• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
• /
• v.43 no.5
• /
• pp.436-442
• /
• 2009

Purpose: We underwent this study to evaluate the diagnostic potential of I-123/I-131 metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy alone in the initial diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, compared with biochemical test and anatomic imaging. Materials & Methods: Twenty two patients (M:F=13:9, Age: $44.3{\pm}\;19.3$ years) having the clinical evaluation due to suspicious pheochromocytoma received the biochemical test, anatomic imaging modality (CT and/or MRI) and I-123/I-131 MIBG scan for diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, prior to histopathological confirmation. MIBG scans were independently reviewed by 2 nuclear medicine physicians. Results: All patients were confirmed histopathologically by operation or biopsy (incisional or excisonal). In comparison of final diagnosis and findings of each diagnostic modality, the sensitivities of the biochemical test, anatomic imaging, and MIBG scan were 88.9%, 55.6%, and 88.9%, respectively. And the specificities of the biochemical test, anatomic imaging, and MIBG scan also were 69.2%, 69.2%, and 92.3%, respectively. MIBG scan showed one false positive (neuroblastoma) and one false negative finding. There was one patient with positive MIBG scan and negative findings of the biochemical test, anatomic imaging. Conclusion: Our data suggest that I-123/I-131 MIBG scan has higher sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy than those of biochemical test and anatomic imaging. Thus, we expect that MIBG scan is e tectively used for initial diagnosis of pheochromocytoma alone as well as biochemical test and anatomic imaging.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.69-75
• /
• 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
• /
• v.12 no.3
• /
• pp.214-221
• /
• 2008

Purpose: We make a qualitative analysis of whether Fusion SPECT/CT can find lesion's anatomical sites better than existing SPECT or not, and we want to show the usefulness of SPECT/CT through finding out effects of CT attenuation correction on SPECT images. Materials and Method: 1. The evaluation of fusion images: This study comprised patients who was tested $^{131}I$-MIBG, Bone, $^{111}In$-Octreotide, Meckel's diverticulum, Parathyroid MIBI with Precedence 16 or Symbia T2 from 2008 Jan to Aug. We compared SPECT/CT image with non fusion image and make a qualitative analysis. 2. The evaluation of attenuation correction: We classified 38 patients who was tested 201Tl myocardial exam with Symbia T2 into 5 sections by using Cedars Sinai' QPS program - Ant, Inf, Lat, Septum, Apex. And we showed each section's perfusion states by percentage. We compared the each section's perfusion-states differences between CT AC and Non AC by average${\pm}$standard deviation. Results: 1. The evaluation of fusion images : In high energy $^{131}I$ cases, it was hard to grasp exact anatomical lesions due to difference between regions and surrounding lesions' uptake level. After combining with CT, we could grabs anatomical lesion more exactly. And in meckel's diverticulum case or to find lesions around bowels or organs with $^{111}In$ cases, it demonstrates its superiority. Bone SPECT/CT images help to distinguish between disk spaces certainly and give correct results. 2. The evaluation of attenuation correction: There is no significant difference statistically in Ant and Lat (p>0.05), but there is a meaningful difference in Inferior, Apex and Septum (p<0.05). AC perfusion at inferior wall in the 5 sections of myocardium: The perfusion difference between Non AC perfusion image ($68.58{\pm}7.55$) and CT corrected perfusion image ($76.84{\pm}6.52$) was the largest by $8.26{\pm}4.95$ (p<0.01, t=10.29). Conclusion: Nuclear medicine physicians can identify not only molecular image which shows functional activity of lesions but also anatomical location information of lesions with more accuracy using the combination of SPECT and CT systems. Of course this combination helps nuclear medicine physician find out the abnormal parts. Moreover combined data sets help separate between normal group and abnormal group in complicated body part. So clinicians can carry out diagnosis and treatment planning at the same time with a single test image. In addition, when we examine a myocardium in thorax where attenuation can occur easily, we can trust perfusion more in a certain region in SPECT test because CT provides the capability for accurate attenuation correction. In these reasons, we think we can prove the justice after treatment fusion image.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
• /
• v.3 no.1
• /
• pp.4-17
• /
• 2000

Purpose : This study aimed to investigate and to evaluate the present conditions of hospice programs in Korea for supplying data useful in making policy in hospice, which is not institutionalized yet. Method : For this purpose we surveyed 59 hospice programs regarding the general characteristics, manpower, patients, services, financial conditions, and facilities. Thirty-seven hospice programs answered the questionnaires. Result : They were 11 tertiary hospitals, 11 other hospitals, 3 clinics, 12 home care hospice, and 1 freestanding hospice. Only 9 hospice programs have all of the essential professionals: physicians, nurses, social workers, clergies, and volunteers. In some hospice programs, volunteers who had not been trained for hospice provided services to terminal patients. More than half of the hospice said they provided services to the patients who lost their consciousness and were not suitable for hospice care. 16% of the hospice said they did not keep the patients' record. Some hospitals including tertiary hospitals provided such intensive care as radiotherapy, TPN, injections to hospice patients. Many hospice programs other than hospitals didn't charge patients for hospice care. 60% of the hospice said they suffered from financial problems. Most of the hospice wards were not built for hospice use at first. So they did not have such supplementary facilities as dayroom, waiting room, special bathing facilities etc. Conclusion : For improving the quality of terminal patients and promoting the cost effective use of health care resources, it is necessary to consider the institutionalization of hospice. The institutionalization of hospice programs can improve the quality of hospice care and the standardization of the hospice program can hasten its institutionalization.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.194-198
• /
• 2009

Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea Purpose: Malignant bowel obstruction causes gastrointestinal symptoms and leads to diminished quality of life in patients with advanced cancer. Several studies have shown the efficacy of octreotide for the relief of malignant bowel obstruction-related symptoms. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of octreotide in patients with malignant bowel obstruction. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of twenty nine patients who had suffered from malignant bowel obstruction without clinical improvement of conservative care and subsequently, received octreotide treatment. Initial dosage of octreotide was 0.1 mg/day, and dose was escalated depending on the clinical effect. For each patient, we assessed visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain, number of vomiting episode, and amount of nasogastric tube drainage. Results: Median dosage of octreotide was 0.2 mg/day (range 0.1~0.6), and median duration from initial medication to death was 20 days (range 2~103). VAS before and after octreotide treatment were 5.6$\pm$1.24, and 2.7$\pm$0.96, respectively. The numbers of vomiting episode before and after octreotide treatment were 3.6/day$\pm$2.5, and 0.4/day$\pm$0.8, respectively. The mean amounts of nasogastric tube drainage before and after octreotide treatment were 975$\pm$1,083 cc/day and 115$\pm$196 cc/day, respectively. Statistically significant reduction in VAS, the number of vomiting episode and the amount of nasogastric tube drainage were observed after octreotide treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion: Administration of octreotide in patients with malignant bowel obstruction, which is uncontrolled by other medication, was effective and safe. In such clinical situations, physicians should consider to add of octreotide for symptomatic control.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.181-189
• /
• 2010

Purpose: Recently, health policy making is increasingly based on evidence. Therefore, Korean Terminal Cancer Patient Information System (KTCPIS) was developed to meet such need. We aimed to report its developmental process and statistics from 6 months data. Methods: Items for KTCPIS were developed through the consultation with practitioners. E-Velos web-based clinical trial management system was used as a technical platform. Data were collected for patients who were registered to 34 inpatient palliative care services, designated by Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Family Affairs, from $1^{st}$ of January to $30^{th}$ of June in 2009. Descriptive statistics were used for the analysis. Results: From the nationally representative set of 2,940 patients, we obtained the following results. Mean age was $64.8{\pm}12.9$ years, and 56.6% were male. Lung cancer (18.0%) was most common diagnosis. Only 50.3% of patients received the confirmation of terminal diagnosis by two or more physicians, and 69.7% had an insight of terminal diagnosis at the time of admission. About half of patients were admitted to the units on their own without any formal referral. Average and worst pain scores were significantly reduced after 1 week when compared to those at the time of admission. 73.4% faced death in the units, and home-discharge comprised only 13.3%. Mean length of stay per admission was $20.2{\pm}21.2$ days, with median value of 13. Conclusion: Nationally representative data on the characteristics of patients and their caregiver, and current practice of service delivery in palliative care units were obtained through the operation of KTCPIS.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.51-57
• /
• 2018

Purpose: End-of-life (EoL) decisions are challenging and multifaceted for patients and physicians. This study was aimed to explore how EoL care is practiced for patients with a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed medical records of patients who died after agreeing to a DNR order in 2016 at a university hospital. Characteristics including cause of death, intensity of EoL care, and other factors were reviewed and statistically analyzed. Results: Of total 375 patients, 170 patients (45.3%) died with malignancies, and 205 patients (54.6%) with other causes involving the central nervous system (19.2%), pulmonary (14.7%), cardiologic (6.7%) and infectious (6.4%) conditions. Both the cancer and non-cancer patient groups showed a short duration from DNR to death (median 3 days vs 2 days, P=0.629). An intensive care group comprising patients who received one or more intensive treatments such as ventilator (n=205) showed a higher number of non-cancer patients and a shorter duration from DNR to death than a group that withheld treatment before DNR (P<0.05). Conclusion: EoL decisions were made very late by both cancer and non-cancer patients. About half of the patients did not have cancer, and two-thirds of them decided DNR during intensive treatment. To make a good EoL decision, a shared decision making with patients should be done at an earlier stage.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.31-42
• /
• 2002

