• Title/Summary/Keyword: 방사성

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The Effectiveness of CT and MRI Contrast Agent for SUV in 18F-FDG PET/CT Scanning (18F-FDG PET/CT 검사에서 정량분석에 관한 CT와 MRI 조영제의 효과)

  • Cha, Sangyoung;Cho, Yonggwi;Lee, Yongki;Song, Jongnam;Choi, Namgil
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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    • v.10 no.4
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    • pp.255-261
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    • 2016
  • In this study, among various factors having influence on SUV, we intended to compare and analyze the change of SUV using CT(4 type) and MRI(3 type) contrast agents which are commercialized now. We used Discovery 690 PET/CT(GE) and NEMA NU2 - 1994 PET phantom as experimental equipment. We have conducted a study as follows; first, we filled distilled water to phantom about two-thirds and injected radioisotope(18F-FDG 37 MBq), contrast agent. Second, we mixed CT contrast agent with distilled water and MRI contrast agent with that water separately. And then, we stirred the fluid and filled distilled water fully not to make air bubble. In emission scan, we had 15minutes scanning time after 40 minutes mixing contrast agent with distilled water. In transmission scan, we used CT scanning and its measurement conditions were tube voltage 120 kVp, tube current 40 mA, rotation time 0.5 sec, slice thickness 3.27 mm, DFOV 30 cm. Analyzing results, we set up some ROIs in 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th slice and measured SUVmean, SUVmax. Consequently, all images mixed 3 types of MRI contrast agent with distilled water have high SUVmean as compared with pure FDG image but there was no statistical significance. In SUVmax, they have high score and there was statistical significance. And other 4 images mixed 4 types of CT contrast agent with distilled water have significance in both SUVmean and SUVmax. Attenuation correction in PET/CT has been executed through various methods to make high quality image. But we figured out that using CT and MRI contrast agents before PET/CT scanning could make distortion of image and decrease diagnostic value. In that reason, we have to sort out the priority of examination in hospital not to disturb other examination's results. Through this process, we will be able to give superior medical service to our customers.

Effects of Post Individualities on Treatability of Small Diameter Japanese Larch (Larix Leptolepis) with ACQ and CCA (낙엽송 원주상 소경목의 원목성상과 방부 처리성)

  • Kim, Yeong-Suk;Hong, Soon-Il;Yun, Jeong-Hee
    • Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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    • v.34 no.1
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    • pp.52-60
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    • 2006
  • This study investigated how wood properties (i.e., annual rings, sapwood, heartwood, and cracks) might affect preservative treatment in Japanese larch (Larix leptolepis) round-wood product. We specially focused on small-diameter (~10 cm diameter) wood that is commercially sold in market. Among 100 wood samples, the groups of sample with 13~16, 17~20 annual rings represented 33 and 27 in each frequency, while 2~3 and 4~5 mm annual ring width accounted for 72 and 68 in frequency. More than a half (54%) of wood samples contained a mix of heartwood and sapwood in its surface. The rest (46%) had only heartwood exposed in the wood surface. A wide range of checks were showed in the wood samples, but the highest frequency was observed in samples with 1~6 surface (1~14 mm in size) checks and 1~4 end-grain (8~14 mm in size) checks in each round-wood sample. Pressure treatment resulted in a wide range of penetration of ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quat) into the wood, showing $4.3{\pm}4.19mm$ penetration in the wood samples contained a mix of heartwood and sapwood in its surface. However preservative treatment was much less effective for the heartwood only wood samples, ranging average 1.3 mm with ACQ and 1.1 mm with CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate). These penetration results shown in heartwood samples did not meet the penetration standard that is required for H3 by the Korean Forest Service in relation to wood preservation treatment. These low penetration results were not significantly improved even if we incised wood samples to improve treatment effect, showing only small increase of 0.7 mm with ACQ and 0.6 mm with CCA. When preservative treatment was tested with heartwood, penetration of preservatives decrease with increase of annual rings per a cross-section area (r=0.5345). We also found that the length and number of check had no effect on preservative treatment, showing r=0.1301 and r=0.1802, respectively.

