• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.7-15
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• 2008

Purpose: This study provides comparative measurements of absorbed and effective doses for newly developed cone beam computed tomography (CT) in comparison with these doses for conventional CT. Materials and Methods: Thermoluminescent dosimeter rods (TLD rod: GR-200, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Waltham, MA, USA) were placed at 25 sites throughout the layers of Male ART Head and Neck Phantom (Radiology Support Devices Inc., Long Beach, USA) for dosimetry. Implagraphy, DCT Pro (Vatech Co., Hwasung, Korea) units, SCT-6800TXL (Shimadzu Corp., Kyoto, Japan), and Crane x 3+(Soredex Orion Corp., Helsinki, Finland) were used for radiation exposures. Absorption doses were measured with Harshaw 3500TLD reader (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Waltham, MA, USA). Radiation weighted doses and effective doses were measured and calculated by 2005 ICRP tissue weighting factors. Results: Absorbed doses in Rt. submandibular gland were 110.57 mGy for SCT 6800TXL (Implant), 24.56 mGy for SCT 6800TXL (3D), 22.39 mGy for Implagraphy 3, 7.19 mGy for DCT Pro, 5.96 mGy for Implagraphy 1, 0.70 mGy for Cranex 3+. Effective doses $(E_{2005draft)$ were 2.551 mSv for SCT 6800TXL (Implant), 1.272 mSv for SCT 6800TXL (3D), 0.598 mSv for Implagraphy 3, 0.428 mSv for DCT Pro and 0.146 mSv for Implagraphy 1. These are 108.6, 54.1, 25.5, 18.2 and 6.2 times greater than panoramic examination (Cranex 3+) doses (0.023mSv). Conclusion: Cone beam CT machines recently developed in Korea, showed lower effective doses than conventional CT. Cone beam CT provides a lower dose and cost alternative to conventional CT, promising to revolutionize the practice of oral and maxillofacial radiology.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.303-308
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• 2022

Mammography using X-rays is currently the most used for early diagnosis of breast cancer. As the frequency of use of X-ray devices increases, interest in radiation hazards caused by mammography is increasing. Therefore, in this study, in order to measure the exposure dose of the mammary gland in X-ray mammography that requires high contrast and high resolution, the international Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stipulates the international standards presented by IEC 62220-1-2: 2015. Based on the beam quality criteria of the recommendation, we tried to present a guideline for evaluating the average mammary gland dose. As a result, the average streamline dose value of the 4.5 cm PMMA phantom was 2.3 mGy at the maximum within the 30 kV range, and was evaluated to be 1.19 mGy based on 28 kV.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.33-39
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• 2023

Purpose: FLASH radiotherapy (RT) using ultra-high dose rate (>40 Gy/s) radiation is being studied worldwide. However, experimental studies such as preclinical studies using small animals are difficult to perform due to the limited availability of irradiation devices and methods for generating a FLASH beam. In this paper, we report the initial dosimetry results of a prototype electron linear accelerator (LINAC)-based irradiation system to perform ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) preclinical experiments. Methods: The present study used the prototype electron LINAC developed by the Research Center of Dongnam Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences (DIRAMS) in Korea. We investigated the beam current dependence of the depth dose to determine the optimal beam current for preclinical experiments. The dose rate in the UHDR region was measured by film dosimetry. Results: Depth dose measurements showed that the optimal beam current for preclinical experiments was approximately 33 mA, corresponding to a mean energy of 4.4 MeV. Additionally, the average dose rates of 80.4 Gy/s and 162.0 Gy/s at a source-to-phantom surface distance of 30 cm were obtained at pulse repetition frequencies of 100 Hz and 200 Hz, respectively. The dose per pulse and instantaneous dose rate were estimated to be approximately 0.80 Gy and 3.8×10⁵ Gy/s, respectively. Conclusions: Film dosimetry verified the appropriate dose rates to perform FLASH RT preclinical studies using the developed electron-beam irradiator. However, further research on the development of innovative beam monitoring systems and stabilization of the accelerator beam is required.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.17-29
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• 2015

