• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.75-79
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• 2019

Purpose Cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) camera with semiconductor detector is capable of dynamic myocardial perfusion SPECT for coronary flow reserve (CFR). Image acquisition with the heart positioned within 2 cm in the center of the quality field of view (QFOV) is recommended because the CZT detector based on focused multi-pinhole collimators and is stationary gantry without rotation. The aim of this study was to investigate the optimal method for measuring position of the heart within the center of the QFOV when performing dynamic myocardial perfusion SPECT with the Discovery NM 530c camera. Materials and Methods From June to September 2018, 45 patients were subject to dynamic myocardial perfusion SPECT with D530c. For accurate heart positioning, the patient's heart was scanned with a mobile ultrasound and marked at the top of the probe where the mitral valve (MV) was visible in the parasternal long-axis view (PLAX). And, the marked point on the patient's body matched with the reference point indicated CZT detector in dynamic stress. The heart was positioned to be in the center of the QFOV in rest. The coordinates of dynamic stress and rest were compared statistically. Results The coordinates of the dynamic stress using mobile ultrasound and those taken of the rest were recorded for comparative analysis with regard to the position of the couch and analyzed. There were no statistically significant differences in the coordinates of Table in & out, Table up & down, and Detector in & out (P > 0.05). The difference in distance between the 2 groups was measured at $0.25{\pm}1.00$, $0.24{\pm}0.96$ and $0.25{\pm}0.82cm$ respectively, with no difference greater than 2 cm in all categories. Conclusion The position of the heart taken using mobile ultrasound did not differ significantly from that of the center of the QFOV. Therefore, The use of mobile ultrasound in dynamic stress will help to select the correct position of the heart, which will be effective in clinical diagnosis by minimizing the image quality improvement and the patient's exposure to radiation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.613-621
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of supportive devices which are for minimizing the patient's movement during lower extremity angiography and to verify image quality of phantom by analyzing of Mask image, DSA image and Roadmap image into SNR and CNR. As a result of comparing SNR with CNR of mask image obtained by DSA technique using the phantom alone and phantom placed on the supportive devices, there was no significant difference between about 0~0.06 for SNR and about 0~0.003 for CNR. The study showed about 0.11~0.35 for SNR and 0.016~0.031 for CNR of DSA imaging by DSA technique about only water phantom of the blood vessel model and the water phantom placed on the device. Analyzing SNR and CNR of Roadmap technique about water phantom on the auxiliary device (hardboard paper, pomax, polycarbonate, acrylic) and water phantom alone, there was no significant difference between 0.02~0.05 for SNR and 0.002~0.004 for CNR. In conclusion, there was no significant difference on image quality by using supportive devices made by hardboard paper, pomax, polycarbonate or acryl regardless of whether using supportive devices or not. Supportive devices to minimize of the patient's movement may reduce the total amount of contrast, exam-time, radiation exposure and eliminate risk factors during angiogram. Supportive devices made by hardboard paper can be applied easily during angiogram due to advantages of reasonable price and simple processing. It is considered that will be useful to consider cost efficiency and types of materials and their properties in accordance with purpose and method of the study when the operator makes and uses supportive devices.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.15-20
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• 2021

Purpose This article studies the relationship between the length of a kidney measured by two scanning methods: Kidney Computed Tomography (CT) and ^99mTc-Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scan. Kidney CT provides a better anatomic assessment, while ^99mTc-DMSA renal scan is superior in the kidney function test. Materials and Methods From January to December of 2019, two hundred patients who had Kidney CT and Tc^99m-DMSA renal scan were chosen for this study. SPSS17.0 was selected for statistical analysis. Results Due to the effect of the breathing and resolution of ^99mTc-DMSA renal scan, it showed the kidney's relatively longer length than the length of Kidney CT. For the same kidney, the length comparison among different brands' Gamma cameras was negligible. The length difference within the same age group did not show a noticeable discrepancy. However, there was a length difference between the radio technologists. Kidney CT and ^99mTc-DMSA renal scan indicated a strong positive correlation between the length of the left and right kidney. Conclusion It is necessary to establish a standardized measurement method for measuring kidney length using ^99mTc-DMSA renal scan. The kidney's functional changes and length changes are indications of Kidney diseases. Especially, pediatric patients tend to use ^99mTc-DMSA renal scan for assessing the kidney's shape and the function to avoid potential radiation exposure during the Kidney CT. Therefore, it is significant to provide not only the kidney's functional information but also an anatomic analysis, including the kidney's size, length, and location through the ^99mTc-DMSA renal scan.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2017

Purpose: To retrospectively compare minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) with open plate fixation for the treatment of clavicle midshaft fracture. Materials and Methods: Between November 2011 to May 2014, 40 cases that were followed for more than 1 year-among all cases of MIPPO and open plate fixation-were analyzed. The study population was divided into two groups: group A included 20 cases of MIPPO and group B included 20 open plate fixation cases. The comparative analysis between the two groups was based on the operative time, bone union, functional evaluation (American Shoulder and Elbow Society score), incision length, pain relief (visual analogue scale, VAS), and complication. Results: The bone union was successful for all the cases, and the functional evaluation scores of the shoulder joint were satisfactory for both groups (p>0.05). The operative time was 47.5 minutes and 58.7 minutes for group A and B, respectively (p<0.05). The incision length for group A was 6.2 cm and that for group B was 10.7 cm with statistical significance (p<0.05). Pain relief (VAS) after surgery for group A showed a quick recuperation in the early stages. For complications, there were 2 cases of dysesthesia and 1 case of malunion due to metal fixation failure in group A. There were 6 cases of dysesthesia and 2 cases of cosmetic problem due to hypertrophic scar in group B. Conclusion: Surgical results of clavicle shaft fracture were satisfactory for both groups, but group A had advantages of shorter operative time, minimal incision length, and better pain relief in the early stages compared with group B. However, we need further evaluations with long-term follow-up results and complications, such as malunion and exposure on radiation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.82 no.6
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• pp.1493-1504
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• 2021

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the utility of the 16-cm axial volume scan technique for calculating the coronary artery calcium score (CACS) using non-enhanced chest CT. Materials and Methods This study prospectively enrolled 20 participants who underwent both, non-enhanced chest CT (16-cm-coverage axial volume scan technique) and calcium-score CT, with the same parameters, differing only in slice thickness (in non-enhanced chest CT = 0.625, 1.25, 2.5 mm; in calcium score CT = 2.5 mm). The CACS was calculated using the conventional Agatston method. The difference between the CACS obtained from the two CT scans was compared, and the degree of agreement for the clinical significance of the CACS was confirmed through sectional analysis. Each calcified lesion was classified by location and size, and a one-to-one comparison of non-contrast-enhanced chest CT and calcium score CT was performed. Results The correlation coefficients of the CACS obtained from the two CT scans for slice thickness of 2.5, 1.25, and 0.625 mm were 0.9850, 0.9688, and 0.9834, respectively. The mean differences between the CACS were -21.4% at 0.625 mm, -39.4% at 1.25 mm, and -76.2% at 2.5 mm slice thicknesses. Sectional analysis revealed that 16 (80%), 16 (80%), and 13 (65%) patients showed agreement for the degree of coronary artery disease at each slice interval, respectively. Inter-reader agreement was high for each slice interval. The 0.625 mm CT showed the highest sensitivity for detecting calcified lesions. Conclusion The values in the non-contrast-enhanced chest CT, using the 16-cm axial volume scan technique, were similar to those obtained using the CACS in the calcium score CT, at 0.625 mm slice thickness without electrocardiogram gating. This can ultimately help predict cardiovascular risk without additional radiation exposure.