Phase Image Analysis in Conduction Disturbance Patients (심실내 전도장애 환자에서의 $^{99m}Tc$-RBC Gated Blood-Pool Scintigraphy을 통한 Phase Image Analysis)

  • Kwak, Byeng-Su;Choi, Si-Wan;Kang, Seung-Sik;Park, Ki-Nam;Lee, Kang-Wook;Jeon, Eun-Seok;Park, Chong-Hun
    • The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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    • v.28 no.1
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    • pp.44-51
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    • 1994
  • It is known that the normal His-Purkinje system provides for nearly synchronous activation of right (RV) and left (LV) ventricles. When His-Purkinje conduction is abnormal, the resulting sequence of ventricular contraction must be correspondingly abnormal. These abnormal mechanical consequences were difficult to demonstrate because of the complexity and the rapidity of it's events. To determine the relationship of the phase changes and the abnormalities of ventricular conduction, we performed phase image analysis of $^{99m}Tc$-RBC gated blood pool scintigrams in patients with intraventricular conduction disturbances (24 complete left bundle branch block (C-LBBB), 15 complete right bundle branch block (C-RBBB), 13 Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW), 10 controls). The results were as follows; 1) The ejection fraction (EF), peak ejection rate (PER), and peak filling rate (PFR) of LV in gated blood pool scintigraphy (GBPS) were significantly lower in patients with C-LBBB than in controls ($44.4{\pm}13.9%$ vs $69.9{\pm}4.2%,\;2.48{\pm}0.98$ vs $3.51{\pm}0.62,\;1.76{\pm}0.71$ vs $3.38{\pm}0.92$, respectively, p<0.05). 2) In the phase angle analysis of LV, Standard deviation (SD), width of half maximum of phase angle (FWHM), and range of phase angle were significantly increased in patients with C-LBBB than in controls ($20.6{\pm}18.1$ vs $8.6{\pm}1.8,\;22.5{\pm}9.2$ vs $16.0{\pm}3.9,\;95.7{\pm}31.7$ vs $51.3{\pm}5.4$, respectively, p<0.05). 3) There was no significant difference in EF, PER, PFR between patients with the Wolff-parkinson-White syndrome and controls. 4) Standard deviation and range of phase angle were significantly higher in patients with WPW syndrome than in controls ($10.6{\pm}2.6$ vs $8.6{\pm}1.8$, p<0.05, $69.8{\pm}11.7$ vs $51.3{\pm}5.4$, p<0.001, respectively), however, there was no difference between the two groups in full width of half maximum. 5) Phase image analysis revealed relatively uniform phase across the both ventricles in patients with normal conduction, but markedly delayed phase in the left ventricle of patients with LBBB. 6) In 13 cases of WPW syndrome, the site of preexcitation could be localized in 10 cases (77%) by phase image analysis. Therefore, it can be concluded that phase image analysis can provide an accurate noninvasive method to detect the mechanical consequences of a wide variety of abnormal electrical activation in ventricles.

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The Effect of Sympathectomy on Bone: -Evaluation with Quantitative Bone Scintigraphy- (흰쥐에서 교감신경절제술이 골에 미치는 영향 : -정량적 골스캔을 이용한 평가-)

