• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.43-48
• /
• 2001

Purpose : To evaluate changes in rabbit liver parenchyma on MR images following percutaneous Holmium-166 injection, and to correlate those changes with histologic findings. Materials and methods. Holmium-166 (10-25 mCi) was percutaneously injected into the liver of rabbit (n=12) under sonographic guidance. MR images were obtained between one to two weeks (acute phasea) after the injection in four rabbits, and between two to four weeks (subacute phase) after the injection in four rabbits. Tissue specimens of these eight rabbits were obtained immediately after MR imaging. Tissue specimens were obtained without MR imaging in four rabbits (between one to two weeks in one rabbit and between three to four weeks in three rabbits). Results : Tissue specimens showed central liquefactive necrosis and peripheral coagulative necrosis containing deposition of small particles and hemorrhage. The peripheral margin of the lesions showed formation of the granulation tissue with fibrosis, which tended to be more prominent in subacute phase. The area of the necrosis tended to correlate with the dose of the radioactive Holmium-166. On MR images, the central portion of the necrosis showed hyperintensity on 72-weighted image, hypointensity on the precontrast T1-weighted images, and no enhancement on the dynamic MR images. The peripheral portion of the necrosis showed hypointensity on T2-weighted images, iso or mild hypointensity on the T1-weighted images, and mild peripheral enhancement on the delayed dynamic MR images. The peripheral margin of the lesion showed hypointensity on both T1- and T1-weighted images with increased enhancement on the delayed phase images of the dynamic MR images. Conclusion : After percutaneous Holmium-166 injection into rabbit liver parenchyma, the central portion showed liquefactive necrosis, the peripheral portion showed coagulative necrosis with granulation, fibrosis, hemorrhage and depostition of small granules. MR imaging may be helpful in evaluation of the histological change of the liver after percutaneous Holmium-166 treatment.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
• /
• v.35 no.1
• /
• pp.52-60
• /
• 2001

Purpose: In young male patients who suffered several kinds of trauma with subsequent suspicious reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, we performed three-phasic bone scan in order to investigate its usefulness. Materials and Methods: Patients with narrow range of age (21-25. mean $22.8{\pm}1.3$, all male) were included with suspicious reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome of 12 feet and 5 hands. Only one was bilateral feet case and 16 were ipsilateral (Rt:13, Lt:3). The etiologic traumas were 4 fractures, 4 sprains, 3 blunt trauma, 2 cellulitis, 1 tendon tear, 1 crush injury, 1 overexercise, and 1 unknown. Radiologically 3 showed osteoporotic changes. Three-phasic bone scans were performed $21.2{\pm}7.3wks$ after trauma. Results: According to symptom complex, confirmatory reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome 4 cases and suspicious 13 were analyzed. All confirmatory cases (100%) showed increased uptake at delay phase with periarticular accentuation. Of confirmatory 4 cases, 2 showed increased uptake in all three phases (perfusion: P, blood pool: B, and delay: D), and other 2 revealed decreased P but, both increased B and D. Of suspicious 13 cases, 9(69.2%) had increased D (4 periarticular and 5 focal), 2 decreased D, and 2 symmetric D. In 12 foot cases, so-called weight hearing patterns - increased contralateral sole at P and B - were revealed in 7(58.3%). Conclusion: Diffuse periarticular increased uptake at delay phase of three-phasic bone scan was a compatible finding to reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome in young male patients whose symptom complex strongly designated post traumatic reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.63-68
• /
• 2000

Purpose: MCDK is regarded as a common cause of abdominal masses in children. And the presentation of the MCDK is usually a unilateral flank mass in the a newborn. Bialteral disease results in either fetal demise or necessity fer renal replacement therapy at birth. This study is designed to assess the clinical features and natural history of the unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney. Patients and Methods: From January 1987 to January 2000 data were obtained retrospectively on 57 patients (28 boys and 29 girls, age ranged 1day-11years) who had a diagnosis of multicystic dysplastic kidney. The diagnosis of multicystic dysplastic kidney was confirmed by a combination of ultrasonography and radionuclide scan. Voiding cystourethrogram study in 31 patients were done to determine the condition of the contalateral kidney. Restllts: $84\%$ of the patients were diagnosed before birth by antenatal ultrasonography Clinical manifestations of children with postnatal diagnoses were palpable abdominal mass($3.5\%$), abdominal distension($17\%$), and incidental($10.5\%$). The abnormalities in contralateral kidney were hydronephrosis($21\%$), compensatory hypertrophy($12\%$), simple cyst($2\%$), bifid pelvis($2\%$). Surgical management was performed in 20 patients($35\%$) due to recurrent infection, for diagnostic purpose to differentiate from malignancy and abdominal distention. Follow-up in the remaining 37 patients continued (mean 18 months) and results of sonogram findings were involution change in 23 patients($40\%$) and no interval changes in 13 patient($23\%$). Conclusions : The apparent tendency to regression of the dysplastic kidney and no difference in the number of complications justify a conservative management rather than operative intervention except in associated severe complications such as urinary tract infection or rupture of cysts.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.1-16
• /
• 2002

