• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.110-114
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• 2012

Purpose : PET/CT is widely used for early checking up of cancer and following up of pre and post operation. Image reconstruction method is advanced with mechanical function. We want to evaluate image quality of each reconstruction program based on time of flight (TOF). Materials and Methods : After acquiring phantom images during 2 minutes with Gemini TF (Philips, USA), Biograph mCT (Siemens, USA) and Discovery 690 (GE, USA), we reconstructed image applied to Astonish TF (Philips, USA), ultraHD PET (Siemens, USA), Sharp IR (GE, USA) and not applied. inside of Flangeless Esser PET phantom (Data Spectrum corp., USA) was filled with $^{18}F$-FDG 1.11 kBq/ml (30 Ci/ml) and 4 hot inserts (8. 12. 16. 25 mm) were filled with 8.88 kBq/ml (240 ${\mu}Ci/ml$) the ratio of background activity and hot inserts activity was 1 : 8. Inside of triple line phantom (Data Spectrum corp., USA) was filled with $^{18}F$-FDG 37 MBq/ml (1 mCi). Three of lines were filled with 0.37 MBq (100 ${\mu}Ci$). Contrast ratio and background variability were acquired from reconstruction image used Flangeless Esser PET phantom and resolution was acquired from reconstruction image used triple line phantom. Results : The contrast ratio of image which was not applied to Astonish TF was 8.69, 12.28, 19.31, 25.80% in phantom lid of which size was 8, 12, 16, 25 mm and it which was applied to Astonish TF was 6.24, 13.24, 19.55, 27.60%. It which was not applied to ultraHD PET was 4.94, 12.68, 22.09, 30.14%, it which was applied to ultraHD PET was 4.76, 13.23, 23.72, 31.65%. It which was not applied to SharpIR was 13.18, 17.44, 28.76, 34.67%, it which was applied to SharpIR was 13.15, 18.32, 30.33, 35.73%. The background variability of image which was not applied to Astonish TF was 5.51, 5.42, 7.13, 6.28%. it which was applied to Astonish TF was 7.81, 7.94, 6.40 6.28%. It which was not applied to ultraHD PET was 6.46, 6.63, 5.33, 5.21%, it which was applied to ultraHD PET was 6.08, 6.08, 4.45, 4.58%. It which was not applied to SharpIR was 5.93, 4.82, 4.45, 5.09%, it which was applied to SharpIR was 4.80, 3.92, 3.63, 4.50%. The resolution of phantom line of which location was upper, center, right, which was not applied to Astonish TF was 10.77, 11.54, 9.34 mm it which was applied to Astonish TF was 9.54, 8.90, 8.88 mm. It which was not applied to ultraHD PET was 7.84, 6.95, 8.32 mm, it which was applied to ultraHD PET was 7.51, 6.66, 8.27 mm. It which was not applied to SharpIR was 9.35, 8.69, 8.99, it which was applied to SharpIR was 9.88, 9.18, 9.00 mm. Conclusion : Image quality was advanced generally while reconstruction program which is based on time of flight was used. Futhermore difference of result compared each manufacture reconstruction program showed up, however this is caused by specification of instrument of each manufacture and difference of reconstruction algorithm. Therefore we need further examination to find out appropriate reconstruction condition while using reconstruction program used for advance of image quality.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.57-62
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• 2009