  • Kim, Hak-Hee;Yang, Woo-Jin;Lee, Seong-Yong;Chung, Soo-Kyo;Park, Jang-Sang;Yim, Jung-Ik;Bahk, Yong-Whee;Shinn, Kyung-Sub
    • The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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    • v.28 no.1
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    • pp.85-88
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    • 1994
  • 근래 골조직에 있어서 자율신경의 기능에 대하여 많은 연구가 이루어지고 있으며, 골내의 자율신경의 해부학적 분포는 많이 알려져 있다. 그러나 임상적으로 반사적 교감신경 이상이나 레이노드 현상등과 같은 교감신경의 기능이상증에서나, 버거씨병 등의 치료 목적으로 시행되고 있는 교감신경 절제술 후, 자율신경기능의 변화가 사지골의 혈류나 골대사에 미치는 영향에 대하여는 아직도 논란의 여지가 있다. 저자들은 교감신경절제술 후 시간 경과에 따른 골에 미치는 영향을 알아보기 위하여 흰쥐에서 골대사와 혈류상태를 비교적 충실히 반영하는 정량적 골스캔을 시행하였다. 체중 $300{\sim}400g$의 수컷 흰쥐 10마리에서 복강을 통한 편측 요추부 교감신경절제술을 시행하였고, 수술 전과 후 1일, 3일, 1주, 2주, 3주, 4주에 양측 하지에서 각각 골스캔을 시행하고 교감신경 절제측 하지와 정상 하지에 대칭적으로 관심구역을 정하여 양측의 골스캔상 섭취계수를 비교하였다. 측정부위는 각 하지의 대퇴골간, 경골간 및 중족골로 하였다. 교감신경 절제술을 시행한 하지에서는 골스캔 소견상 수술 후 1일 또는 3일부터 동위원소 집적이 유의하게 증가되었으며 원위부로 갈수록 더욱 증가되었다. 그러나 3주 이후에는 정상측 수준으로 환원되었다. 교감신경절제술 후 골스캔상 동위원소집적이 증가되는 것은 골자체의 혈류가 증가되기 때문이며 이차적으로 골의 흡수를 유발하여 골밀도가 감소하는 것으로 생각되는데 이러한 변화는 시술 후 1일 째부터 관찰되어 사지골이 교감신경 절제에 매우 민감하게 반응하는 것을 알 수 있었다.9m}Tc$-MAA를 이용한 간 동맥 혈류 검사는 간암에서 색전술의 효과를 정확히 평가할 수 있는 유용한 검사법으로 이용될 수 있으리라 생각한다. 활성화 과정을 알아볼 수 있었으며 위상영상히스토그램을 통하여 이를 정량화하여 심실내 전기적 활성의 비동시성 여부를 추적관찰 할 수 있는 비관혈적검사임을 확인하였다.며, 3. $^{99m}Tc$으로 표지된 avidin과 streptavidin은 먼저 간으로 흡수된 후 대사된 다음 신장으로 배설된다는 사실을 알았다.damole에 의한 부작용은 흉통, 두통, 복통 등의 순이었고 전예에서 호전되었으며 생명에 위험을 초래할 수 있는 정도의 심장마비나 심부정맥은 한 예에서도 없었다. 결론적으로 dipyridamole은 약물부하 심근 SPECT 검사에 안전하게 사용할 수 있는 약물로 사료된다. 미소핵 빈도수가 증가하는 경향을 보였으나, 각 군간에 통계학적으로 유의한 차이는 없었다(p>0.05). 결론 : 임상적으로 치료를 중단하게 되는 1000mCi/60 Kg(16.67 mCi/Kg)를 투여한 군에서도 생쥐 골수내 미소핵이 발현되지 않는 것으로 보아, 방사성옥소는 비교적 안심하고 치료에 사용할 수 있는 제제로 사료되었다.반드시 비례하지만은 않아서 시간경과에 따른 추후 검사가 필요하리라 생각된다. 또한 방광요관역류가 있는 환아에서 DMSA 섭취율로 신기능을 평가할 때, 특히 영유아에서 연령에 따른 고려가 있어야 할 것으로 보인다.었다. 4) $^{99m}Tc-DISIDA$ hepatobiliary scintigram 음성율을

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$^{99m}Tc$-Glucarate Uptake in Ischemic Tissue of Experimental Models of Cerebral Ischemia (실험적 뇌허혈증 모델에서 허혈 조직의 $^{99m}Tc$-glucarate 섭취)

