• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.218-224
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• 2004

We compared rest perfusion PET with redistribution perfusion SPECT to investigate the concordant rate between PET and SPECT images and analyze the discordant pattern. Materials and Methods: Rest N-13 ammonia and F-18 FDG PET were performed on 18 patients with old myocardial infarction and left ventricular dysfunction whose dipyridamole - 4hr redistribution TI-201 SPECT showed one or more severe fixed defects. Regional perfusion and metabolism were evaluated visually and quantitatively with 5-segment myocardial model. Results: There were high concordant rate in uptake pattern (80/90 segments, 88.9%) and high correlation coefficient on quantitative analysis (R=0.81, p<0.001) between redistribution TI-201 SPECT and N-13 ammonia PET images. Nine of 18 patients had SPECT-PET concordant pattern (Group I). Ten segments (9 in inferior wall, 1 in apex) from the remaining 9 patients showed SPECT-PET discordant pattern with abnormal TI-201 defect and near normal N-13 ammonia uptake (Group II). The diastolic and systolic left ventricular dimensions were significantly increased in Group II compared to those of Group I. When attenuation uncorrected N-13 ammonia PET images were reconstructed in Group II, it resulted in PET images with severe inferior wall defects nearly identical to those seen in redistribution TI-201 SPECT images. Conclusion: Redistribution TI-201 SPECT images showed high concordant rate and correlation with rest N-13 ammonia PET images. Most of discordant segments had fixed thallium defects in inferior wall with nearly normal N-13 ammonia uptake, which may result from severe left ventricular dilatation and attenuation by the left hemidiaphragm and cardiac blood pool.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.203-209
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• 1993

Dipyridamole is an agent that may be used to noninvasively evaluate coronary artery disease. The effect of dipyridamole infusion its generally related to its induced peripheral vasodilatory effect. In normal person, heart rate is generally increased slightly while blood pressure decrease, but the achieved double product and related myocardial oxygen consumption have no significant change. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect and side effect of dipyridamle, and to compare different response to dipyridamole among the patients. We evaluated 847 patients who underwent dipyridamole stress myocardial SPECT. 93.6% of them had induced hypotension, 0.9% showed no change of blood pressure, 5.5% had increased blood pressure. 8.3% had no change of pulse rate more than 10% of basal pulse rate. Among diabetes, 16.9% was not change of pulse rate, 6.7% in non-diabetes. There was no significant correlation between age and rate pressure product rest(RPPr), in patiens without perfusion defects on SPECT(y=7.1x+ 48.4 r=0.13 p>0.01). As increasing age, RPPs/RPPr was declined(y= -11.6x+68.9 r=0.17 p<0.01), similar results were obtained in patients with perfusion defect. The size of perfusion defect on myocardial SPECT have no correlation between RPPr and RPPs/RPPr. The side effects of dipyridamole included chest pain and chest tightness, headache, abdominal pain, dizzness, nausea, and dyspnea. As increasing age, dipyridamole-induced cardiac work at rest was increased, cardiac response to dipyridamole was decreased.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.122-127
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• 2010