Purpose: Brain SPECT study is more sensitive to motion than other studies. Especially, when applying 1-day subtraction method for Diamox SPECT, it needs shorter study time in order to prevent reexamination. We were required to have new study condition and analysing method on dual detector system because triple head camera in Seoul National University Hospital is to be disposed. So we have tried to increase image quality and make the dual and triple head to have equivalent study time by using a new analysing program. Materials and Methods: Using IEC phantom, we estimated contrast, SNR and FWHM. In Hoffman 3D brain phantom which is similar with real brain, we were on the supposition that 5% of injected doses were distributed in brain tissue. To compare with existing FBP method, we used fan-beam collimator. And we applied 15 sec, 25 sec/frame for each SEPCT studies using LEHR and LEUHR. We used OSEM2D and Onco-flash3D reconstruction method and compared reconstruction methods between applied Gaussian post-filtering 5mm and not applied as well. Attenuation correction was applied by manual method. And we did Brain SPECT to patient injected 15 mCi of $^{99m}Tc$-HMPAO according to results of Phantom study. Lastly, technologist, MD, PhD estimated the results. Results: The study shows that reconstruction method by Flash3D is better than exiting FBP and OSEM2D when studied using IEC phantom. Flowing by estimation, when using Flash3D, both of 15 sec and 25 sec are needed postfiltering 5 mm. And 8 times are proper for subset 8 iteration in Flash3D. OSEM2D needs post-filtering. And it is proper that subset 4, iteration 8 times for 15sec and subset 8, iteration 12 times for 25sec. The study regarding to injected doses for a patient and study time, combination of input parameter-15 sec/frame, LEHR collimator, analysing program-Flash3D, subset 8, iteration 8times and Gaussian post-filtering 5mm is the most appropriate. On the other hands, it was not appropriate to apply LEUHR collimator to 1-day subtraction method of Diamox study because of lower sensitivity. Conclusions: We could prove that there was also an advantage of short study time effectiveness in Dual camera same as Triple gamma camera and get great result of alternation from existing fan-beam collimator to parallel collimator. In addition, resolution and contrast of new method was better than FBP method. And it could improve sensitivity and accuracy of image because lesser subjectivity was input than Metz filter of FBP. We expect better image quality and shorter study time of Brain SPECT on Dual detector system.

• Journal of Integrative Natural Science
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.79-83
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• 2008

As a new standard for performance measurement, NEMA NU2-2001 was presented recently. In this study, I investigated the spatial resolution, sensitivity, scatter fraction, and noise equivalent count ratio (NECR) in order to know the information of physical characteristics and system performance of GE discovery ST using this new standard. Bismuth germinate crystals ($6{\times}6$ array, $6.3mm{\times}6.3mm{\times}30mm$) were used in discovery ST (energy window:375-650 keV, coincidence window:11.7 nsec). To measure the sensitivity, five aluminum sleeves (Data Spectrum Corp., Chapel Hill, NC., USA, thickness:1.25 mm)-NEMA sensitivity phantom- filled with F-18 solution were used. Successive measurements in 2D and 3D acquisition mode were made with a line source at the center of transaxial field of view and 10 cm off from the center until the count was over 500,000. Spatial resolution was estimated using a point source (F-18, 0.1 mCi) at different locations in the FOV. Scatter fraction and NECR was tested using a NEMA scatter phantom. Dynamic data were acquired for 7 half-lives using F-18 solution. And true to background ratio was averaged at last three frames when the random rate was as small as ignorable for the calculation of scatter fraction. We anticipate this overall evaluated results could be used for the quality assurance and optimized image acquisition for clinical research.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.15-19
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• 2003

High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy for treating a cervix carcinoma has become popular, because it eliminates many of the problems associated with conventional brachytherapy. In order to improve the clinical effectiveness with HDR brachytherapy, a dose calculation algorithm, optimization procedures, and image registrations need to be verified by comparing the dose distributions from a planning computer and those from a phantom. In this study, the phantom was fabricated in order to verify the absolute doses and the relative dose distributions. The measured doses from the phantom were then compared with the treatment planning system for the dose verification. The phantom needs to be designed such that the dose distributions can be quantitatively evaluated by utilizing the dosimeters with a high spatial resolution. Therefore, the small size of the thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) chips with a dimension of <1/8"and film dosimetry with a spatial resolution of <1mm used to measure the radiation dosages in the phantom. The phantom called a pelvic phantom was made from water and the tissue-equivalent acrylic plates. In order to firmly hold the HDR applicators in the water phantom, the applicators were inserted into the grooves of the applicator holder. The dose distributions around the applicators, such as Point A and B, were measured by placing a series of TLD chips (TLD-to-TLD distance: 5mm) in the three TLD holders, and placing three verification films in the orthogonal planes. This study used a Nucletron Plato treatment planning system and a Microselectron Ir-192 source unit. The results showed good agreement between the treatment plan and measurement. The comparisons of the absolute dose showed agreement within $\pm$4.0 % of the dose at point A and B, and the bladder and rectum point. In addition, the relative dose distributions by film dosimetry and those calculated by the planning computer show good agreement. This pelvic phantom could be a useful to verify the dose calculation algorithm and the accuracy of the image localization algorithm in the high dose rate (HDR) planning computer. The dose verification with film dosimetry and TLD as quality assurance (QA) tools are currently being undertaken in the Catholic University, Seoul, Korea.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.63-67
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• 2004