Purpose For nuclear medicine technologists, it is difficult to stay away from or to separate from radiation sources comparing with workers who are using radiation generating devices. Nuclear medicine technologists work is recognized as an optimized way when they are familiar with work practices. The aims of this study are to measure radiation exposure of technologists working in PET and to evaluate the occupational radiation dose after implementation of strategies to lower exposure. Materials and Methods We divided into four working types by QC for PET, injection, scan and etc. in PET scan procedure. In QC of PET, we compared the radiation exposure controlling next to $^{68}Ge$ cylinder phantom directly to controlling the table in console room remotely. In injection, we compared the radiation exposure guiding patient in waiting room before injection to after injection. In scan procedure of PET, we compared the radiation exposure moving the table using the control button located next to the patient to moving the table using the control button located in the far distance. PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DOSEMETER (PED), Tracerco$^{TM}$ was used for measuring exposed radiation doses. Results The average doses of exposed radiation were $0.27{\pm}0.04{\mu}Sv$ when controlling the table directly and $0.13{\pm}0.14{\mu}Sv$ when controlling the table remotely while performing QC. The average doses of exposed radiation were $0.97{\pm}0.36{\mu}Sv$ when guiding patient after injection and $0.62{\pm}0.17{\mu}Sv$ when guiding patient before injection. The average doses of exposed radiation were $1.33{\pm}0.54{\mu}Sv$ when using the control button located next to the patient and $0.94{\pm}0.50{\mu}Sv$ when using the control button located in far distance while acquiring image. As a result, there were statistically significant differences(P<0.05). Conclusion: From this study, we found that how much radiation doses technologists are exposed on average at each step of PET procedure while working in PET center and how we can reduce the occupational radiation dose after implementation of strategies to lower exposure. And if we make effort to seek any other methods to reduce technologist occupational radiation, we can minimize and optimize exposed radiation doses in department of nuclear medicine. Conclusion From this study, we found that how much radiation doses technologists are exposed on average at each step of PET procedure while working in PET center and how we can reduce the occupational radiation dose after implementation of strategies to lower exposure. And if we make effort to seek any other methods to reduce technologist occupational radiation, we can minimize and optimize exposed radiation doses in department of nuclear medicine.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.30 no.1_2
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• pp.83-95
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• 2018

Purpose : After planning the Respiratory Gated Radiotherapy for Lung cancer, the movement and volume change of sparing normal structures nearby target are not often considered during dose evaluation. This study carried out 4-D dose evaluation which reflects the movement of normal structures at certain phase of Respiratory Gated Radiotherapy, by using Deformable Image Registration that is well used for Adaptive Radiotherapy. Moreover, the study discussed the need of analysis and established some recommendations, regarding the normal structures's movement and volume change due to Patient's breathing pattern during evaluation of treatment plans. Materials and methods : The subjects were taken from 10 lung cancer patients who received Respiratory Gated Radiotherapy. Using Eclipse(Ver 13.6 Varian, USA), the structures seen in the top phase of CT image was equally set via Propagation or Segmentation Wizard menu, and the structure's movement and volume were analyzed by Center-to Center method. Also, image from each phase and the dose distribution were deformed into top phase CT image, for 4-dimensional dose evaluation, via VELOCITY Program. Also, Using $QUASAR^{TM}$ Phantom(Modus Medical Devices) and $GAFCHROMIC^{TM}$ EBT3 Film(Ashland, USA), verification carried out 4-D dose distribution for 4-D gamma pass rate. Result : The movement of the Inspiration and expiration phase was the most significant in axial direction of right lung, as $0.989{\pm}0.34cm$, and was the least significant in lateral direction of spinal cord, as -0.001 cm. The volume of right lung showed the greatest rate of change as 33.5 %. The maximal and minimal difference in PTV Conformity Index and Homogeneity Index between 3-dimensional dose evaluation and 4-dimensional dose evaluation, was 0.076, 0.021 and 0.011, 0.0 respectfully. The difference of 0.0045~2.76 % was determined in normal structures, using 4-D dose evaluation. 4-D gamma pass rate of every patients passed reference of 95 % gamma pass rate. Conclusion : PTV Conformity Index was more significant in all patients using 4-D dose evaluation, but no significant difference was observed between two dose evaluations for Homogeneity Index. 4-D dose distribution was shown more homogeneous dose compared to 3D dose distribution, by considering the movement from breathing which helps to fill out the PTV margin area. There was difference of 0.004~2.76 % in 4D evaluation of normal structure, and there was significant difference between two evaluation methods in all normal structures, except spinal cord. This study shows that normal structures could be underestimated by 3-D dose evaluation. Therefore, 4-D dose evaluation with Deformable Image Registration will be considered when the dose change is expected in normal structures due to patient's breathing pattern. 4-D dose evaluation with Deformable Image Registration is considered to be a more realistic dose evaluation method by reflecting the movement of normal structures from patient's breathing pattern.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2015

