• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.31 no.5
• /
• pp.445-448
• /
• 2014

A 7-year-old, male Alaskan malamute was referred for a routine dental management. On the physical examination, the right hindlimb ataxia with a mild delay in proprioception was noted. On magnetic resonance images, an extradural ventral cystic structure compressing the spinal cord was found at the level between the first and second lumbar vertebra. The cyst showed hypointense on a T1-weighted image with rim enhancement and hyperintense on a T2-weighted image. The cystic lesion was removed through right-side hemilaminectomy. In the histopathological examination, evenly distributed fibroblasts and collagenous stroma with several cartilaginous materials were seen. The neurological signs of the right hindlimb were successfully recovered within a week in follow-up neurological examination and showed normal gait at 6 months after surgery.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.99-104
• /
• 2012

Background: Previous studies have shown that if performed without radiographic guidance, the loss of resistance (LOR) technique can result in inaccurate needle placement in up to 30% of lumbar epidural blocks. To date, no study has shown the efficacy of measuring the depth of the posterior complex (ligamentum flavum, epidural space, and posterior dura) ultrasonographically to distinguish true and false LOR. Methods: 40 cervical epidural blocks were performed using the LOR technique and confirmed by epidurograms. Transverse ultrasound images of the C6/7 area were taken before each cervical epidural block, and the distances from the skin to the posterior complex, transverse process, and supraspinous ligament were measured on each ultrasound view. The number of LOR attempts was counted, and the depth of each LOR was measured with a standard ruler. Correlation of false and true positive LOR depth with ultrasonographically measured depth was also statistically analyzed. Results: 76.5% of all cases (26 out of 34) showed false positive LOR. Concordance correlation coefficients between the measured distances on ultrasound (skin to ligamentum flavum) and actual needle depth were 0.8285 on true LOR. Depth of the true positive LOR correlated with height and weight, with a mean of $5.64{\pm}1.06cm$, while the mean depth of the false positive LOR was $4.08{\pm}1.00cm$. Conclusions: Ultrasonographic measurement of the ligamentum flavum depth (or posterior complex) preceding cervical epidural block is beneficial in excluding false LOR and increasing success rates of cervical epidural blocks.

• Journal of Radiopharmaceuticals and Molecular Probes
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.54-60
• /
• 2019

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) imaging plays an important role in surgery of patients with breast cancer and melanoma. In this study, avidin (Av), a tetrameric protein glycosylated with mannose and N-acetylglucosamine molecules, was labeled with $^{64}Cu$ and then evaluated for LN imaging. $^{64}Cu$-Labeled $NeutrAvidin^{TM}$ (NAv), a non-glycosylated form of Av, was used for comparison. 1,4,7,10-Tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetic acid (DOTA)-conjugated Av and NAv were prepared from the corresponding proteins and DOTA-NHS ester, which were then labeled with copper-64 and purified using PD-10 columns. The numbers of DOTA molecules conjugated to Av and NAv were 4.9 and 3.3, respectively. [$^{64}Cu$]Cu-DOTA-conjugated Av and NAv were prepared in 93% and 73% radiochemical yields, respectively. In vitro serum stability study showed that copper-64 remained stable on all radiotracers for 24 h (>97%). MicroPET/CT images showed that high radioactivity was accumulated in LNs within 15 min after footpad-injection of radiotracers. Tissue distribution data of mice demonstrated significantly higher uptake in the popliteal (PO) LN than lumbar (LU) LN for $^{64}Cu$-labeled Av (relative % ID/g excluding the injection sites: 66.2% and 26.0%, respectively) compared with those of $^{64}Cu$-labeled NAv (43.0% and 49.2%, respectively). The results of this study suggest that mannose molecules on Av enabled the radiotracer to retain in the first LN after mouse footpad-injection.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
• /
• v.35 no.1
• /
• pp.12-18
• /
• 2022

