcare, Milwaukee, MI, USA) is used for equipment. $^{18}F$- FDG 370~555 MBq is injected into the subjects depending on their weight and, after about 60 minutes of their stable position, a whole-body scan is taken. The CT scan is set to 140 kV and 210 mA, and the injected amount of the contrast media is 2 cc per 1 kg of the patients' weight. With the raw data from the scan, we obtain a image showing the effect of the contrast media through the attenuation correction by both of the corrected and uncorrected CT data. Then we mark out ROI (Region of Interest) in each area to measure SUV and analyze the difference. Results: According to the analysis, the SUV is decreased in the liver and heart which have more bloodstream than the others, because of the contrast media correction. On the other hand, there is no difference in the lungs. Conclusions: Whereas the CT scan images with the contrast media from the PET/CT increase the contrast of the targeted region for the test so that it can improve efficiency of diagnosis, there occurred an increase of SUV, a semi-quantitative analytical method. In this research, we measure the variation of SUV through the correction of the influence of contrast media and compare the differences. As we revise the SUV which is increasing in the image with attenuation correction by using contrast media, we can expect anatomical images of high-resolution. Furthermore, it is considered that through this trusted semi-quantitative method, it will definitely enhance the diagnostic value.

• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.61-68
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• 2023

Background and Purpose: Analyzing brain amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) images to access the occurrence of β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition in Alzheimer's patients requires much time and effort from physicians, while the variation of each interpreter may differ. For these reasons, a machine learning model was developed using a convolutional neural network (CNN) as an objective decision to classify the Aβ positive and Aβ negative status from brain amyloid PET images. Methods: A total of 7,344 PET images of 144 subjects were used in this study. The 18F-florbetaben PET was administered to all participants, and the criteria for differentiating Aβ positive and Aβ negative state was based on brain amyloid plaque load score (BAPL) that depended on the visual assessment of PET images by the physicians. We applied the CNN algorithm trained in batches of 51 PET images per subject directory from 2 classes: Aβ positive and Aβ negative states, based on the BAPL scores. Results: The binary classification of the model average performance matrices was evaluated after 40 epochs of three trials based on test datasets. The model accuracy for classifying Aβ positivity and Aβ negativity was (95.00±0.02) in the test dataset. The sensitivity and specificity were (96.00±0.02) and (94.00±0.02), respectively, with an area under the curve of (87.00±0.03). Conclusions: Based on this study, the designed CNN model has the potential to be used clinically to screen amyloid PET images.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.20
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• pp.8699-8703
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• 2014

18-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography ($^{18}F$-FDG PET/CT) scans are commonly used for the staging and restaging of various malignancies, such as head and neck, breast, colorectal and gynecological cancers. However, the value of FDG PET/CT for detecting prostate cancer is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of incidental prostate $^{18}F$-FDG uptake on PET/CT scans. We reviewed $^{18}F$-FDG PET/CT scan reports from September 2009 to September 2013, and selected cases that reported focal/diffuse FDG uptake in the prostate. We analyzed the correlation between $^{18}F$-FDG PET/CT scan findings and data collected during evaluations such as serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, digital rectal examination (DRE), transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), and/or biopsy to confirm prostate cancer. Of a total of 18,393 cases, 106 (0.6%) exhibited abnormal hypermetabolism in the prostate. Additional evaluations were performed in 66 patients. Serum PSA levels were not significantly correlated with maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) in all patients (rho 0.483, p=0.132). Prostate biopsies were performed in 15 patients, and prostate cancer was confirmed in 11. The median serum PSA level was 4.8 (0.55-7.06) ng/mL and 127.4 (1.06-495) ng/mL in the benign and prostate cancer groups, respectively. The median SUVmax was higher in the prostate cancer group (mean 10.1, range 3.8-24.5) than in the benign group (mean 4.3, range 3.1-8.8), but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.078). There was no significant correlation between SUVmax and serum PSA, prostatic volume, or Gleason score. $^{18}F$-FDG PET/CT scans did not reliably differentiate malignant or benign from abnormal uptake lesions in the prostate, and routine prostate biopsy was not usually recommended in patients with abnormal FDG uptake. Nevertheless, patients with incidental prostate uptake on $^{18}F$-FDG PET/CT scans should not be ignored and should be undergo further clinical evaluations, such as PSA and DRE.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.595-603
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• 2017