Purpose: To make a focal trough (image layer) for an average maxillary dental arch of 6-year-old korean in panoramic radiography. Materials and Methods : Phantom for the maxillary dental arch was designed using intercanine width, intermolar width, tooth size, and interdental spacing to record the data of 6-year-old child. The characteristics of pre-corrected panoramic machine (for adult) was evaluated using the phantom, resolution test pattern for margin of the image layer, and metal ball for the center of the image layer. Panoramic image layer of the child was developed by means of decreasing the speed of film-cassette and positioning the phantom backwards, and then the characteristics of post-corrected panoramic machine (for child) were reevaluated. Results: At post-corrected panoramic image layer, beam projection angles at all interdental areas increased for about 2.6-3.8°, the position of the image layer was shifted toward the rotation center for about 2.5 mm at the deciduous central incisior area. The width of image layer decreased at all areas. Conclusion : Increased beam projection angle will reduce the disadvantage of tooth overlap, and the same form between the center of the image layer and dental arch will improve image resolution.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.367-373
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• 2021

A quality assurance of computed tomography(CT) have done seven items that were water attenuation coefficient, noise, homogeneity, spatial resolution, contrast resolution, slice thickness, artifact using by standard phantom. But there is no quality assurance items and methods for CT simulator at domestic institutions yet. Therefore the study aimed to access the CT dose index(CTDI), table tilting, image distortion, laser accuracy, table movement accuracy and CT seven items for CT simulator quality assurance. The CTDI at the center of the head phantom was 0.81 for 80 kVp, 1.55 for 100 kVp, 2.50 for 120 mm, 0.22 for 80 kVp at the center of the body phantom, 0.469 for 100 kVp, and 0.81 for 120 kVp. The table tilting was within the tolerance range of ±1.0° or less. Image distortion had 1 mm distortion in the left and right images based on the center, and the laser accuracy was measured within ±2 mm tolerance. The purpose of this study is to improve the quality assurance items suitable for the current situation in Korea in order to protect the normal tissues during the radiation treatment process and manage the CT simulator that is implemented to find the location of the tumor more clearly. In order to improve the accuracy of the CT simulator when looking at the results, the error range of each item should be small. It is hoped that the quality assurance items of the CT simulator will be improved by suggesting the quality assurance direction of the CT simulator in this study, and the results of radiation therapy will also improve.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.499-504
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• 2022

Positron emission tomography (PET) uses a very small scintillator to achieve exellent spatial resolution. Therefore, in this study, a PET system using a scintillator to 0.8 mm size was designed and the performance was evaluated. Anihilation radiation was generated from the center of the field of view (FOV) to the outskirts at intervals of 10 mm, and counted simultaneously. The image was reconstructed using the coincidence data, and the spatial resolution was calculated by acquiring the full width at half maximum through the profile. The spatial resolution at the center of the FOV was 1.02 mm, showing a very good result, and the spatial resolution decreased as it was located at the outer edge. To evaluate the phantom image, the Derenzo phantom was constructed to acquire the image, and the degree of classification between radiation sources was evaluated through profile analysis. The result showed that the distance between the radiation sources was larger than the spatial resolution of the radiation sources at each location, and it was confirmed that the radiation sources were distinguished through this. When the PET system designed in this study is applied to PET for small animals, it is considered that excellent performance can be secured through the characteristic of very good spatial resolution.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.127-132
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• 2010