Purpose : Three dimensional conformal radiotherapy planning is being used widely for the treatment of patients with brain tumor. However, it takes much time to develop an optimal treatment plan, therefore, it is difficult to apply this technique to all patients. To increase the efficiency of this technique, we need to develop standard radiotherapy plant for each site of the brain. Therefore we developed several 3 dimensional conformal radiotherapy plans (3D plans) for tumors at each site of brain, compared them with each other, and with 2 dimensional radiotherapy plans. Finally model plans for each site of the brain were decide. Materials and Methods : Imaginary tumors, with sizes commonly observed in the clinic, were designed for each site of the brain and drawn on CT images. The planning target volumes (PTVs) were as follows; temporal $tumor-5.7\times8.2\times7.6\;cm$, suprasellar $tumor-3\times4\times4.1\;cm$, thalamic $tumor-3.1\times5.9\times3.7\;cm$, frontoparietal $tumor-5.5\times7\times5.5\;cm$, and occipitoparietal $tumor-5\times5.5\times5\;cm$. Plans using paralled opposed 2 portals and/or 3 portals including fronto-vertex and 2 lateral fields were developed manually as the conventional 2D plans, and 3D noncoplanar conformal plans were developed using beam's eye view and the automatic block drawing tool. Total tumor dose was 54 Gy for a suprasellar tumor, 59.4 Gy and 72 Gy for the other tumors. All dose plans (including 2D plans) were calculated using 3D plan software. Developed plans were compared with each other using dose-volume histograms (DVH), normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCP) and variable dose statistic values (minimum, maximum and mean dose, D5, V83, V85 and V95). Finally a best radiotherapy plan for each site of brain was selected. Results : 1) Temporal tumor; NTCPs and DVHs of the normal tissue of all 3D plans were superior to 2D plans and this trend was more definite when total dose was escalated to 72 Gy (NTCPs of normal brain 2D $plans:27\%,\;8\%\rightarrow\;3D\;plans:1\%,\;1\%$). Various dose statistic values did not show any consistent trend. A 3D plan using 3 noncoplanar portals was selected as a model radiotherapy plan. 2) Suprasellar tumor; NTCPs of all 3D plans and 2D plans did not show significant difference because the total dose of this tumor was only 54 Gy. DVHs of normal brain and brainstem were significantly different for different plans. D5, V85, V95 and mean values showed some consistent trend that was compatible with DVH. All 3D plans were superior to 2D plans even when 3 portals (fronto-vertex and 2 lateral fields) were used for 2D plans. A 3D plan using 7 portals was worse than plans using fewer portals. A 3D plan using 5 noncoplanar portals was selected as a model plan. 3) Thalamic tumor; NTCPs of all 3D plans were lower than the 2D plans when the total dose was elevated to 72 Gy. DVHs of normal tissues showed similar results. V83, V85, V95 showed some consistent differences between plans but not between 3D plans. 3D plans using 5 noncoplanar portals were selected as a model plan. 4) Parietal (fronto- and occipito-) tumors; all NTCPs of the normal brain in 3D plans were lower than in 2D plans. DVH also showed the same results. V83, V85, V95 showed consistent trends with NTCP and DVH. 3D plans using 5 portals for frontoparietal tumor and 6 portals for occipitoparietal tumor were selected as model plans. Conclusion : NTCP and DVH showed reasonable differences between plans and were through to be useful for comparing plans. All 3D plans were superior to 2D plans. Best 3D plans were selected for tumors in each site of brain using NTCP, DVH and finally by the planner's decision.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
• /
• v.33 no.6
• /
• pp.512-518
• /
• 1999

