• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.564-573
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• 1999

Background: With variable symptoms and nonspecific radiographic appearances, pulmonary embolism (PE) is a frequent and often undiagnosed cause of mortality and morbidity. The Prospective Investigation of Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis (PIOPED) study suggested that the majority of patients undergoing ventilation-perfusion (V-Q) scan would require additional studies to establish or to exclude the diagnosis of PE. Pulmonary angiography has been regarded as gold standard for diagnosis of PE. However, it is an invasive procedure that may be associated with significant notable morbidity and mortality. Thus, availability of an accurate, noninvasive screening examination is highly desirable. Method: From October 1994 to February 1997, twenty patients (male 13, female 7, range 23-91 years, median 58 years) who were suspected as pulmonary embolism on the basis of clinical evidence and underwent the spiral volumetric computed tomography (spiral CT), were studied retrospectively to evaluate the effectiveness of spiral CT as a diagnostic tool in PE. Results: PE could be excluded with spiral CT in 4 patients ; diagnoses of these patients were lung cancer, pneumonia with lung abscess, bilateral pleural effusion due to congestive heart failure, nonspecific pulmonary abnormality retrospectively. One patient who disclosed high probability in V/Q scan, could be diagnosed as pneumonia with lung abscess and underlying emphysema with spiral CT. Among 4 patients who showed intermediate and low probability in V/Q scan, 3 patients could be confirmed as PE with spiral CT. Spiral CT was helpful in 3 patients, in whom V/Q scan could not be performed due to other reasons (e.g. night time, mechanical ventilation) to confirm the diagnosis of PE. Spiral CT could demonstrate embolus above lobar artery level in 11 patients, and up to segmental artery level in 5 patients. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that spiral CT could allow accurate demonstration of thrombotic clots in centrally localized embolism. Spiral CT could be effective, specific, noninvasive and useful diagnostic screening modality for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.179-185
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• 2007

Backgroud : Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common in children. The available gold standard methods for diagnosis, Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan and computed tomography (CT) are invasive and expensive. This study was performed to assess the role of power Doppler ultrasound (PDU) for diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis (APN). Materials and Methods : A prospective study was conducted in 25 children with aged 2 weeks to 5 years who were hospitalized with the first episode of febrile UTI suggesting acute pyelonephritis. All children were examined in the first 3-5 days of admission by PDU and Tc-99m DMSA scan. The comparison between PDU and DMSA scan was performed on the basis of patients. Results : The sensitivity and specificity of PDU for the detection of affected kidneys were 38.1% and 50.0%, and the positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 61.9% and 50.0%, respectively. Vesicoureteral refluxes (VUR) were identified in 11 patients (44.4%) and 18 kidneys (36%). The PDU and DMSA scan showed a matching perfusion defect in 23.8% and 50.0% respectively. Conclusion : These data indicate the PDU has a relatively low sensitivity and specificity for differentiating APN from lower UTI but may be a complement tool to DMSA scan for the prediction of VUR in infants and children.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.59 no.2
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• pp.170-178
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• 2005

Background : Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) are rare but significantly imperative in inducing chronic pulmonary hypertension. Clinically, it is difficult to distinguish between IPAH and CTEPH. However, the treatment of pulmonary hypertension is different depending on the disease. The present study was performed to analyze the similarities and differences in clinical features between IPAH and CTEPH. Methods : During a nine-year period, thirty-three patients with IPAH and twenty-two patients with CTEPH were enrolled. Symptoms, physical findings, chest radiograph, electrocardiograph, pulmonary function test, echocardiograph, perfusion lung scan, right heart catheterization results were analyzed between both the groups. Results : The median age of IPAH group was 33 (6~70) years that was lower than that (52(27~80) years) of CTEPH group. Amongst the IPAH patients, there was female predominance (76 %) and there was no sex difference between the patients with CTEPH. Both the groups exhibited similarity in the results of chest radiograph, electrocardiograph, pulmonary function test, and echocardiograph. In the perfusion lung scan, all IPAH patients exhibited findings with normal (28%) or low probability (72%) of pulmonary embolism and all CTEPH patients exhibited findings with high probability of pulmonary embolism. Conclusion : Although IPAH and CTEPH bear similarities in terms of symptoms, physical signs and general investigation results, there were differences in age distribution, sex predominance and results of perfusion lung scan.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.69-75
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• 2014