Purpose: The Xpress3.$cardiac^{TM}$ which is a kind of wide beam reconstruction (WBR) method developed by UltraSPECT (Haifa, Israel) enables the acquisition of at quarter time while maintaining image quality. The purpose of this study is to investigate the usefulness of WBR method for decreasing scan times and to compare to it with filtered back projection (FBP), which is the method routinely used. Materials and Methods: Phantom and clinical studies were performed. The anthropomorphic torso phantom was made on an equality with counts from patient's body. The Tl-201 concentrations in the compartments were 74 kBq (2 ${\mu}Ci$)/cc in myocardium, 11.1 kBq (0.3 ${\mu}Ci$)/cc in soft tissue, and 2.59 kBq (0.07 ${\mu}Ci$)/cc in lung. The non-gated Tl-201 myocardial perfusion SPECT data were acquired with the phantom. The former study was scanned for 50 seconds per frame with FBP method, and the latter study was acquired for 13 seconds per frame with WBR method. Using the Xeleris ver. 2.0551, full width at half maximum (FWHM) and average image contrast were compared. In clinical studies, we analyzed the 30 patients who were examined by Tl-201 gated myocardial perfusion SPECT in department of nuclear medicine at Asan Medical Center from January to April 2010. The patients were imaged at full time (50 second per frame) with FBP algorithm and again quarter-time (13 second per frame) with the WBR algorithm. Using the 4D MSPECT (4DM), Quantitative Perfusion SPECT (QPS), and Quantitative Gated SPECT (QGS) software, the summed stress score (SSS), summed rest score (SRS), summed difference score, end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV) and ejection fraction (EF) were analyzed for their correlations and statistical comparison by paired t-test. Results: As a result of the phantom study, the WBR method improved FWHM more than about 30% compared with FBP method (WBR data 5.47 mm, FBP data 7.07 mm). And the WBR method's average image contrast was also higher than FBP method's. However, in result of quantitative indices, SSS, SDS, SRS, EDV, ESV, EF, there were statistically significant differences from WBR and FBP(p<0.01). In the correlation of SSS, SDS, SRS, there were significant differences for WBR and FBP (0.18, 0.34, 0.08). But EDV, ESV, EF showed good correlation with WBR and FBP (0.88, 0.89, 0.71). Conclusion: From phantom study results, we confirmed that the WBR method reduces an acquisition time while improving an image quality compared with FBP method. However, we should consider significant differences in quantitative indices. And it needs to take an evaluation test to apply clinical study to find a cause of differences out between phantom and clinical results.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.435-443
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• 2008

Purpose: Gated myocardial perfusion SPECT provides not only myocardial perfusion status but also various functional parameters of left ventricle. We compared left ventricular ejection fraction, end-diastolic volume, LV mass by cardiac SPECT using Quantitative Gated SPECT (QGS), 4D-MSPECT software and standard 2D-echocardiography. Materials and Methods: One hundred fourteen patients (male 51, female 63; 29-85 years old, mean $61.3\;{\pm}\;13.3$ years old) with normal perfusion status on Tc-99m tetrofosmin gated myocardial perfusion SPECT were analyzed retrospectively. Ejection fraction (LVEF), End-diastolic volume (LVED), LV mass (LVM) were calculated using QGS, 4D-MSPECT, and LVEF, LVM using 2D-echocardiography. Statistical analysis including Bland-Altman plot was performed using $MedCalc^{(R)}$ (MedCalc software, Mariakerke, Belgium). Results: The correlation of LVEF between methods was good: 0.95/0.96 (stress/rest) between QGS and 4D-MSPECT, 0.79 between QGS and echocardiography, 0.79 between 4D-MSPECT and echocardiography (p<0.001). Using Bland-Altman plot, the 95% confidence interval of agreement between QGS and 4D-MSPECT ranged from -12.7% to 7.3% / from -12.2% to 6.5% (stress/rest). The agreement between QGS and echocardiography, 4D-MSPECT and echocardiography ranged from -17.4% to 24.0%, and -14.8% to 27.0% respectively. The correlation of LVM between methods was also good: 0.95 between QGS and 4D-MSPECT, 0.76 between QGS and echocardiography, 0.73 between 4D-MSPECT and echocardiography (p<0.001). The 95% confidence interval of agreement between QGS and 4D-MSPECT ranged from -33.8g to 14.1g (stress/rest), The 95% confidence interval of agreement between QGS and echocardiography, 4D-MSPECT and echocardiography ranged from -148.7 g to 21.8. g, and -142.8 g to 35.5 g, respectively. Conclusion: There was a good correlation for LVEF, LVEO, LVM among methods (QGS, 4D-MSPECT, echocardiography), but the variance between methods was big. Therefore, the functional parameters by each method cannot be used interchangeably.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.147-152
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• 2003