Purpose: Pedicle screw fixation provides 3-column stabilization, multidimensional control, and a higher rate of interbody fusion. Although computed tomography (CT) is recommended for the postoperative assessment of pedicle screw fixation, its use is limited due to the radiation exposure dose. The purpose of this preliminary retrospective study was to assess the clinical usefulness of low-dose mobile cone-beam CT (CBCT) for the postoperative evaluation of pedicle screw fixation. Methods: The author retrospectively reviewed postoperative mobile CBCT images of 15 patients who underwent posterior pedicle screw fixation for spinal disease from November 2019 to April 2020. Pedicle screw placement was assessed for breaches of the bony structures. The breaches were graded based on the Heary classification. Results: The patients included 11 men and four women, and their mean age was 66±12 years. Of the 122 pedicle screws, 34 (27.9%) were inserted in the thoracic segment (from T7 to T12), 82 (67.2%) in the lumbar segment (from L1 to L5), and six (4.9%) in the first sacral segment. Although there were metal-related artifacts, the image of the screw position (according to Heary classification) after surgery could be assessed using mobile CBCT at all levels (T7-S1). Conclusions: Mobile CBCT was accurate in determining the location and integrity of the pedicle screw and identifying the surrounding bony structures. In the postoperative setting, mobile CBCT can be used as a primary modality for assessing the accuracy of pedicle screw fixation and detecting postoperative complications.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.17-25
• /
• 2022

Purpose: To determine the prognostic role of muscle area and muscle radiation attenuation in the erector spinae (ES) and multifidus (MF) muscles in patients undergoing gastrectomy. Methods: Patients with stage I-III gastric cancer undergoing gastrectomy were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Clinicopathologic characteristics were collected and analyzed. Both paraspinal muscle index of ES/MF muscles (PMI_EM) and paraspinal muscle radiation attenuation in the same muscles (PMRA_EM) were analyzed at the 3rd lumbar level using axial computed tomographic images. Cox regression analysis was applied to estimate overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results: There was only a weak correlation between PMI_EM and PMRA_EM (r= 0.28). Multivariate Cox regression revealed that PMRA_EM, but not PMI_EM, was an important determinant of survival. PMRA_EM along with age, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, perineural invasion, and serum albumin level were significant determinants of both OS and DFS that constituted Model 1. Harrell's concordance index and integrated area under receiver operating characteristic curve were greater for Model 1 than for Model 2 (consisting of the same covariates as Model 1 except PMRA_EM) or Model 3 (consisting of only TNM stage). Conclusion: PMRA_EM, but not PMIEM, was an important determinant of survival. Because there was only a weak correlation between PMI_EM and PMRA_EM in this study, it was presumed that they were mutually exclusive. Model 1 consisting of age, TNM stage, perineural invasion, serum albumin level, and PMRA_EM was greater than nested models (i.e., Model 2 or Model 3) in predicting survival outcomes.

• Korean Journal of Digital Imaging in Medicine
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.23-31
• /
• 2012