Purpose: We evaluated the usefulness of 24 hour/3 hour radio-uptake ratio, lesion to non-lesion ratio, in differentiating bony metastases from acute (<2 months) and healing (${\geq}2$ months) fractures. Materials and Methods: Sixty-three patients (age range: 26-81, 32 males, 31 females) having 90 lesions (30 bone metastases, 30 acute fractures, 30 healing fractures) were included. Bone scans were obtained 3 and 24 hours after administration of 740 MBq of $^{99m}Tc$-MDP. The ratio of radio-uptake in the lesion to normal area was measured as 24/3 hour radio-uptake ratio ([lesion/non-lesion RUR at 24 hour]/[lesion/non-lesion RUR at 3 hour], 24/3 RUR) and analyzed clinical significance in differentiating bone metastases from acute or healing fractures. Results: Mean 24/3 RUR were $1.22{\pm}0.18$ for bone metastases, $1.25{\pm}0.14$ for acute fractures, and $0.99{\pm}0.15$ for healing fractures. 24/3 RUR values of bone metastases and acute fractures were not significantly different. But 24/3 RUR values of bone metastases and healing fractures, and those of acute and healing fractures were found to be significantly different (p<0.001). When 24/3 RUR of 1.0 was considered as the cut off point separating metastases from fracture, a sensitivity of 100% (30/30) was obtained. The specificity was 0% (0/30) in separating metastases from acute fractures, and 47% (14/30) in separating metastases from healing fractures. When 24/3 RUR of 1.2 was considered as the cut off point, sensitivity of 53% (16/30) in the diagnosis of bone metastasis, and specificity of 37% (11/30) in separating metastases from acute fractures, and 100% (30/30) in separating metastases from healing fractures were obtained. Conclusion: 24/3 RUR is useful in differentiating bone metastases from healing fractures, but not in differentiating bone metastases from acute fractures. A 24/3 RUR of less than 1.0 suggests healing fractures. A 24/3 RUR of more than 1.2 suggests bone metastases or acute fractures.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.107-114
• /
• 2011

Purpose: To assess the degree and clinical impact of location error of the dens on the X-axis during radiotherapy to brain and head and neck tumors. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients with brain tumors or head and neck tumors who received three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy or intensity-modulated radiation therapy from January 2009 to June 2010 were included in this study. In comparison two-dimensional verification portal images with initial simulation images, location error of the nasal septum and the dens on the X-axis was measured. The effect of set-up errors of the dens was simulated in the planning system and analyzed with physical dose parameters. Results: A total of 402 portal images were reviewed. The mean location error at the nasal septum was 0.16 mm and at the dens was 0.33 mm (absolute value). Location errors of more than 3 mm were recorded in 43 cases (10.7%) at the nasal septum, compared to 133 cases (33.1%) at the dens. There was no case with a location error more than 5 mm at the nasal septum, compared to 11 cases (2.7%) at the dens. In a dosimetric simulation, a location error more than 5 mm at the dens could induce a reduction in the clinical target volume 1 coverage (V95: 100%${\rightarrow}$87.2%) and overdosing to a critical normal organ (Spinal cord V45: <0.1%${\rightarrow}$12.6%). Conclusion: In both brain and head and neck radiotherapy, a relatively larger set-up error was detected at the dens than the nasal septum when using an electronic portal imaging device. Consideration of the location error of the dens is necessary at the time of the precise radiation beam delivery in two-dimensional verification systems.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.49 no.12
• /
• pp.1324-1328
• /
• 2006

Purpose : The object of this study was to determine the difference between two methods for myocardial performance index(MPI) in children, using the conventional and pulsed Doppler echocardiography. Methods : A total of 27 children with anatomically normal hearts were enrolled for the study. all were examined by conventional and pulsed Doppler echocardiography at Gangneung Asan Hospital between December, 2005 and February, 2006. First, we measured the time interval(a1) between the mitral inflows from apical 4-chamber view, and the ejection time(ET1) from apical 5-chamber view. And then, we calculated MPI1, isovolumic contraction time(ICT1) and isovolumic relaxation time (IRT1). Secondly, we measured ICT2, ET2 and IRT2 from apical 5-chamber view with a Dopper signal placed at just below junction between mitral and aortic valve at the same cardiac cycle. And then, we calculated MPI2. We compared MPI1 to MPI2. All MPIs were calculated by using the formula, MPI=(ICT+IRT)/ET. Results : The mean age was $5.7{\pm}2.2years$ old(M:F=15:12). The MPI2 was higher than MPI1: $0.277{\pm}0.083$ vs. $0.428{\pm}0.081$(MPI1 vs MPI2, P=0.000). Also, the ICT2 was higher than ICT1: $56{\pm}15msec$ vs $97{\pm}18msec$(ICT1 vs ICT2, P=0.000) and the IRT2 was higher than IRT1: $42{\pm}8msec$ vs $53{\pm}9msec$(IRT1 vs IRT2, P=0.000). But, the ET2 was lower than ET1: $260{\pm}16msec$ vs $254{\pm}14msec$ (ET1 vs ET2, P=0.01). There was, as well, positive linear correlation between MPI1 and MPI2. Conclusion : This study showed that there is a difference between MPI1 and MPI2 in connection with estimating methods. However, the two MPIs had a positive linear correlation. Judging from our results, the MPI of the new method might be a useful index of venticular global function in children.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.46 no.7
• /
• pp.695-701
• /
• 2003

