• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.401-408
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• 2023

Thyroid uptake measurements can be subject to measurement errors due to the scoping and positioning of the thyroid gland. To compensate for these limitations, the clinical utility of the thyroid simultaneous counting method as an alternative to thyroid uptake measurement was analyzed and evaluated experimentally through quantitative analysis of images acquired after thyroid scanning. Experimental data were obtained using a Gamma camera (GE infinia), a thyroid uptake system (KOROID 1), and a thyroid neck phantom. Based on the thyroid uptake rate of 1-5% according to the protocol of thyroid scan test (^99mTcO₄ - , 370 MBq) in normal results, ^99mTcO₄ - was set in the range of 3.7-18.5 MBq (Matrix: 256×256, Scan time: 1 min, collimator: pin hole, phantom-collimator distances: 7 cm). The acquired images were corrected for the attenuation of isotopes due to the set-up time and half-life by applying the Auto Region of interest (ROI) drawing system, and the significance of the experimental results was evaluated by Multiple linear regression analysis (SPSS, ver. 22, IBM). The thyroid uptake rate showed a significant correlation between the dose and the measured counts when using the thyroid uptake system equipment. Meanwhile, the quantitative analysis counts of phantom images using Gamma camera also showed a significant correlation. Thus confirmed that the correlation between these two experiments was statistically significant (P<0.05). The simultaneous counting protocol, which indirectly measures thyroid uptake from thyroid scans, is likely to be clinically relevant if complemented by additional studies with different variables in patients with thyroid disease.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.135-141
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• 2010

Purpose : The patients who visited this department for pulmonary disease and need CT scans for Follow-up to observe change of CT value, evaluation of image quality and decrease of radiation dose as change of kVp. Subjects and Methods : Subjects were the patients of 20 persons visited this department for pulmonary disease and Somatom Sensation 16(Semens, Enlarge, Germany) was used. Measurement of CT value as change of kVp was done by setting up ROI diameter of 1cm at the height of thyroid, aortic arch, right pulmonary artery in arterial phase image using 100 kVp, measuring 3 times, and recorded the average. CT value of phantom was measured by scanning phantoms which means contrast media diluted by normal saline by various ratio with tube voltage of 80 kVp, 100 kVp, 120 kVp, 140 kVp and recorded the average of 3 CT values of center of phantom image. In analysing radiation dose, CTDIVOL values of the latest arterial phase image of 120 kVp and as this research set that of 100 kVp were analyzed comparatively. 2 observers graded quality of chest images by 5 degrees (Unacceptable, Suboptimal, Adequate, Good, Excellent). Results : CT value of chest image increased at 100 kVp by 14.06%~27.26% in each ROI than 120 kVp. CT value of phantom increased as tube voltage lowered at various concentration of contrast media. CTDIVOL decreased at 100 kVp(5.00 mGy) by 36% than 120 kVp(7.80 mGy) in radiation dose analysis. here were 0 Unacceptable, 1 Suboptimal, 3 Adequate, 10 Good, 6 Excellent in totally 20 persons. Conclusion : Chest CT scanning with low kilo-voltage for patients who need CT scan repeatedly can bring images valuable for diagnose, and decrease radiation dose against patients.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.12 no.11
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• pp.5005-5011
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• 2011

The purpose of this work is to know the validity of a new stimulation method in cognitive functional imaging using custom-designed images correspond to words or syllables improving the shortcomings of existing method using text. From March 2011 to May five Subjects in need of language related functional MRI scanning were selected and both of text stimulating method and image stimulating method sacanning were carried out three times each. Using 3.0T Philps MRI machine and Invivo Co's Eloquence system, data acquisition was performed with EPI-BOLD technique. Post processing was performed with SPM 99 while the activated signals were determined within 95 percent confidence level.The number of activation clusters and the activation ratio inside ROI were compared. As as result, all of the subject showed activation inside Broca area but it did not have statistical significance. In conclusion, the image sitimulation method has potential because image itself is a common means of recognition and it can be recognised easily even if there language barrier. This stimulation method can be applied to replacing the exising scanning method especially in the elderly, infants, foerigners who may not fully understand about the examination.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.255-261
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• 2016

In this study, among various factors having influence on SUV, we intended to compare and analyze the change of SUV using CT(4 type) and MRI(3 type) contrast agents which are commercialized now. We used Discovery 690 PET/CT(GE) and NEMA NU2 - 1994 PET phantom as experimental equipment. We have conducted a study as follows; first, we filled distilled water to phantom about two-thirds and injected radioisotope(18F-FDG 37 MBq), contrast agent. Second, we mixed CT contrast agent with distilled water and MRI contrast agent with that water separately. And then, we stirred the fluid and filled distilled water fully not to make air bubble. In emission scan, we had 15minutes scanning time after 40 minutes mixing contrast agent with distilled water. In transmission scan, we used CT scanning and its measurement conditions were tube voltage 120 kVp, tube current 40 mA, rotation time 0.5 sec, slice thickness 3.27 mm, DFOV 30 cm. Analyzing results, we set up some ROIs in 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th slice and measured SUVmean, SUVmax. Consequently, all images mixed 3 types of MRI contrast agent with distilled water have high SUVmean as compared with pure FDG image but there was no statistical significance. In SUVmax, they have high score and there was statistical significance. And other 4 images mixed 4 types of CT contrast agent with distilled water have significance in both SUVmean and SUVmax. Attenuation correction in PET/CT has been executed through various methods to make high quality image. But we figured out that using CT and MRI contrast agents before PET/CT scanning could make distortion of image and decrease diagnostic value. In that reason, we have to sort out the priority of examination in hospital not to disturb other examination's results. Through this process, we will be able to give superior medical service to our customers.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.77-81
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• 2009