There are AEC mode and fix mode to exposure when the whole spine antero-posterior radiography is done by using DR equipment. This study compared the utility of fix mode to AEC mode, by evaluating organ dose and effective dose and by examining the quality of radiographic image. GE DEFINIUM 8000 and ART-200X Rando Phantom manufactured by Flukebiometical were used for this study. The Rando phantom was set in front of wall detector of X-rays equipment. AEC mode was set at 80kVp and Fix mode was set at 80kVp, 25mAs, 32mAs, 40mAs, and 50mAs. Whole spine AP image were aquired by combining C, T-L and L-S spine images obtained through 3 exposures. When obtaining C, T-L and L-S spine images, were checked for Air kerma (mGy) value calculated by UNFORS Xi meter attached at the phantom surface of center of radiation field. The effective and organ doses were compared by PCXMC program (PC-Based Monte Carlo Program). The quality of obtained radiographic image was evaluated visually by 3 radiologists using resolution chart. When the effective doses was calculated based on tissue weighting factor of ICRP-103, 1.278mSv was measured by AEC mode, and Fix mode measured 0.405mSv at 25mAs, 0.518mSv at 32mAs, 0.649mSv at 40mAs, and 0.810mSv at 50mAS. In addition, the organ dose measured with esposure at 25mAs by Fix mode was almost equivalent to the organ dose by AEC mode, at the esophagus, thyroid, oral mucosa, salivaly glands located at the cervical spine part, while the organ dose by Fix mode was in general lower than the organ dose by AEC mode at the other organs. When Fix mode at 32mAs, 40mAs, and 50mAs was compared to AEC mode for organ dose in 26 organs, AEC mode had higher measurement in 21 organs but not for than brain, trachea, thyroid, oral mucosa, and salivaly glands which are located at the cervical spine part. The image quality evaluated by resolution test chart was much higher with AEC mode than the quality with Fix mode at all exposure conditions. However, while the image quality of cervical spine exposured at 50mAs by Fix mode was lower than the quality of AEC mode, thoraco-lumbar spine and lumbo-sacral spine were calculated and the quality was similar to AEC mode. Scoliosis occurs mainly at thoraco-lumbar and lumbo-sacral spine, not at cervical spine. Compared to AEC mode, Using the appropriate protocol (80kVp, 50mAs) of fix mode for whole spine AP radiography was thought to be useful because the image quality of the thoraco-lumar and lumbo-sacral spine was similar on AEC mode, Also organ and effective doses can be decreased with Fix mode. Therefore, It is considered that fix mode can be used properly with AEC mode for whole spine AP radiography when considering patient's body posture.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.152-155
• /
• 2014

An 11-year-old castrated Schnauzer presented with paraplegia for the last two weeks, initially developed pelvic limb ataxia 6 months ago and left pelvic limb paresis 3 months ago. On neurological examination, paraplegia and postural reaction deficits were noted in the pelvic limbs with no deep pain sensation, and the dog showed exaggerated spinal reflexes and involuntary urination. Magnetic resonance (MR) images of thoracolumbar spinal cord were obtained with a 0.3 Tesla magnet. A mass with a broad base to the dorsal and left dural margins was identified at the level of L2, causing marked spinal cord compression. The mass showed isointensity to the spinal cord on T1-weighted (T1W) precontrast images, hyperintensity on T2-weighted images, marked homogeneous contrast enhancement with well-defined margins and the "dural tail" sign on T1W postcontrast images. An intradural-extramedullay tumor was considered, most likely, meningioma was highly suggestive. Left-sided hemilaminectomy and dorsal laminectomy were performed. An intradural mass partially adherent to dura mater was compressing the spinal cord, and the mass was completely removed with the attached dura mater. A histopathologic diagnosis of angiomatous subtype meningioma was made.

• Korean Journal of Digital Imaging in Medicine
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.37-43
• /
• 2007

1. Purpose : This study is to present effective exposure conditions to acquire the best image of simple abdomen in Film Screen (F.S) system and Computed Radiography (C.R) system. 2. Method : In the F.S system, while an exposure condition was fixed as 70kVp, images of a patients simple abdomen were taken under the different mAs exposure conditions. Among these images, the best one was chosen by radiologists and radiological technologists. In the C.R system, the best image of the same patient was acquired with the same method from the F.S system. Both characteristic curves from F.S system and C.R system were analyzed. 3. Results : In the F.S system, the best exposure condition of simple abdomen was 70kVp and 20mAs. In the CR system, with the fixed condition at 70kVp, the image densities of human organs, such as liver, kidney, spleen, psoas muscle, lumbar spine body and iliac crest, were almost same despite different environments (3.2mAs, 8mAs, 12mAs, 16mAs and 20mAs). However, when the exposure conditions were over or under (below) 12mAs, the images between the abdominal wall and the directly exposed part became blurred because the gap of density was decreased. In the C.R system, while the volume of mAs was decreased, an artifact of quantum mottle was increased. 4. Conclusion : This study shows that the exposure condition in the C.R system can be reduced 40% than in the F.S system. This paper concluded that when the exposure conditions are set in CR environment, after the analysis of equipment character, such as image processing system(EDR : Exposure Data Recognition processing), PACS and so on, the high quality of image with maximum information can be acquired with a minimum exposure dose.

