• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.87-92
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• 2015

Purpose When the patients takes myocardial perfusion SPECT using $^{201}Tl$, the operator gives the patients an injection of $^{201}Tl$. But the uniformity correction map in SPECT uses $^{99m}Tc$ uniformity correction map. Thus, we want to compare the image quality when it uses $^{99m}Tc$ uniformity correction map and when it uses $^{201}Tl$ uniformity correction map. Materials and Methods Phantom study is performed. We take the data by Asan medical center daily QC condition with flood phantom including $^{201}Tl$ 21.3 kBq/mL. After postprocessing with this data, we analyze CFOV integral uniformity(I.U) and differential uniformity(D.U). And we take the data with Jaszczak ECT Phantom by American college of radiology accreditation program instruction including $^{201}Tl$ 33.4 kBq/mL. After post processing with this data, we analyze spatial Resolution, Integral Uniformity(I.U), coefficient of variation(C.V) and Contrast with Interactive data language program. Results In the flood phantom test, when it uses $^{99m}Tc$ uniformity correction map, Flood I.U is 3.6% and D.U is 3.0%. When it uses $^{201}Tl$ uniformity correction map, Flood I.U is 3.8% and D.U is 2.1%. The flood I.U is worsen about 5%, but the D.U is improved about 30% inversely. In the Jaszczak ECT phantom test, when it uses $^{99m}Tc$ uniformity correction map, SPECT I.U, C.V and contrast is 13.99%, 4.89% and 0.69. When it uses $^{201}Tl$ uniformity correction map, SPECT I.U, C.V and contrast is 11.37%, 4.79% and 0.78. All of data are improved about 18%, 2%, 13% The spatial resolution was no significant changes. Conclusion In the flood phantom test, Flood I.U is worsen but Flood D.U is improved. Therefore, it's uncertain that an image quality is improved with flood phantom test. On the other hand, SPECT I.U, C.V, Contrast are improved about 18%, 2%, 13% in the Jaszczak ECT phantom test. This study has limitations that we can't take all variables into account and study with two phantoms. We need think about things that it has a good effect when doctors decipher the nuclear medicine image and it's possible to improve the image quality using the uniformity correction map of other radionuclides other than $^{99m}Tc$, $^{201}Tl$ when we make other nuclear medicine examinations.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.58-64
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• 2011

Objective: The 3-dimensional reconstruction method with resolution recovery modeling has advantages of high spatial resolution and contrast because of its precise modeling of spatial blurring according to the distance from detector plane. The aim of this study was to evaluate one of the resolution recovery reconstruction methods (Astonish, Philips Medical), compare it to other iterative reconstructions, and verify its clinical usefulness. Materials and Methods: NEMA IEC PET body phantom and Flanges Jaszczak ECT phantom (Data Spectrum Corp., USA) studies were performed using Skylight SPECT (Philips) system under four different conditions; short or long (2 times of short) radius, and half or full (40 kcts/frame) acquisition counts. Astonish reconstruction method was compared with two other iterative reconstructions; MLEM and 3D-OSEM which vendor supplied. For quantitative analysis, the contrast ratios obtained from IEC phantom test were compared. Reconstruction parameters were determined by optimization study using graph of contrast ratio versus background variability. The qualitative comparison was performed with Jaszczak ECT phantom and human myocardial data. Results: The overall contrast ratio was higher with Astonish than the others. For the largest hot sphere of 37 mm diameter, Astonish showed about 27.1% and 17.4% higher contrast ratio than MLEM and 3D-OSEM, in short radius study. For long radius, Astonish showed about 40.5% and 32.6% higher contrast ratio than MLEM and 3D-OSEM. The effect of acquired counts was insignificant. In the qualitative studies with Jaszczak phantom and human myocardial data, Astonish showed the best image quality. Conclusion: In this study, we have found out that Astonish can provide more reliable clinical results by better image quality compared to other iterative reconstruction methods. Although further clinical studies are required, Astonish would be used in clinics with confidence for enhancement of images.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.78-83
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• 2013