Purpose : It had been suggested that pain arising from deep somatic body regions influences neural activity within periaqueductal gray(PAG) of midbrain via distinct spinal pathways. Aspirin is one of the popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used in the management of pain. Fos expression was used as a marker for neuronal activity throughout central neurons following painful peripheral stimulation. This study was prepared to investigate changes of c-Fos immunoreactivity in midbrain by deep pain and effects of aspirin. Methods : Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with 0.1 mL of 5% formalin in the plantar muscle of the right hindpaw. For experimental group II, aspirin was injected intravenously before injection of formalin. An aspirin-untreated group was utilized as group I. Rats were sacrificed at 0.5, 1, 2, 6 and 24 hours after formalin injection. Rat's brains were removed and sliced in rat brain matrix. Brain slices were coronally sectioned at interaural 1.00-1.36 mm. Serial sections were immunohistochemically reacted with polyclonal c-Fos antibody. The numbers of c-Fos protein immunoreactive neurons in ventrolateral periaqueductal gray(VLPAG) and dorsomedial periaqueductal gray(DMPAG) were counted and analyzed statistically with Mann-Whitney U tests. Results : Higher numbers of c-Fos protein immunoreactive neurons were found in VLPAG. In both VLPAG and DMPAG of formalin-treated group, the numbers of c-Fos protein immunoreactive neurons were significantly higher at all time points than the formalin-untreated group, which peaked at two hours. The numbers of c-Fos immunoreactive neuron of the aspirin-treated group were less compared to the aspirin-untreated group at each time point. Conclusion : These results provide some basic knowledge in understanding the mechanism of formalin-induced deep somatic pain and the effects of aspirin.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.327-335
• /
• 2013

This study investigates the case of clinical application for TomoDirect 3D-CRT(TD-3D) and TomoHelical 3D-CRT(TH-3D) with evaluating dose distribution for clinical application in each case. Treatment plans were created for 8 patients who had 3 dimensional conformal radiation therapy using TD-3D and TH-3D mode. Each patients were treated for sarcoma, CSI(craniospinal irradiaion), breast, brain, pancreas, spine metastasis, SVC syndrome and esophagus. DVH(dose volume histogram) and isodose curve were used for comparison of each treatment modality. TD-3D shows better dose distribution over the irradiation field without junction effect because TD-3D was not influenced by target length for sarcoma and CSI case. In breast case, dosimetric results of CTV, the average value of D 99%, D 95% were $49.2{\pm}0.4$ Gy, $49.9{\pm}0.4$ Gy and V 105%, V 110% were 0%, respectively. TH-3D with the dosimetric block decreased dose of normal organ in brain, pancreas, spine metastasis case. SCV syndrome also effectively decreased dose of normal organ by using dose block to the critical organs(spinal cord <38 Gy). TH-3D combined with other treatment modalities was possible to boost irradiation and was total dose was reduced to spinal cord in esophagus case(spinal cord <45 Gy, lung V 20 <20%). 3D-CRT using Tomotherapy could overcomes some dosimetric limitations, when we faced Conventional Linac based CRT and shows clinically proper dose distribution. In conclusion, 3D-CRT using Tomotherapy will be one of the effective 3D-CRT techniques.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.37 no.6
• /
• pp.467-473
• /
• 2004

Background: The sinus conversion rate after the maze procedure in chronic atrial fibrillation using radiofrequency energy is lower than with either conventional 'cut and saw' technique or cryothermia. The creation of incomplete transmural lesions due to poor tissue-catheter contact is thought to be the main cause. To address this problem, the current study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a specially constructed compression device designed to enhance tissue catheter contact during unipolar radiofrequency catheter ablation. Material and Method: Circum-ferential right auricular epicardial lesions were created with a linear radiofrequency catheter in 10 anesthetized pigs. A device specially designed to increase contact by compression of the catheter to the atrial wall was used in 5 pigs (study group). This device was not used in the control group (5 pigs). Conduction block across the right auricular lesion was assessed by pacing, and the transmurality of the lesions were confirmed by microscopic examination. Result: Conduction block was observed in a total of 8 pigs; 5 in study group and 3 in control group. Transmural injury was confirmed microscopically by the accumulation of acute inflammatory cells and loss of elastic fibers in the endocardium. In two pigs with failed conduction block, microscopic examination of the endocardium appeared normal. Conclusion: Failed radiofrequency ablation is strongly related to non-transmural energy delivery. The specially constructed compression device in the current study was successful in creating firm tissue-catheter contact and thereby generating transmural lesions during unipolar radiofrequency ablation.