Purpose: We evaluated radioisotope and sex-specific differences of normal limits for left ventricle volumes (LWs) and ejection fraction (EF) using myocardial perfusion gated SPECT (g-SPECT). Materials and Methods: Rest Tl-201/post-stress Tc-99m MIBI g-SPECT measurements with acquisitions of 8-frame were evaluated for 70 patients (mean age $55{\pm}14.56%$ female) who either had < 10% pretest likelihood of CAD (n = 12) or had normal coronary angiography (EF > 50%) (n = 58). LVEF, LWs were automatically determined by quantitative gated SPECT using QGS program. Results: Similar results were obtained for mean LVEF between Tc-99m MIBI ($62%{\pm}7%$ and Tl-201 ($63%{\pm}8%$) g-SPECT measurements. In Contrast, Tl-201 g-SPECT had significantly lower LWs values ($EDV;\;74{\pm}23mL,\;ESV;\;28{\pm}14mL$) than Tc-99m MIBI g-SPECT ($EDV;\;82{\pm}25mL,\;ESV;\;32{\pm}15mL$) (p<0.05). Women had significantly lower EDV ($Tc-99m\;MIBI;\;71{\pm}18mL,\;Tl-201;\;65{\pm}17mL$), and ESV values ($Tc-99m\;MIBI;\;27{\pm}10mL,\;Tl-201;\;23{\pm}8mL$) compared with EDV ($Tc-99m\;MIBI;\;96{\pm}27mL,\;Tl-201;\;85{\pm}24mL$), and ESV Values ($Tc-99m\;MIBI;\;40{\pm}17mL,\;Tl-201;\;36{\pm}16mL$) of men (p<0.05). Women had significantly higher LV EF Values ($65%{\pm}7%$) than men ($60%{\pm}8%$) by Tl-201 gated SPECT (p<0.05). Conclusion: These data suggest significant differeuces in normal limits for LWs and EF, according to genders and radiopharmaceutical. Therefore, the evaluation of cardiac function in patients should consider radioisotope and sex-matched normal values.

• 대한핵의학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2005.11a
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• pp.345.1-345.1
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• 2005

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.203-206
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• 2009

Nuclear cardiac imaging has been widely used to assess viable myocardium in patients with ischemic heart disease, The assessment of viable myocardium is important in selecting patients who will be benefit from revascularization. Although revascularization is indicated in patients with sufficient myocardium, patients with scar tissue should be treated medically. Nuclear imaging methods including myocardial perfusion SPECT and FDG PET have been shown to be effective modalities for identifying viable myocardium.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.67-75
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• 2009

Purpose: As to the analytical method of data, the various programs in which it is used for the quantitative rating of the Tl-201 myocardial perfusion SPECT are reported that there is a difference. Therefore, the measured value error of the mutual program is expected to be generated even if the quantitative analysis is made against data of the same patient. Using quantitative index that able to represent myocardial perfusion defect level, we aimed to determine correlation among three myocardial perfusion analysis programs 4DM (4DMSPECT), QPS (Quantitative Perfusion SPECT), ECT (Emory Cardiac Toolbox) that be used generally in most departments of Nuclear Medicine. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the 145 patients who were examined by Tl-201 gated myocardial perfusion SPECT in department of nuclear medicine at Asan Mediacal Center from December 1th 2008 to February 14th 2008. We sorted as normal group and abnormal group. Normal group consist of 80 patients (Male/Female=38/42, age:$65.1{\pm}9.9$) who have low possibility of cardiovascular disease. And abnormal group consist of 65 patients (Male/Female=45/20, age:$63.0{\pm}8.7$) who were diagnosed cardiovascular disease with reversible perfusion defect or fixed perfusion defect through myocardial perfusion SPECT results. Using the 4DM, QPS, and ECT programs, the total defect extent (TDE) such as LAD, LCX, RCA and the summed stress score (SSS) have been analysed for their correlations and statistical comparison with the paried t-test for the quantitative indices analysed from each group. Results: The correlation of 4DM:QPS, QPS:ECT, ECT:4DM each group result from 145 patients is 0.84, 0.86, 0.82 at SSS, 0.87, 0.84, 0.87 at TDE, and both index showed good correlation. In paired t-test and Bland-Altman analysis results showed no statistically significant difference in the comparison of QPS:ECT at the mean SSS and TDE, 4DM:QPS, ECT:4DM comparative analysis results showed statistically significant difference at SSS and TDE index. The correlation of 4DM:QPS, QPS:ECT, ECT:4DM program results from abnormal group (65 patients) is 0.72, 0.72, 0.70 at SSS and 0.77, 0.70, 0.77 at TDE and TDE and SSS has a good correlation. In abnormal group, paired t-test and Bland-Altman analysis results showed no statistically significant difference at QPS:ECT SSS (p=0.89) and TDE (p=0.23) comparison, 4DM:QPS, ECT:4DM comparative analysis results showed statistically significant difference at SSS and TDE index (p<0.01). In normal group (80 patients), paired t-test and Bland-Altman analysis results showed no statistically significant difference at QPS:ECT SSS (p=0.95) and TDE (p=0.73) comparison. And 4DM:QPS, ECT:4DM comparative analysis results showed statistically significant difference at SSS and TDE index (p<0.01). Conclusions: The perfusion defect of the Tl-201 myocardial perfusion SPECT was analyzed in not only the patient in whom it has the cardiovascular disease but also the patient in whom the possibility of the cardiovascular disease is few. In the comparison of the all group research, the mean of the TDE and SSS, 4DM was lower than QPS and ECT progrms. Each program showed good correlation and the results showed statistically significant difference. However, in this way, it is determined to be compatible about the analysis value in which the large-scale side between the programs uses each program a difference in a clinical in the Bland-Altman analyzed result in spite of the good correlation and cannot use. but, this analyzed result will be able to be usefully used as the reference material for the clinical read and is expected.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.67-72
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• 1997

