• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.83 no.6
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• pp.1342-1353
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• 2022

Purpose We compared the radiation dose and image quality between the 2nd generation and the 3rd generation dual-source single-energy (DSSE) and dual-source dual-energy (DSDE) CT of the abdomen. Materials and Methods We included patients undergoing follow-up abdominal CT after partial or radical nephrectomy in the first 10 months of 2019 (2nd generation DS CT) and the first 10 months of 2020 (3rd generation DS CT). We divided the 320 patients into 4 groups (A, 2nd generation DSSE CT; B, 2nd generation DSDE CT; C, 3rd generation DSSE CT; and D, 3rd generation DSDE CT) (n = 80 each) matched by sex and body mass index. Radiation dose and image quality (objective and subjective qualities) were compared between the groups. Results The mean size-specific dose estimation of 3rd generation DSDE CT group was significantly lower than that of the 2nd generation DSSE CT (42.5%, p = 0.013) and 2nd generation DSDE CT (46.9%, p = 0.015) groups. Interobserver agreement was excellent for the overall image quality (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: 0.8867) and image artifacts (ICC: 0.9423). Conclusion Our results showed a considerable reduction in the radiation dose while maintaining high image quality with 3rd generation DSDE CT as compared to the 2nd generation DSDE CT and 2nd generation DSSE CT.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.25-28
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• 2012

Purpose : It is important to reduce radiation dose associated with computed tomography (CT) scanning to as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). With Dose Modulation Technic, user select a desired image quality and the system adapts tube current to obtain the desired image quality with greater radiation dose efficiency. In this paper, we presents a comprehensive description of fundamentals, clinical applications and radiation dose benefits of Dose Modulation Technic depending on Body Mass Index(BMI). Materials and Methods : In this study, 149 patients were examined(The mean age : $58{\pm}12.4$ years old). Biograph True Point 40 (Siemens, USA) and Gemini TF 64 (Philips. Cleveland) were used for equipment. When we used Care Dose 4D (Siemens, USA) and D-dom (Philips, Cleveland), we measured dose reduction and Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI) depending on BMI. Then we analyze data using SPSS Ver.18. Results : When we used Care Dose 4D, p-value is considered statistically significant by groups with the result that we compared Care Dose 4D with D-dom. On the other hand, p-value isn't considered statistically significant by groups using D-dom. Conclusion : Dose modulation based on the projection angle didn't affect degree of obesity. And When using Care Dose 4D, dose reduction rate in the normal patients were higher than the obese. In this study, there are errors on somato type. So I think more research have to be done. Then application of Dose Modulation technic can help in maintaining acceptable image quality while reducing radiation dose by 20-60% in most instances.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.9 no.5
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• pp.287-293
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• 2015

Because of esophageal cancer has the long length of the lesion and also inhomogeneous in depth. So, the radiation dose distribution was inhomogeneous in radiation therapy. To overcomes the dose distribution uniformity using half beam method. Patient's CT image was used radiation treatment planning. We used two planning methods that one is the using normal beam and another is using half beam. Than comparing the two radiotherapy planning using target coverage, dose volume histogram, conformity index, homogeneity index and normal tissues - heart, spinal cord, lung -. In results, Treatment planning using half beam is little more than normal beam in target coverage, dose volume histogram, conformity index, homogeneity index and normal tissues covering. However, If the patient is not correct position patients may arise a side effect. Thus, the using in Half beam involving the geometrically exact under lung cancer is considered to advantage.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.101-107
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate optimal CT scan parameters to minimize patient dose to the irradiation and maintain satisfactory image quality in low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) scans. In a chest anthropomorphic phantom, chest CT scans were performed at different kVp and mA within reference of 3.4mGy in volume CT Dose Index (CTDI_vol). The following quantitative parameters had been statistically evaluated: image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and figure of merit (FOM). Nine radiographers conducted the blind test to select the optimal kVp-mA combination. Results indicated that the kVp-mA combination of 80kVp-90mA, 100kVp-50mA, 120kVp-30mA and 140kVp-30mA were obtained high SNR and CNR. The 120kVp-30mA combination offered good compromise in the FOM, which showed the quality and dose performance. In the blind test, an image of 80kVp-90mA obtained a high score with 4.7 points, and 120kVp-10mA or 140kVp-10mA with a low tube current were observed severe noise and poor image quality, thus resulting in decreased diagnostic accuracy. On the other hand, in the combination of high kVp and high mA(140kVp-90mA), the image quality was improved, but the radiation dose was also increased. the FOM value of 140kVp-90mA was lower than 120kVp-30mA. The application of appropriate scan parameters in low-dose chest CT scans produced satisfactory results in dose and image quality for the accuracy of the clinical diagnosis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.387-394
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• 2022

120 kVp FBP reconstruction image standard by using raw data after scanning by changing tube voltage among the NECK CT protocols that are broad applied in clinical practice using a human phantom including thyroid gland The usefulness of the DLIR reconstruction technique was investigated. As a result, CTDIvol decreased when the DLIR reconstruction technique was applied, and in particular, the image quality obtained under the same standard scanning conditions at a lower dose for ASIR-V and DLIR reconstruction was reached than when FBP was applied at the same kVp In addition, as a result of SNR and CNR analysis, the DLIR reconstructed image was analyzed with high SNR and CNR values, and SSIM analysis, the SSIM index of the 100 kVp, DLIR reconstructed image was measured to be close to 1, and it was analyzed that the similarity of the reconstructed image to the original image was high (p>0.05). If the results of this study are used to supplement clinical image evaluation and further develop an algorithm applicable to various anatomical structures, it is thought that it will be useful for clinical application as it is possible to maintain the image quality while lowering the examination dose.