Purpose: Because of limitation of image acquisition method and acquisition time, scatter correction cannot perform easily in SPECT study. But in our hospital, could provide to clinic doctor of scatter corrected images, through introduction of new generation gamma camera has function of simple scatter correction. Taking this opportunity, we will compare scatter corrected and non-scatter corrected image from image quality of point of view. Materials and Methods: We acquisite the 'Hoffman brain phantom' SPECT image and '1mm line phantom' SPECT image, each 18 times, with GE Infinia Hawkeye 4, SPECT-CT gamma camera. At first, we calculated each contrast from axial slice of scatter corrected and non-scatter corrected SPECT image of 'Hoffman brain phantom'. and next, calculated each FWHM of horizontal and vertical from axial slice of scatter corrected and non-scatter corrected SPECT image of '1mm line phantom'. After then, we attempted T test analysis with SAS program on data, contrast and resolution value of scatter corrected and non-scatter corrected image. Results: The contrast of scatter corrected image, elevated from 0.3979 to 0.3509. And the resolution of scatter corrected image, elevated from 3.4822 to 3.6375. p value were 0.0097 in contrast and <0.0001 in resolution. We knew the fact that do improve of contrast and resolution through scatter correction. Conclusion: We got the improved SPECT image through simple and easy way, scatter correct. We will expect to provide improved images, from contrast and resolution point of view. to our clinic doctor.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea SC
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.172-180
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• 2003

The purpose of this study is to observe the heat transfer process in in-vivo human muscle based on Proton Resonance Frequency(PRF) method in Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI). MRI was obtained to measure the temperature variation according to the heat transfer in phantom and in-vivo human calf muscle. A phantom(2% agarose gel) was used in this experiment. MR temperature measurement was compared with the direct temperature measurement using a T-type thermocouple. After heating agarose gel to more than 5$0^{\circ}C$ in boiling hot water, raw data were acquired every 3 minutes during one hour cooling period for a phantom case. For human study heat was forced to deliver into volunteer's calf muscle using hot pack. Reference data were once acquired before a hot pack emits heat and raw data were acquired every 2 minutes during 30minutes. Acquired raw data were reconstructed to phase-difference images with reference image to observe the temperature change. Phase-difference of the phantom was linearly proportional to the temperature change in the range of 34.2$^{\circ}C$ and 50.2$^{\circ}C$. Temperature resolution was 0.0457 radian /$^{\circ}C$(0.0038 ppm/$^{\circ}C$) in phantom case. In vivo-case, mean phase-difference in near region from the hot pack is smaller than that in far region. Different temperature distribution was observed in proportion to a distance from heat source.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.39-46
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• 2019

This study conducted a comparative analysis of differences between cartesian trajectory in a linear rectangular coordinate system and MultiVane trajectory in a nonlinear rectangular coordinate system axial T1 and axial T2 images using an American College of Radiology(ACR) phantom. The phantom was placed at the center of the head coil and the top-to-bottom and left-to-right levels were adjusted by using a level. The experiment was performed according to the Phantom Test Guidance provided by the ACR, and sagittal localizer images were obtained. As shown in Figure 2, slices # 1 and # 11 were scanned after placing them at the center of a $45^{\circ}$ wedge shape, and a total of 11 slices were obtained. According to the evaluation results, the image intensity uniformity(IIU) was 93.34% for the cartesian trajectory, and 93.19% for the MultiVane trajectory, both of which fall under the normal range in the axial T1 image. The IIU for the cartesian trajectory was 0.15% higher than that for the MultiVane trajectory. In axial T2, the IIU was 96.44% for the cartesian trajectory, and 95.97% for the MultiVane trajectory, which fall under the normal range. The IIU for the cartesian trajectory was by 0.47% higher than that for the MultiVane trajectory. As a result, the cartesian technique was superior to the MultiVane technique in terms of the high-contrast spatial resolution, image intensity uniformity, and low-contrast object detectability.