Purpose: SPECT/CT, a combination of SPECT and CT, is capable of expressing the results of attenuation correction on images biased by automatic program. As a result, this research evaluates the usefulness of images with CT attenuation correction, using various phantoms and images of patients. Materials and Methods: From July of 2012 to September of 2012, this research was conducted on the contrast, spatial resolution, and images of patients. We studied the contrast with IEC body phantom and Jaszczak phantom, while the spatial resolution was evaluated with NEMA triple line phantom. Further, a comparative study was carried out on the quality of the images, on the difference between the images before and after the CT attenuation correction. Results: Compared the differences between the contrast before and after the CT attenuation correction in IEC body phantom. The contrast was improved by 33.6% at minimum, 89.8% at maximum. In case of Jaszczak Phantom, the contrast was enhanced by 9.9% at minimum, 27.8% at maximum. In NEMA Triple line phantom, the resolution was raised by 4.5% in average: 4.4% in horizontal, 4.5% in vertical. In Anthropomorphic Torso Phantom, the perfusion score of the interior wall with the most severe attenuation was measured to be 29.4%. In the experiment carried out on myocardial perfusion SPECT/CT patients, 9% improvement was discovered in the interior wall, where the most dramatic attenuation occurred, after the CT attenuation correction. Conclusion: SPECT/CT proved its clinical usefulness by enabling the acquisition of images with enhanced contrast and spatial resolution compare to the ones resulted from SPECT.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.30-35
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• 2011

Purpose: The Boramae Hospital are currently using Wide beam reconstruction (WBR: UltraSPECT, Israel) to improve the resolution. The Xact-bone belongs to the WBR. It has been reported that Xact-bone helps us to improve image resolution and contrast. This study will be evaluated clinical usefulness of Xact-bone method. Materials and Methods: The usefulness evaluation of Xact-bone method was analyzed in resolution test and contrast ratio. The resolution test in Planar image were obtained from Full width at half maximum (FWHM) by using capillary tube. And the contrast ratio was obtained from Bone and Soft tissue (B/S) ratio values that were acquired from bone scan study of 50 patients before and after using the Xact-bone method. We prepared the Triple Line Source Phantom, NEMA IEC Body Phantom and Standard Jaszczak Phantom to acquire the FWHM and Contrast Ratio values of Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) image. Subsequently we compared among the Filtered backprojection (FBP), Orderd subset expectation maximization (OSEM) and Xact-Bone image. Results: The results of the planar Xact-bone data improved resolution about 20% by using capillary tube. In addition it was improved B/S ratio about 15%. When using Triple Line Source Phantom, SPECT Xact-bone data improved resolution for both FBP, OSEM methods about 20% and 10%, respectively. Contrast ratio in each spheres has also been increased for both methods that using NEMA IEC body Phantom and Standard Jaszczak Phantom. Conclusion: When we were using Xact-bone method, we could see to improve the resolution and Contrast ratio as compared to do not use the Xact-bone method. Accordingly, by using WBR's Xact-bone method is expected to improve the image quality. However, when introducing new software, it is needed to match the characteristics of the hospital protocol and clinical application.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.3-8
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• 2009

Purpose: Onco flash shortens a scan time with half and there is a possibility of getting the data which corresponds in existing. The experiment which makes the image whose Onco Flash is excellent OSEM tried, as changes parameter of time, iteration. After reconstituting an image, produces FWHM and executes an evaluation. Materials and Methods: Siemens e.cam gamma camera, standard Jaszczak phantom and spatial resolution phantom was used. In order for the bubble not to enter, implants 2 mCi and volume 0.25 cc $^{99m}Tc$ respectively in line 3 to spatial resolution phantom. Put on that phantom on the table correctly, and acquires an image. 15 mCi putting in distilled water to mix $^{99m}Tc$ well in Jaszczak phantom and acquires image just like spatial resolution phantom. Reconstructs and converts the image to digital image as Sante program. Produce FWHM and evaluate by Amide. Results: The non-scattered image shows better FWHM value than scattered image. As time increases from 10 sec to 30 sec for 5sec interval, FWHM appeared to 30.1, 28.5, 24.5, 23.6, 23.4 mm. At the standard iteration value 4, OSEM FWHM shows 8.0 mm, and Onco Flash is 8.1 mm. As fade in iteration, FWHM value more and more decreased. Conclusion: When using Onco Flash, shortens a scan time, and enhances image quality. Also, user can adjust the parameters to improve resolution. Therefore, patient and user are satisfied with these merits.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.225-229
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• 2021

The digital image such as medical X-ray and nuclear medicine field mainly contains noise distribution. The noise degree in image degrades image quality. That is why, the noise reduction algorithm is efficient for medical image field. In this study, we confirmed effectiveness of application for median modified Wiener filter (MMWF) algorithm for noise reduction in PET/MR image compared with median filter image, which is used as conventional noise redcution algorithm. The Jaszczak PET phantom was used by using 18F solution and filled with NaCl+NiSO4 fluids. In addition, the radioactivity ratio between background and six spheres in the phantom is maintained to 1:8. In order to mimic noise distribution in the image, we applied Gaussian noise using MATLAB software. To evlauate image quality, the contrast to noise ratio (CNR) and coefficient of variation (COV) were used. According to the results, compared with noise image and images with MMWF algorithm, the image with MMWF algorithm is increased approximately 33.2% for CNR result, decreased approximately 79.3% for COV result. In conclusion, we proved usefulness of MMWF algorithm in the PET/MR images.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.60-64
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• 2011