Purpose : Evaluating absorbed dose related to 2D and 3D imaging confirmation devices Materials and Methods : According to the radiographic projection conditions, absorbed doses are measured that 3 glass dosimeters attached to the centers of 0', 90', 180' and 270' in the head, thorax and abdomen each with Rando phantom are used in field size $26.6{\times}20$, $15{\times}15$. In the same way, absorbed doses are measured for width 16cm and 10cm of CBCT each. OBI(version 1.5) system and calibrated glass dosimeters are used for the measurement. Results : AP projection for 2D imaging check, In $0^{\circ}$ degree absorbed doses measured in the head were $1.44{\pm}0.26mGy$ with the field size $26.6{\times}20$, $1.17{\pm}0.02mGy$ with the field size $15{\times}15$. With the same method, absorbed doses in the thorax were $3.08{\pm}0.86mGy$ to $0.57{\pm}0.02mGy$ by reducing field size. In the abdomen, absorbed dose were reduced $8.19{\pm}0.54mGy$ to $4.19{\pm}0.09mGy$. Finally according to the field size, absorbed doses has decreased by average 5~12%. With Lateral projection, absorbed doses showed average 5~8% decrease. CBCT for 3D imaging check, CBDI in the head were $4.39{\pm}0.11mGy$ to $3.99{\pm}0.13mGy$ by reducing the width 16cm to 10cm. In the same way in thorax the absorbed dose were reduced $34.88{\pm}0.93(10.48{\pm}0.09)mGy$ to $31.01{\pm}0.3(9.30{\pm}0.09)mGy$ and $35.99{\pm}1.86mGy$ to $32.27{\pm}1.35mGy$ in the abdomen. With variation of width 16cm and 10cm, they showed 8~11% decrease. Conclusion : By means of reducing 2D field size, absorbed dose were decreased average 5~12% in 3D width size 8~11%. So that it is necessary for radiation therapists to recognize systematical management for absorbed dose for Imaging confirmation. and also for frequent CBCT, it is considered whether or not prescribed dose for RT refer to imaging dose.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.129-138
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• 2020

Due to the nature of the Rosenberg Method, the patient needs to maintain posture for a certain period of time, and the joint space is observed in various forms depending on the angle of knee flexion, which causes difficulties in examination. In order to solve these problems, Image quality was evaluated in order to evaluate the usefulness of the assistive device by making the assistive device itself. SNR and CNR analysis about the presence or absence of an assistive device using the extremity phantom and the angle of the assistive device itself were not statistically significant(p < 0.05). As a result of measuring the distance between the right and left edges of the medial condyle based on the presence or absence of an assist device, and the absence of assist device (96.00±40.6 mm) and presence of an assist device (134.86±17.68 mm) were statistically significant (p <0.05). To find the aLDFA relationship about the femur and tibia, we measured the right and left aLDFA based on the presence or absence of assist device. As a result, the absence of the right-side aLDFA assist device (74.63°±4.87) and the presence of assist device (79.64°±3.65) were statistically significant (p <0.05). The absence of the left-side aLDFA assist device (76.39°±4.62) and the presence of assist device (79.64°±3.65) were statistically significant (p < 0.05). but, As a result of measuring the distance of the overlapping parts of the right and left proximal tibiofibular joint and the lateral condyle, There were no statistically significant differences between the right and left sides. In conclusion, we confirmed that we can obtain Diagnostically valuable images with a constant knee-to-knee spacing using an assist device we self-created. In addition, we could learn through aLDFA relationship between femur and tibial that the smaller the angle, the more medial condyle overlaps with JSW, We also confirmed the significance by deriving similar values on the normal range values of aLDFA using assist devices. However, it is considered necessary to pay attention to internal and external rotations in order to obtain good quality images by evaluating the distance of overlapping parts between proximal tibiofibular joint and lateral condyle.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.99-112
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• 2010