• 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 Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.123-133
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• 2007

Z-axis automatic tube current modulation technique automatically adjusts tube current based on size of body region scanned. The purpose of the current study was to compare noise, and radiation dose of multi-detector row CT (MDCT) of lower extremity performed with Z-axis modulation technique of automatic tube current modulation with manual selection fixed tube current. Fifty consecutive underwent MDCT venography of lower extremity with use of a MDCT scanner fixed tube current and Z-axis automatic tube current modulation technique (10, 11 and 12 HU noise index, $70{\sim}450\;mA$). Scanning parameters included 120 kVp, 0.5 second gantry rotation time, 1.35:1 beam pitch, and 1 mm reconstructed section thickness. For each subject, images obtained with Z-axis modulation were compared with previous images obtained with fixed tube current (200, 250, 300 mA) and with other parameters identical. Images were compared for noise at five levels: iliac, femoral, popliteal, tibial, and peroneal vein of lower extremity. Tube current and gantry rotation time used for acquisitions at these levels were recorded. All CT examinations of study and control groups were diagnostically acceptable, though objective noise was significantly more with Z-axis automatic tube current modulation. Compared with fixed tube current, 2-axis modulation resulted in reduction of CTDIvol (range, $-6.5%{\sim}-35.6%$) and DLP (range, $-0.2%{\sim}-20.2%$). Compared with manually selected fixed tube current, 2-axis automatic tube current modulation resulted in reduced radiation dose at MDCT of lower extremity venography.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.252-259
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• 2011

To identify the effects of the application of the adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) technique in combination with the other two factors of body mass Index (BMI) and tube potential on radiation dose in cardiac CT. The patient receiving operation the cardiac CT examination was divided four groups into according to kVp.[A group(n=20), Non-ASIR, BMI < 25, 100 kVp; B group(n=20), Non-ASIR, BMI > 25, 120 kVp; C group(n=20), 40% ASIR BMI < 25, 100 kVp; D group(n=20), 40% ASIR, BMI > 25, 120 kVp] After setting up the region of interest in the main artery central part and right coronary artery and left anterior descending artery, the CT number was measured and an average and standard deviation were analyzed. There were A group and the difference which the image noise notes statistically between C. And A group was high so that the noise could note than C group (group A, 494 ${\pm}$ 32 HU; group C, 482 ${\pm}$ 48 HU: P<0.05) In addition, there were B group and the difference noted statistically between D. And B group was high so that the noise could note than D group (group B, 510 ${\pm}$ 45 HU; group D, 480 ${\pm}$ 82 HU: P<0.05). In the qualitative analysis of an image, there was no difference (p>0.05) which a group, B group, C group, and D as to average, A group 4.13${\pm}$0.2, B group 4.18${\pm}$0.1, and C group 4.1${\pm}$0.2 and D group note statistically altogether with 4.15${\pm}$0.1 as a result of making the clinical evaluation according to the coronary artery segments. And the inappropriate image was shown to the diagnosis in all groups. As to the radiation dose, a group 8.6${\pm}$0.9 and B group 14.9${\pm}$0.4 and C group 5.8${\pm}$0.5 and D group are 10.1${\pm}$0.6 mSv.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.113-122
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• 2007

Purpose: We proposed the method using dose-volume Histogram index to compare prospective plan trials in tomotherapy planning optimization. Materials and Methods: For 3 patients in cranial region, thorax and abdominal region, we acquired computed tomography images with PQ 5000 in each case. Then we delineated target structure and normal organ contour with pinnacle Ver 7.6c, after transferred each data to tomotherapy planning system (hi-art system Ver 2.0), we optimized 3 plan trials in each case that used differ from beam width, pitch, importance. We analyzed 3 plan trials in each region with isodose distribution, dose-volume histogram and dose statistics. Also we verified 3 plan trials with specialized DVH-indexes that is dose homogeneity index in target organ, conformity index around target structure and dose gradient index in non-target structures. Results: We compared with the similarity of results that the one is decide the best plan trial using isodose distribution, dose volume histogram and dose statistics, and the another is using DVH-indexes. They all decided the same plan trial to better result in each case. Conclusion: In some of case, it was appeared a little difference of results that used to DVH-index for comparison of plan trial in tomotherapy by special goal in it. But because DVH-index represented both dose distribution in target structure and high dose risk about normal tissue, it will be reasonable method for comparison of many plan trials before the tomotherapy treatments.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.290-299
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• 2013

This study included 198 patients who underwent prospectively electrocardiogram-triggered high-pitch spiral mode(FLASH mode) in cardiac CT for health check: 123 patients who underwent manual exposure control(Group A) and 75 patients who underwent automatic exposure control(Group B). Patients were classified according to BMI grades: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4. Radiation dose, objective and subjective image quality between two groups were compared. In Group B, tube voltage were significantly decreased in all BMI grades. Both $CTDI_{vol}$ and effective dose were significantly reduced in the BMI Grade 1, 3, and 4 whereas they were slightly reduced in the Grade 2(p>0.05), SNR was significantly decreased in the Grade 1 and increased in the Grade 3(p<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the Grade 2, 4 between the two groups(p>0.05). CNR was significantly decreased in the Grade 1(p<0.05), and there was no significant difference in the Grade 2, 3, 4 between the two groups(p>0.05). The subjective image quality showed no significant difference in all BMI Grades between the two groups(p>0.05). Automatic exposure control can lead to a significant reduction of radiation exposure dose without degradation of subjective image quality.