Purpose: The brain perfusion SPECT is the examination which is able to know adversity information related brain disorder. But brain perfusion SPECT has also high failure rates by patient's motions. In this case, we have to use two days method and patients put up with many disadvantages. We think that we don't use two days method in brain perfusion SPECT, if we can use registration method. So this study has led to look over registration method applications in brain perfusion SPECT. Materials and Methods: Jaszczak, Hoffman and cylindrical phantoms were used for acquiring SPECT image data on varying degree in x, y, z axes. The phantoms were filled with $^{99m}Tc$ solution that consisted of a radioactive concentration of 111 MBq/mL. Phantom images were acquired through scanning for 5 sec long per frame by using Triad XLT9 triple head gamma camera (TRIONIX, USA). We painted the ROI of registration image in brain data. So we calculated the ROIratio which was different original image counts and registration image counts. Results: When carring out the experiments under the same condition, total counts differential was from 3.5% to 5.7% (mean counts was from 3.4% to 6.8%) in phantom and patients data. In addition, we also run the experiments in the double activity condition. Total counts differential was from 2.6% to 4.9% (mean counts was from 4.1% to 4.9%) in phantom and patients data. Conclusion: We can know that original and registration data are little different in image analysis. If we use the image registration method, we can improve disadvantage of two days method in brain perfusion SPECT. But we must consider image registration about the distance differences in x, y, z axes.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.65-77
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• 1996

Using the 2-D and 3-D Hoffman brain phantom, 3-D Jaszczak phantom and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography, the effects of data acquisition parameter, attenuation, noise, scatter and reconstruction algorithm on image quantitation as well as image quality were studied. For the data acquisition parameters, the images were acquired by changing the increment angle of rotation and the radius. The less increment angle of rotation resulted in superior image quality. Smaller radius from the center of rotation gave better image quality, since the resolution degraded as increasing the distance from detector to object increased. Using the flood data in Jaszczak phantom, the optimal attenuation coefficients were derived as 0.12cm$\^$-1/ for all collimators. Consequently, the all images were corrected for attenuation using the derived attenuation coefficients. It showed concave line profile without attenuation correction and flat line profile with attenuation correction in flood data obtained with jaszczak phantom. And the attenuation correction improved both image qulity and image quantitation. To study the effects of noise, the images were acquired for 1min, 2min, 5min, 10min, and 20min. The 20min image showed much better noise characteristics than 1min image indicating that increasing the counting time reduces the noise characteristics which follow the Poisson distribution. The images were also acquired using dual-energy windows, one for main photopeak and another one for scatter peak. The images were then compared with and without scatter correction. Scatter correction improved image quality so that the cold sphere and bar pattern in Jaszczak phantom were clearly visualized. Scatter correction was also applied to 3-D Hoffman brain phantom and resulted in better image quality. In conclusion, the SPECT images were significantly affected by the factors of data acquisition parameter, attenuation, noise, scatter, and reconstruction algorithm and these factors must be optimized or corrected to obtain the useful SPECT data in clinical applications.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.372-378
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• 1996

In the case of $^{123}I$ from the $^{124}Te$(p,2n)reaction, the radionuclidic impurity is the high-energy gamma-emitting $^{124}I$, which interferes greatly with nuclear medicine images. The choice of a collimator can affect the quality of clinical SPECT images of [I-123]MIBG, [I-123] ${\beta}$-CIT, or [I-123]IPT. The tradeoffs that two different collimators make among spatial resolution, sensitivity, and scatter were studied by imaging a line source at 5cm, 10cm, 15cm distance using a number of plexiglass sheets between source and collimator, petri dish, two-dimensional Hoffman brain phantom, Jaszczak phantom, and three-dimensional Hoffman brain phantom after filling with $^{123}I$. (FWHM, FWTM, Sensitivity) for low-energy ultrahigh-resolution parallel - hole (LEUHRP) collimator and medium- energy general - purpose (MEGP) collimator were measured as (9.27mm, 61.27mm, $129CPM/{\mu}Ci$) and (10.53mm, 23.17mm, $105CPM/{\mu}Ci$), respectively. The image quality of two-dimensional Hoffman brain phantom with LEUHRP looked better than the one with MEGP. However, the image quality of Jaszczak phantom and three-dimensional Hoffman brain phantom with LEUHRP looked much worse than the one with MEGP because of scatter contributions in three-dimensional imaging situation. The results suggest that the MEGP is preferable to LEUHRP for three-dimensional imaging studies of [I-123]MIBG, [I-123] ${\beta}$-CIT, or [I-123]IPT.

• 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.