  • Jeong, Jae-Min;Kim, Young-Ju;Choi, Seok-Rye;Kim, Chae-Kyun;Mar, Woong-Chun;Chung, June-Key;Lee, Myung-Chul;Koh, Chang-Soon;Lee, Dong-Soo
    • The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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    • v.30 no.4
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    • pp.484-492
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    • 1996
  • To detect ischemic tissue in experimental model of cerebral ischemia made by middle cerebral artery(MCA)-occlusion, we acquired triple image of $^{99m}Tc$-glucarate, [$^{18}F$]fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG), and 2,3,5- triphenyltetrazolium (TTC) staining. We made cerebral infarction either with reperfusion (after occlusion of 2 hours) or without reperfusion in 10 Sprague-Dawley rats by inserting thread to MCA through internal carotid artery. After 22 hours, we injected 740 MBq of $^{99m}Tc$-glucarate and 55.5 MBq of [$^{18}F$]FDG through tail vein. Each 1 mm slice of rat brains was frozen and exposed to imaging plate for 20 minutes in freezer to get an [$^{18}F$]FDG image. After 20 hours enough to fade radioactivity of [$^{18}F$]FDG, the slices were again imaged by BAS1500 for $^{99m}Tc$-glucarate uptake. Finally, these brain tissues were stained with TTC. Semi-quantitative visual analysis was done by grading 0 to 3 points according to the degree of uptakes($^{99m}Tc$-glucarate) and decreased uptakes([$^{18}F$]FDG and TTC). Ten rats survived with neurologic symptoms. TTC staining confirmed the development of infarction. The size of the infarction was relatively larger in the group without reperfusion. [$^{18}F$]FDG images were similar to TTC-stained images. However, we found regions with intermediate uptake which were not stained with TTC. We found regions with intermediate [$^{18}F$]FDG uptake where TTC staining was normal. $^{99m}Tc$-glucarate uptake was round only in TTC non-stained region. In the TTC stained regions, there were no uptake of $^{99m}Tc$-glucarate. We could not find clear relation between $^{99m}Tc$-glucarate uptake with [$^{18}F$]FDG uptake. This was partly because percent uptake of $^{99m}Tc$-glucarate was so small (less than 1 percent of injected dose) and because there were quite heterogeneity of patterns of [$^{18}F$]FDG uptake and TTC. With these findings, we could conclude that $^{99m}Tc$-glucarate were taken up only in part of ischemic tissues which were proven to be nonviable. The establishment of MCA-occluded rat model with or without reperfusion and triple imaging for $^{99m}Tc,\;^{18}F$ and TTC helped the characterization of $^{99m}Tc$-glucarate uptakes. Further work is needed to clarify the meaning or diversities or [$^{18}F$]FDG and TTC and their relation with $^{99m}Tc$-glucarate.

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The Discriminating Nature of Dopamine Transporter Image in Parkinsonism: The Competency of Dopaminergic Transporter Imaging in Differential Diagnosis of Parkinsonism: $^{123}I-FP-CIT$ SPECT Study (도파민운반체 영상의 파킨슨증 감별진단 성능: $^{123}I-FP-CIT$ SPECT 연구)

  • Kim, Bom-Sahn;Jang, Sung-June;Eo, Jae-Seon;Park, Eun-Kyung;Kim, Yu-Kyeong;Kim, Jong-Min;Lee, Won-Woo;Kim, Sang-Eun
    • Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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    • v.41 no.4
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    • pp.272-279
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    • 2007
  • Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the discriminating nature of $^{123}I-FP-CIT$ SPECT in patients with parkinsonism. Methods: $^{123}I-FP-CIT$ SPECT images acquired from the 18 normal controls; NC ($60.4{\pm}10.0$ yr) and 237 patients with parkinsonism ($65.9{\pm}9.2$ yr) were analyzed. From spatialIy normalized images, regional counts of the caudate, putamen, and occipital lobe were obtained using region of interest method. Binding potential (BP) was calculated with the ratio of specific to nonspecific binding activity at equilibrium. Additionally, the BP ratio of putamen to caudate (PCR) and asymmetric Index (ASI) were measured. Results: BPs of NC $3.37{\pm}0.57,\; 3.10{\pm}0.41,\; 3.23{\pm}0.48$ for caudate, putamen, whole striatum, respectively) had no significant difference with those of essential tremor; ET ($3.31{\pm}0.64,\; 3.06{\pm}0.61,\; 3.14{\pm}0.63$) and Alzheimer's disease; AD (3.33 $\pm$0.60, 3.29$\pm$0.79, 3.31$\pm$0.70), but were higher than those of Parkinson's disease; PD (1.92$\pm$0.74, 1.39$\pm$0.68, 1.64$\pm$0.68), multiple system atrophy; MSA (2.36$\pm$1.07, 2.16$\pm$0.91, 2.26$\pm$0.96), and dementia with Lewy body; DLB (1.95$\pm$0.72, 1.64$\pm$0.65, 1.79$\pm$0.66)(p<0.005). PD had statisticalIy lower values of PER and higher values of ASI than those of NC (p<0.005). And PD had significantIy lower value of PCR, higher ASI and lower BP in the putamen and whole striatum than MSA (p<0.05). Conclusion: Dopamine transporter image of $^{123}I-FP-CIT$ SPECT was a good value in differential diagnosis of parkinsonism.