In Republic of Korea, there are many Quality Assurance protocol for general radiation treatment machine such as linac. However, Quality Assurance protocol for radiosurgery treatment system is not ready perfectly. One of the radiation treatment machine for radiosurgery, novalis system needs to suitable Quality Assurance protocol for using it right way during radiation treatment and maintaining suitable accuracy for daily, weekly, monthly and annually periods. Therefore, in this article, we develop Quality Assurance protocol for novalis system. We collected and analysed domestic and foreign novalis Quality Assurance protocol. After that, we selected essential QA items and each tolerance range for developing proper QA protocol, and we made anatomical phantom for execution of selected QA items and evaluation of overall state of QA, and then, we use this measured value as a reference. Quality Assurance items are consisted of Mechanical accuracy QA part and Radiation delivery QA part. Mechanical accuracy QA part is comprised of radiation generation machine part, assistive devices part and multi-leaf collimator part. Radiation delivery QA part is divided into radiation isocenter accuracy and dosimetric evaluation. After that, developed novalis QA tables are made by using these QA items. These novalis QA tables would be used to good standard in order to maintain apt accuracy for radiosurgery in daily, weekly, monthly and annually periods.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.329-335
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• 2010

Digital imaging detectors can use a variety of detection materials to convert X-ray radiation either to light or directly to electron charge. Many detectors such as amorphous silicon flat panels, CCDs, and CMOS photodiode arrays incorporate a scintillator screen to convert x-ray to light. The digital radiography systems based on semiconductor detectors, commonly referred to as flat panel detectors, are gaining popularity in the clinical & hospital. The X-ray detectors are described between a-Silicon based indirect type and a-Selenium based direct type. The DRS of detectors is used to convert the x-ray to electron hole pairs. Image processing is described by specific image features: Latitude compression, Contrast enhancement, Edge enhancement, Look up table, Noise suppression. The image features are tuned independently. The final enhancement result is a combination of all image features. The parameters are altered by using specific image features in the different several hospitals. The image in a radiological report consists of two image evaluation processes: Clinical image parameters and MTF is a descriptor of the spatial resolution of a digital imaging system. We used the edge test phantom and exposure procedure described in the IEC 61267 to obtain an edge spread function from which the MTF is calculated. We can compare image in the processing parameters to change between original and processed image data. The angle of the edge with respect to the axes of detector was varied in order to determine the MTF as a function of direction. Each MTF is integrated within the spatial resolution interval of 1.35-11.70 cycles/mm at the 50% MTF point. Each image enhancement parameters consists of edge, frequency, contrast, LUT, noise, sensitometry curve, threshold level, windows. The digital device is also shown to have good uniformity of MTF and image parameters across its modality. The measurements reported here represent a comprehensive evaluation of digital radiography system designed for use in the DRS. The results indicate that the parameter enables very good image quality in the digital radiography. Of course, the quality of image from a parameter is determined by other digital devices in addition to the proper clinical image.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.89-96
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• 2006

Purpose: To study effectiveness of heterogeneity correction of internal-body inhomogeneities and patient positioning immobilizers in dose calculation, using images obtained from CT-Simulator. Materials and Methods: A water phantom($250{\times}250{\times}250mm^3$) was fabricated and, to simulate various inhomogeneity, 1) bone 2) metal 3) contrast media 4) immobilization devices(Head holder/pillow/Vac-lok) were inserted in it. And then, CT scans were peformed. The CT-images were input to Radiation Treatment Planning System(RTPS) and the MUs, to give 100 cGy at 10 cm depth with isocentric standard setup(Field Size=$10{\times}10cm^2$, SAD=100 cm), were calculated for various energies(4, 6, 10 MV X-ray). The calculated MUs based on various CT-images of inhomogeneities were compared and analyzed. Results: Heterogeneity correction factors were compared for different materials. The correction factors were $2.7{\sim}5.3%$ for bone, $2.7{\sim}3.8%$ for metal materials, $0.9{\sim}2.3%$ for contrast media, $0.9{\sim}2.3%$ for Head-holder, $3.5{\sim}6.9%$ for Head holder+pillow, and $0.9{\sim}1.5%$ for Vac-lok. Conclusion: It is revealed that the heterogeneity correction factor calculated from internal-body inhomogeneities have various values and have no consistency. and with increasing number of beam ports, the differences can be reduced to under 1%, so, it can be disregarded. On the other hand, heterogeneity correction from immobilizers must be regarded enough to minimize inaccuracy of dose calculation.