The study is to produced a brain phantom simulating corpus striatum, which can evaluate the progression of parkinson's disease, to investigate possibility of reducing the brain exposure dose to CT while maintaining optimal image quality during PET-CT examinations. CT scans were performed by varying tube voltage (100, 120 kVp) and tube current (80, 140, 200 mAs) with $^{18}F$ FP-CIT injected into the phantom's hot sphere and background (radioactivity ratio 3:1)(reference condition; 120 kVp, 140 mAs). Estimated effective dose was calculated by using conversion factor according to each condition, and image quality was evaluated by setting SNR and CRChot image evaluation factors. Experimental results showed that the predicted effective dose below the CT imaging reference condition was reduced by at least 10% and by up to 60%, and the predicted effective dose beyond the reference condition was increased by 40%. In addition, there was no significant difference between SNR and CRChot of PET images, and it was confirmed that brain dose decreased with decrease of tube voltage and tube current. At the same time, there was no significant change in the quality of the image in terms of SNR and CRChot despite the change in scan conditions. This fact suggests that the quality of the images acquired under the existing dose conditions can be obtained even at low dose conditions and it is expected that it will be possible to use the brain PET-CT scan as a basic data for the research on reduction of dose and improvement of image quality.

• Journal of Radiopharmaceuticals and Molecular Probes
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.123-129
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• 2015

$^{64}Cu$-labeled diacetyl-bis($N^4$-methylthiosemicarbazone) is a promising agent for internal radiation therapy and imaging of hypoxic tissues. In the study, we confirmed hypoxia regions in VX2 tumor implanted rabbits with injection $^{64}Cu$-ATSM and $^{18}F$-FDG using positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT). PET images with $^{18}F$-FDG and $^{64}Cu$-ATSM were obtained for 40 min by dynamic scan and additional delayed PET images of $^{64}Cu$-ATSM the acquired up to 48 hours. Correlation between intratumoral $O_2$ level and $^{64}Cu$-ATSM PET image was analyzed. $^{64}Cu$-ATSM and $^{18}F$-FDG were intravenously co-injected and the tumor was dissected and cut into slices for a dual-tracer autoradiographic analysis. In the PET imaging, $^{64}Cu$-ATSM in VX2 tumors displayed a specific uptake in hypoxic region for48 h. The uptake pattern of $^{64}Cu$-ATSM in VX2 tumor at 24 and 48 h did not match to the $^{18}F$-FDG. Through ROI analysis, in the early phase (dynamic scan), $^{18}F$-FDG has positive correlation with $^{64}Cu$-ATSM but late phase (24 and 48 h) of the $^{64}Cu$-ATSM showed negative correlation with $^{18}F$-FDG. High uptake of $^{64}Cu$-ATSM in hypoxic region was responded with significant decrease of oxygen pressure, which confirmed by $^{64}Cu$-ATSM PET imaging and autoradiographic analysis. In conclusion, $^{64}Cu$-ATSM can utilize for specific targeting of hypoxic region in tumor, and discrimination between necrotic- and viable hypoxic tissue.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.24-30
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• 2009

Purpose: Today, Prostate cancer has been gradually increasing, according to the change of internal incidence rate of cancer. Generally, prostate cancer has lead to dead over 90%, in case of metastasis of lymph node and bone. So, innovative development of new radiopharmaceutical and imaging modality is progressed for detection of that metastasis, in nuclear medicine, now. Therefore, this study shows the usefulness of $^{18}F$-Fluoride PET/CT improved diagnosability on bone metastasis of prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: In this study, 33 male patients with prostate cancer were examined (The mean age: $67.8{\pm}10.2$ years old). Every patient was done each whole body bone scan (WBBS) and $^{18}F$-Fluoride positron emission tomography/computed tomography ($^{18}F$-Fluoride PET/CT). And then, using Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC curve), each sensitivity and specificity of two modalities was measured and compared with. Results: In 22 patients (66.6%) of all, bone metastasis was detected. And, in WBBS, sensitivity was 63.6%, specificity, 81.8%; in $^{18}F$-Fluoride PET/CT, sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 90.9%. As a result of ROC curve, AUROC (The Area under an ROC) of WBBS was 0.778, and that of $^{18}F$-Fluoride PET/CT, 0.942. Conclusions: $^{18}F$-Fluoride PET/CT was higher both sensitivity and specificity than WBBS, and it was valuable to detect bone metastasis of prostate cancer more definitely, with 3D imaging realization. Also, in $^{18}F$-Fluoride PET/CT, physiological images were acquired in more short time than WBBS, so, it was possible to reduce patient's waiting time and complaint. Therefore, it is considered that $^{18}F$-Fluoride PET/CT is able to improve diagnosability by offering more accurate images, as cuts in a share of high cost.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.174-182
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• 2010