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes of quantitative and semi-quantitative myocardial perfusion indices and image quality by image reconstruction methods in $^{13}N$-ammonia ($^{13}N-NH_3$) myocardial perfusion PET/CT. Materials and Methods: Data of 14 (8 men, 6 women) patients underwent rest and adenosine stress $^{13}N-NH_3$ PET/CT (Biograph TruePoint 40 with TrueV, Siemens) were collected. Listmode scans were acquired for 10 minutes by injecting 370MBq of $^{13}N-NH_3$. Dynamic and static reconstruction was performed by use of FBP, iterative2D (2D), iterative3D (3D) and iterative TrueX (TrueX) algorithm. Coronary flow reserve (CFR) of dynamic reconstruction data, extent(%) and total perfusion deficit (TPD) (%) measured in sum of 4-10 minutes scan were evaluated by comparing with 2D method which was recommended by vendor. The image quality of each reconstructed data was compared and evaluated by five nuclear medicine physicians through a blind test. Results: CFR were lower in TrueX 18.68% (P=0.0002), FBP 4.35% (P=0.1243) and higher in 3D 7.91% (P<0.0001). As semi-quantitative values, extent and TPD of stress were higher in 3D 3.07%p (P=0.001), 2.36%p (P=0.0002), FBP 1.93%p (P=0.4275), 1.57%p (P=0.4595), TrueX 5.43%p (P=0.0003), 3.93%p (P<0.0001). Extent and TPD of rest were lower in FBP 0.86%p (P=0.1953), 0.57%p (P=0.2053) and higher in 3D 3.21%p (P=0.0006), 2.57%p (P=0.0001) and TrueX 5.36%p (P<0.0001), 4.36%p (P<0.0001). Based on the results of the blind test for image resolution and noise from the snapshot, 3D obtained the highest score, followed by 2D, TrueX and FBP. Conclusion: We found that quantitative and semi-quantitative myocardial perfusion values could be under- or over-estimated according to the reconstruction algorithm in $^{13}N-NH_3$ PET/CT. Therefore, proper dynamic and static reconstruction method should be established to provide accurate myocardial perfusion value.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.90-97
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• 2018

Purpose The lung segment ratio which is obtained through quantitative analyses of lung perfusion scan images is calculated to evaluate the lung function pre and post surgery. In this Study, the planar image production methods by using Q-Metrix (GE Healthcare, USA) program capable of not only quantitative analysis but also computation of the segment ratio after having performed SPECT/CT are comparatively evaluated. Materials and Methods Lung perfusion scan and SPECT/CT were performed on 50 lung cancer patients prior to surgery who visited our hospital from May 1, 2015 to September 13, 2016 by using Discovery 670(GE Healthcare, USA) equipment. AP(Anterior Posterior)method that uses planar image divided the frontal and rear images into three rectangular portions by means of ROI tool while PO(Posterior Oblique)method computed the segment ratio by dividing the right lobe into three parts and the left lobe into two parts on the oblique image. Segment ratio was computed by setting the ROI and VOI in the CT image by using Q-Metrix program and statistically analysis was performed with SPSS Ver. 23. Results Regarding the correlation concordance rate of Q-Metrix and AP methods, RUL(Right upper lobe), RML(Right middle lobe) and RLL(Right lower lobe) were 0.224, 0.035 and 0.447. LUL(Left upper lobe) and LLL(Left lower lobe) were found to be 0.643 and 0.456, respectively. In the PO method, the right lobe were 0.663, 0.623 and 0.702, respectively, while the left lobe were 0.754 and 0.823. When comparison was made by using the Paired sample T-test, Right lobe were $11.6{\pm}4.5$, $26.9{\pm}6.2$ and $17.8{\pm}4.2$, respectively in the AP method. Left lobe were $28.4{\pm}4.8$ and $15.4{\pm}5.6$. The right lobe of PO had values of $17.4{\pm}5.0$, $10.5{\pm}3.6$ and $27.3{\pm}6.0$, while the left lobe had values of $21.6{\pm}4.8$ and $23.1{\pm}6.6$, thereby having statistically significant difference in comparison to the Q-Metrix method for each of the lobes (P<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in Right middle lobe (P>0.05). Conclusion The AP method showed low concordance rate in correlation with the Q-Metrix method. However, PO method displayed high concordance rate overall. although AP method had significant differences in all lobes, there was no significant difference in Right middle lobe of PO method. Therefore, at the time of production of lung perfusion scan results, utilization of Q-Metrix method of SPECT/CT would be useful in computation of accurate resultant values. Moreover, it is deemed possible to expect obtain more practical sectional computation result values by using PO method at the time of planar image acquisition.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.268-273
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• 2000

A 32-year-old woman complaining of cough, sputum, and chest discomfort for the past ten days was admitted to the hospital. The radiologic findings were transradiant left lung with reduced number and size of vessels, mediastinal shifting to the right at expiration, matched ventilation-perfusion defect on ventilation-perfusion scan, and diffuse hypoplasia of the left pulmonary artery and i1s branches on the pulmonary angiography. We describe a case of unilateral hyperlucent lung by main bronchus obstruction in a patient who presents a clinical picture suggestive of the Swyer-James syndrome.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.448-451
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• 2004

Report of right atrial thrombus complicating pulmonary embolism after cardiac surgery is rare. A 54-year-old woman operated on the atrial septal defect 10 months ago was admitted for left pleuritic pain and dyspnea. Multiple segmental perfusion defects were detected in lung perfusion scan. Transesophageal echocardiography showed a large mobile right atrial mass attached to the free wall of the right atrium with a stalk. Despite the intravenous heparinization for 13 days, follow-up echocardiography revealed the right atrial mass had not diminished in size. The mass which was confirmed as an organizing thrombus was excised under cardiopulmonary bypass. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on warfarin therapy.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.116-123
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• 2003