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the present status of hospice palliative care programs in Korea as a basic database for standardization of hospice palliative care. Method : The data was collected from July to October, 2001. The instrument used for this study was the questionnaires which was consisted of the general characteristics of organization, recipient of service, manpower, contents of service, financial conditions and facilities. Sixty-four hospice palliative care programs answered the questionnaires, confirmed by telephone. Results : They were 40 hospital-based hospice palliative care programs and 24 nonmedical hospice palliative care programs. 11 Hospital-based hospice palliative programs have isolated unit or hospital affiliated free standing hospice. 6 Non-hospital hospice palliative programs have a free standing hospice. Major subjects of hospice palliative program were terminal cancer patients but patients with non-terminal illness were also included. Only 24 of 64 hospice palliative programs had all of the essential professionals : physicians, nurses, social workers, and clergies. Home hospice palliative care programs have a referral system in hospital based (89.7%) and nonmedical programs (73.7%). 24hr hospice are were provided in 26 hospital-based (65.0%) and 9nonmedical programs (37.5%). There were rooms for family in half of hospital-based programs. 73.9% of hospice palliative care programs have financial problems. 62.0% of Hospice palliative care programs need financial support from government. Conclusion : 64 Hospice palliative care programs provided hospice palliative services but had many problems in manpower, quality of care and facility. For improving the quality of terminal patients' life and promoting the cost effectiveness of health care resources, it is necessary to consider the standardization and institutionalization of hospice palliative care.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
• /
• v.7 no.2
• /
• pp.214-220
• /
• 2004

Purpose: As for the malignant bowel obstruction of terminal cancer patient, a prognosis is relatively bad. Physicians consider palliative procedures or surgery for the quality of life, but sometimes it is hard to decide. After diagnosis of a malignant bowel obstruction in terminal cancer patients, we investigated the clinical characteristics, the prognostic factors and the survival of patients with palliative procedures or surgery. Methods: we retrospectively reviewed the medical records in 40 malignant bowel obstruction patients who had been diagnosed as terminal cancer from May in 2002 to May in 2004. Results: There were 21 males (53%) and 19 females (47%), and median age of patients was $64.1{\pm}1.58$ years. The most common cause of malignant bowel obstruction was colorectal cancer (18 patients, 45%), followed by stomach cancer (11, 28%), pancreatic cancer (4, 10%), others (7, 19%). Metastases were carcinomatosis peritonei (14 patients, 35%), liver (13, 33%). During a bowel obstruction, symptoms were vomiting (15 patients, 38%), abdominal pain (10, 25%), constipation (6, 15%), abdominal distension (5, 13%). Performance status (ECOG) was 2 score (16 patients, 40%), 3 score (20, 50%), 4 score (4, 10%). Palliative procedure group were 30 patients, the others 10. Median survival in palliative procedure group was 142 days, that of no palliation group 30. Median survival time of palliative procedure group from palliative procedures or surgery were significantly higher than that of no palliation group from diagnosis of malignant bowel obstruction. Prognostic factors of palliative procedure group were PS, site of obstruction and primary cancer. Median survival in PS 2, lower GI obstruction and colorectal cancer was higher than PS 3, upper GI obstruction and others, respectively. Conclusion: we recommend aggressively palliative procedures or surgery in malignant bowel obstruction patients diagnosed with terminal cancer if palliative procedures or surgery could be performed effectively.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.53 no.2
• /
• pp.173-182
• /
• 2002

Background : Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have usually been considered to be contaminants of colonizers when isolated from respiratory specimens in Korea, where there is a high prevalence of tuberculosis and a low rate of HIV infections. Therefore, there has been few studies on the clinical significance of NTM species in immunocompetent patients were investigated. Methods : Thirty-five NTM isolates, for which species identification was requested by the treating physicians during 1999 at the Asan Medical Center, were retrospectively analyzed. They were identified to the species level by mycolic acid analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography. The medical records of the patients with the NTM isolates were reviewed to identify those patients who met the American Thoracic Society (ATS)'s criteria for mycobacterial pulmonary infection. Their antimicrobial susceptibility data were compared with the clinical outcomes. Results : The NTM were identified as M. intracellulare (6 isolates), M. avium (5), M. abscessus (5), M. gordonae (5), M. terrae complex (4), M. szulgai (2), M. kansasii (2), M. fortuitum (2), M. peregrinum (1), M. mucogenicum (1), M. celatum (1), and M. chelonae (1). All 35 patients showed clinical symptoms and signs of chronic lung disease, but none had a HIV infections; 16 (45.7%) patients were found to be compatible with a NTM pulmonary infection according to the ATS criteria, 5 and 4 cases were affected with M. intracellulare and M. abscessus, respectively; 8 patients had a history of pulmonary tuberculosis. 13 patients received antimycobacterial therapy for an average of 21 months and 9 patients were treated with second-line drugs. Only 4 patients had improved radiologically. Conclusion : A NTM should be considered a potential pathogen of pulmonary infections in immunocompetent patients with chronic pulmonary diseases. Most NTM infections were left untreated for a prolonged period and showed a poor outcome as a result, M. intracellulare and M. abscessus were the two most frequent causes of NTM pulmonary infections in this study. Species identification and antimycobacterial susceptibility tests based on the species are needed for the optimum management of a NTM pulmonary infection in patients.