• Progress in Medical Physics
• /
• v.12 no.1
• /
• pp.51-58
• /
• 2001

Synchrotron radiation (SR) has several advantages over convetional x-rays, including its phase, collimation, and high flux. A synchrotron radiation beamline 5C1 at Pohang Light Source (PLS) was recently built for imaging applications. We have shown that a SR imaging system is useful in imaging microscopic structures. SR with broad-band energy spectrum were adjusted to an object by Si wafers and their energy were approximately ranging from 6 keV to 30 keV. SR were passed through an object and finally transformed into visible lights by CdWO$_4$ scintillator screen. The visible lights which were reflected at an angle of 90 degrees by gold plated mirror were detected by a CCD camera and the image data were acquired using image acquisition system. A high-resolution phantom, capacitor, adult tooth, child tooth, cancerous breast tissue, and mouse lumbar vertebra were imaged with SR imaging system. The Objects were rotated within the field of view of the CCD detector, and their projection image data were obtained at 250 steps over 180 degrees rotation. Image reconstructions were carried out in a PC by using IDLTM(Research systems, Inc., US) program. The spatial resolution of the images acquired by the SR imaging system was measured with a high-resolution chart manufactured for several micrometer resolution. The specimens were also imaged with conventional x-ray radiography system to compare the image quality of radiography obtained with the SR imaging system. The results showed more structural details and high contrast images with SR imaging system than conventional x-ray radiography system. The SR imaging system may have a potential for imaging in biological researches, material applications, and clinical radiography.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.949-966
• /
• 1996

To establish the method for the most effective radiography and fluoroscopy, the abdominal organs of cats were investigeted using omnidirectional angles with the center of the body as the axis using an omnidirectional protective shielding X-ray system and a $360^{\circ}$ rotary restraint unit for use in small animals. The organs examined were the diaphragm, liver, stomach, colon, spleen and kidney. The results obtained in the present study were as follows: 1. Regardless of gas in the stomach present or not, it was feasible to distinguish the left and right crura in the lumbar portion of diaphragm in the oblique projection inclined over $30^{\circ}$ and under $90^{\circ}$ from the lateral projection. 2. Outlines of the exterior left lobe and the interior right lobe of the liver were observed in the oblique image inclined up to $60^{\circ}$ from the lateral image, while that of the exterior right lobe was noted in the oblique image inclined up to $60^{\circ}$ from the ventrodorsal-dorsoventral images. 3. It was necessary to have gas present in the stomach for detailed morphological observations of the stomach. It was most clearly observed in the right $30^{\circ}$ ventral-left dorsal oblique projection($120^{\circ}$ image) and the left $60^{\circ}$ dorsal-right ventral oblique projection($300^{\circ}$ image). 4. Morphology of the colon was observable in detail by the oblique projection inclined over $30^{\circ}$ from the lateral projection. 5. To observe the whole spleen it was required to have images from the ventrodorsal projection ($90^{\circ}$ image) to the right $60^{\circ}$ ventral-left dorsal oblique projection ($150^{\circ}$ image) as well as those from the dorsoventral projection ($270^{\circ}$ image) to the left-right lateral projection $0^{\circ}$ image). 6. Dorsal and ventral sides of the kidney were observable in the oblique images inclined $30^{\circ}$ from the lateral image. 7. Considering above findings collectively, it was thought that the results of present study might be useful for the analysis of abnormalies in each organ of cat.