Myocardial scintigraphy is a widely used noninvasive procedure with high sensitivity for the detection of patients with suspected coronary artery disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic value of a normal myocardial scintigraphy in 292 patients (150 males, 142 females, mean age $53{\pm}12$ years) with chest pain who were followed from 7 to 58 (mean 25) months. Myocardial SPECT was performed with Tc-99m MIBI in 173 patients, with Tc-99m tetrofosmin in 74 patients and with T1-201 in 45 patients. During the follow-up period, there were 2 cardiac deaths and 2 nonfatal myocardial infarctions resulting in cardiac event rate of 1.37% (0.66% Per Year). The cardiac event rate was not different in patients with angiographically normal coronary arteries (1/30, 3.3%) and in those who had significant coronary artery disease (2/27, 7.4%) (p=0.60). In conclusion, patients with chest pain and normal myocardial scintigraphy have a low cardiac event rate, and there was no significant difference of. cardiac event rates between patients with normal and abnormal coronary angiograms.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.231-238
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• 1995

Tc-99m-MIBI (Sestamibi) myocardial SPECT along with TI-201 tomographic Imaging has demonstrated wide application and high image quality sufficient for the diagnosis of myocardial perfusion defect, which consequently reflects regional myocardial blood flow. The qualitative values of myocardial SPECT with Tc-99m-MIBI as well ds the quantitative cases depend in some degree on the reconstruction techniques of multiple projections. Filtered backprojection (FBP) Is the common standard method for reconstruction rather than the complicated and time-consuming arithmetic methods. In FBP it is known that the distribution of radioactivity in reconstructed transverse slices varies with the selected litter parameters such as cutoff frequencies and order (Butterworth case) The cutoff frequencies used in clinicAl practice partially remove and decrease the true radioactive distribution and alter the pixel counts, which lead to underestimation of true counts in specific myocardial regions. In this study, we have investigated the effect of cutoff frequencies of reconstruction filter on the artifactually induced perfusion defects, which are often demonstrated near inferior and/or inferoseptal cardiac walls due to the intense hepatic uptake of Tc-99m-MIBI. A computerized method for Identifying the relative degree of artifactual perfusion defect and for comparing those degrees along with the relative amount of hepatic uptake to myocardium was developed and patient images were studied to observe the quantitative degree of underestimation of myocardial perfusion, and to propose some reasonable threshold of cutoff frequency in the diagnosis of perfusion defect quantitatively. We concluded that from the quantitative viewpoint cutoff frequencies may be used as high as possible with the sacrifice of homogeneity of image quality, and those frequencies lower than the common 0.3 Wyquist frequency would reveal severe degradation of radioactive distribution near inferior and/or inferoseptal myocardium when applying Butterworth or low pass filter.