Multiple Linear Analysis for Generating Parametric Images of Irreversible Radiotracer (비가역 방사성추적자 파라메터 영상을 위한 다중선형분석법)

  • Kim, Su-Jin;Lee, Jae-Sung;Lee, Won-Woo;Kim, Yu-Kyeong;Jang, Sung-June;Son, Kyu-Ri;Kim, Hyo-Cheol;Chung, Jin-Wook;Lee, Dong-Soo
    • Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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    • v.41 no.4
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    • pp.317-325
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    • 2007
  • Purpose: Biological parameters can be quantified using dynamic PET data with compartment modeling and Nonlinear Least Square (NLS) estimation. However, the generation of parametric images using the NLS is not appropriate because of the initial value problem and excessive computation time. In irreversible model, Patlak graphical analysis (PGA) has been commonly used as an alternative to the NLS method. In PGA, however, the start time ($t^*$, time where linear phase starts) has to be determined. In this study, we suggest a new Multiple Linear Analysis for irreversible radiotracer (MLAIR) to estimate fluoride bone influx rate (Ki). Methods: $[^{18}F]Fluoride$ dynamic PET scans was acquired for 60 min in three normal mini-pigs. The plasma input curve was derived using blood sampling from the femoral artery. Tissue time-activity curves were measured by drawing region of interests (ROls) on the femur head, vertebra, and muscle. Parametric images of Ki were generated using MLAIR and PGA methods. Result: In ROI analysis, estimated Ki values using MLAIR and PGA method was slightly higher than those of NLS, but the results of MLAIR and PGA were equivalent. Patlak slopes (Ki) were changed with different $t^*$ in low uptake region. Compared with PGA, the quality of parametric image was considerably improved using new method. Conclusion: The results showed that the MLAIR was efficient and robust method for the generation of Ki parametric image from $[^{18}F]Fluoride$ PET. It will be also a good alternative to PGA for the radiotracers with irreversible three compartment model.

Reducing Dose in SPECT/CT Using Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction Technique (Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction 기법을 이용한 Bone SPECT/CT 검사에서 피폭량 감소 방안)

  • Choi, Jin-Wook;Choi, Hyeon-Jun;Park, Chan-Rok;Cho, Sung-Wook;Kim, Jin-Eui;Lee, Jae-Sung;Lee, Dong-Soo
    • The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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    • v.18 no.1
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    • pp.134-139
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    • 2014
  • Purpose: Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) technique is a reconstruction method of CT image using statistical noise modeling which is known to reduce image noise and to preserve image quality despite reducing radiation dose. The aim of this study is to evaluate images using ASIR on bone SPECT/CT which is primarily performed in our hospital. Materials and Methods: We compared the images of applied ASIR (ASIR level: 20-80%) and none ASIR by changing the mA based on 120 kVp, 100 mA using Discovery NM/CT 670 (GE, U.S.A). First, we evaluated attenuation correction in SPECT image by changing the ASIR level using Anthropomorphic phantom. Second, we compared the contrast to noise ratio (CNR), image noise and spatial resolution in CT image using ACR phantom. Third, after selecting the ASIR level applicable patient using lower torso phantom, we examined 2 patients who followed up bone SPECT/CT and we performed blind test. Results: The degree of attenuation correction in SPECT image showed no significant difference between applied ASIR and none ASIR (P>0.05). When applied ASIR, the noise of CT image were reduced at least 17 up to 52% by changing the mA. The CNR of image with ASIR was maintained more than 0.8 at 40 mA (ASIR 60%) while those without ASIR showed 0.42 at standard 40 mA. In comparison of the high contrast object, we distinguished 12 line pairs/cm at 40 mA regardless of appling ASIR. Comparison of the patients image applied ASIR level 60% (40 mA) which found out by spine image of lower torso phantom showed no signigicant difference between applied ASIR and none ASIR in blind test. The CTDIvol and DLP for applied ASIR 60% showed decreased by 60%, 60% on average than using standard mA. Conclusion: The study show that the radiation dose in SPECT/CT using ASIR can be reduced despite degradation of SPECT and CT images. In addition, higher ASIR level could be possibly applied characteristics of SPECT/CT that region of interest is limited to bone.