In this study, we evaluated feasibility of applying MTV (Metabolic Target Volume) to respiratory gated radiotherapy for more accurate treatment using various SUV (Standard Uptake Value) from PET images. We compared VOI (Volume of Interest) images from 50%, 30% and 5% SUV (standard uptake volume) from PET scan of an artificial target with GTV (Gross Tumor Volume) images defined by percentage of respiratory phase from 4D-CT scan for respiratory gated radiotherapy. It is found that the difference of VOI of 30% SUV is reduced noticeably comparing with that of 50% SUV in longitudinal direction with respect to total GTV of 4D-CT image. Difference of VOI of 30% SUV from 4D-PET image defined by respiratory phase from 25% inhalation to 25% exhalation, and GTV from 4D-CT with the same phase is shown below 0.6 cm in maximum. Thus, it is better to use 4D-PET images than conventional PET images for applying MTV to gated RT. From the result that VOI of 5% SUV from 4D-PET agrees well with reference image of 4D-CT in all direction, and the recommendation from department of nuclear medicine that 30% SUV be advised for defining tumor range, it is found that using less than 30%SUV will be more accurate and practical to apply MTV for respiratory gated radiotherapy.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.557-564
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• 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between F-18 FDG uptake of tumor in PET/CT scan and pathological or immunohistochemial parameters of colorectal cancer. Materials and Methods: 147 colorectal cancer patients who underwent both pre-operative F-18 FDG PET/CT scan and surgery were included. In cases with perceptible FDG uptake in primary tumor, the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was calculated. The pathologic results such as site, size, depth of invasion (T stage), growth pattern, differentiation of primary tumor, lymph node metastasis and Dukes-Astler & Coller stage and immunohistochemical markers such as expression of EGFR, MLH1, MSH2 and Ki-67 index were reviewed. Results: 146 out of 147 PET/CT scans with colorectal cancer showed perceptible focal FDG uptake. SUVmax showed mild positive linear correlation with size of primary tumor (r=0.277, p=0.001) and Ki-67 index (r=0.226, p=0.019). No significant difference in F-18 FDG uptake was found according to site, depth of invasion (T stage), growth pattern, differentiation of primary tumor, presence of lymph node metastasis, Dukes-Astler & Coller stage and expression of EGFR. Conclusion: The degree of F-18 FDG uptake in colorectal cancer was associated with the size and the degree of Ki-67 index of primary tumor. It could be thought that FDG uptake of primary tumor has a correlation with macroscopic and microscopic tumor growth.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.32-39
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• 2005

Introduction: Currently, F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scans (FDG-PET) has been investigated in soft tissue tumor especially for tumor detection and noninvasive grading. However, the validity and the efficacy of FDG-PET are still unclear in clinical evaluation. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of FDG-PET in compared to conventional diagnostic imaging studies currently used in the soft tissue tumor. Methods: Between March 2001 and March 2002, 29 patients (sixteen males, thirteen females, mean age, 47 years; a range from 4 to 73) diagnosed with soft tissue tumor were evaluated by both conventional diagnostic imaging and FDG-PET. Valid reference test of the local lesion was the histopathologic diagnosis, which was measured in all patients. The suspecting metastasis in the imaging studies was validated by pathology or follow up imaging for at least 6 months. Each imaging diagnosis was made independently. The accuracy of each diagnostic method was evaluated. The incremental cost accuracy ratio was determined in each diagnostic method. Results: For detection of local lesion, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for MRI and FDGPET scans were 91%, 57%, 83% and 95%, 43%, 83% respectively. For detection of distant lesion, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy for conventional diagnostic methods and FDG-PET scans were 77%, 89%, 87% and 92%, 94%, 93% respectively. The incremental cost accuracy ratio (ICAR) of FDG-PET for detection of distant lesion was 145,000won/%. According to ICAR for each tumor grade, PET strategy is most cost-effective at high grade tumors. Conclusions: For detection of local lesion such as recurrence or remnant tumor, FDG-PET scan was not more accurate than MRI. However, It was more accurate for detection of metastatic lesion than conventional methods. For detection of high grade tumor, PET was most costeffective than for detection of lower grade tumor.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.377-379
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• 2007