Purpose : The present study was undertaken to evaluate the usefulness of cerebral diffusion (DWI) and perfusion MR imaging (PWI) in rabbit models with hyperacute cerebral ischemic infarction. Materials and Methods : Experimental cerebral infarction were induced by direct injection of mixture of Histoacryl glue, lipiodol, and tungsten powder into the internal cerebral artery of 6 New-Zealand white rabbits, and they underwent conventional T1 and T2 weighted MR imaging, DWI, and PWI within 1 hour after the occlusion of internal cerebral artery. The PWI scan for each rabbit was obtained at the level of lateral ventricle and 1cm cranial to the basal ganglia. By postprocessing using special imaging software, perfusion images including cerebral blood volume (CBV), cerebral blood flow (CBF), and mean transit time (MTT) maps were obtained. The detection of infarcted lesion were evaluated on both perfusion maps and DWI. MTT difference time were measured in the perfusion defect lesion and symmetric contralateral normal cerebral hemisphere. Results : In all rabbits, there was no abnormal signal intensity on T2WI. But on DWI, abnormal high signal intensity, suggesting cerebral infarction, were detected in all rabbits. PWI (rCBV, CBF and MTT map) also showed perfusion defect in all rabbits. In four rabbits, the calculated square of perfusion defect in MTT map is larger than that of CBF map and in two rabbits, the calculated size of perfusion defect in MTT map and CBF map is same. Any rabbits do not show larger perfusion defect on CBF map than MTT map. In comparison between CBF map and DWI, 3 rabbits show larger square of lesion on CBF map than on DWI. The others shows same square of lesion on both technique. The size of lesion shown in 6 MTT map were larger than DWI. In three cases, the size of lesion shown in CBF map is equal to DWI. But these were smaller than MTT map. The calculated square of lesion in CBF map, equal to that of DWI and smaller than MTT map was three. And in one case, the calculated square of perfusion defect in MTT map was largest, and that of DWI was smallest. Conclusion : DWI and PWI may be useful in diagnosing hyperacute cerebral ischemic infarction and in e-valuating the cerebral hemodynamics in the rabbits.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.30 no.9
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• pp.914-919
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• 1997

We analyzed the changes of pulmonary function after decortication i 33 patients with chronic empyema thoracis. In 11 patients of them, scintigraphic lung perfusion scan were performed. The results are as follows; 1, Forced expiratory volume in one second(FEVI) increased from 2.30 L/sec to 2.65 L/sec after decorticati on (p = 0.008) . 2. In patients under 20 years-old, PEV 1 increased significantly(p=0.001). 3. In patients who had tuberculosis empyema thoracis, FEVI increased significantly(p=0.008). The post-operative FEVI increased significantly 24 months later(p=0.013). 4. Te post-operative FEV1 increased significantly 24 months later(p=0013). 5. Perfusion and FEV1 of diseased lung changed from 21.5% to 26.9%(p=0.046) and 0.56 L/sec to 0.78 L/sec(p=0.071) after decortication respectively and perfusion of non-diseased lung changed 78.4% to 72.9% after decortication(p=0.042).

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.210-217
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• 1993

To compare the myocardial viability in patients suffering from total occlusion of the right coronry artery (RCA) with the angiographic collaterals, intracoronary injection of Thallium-201 (T1-201) was done to 14 coronary artery disease (CAD) patients (pts) with total occlusion of RCA and into four normal subjects for control. All 14 CAD pts had Grade 2 or 3 collateral circulations. There were 14 male and 4 females, and their ages ranged from 31 to 70 years. In nine pts, T1-201 was injected into left main coronary artery (LCA) ($300{\sim}350{\mu}Ci$) to evaluate the myocardial viability of RCA territory through collateral circulations. The remaining five pts received T1-201 into RCA ($200{\sim}250{\mu}Ci$) because two had intraarterial bridging collaterals and three had previous successful PTCA. Planar & SPECT myocardial perfusion images were obtained 30 minutes, and four to five hours after T1-201 injection. Intravenous T1-201 reinjection (six pts) or $^{99m}Tc-MIBI$ (two pts) were also performed in eight CAD pts. Intracoronary myocardial perfusion images were compared with intravenous T1-201 (IV T1-201) images, ECG, and ventriculography. Intracoronary T1-201 images proved to be superior to that of IV T1-201 due to better myocardial to background uptake ratio and more effective in the detection of viable tissue. We also found that perfusion defects were smaller on intracoronary T1-201 images than those on the IV T1-201. All of the 14 CAD pts had either mostly viable myocardium (seven pts) or large area of T1-201 perfusion (seven pts) in RCA territory, however ventriculographic wall motion and ECG did not correlate well with intracoronary myocardial perfusion images. In conclusion, total RCA occlusion patients with well developed collateral circulation had large area of viable myocardial in the corresponding territory.