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Abosrbed Dose Measurements and Phantom Image Ecaluation at Minimum CT Dose for Pediatric SPECT/CT Scan (소아 SPECT/CT 검사를 위한 최저조건에서의 피폭선량측정 및 팬텀의 영상평가)

  • Park, Chan Rok;Choi, Jin Wook;Cho, Seong Wook;Kim, Jin Eui
    • The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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    • v.18 no.1
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    • pp.82-88
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    • 2014
  • Purpose: The purpose of study was to evaluate radiation dose for pediatric patients by changing tube voltage (kVp) and tube current (mA) at minimum conditions. By evaluating radiation dose, we want to provide dose reduction for pediatric patients and maintain good quality of SPECT/CT images. Materials and Methods: Discovery NM/CT 670 Scanne was used as SPECT/CT. Tube voltages are 80 and 100 kvP. Tube currents are 10, 15, 20, 25 mA. Using PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate) Phantom, radiation dose which were calculated at center and peripheral dose and SNRD (Signal to Noise Ratio Dose) were evaluated. Using the CT performance phantom, spatial resolution was evaluated as the MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) graph. Jaszczak phantom was used for SPECT image evaluation by CNR (Contrast to Noise to Ratio). Results: Radiation dose using the PMMA phantom was higher peripheral dose than center dose about 7%. SNRD were 7.8, 8.2, 8.3, 8.8, 8.8, 9.9, 9.8, 9.6 for 80 kVp 10, 15, 20, 25 mA, 100 kVp 10, 15, 20, 25 mA. We can distinguish 35, 45, 70, 71, 52, 58, 90, 110 linepair for 80 kVp 10, 15, 20, 25 mA, 100 kVp 10, 15, 20, 25 mA at resolution with MTF. CNR of SPECT images using CT attenuation map were 57.8, 57.7, 57.1, 56.7, 56.6, 56.7, 56.7, 56.7% for 80 kVp 10, 15, 20, 25 mA, 100 kVp 10, 15, 20, 25 mA. Conclusion: In this study, radiation dose for pediatric patients showed decreased low dose condition. And SNRD value was similar in all condition. Resolution showed higher value at 100kVp than 80kVp. for CNR, there was no significant difference. we should take additional study to prove better quality and dose reduction.

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Effects of Deer Antler on the Regeneration of Peripheral Nerves; About Sprout Formation of Experimentally Transected Sciatic Nerves in Rat (말초신경의 재생에 대한 녹용의 효과; 랫드에서 실험적 절단 좌골신경의 Sprout 형성에 관해)

  • Chang, Byung-Joon;Cho, Ik-Hyun;Choi, Hye-Young;Won, Hui-Young;Park, Chang-Hyun;Bae, Chun-Sik;Choe, Nong-Hoon
    • Applied Microscopy
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    • v.32 no.1
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    • pp.67-80
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    • 2002
  • This study was carried out to investigate the effects of deer antler extract on the regeneration of peripheral nerves. Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing about 300 gm were fed deer antler extract for 1, 2, and 3 weeks per oral (1.5 ml/100 gm B.W.), respectively, once a day and transected both sides of sciatic nerve of each leg. After keeping for 6 hours, sciatic nerves taken from proximal part of transected region were treated with conventional transmission electron microscopical method and then observed with electron microscope. The results obtained were summarized as follows; 1. Sciatic nerves of normal control group were not showing any sprouts and electron dense axolemmal projections were frequently observed. 2. Sciatic nerves of saline treated groups were showing axonal sprouts at the nodes of Ranvier. The length of them was usually short, and numerous vesicles, vacuoles and organelles including neurofilament were contained. The number of nodes of Ranvier containing sprouts from 100 longitudinal sectioned nerve fibers was 29 (29%) in 1 week treated group, 32 (32%) in 2 weeks treated group, and 30 (30%) in 3 weeks treated group, respectively. 3. Sciatic nerves of deer antler treated groups were showing axonal sprouts at the node of Ranvier as well. Although most of the sprouts were short, some sprouts of 2 weeks and 3 weeks treated groups were quite long. Sprouts usually contained numerous vesicles, vacuoles and cell organelles such as neurofilaments and mitochondria. The number of nodes of Ranvier containing sprouts from 100 longitudinal sectioned nerve fibers was 38 (38%) in 1 week treated group, 46 (46%) in 2 weeks treated group, and 48 (48%) in 3 weeks treated group respectively. The results described above explain pretreatment of deer antler extract improves the sprout formation of transected sciatic nerves, and then it suggests deer antler may be effective for the regeneration of peripheral nerves.