Purpose: The PET of the PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography) quantitatively shows the biological and chemical information of the body, but has limitation of presenting the clear anatomic structure. Thus combining the PET with CT, it is not only possible to offer the higher resolution but also effectively shorten the scanning time and reduce the noises by using CT data in attenuation correction. And because, at the CT scanning, the contrast media makes it easy to determine a exact range of the lesion and distinguish the normal organs, there is a certain increase in the use of it. However, in the case of using the contrast media, it affects semi-quantitative measures of the PET/CT images. In this study, therefore, we will be to establish the reliability of the SUV (Standardized Uptake Value) with CT data correction so that it can help more accurate diagnosis. Materials and Methods: In this experiment, a total of 30 people are targeted - age range: from 27 to 72, average age : 49.6 - and DSTe (General Electric Healthcare, Milwaukee, MI, USA) is used for equipment. $^{18}F$- FDG 370~555 MBq is injected into the subjects depending on their weight and, after about 60 minutes of their stable position, a whole-body scan is taken. The CT scan is set to 140 kV and 210 mA, and the injected amount of the contrast media is 2 cc per 1 kg of the patients' weight. With the raw data from the scan, we obtain a image showing the effect of the contrast media through the attenuation correction by both of the corrected and uncorrected CT data. Then we mark out ROI (Region of Interest) in each area to measure SUV and analyze the difference. Results: According to the analysis, the SUV is decreased in the liver and heart which have more bloodstream than the others, because of the contrast media correction. On the other hand, there is no difference in the lungs. Conclusions: Whereas the CT scan images with the contrast media from the PET/CT increase the contrast of the targeted region for the test so that it can improve efficiency of diagnosis, there occurred an increase of SUV, a semi-quantitative analytical method. In this research, we measure the variation of SUV through the correction of the influence of contrast media and compare the differences. As we revise the SUV which is increasing in the image with attenuation correction by using contrast media, we can expect anatomical images of high-resolution. Furthermore, it is considered that through this trusted semi-quantitative method, it will definitely enhance the diagnostic value.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.101-108
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• 2017

Purpose: The proton used in proton therapy has a characteristic of giving a small dose to the normal tissue in front of the tumor site while forming a Bragg peak at the cancer tissue site and giving up the maximum dose and disappearing immediately. It is very important to verify the proton arrival position. In this study, we used the off-line PET CT method to measure the distribution of positron emitted from nucleons such as 11C (half-life = 20 min), 150 (half-life = 2 min) and 13N The range and distal falloff point of the proton were verified by measurement. Materials and Methods: In the IEC 2001 Body Phantom, 37 mm, 28 mm, and 22 mm spheres were inserted. The phantom was filled with water to obtain a CT image for each sphere size. To verify the proton range and distal falloff points, As a treatment planning system, SOBP were set at 46 mm on 37 mm sphere, 37 mm on 28 mm, and 33 mm on 22 mm sphere for each sphere size. The proton was scanned in the same center with a single beam of Gantry 0 degree by the scanning method. The phantom was scanned using PET-CT equipment. In the PET-CT image acquisition method, 50 images were acquired per minute, four ROIs including the spheres in the phantom were set, and 10 images were reconstructed. The activity profile according to the depth was compared to the dose profile according to the sphere size established in the treatment plan Results: The PET-CT activity profile decreased rapidly at the distal falloff position in the 37 mm, 28 mm, and 22 mm spheres as well as the dose profile. However, in the SOBP section, which is a range for evaluating the range, the results in the proximal part of the activity profile are different from those of the dose profile, and the distal falloff position is compared with the proton therapy plan and PET-CT As a result, the maximum difference of 1.4 mm at the 50 % point of the Max dose, 1.1 mm at the 45 % point at the 28 mm sphere, and the difference at the 22 mm sphere at the maximum point of 1.2 mm were all less than 1.5 mm in the 37 mm sphere. Conclusion: To maximize the advantages of proton therapy, it is very important to verify the range of the proton beam. In this study, the proton range was confirmed by the SOBP and the distal falloff position of the proton beam using PET-CT. As a result, the difference of the distally falloff position between the activity distribution measured by PET-CT and the proton therapy plan was 1.4 mm, respectively. This may be used as a reference for the dose margin applied in the proton therapy plan.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.21-25
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• 2011

Purpose: $^{18}F$-FDG Fusion Whole Body PET scan is performed approximately 1 hour after injecting $^{18}F$-FDG. At this point in the injection procedure, as a tool of the criteria of time input, time of clocks or computers can be used and in the scan procedure, time of workstation can be used. In case that synchronized time input is not done in the injection and scan procedures for PET scan, time error from injection to scan can occur. This time error may affect Standard Uptake Value (SUV) being used as quantitative assessment. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the change of SUV according to time input difference and necessity of time synchronization. Materials and Methods: The analysis was performed to 30 patients ($54.8{\pm}15.5$ years old) who examined $^{18}F$-FDG Fusion Whole Body PET scan in Department of nuclear medicine, Asan Medical Center from December 2009 to February 2010. To observe the change of SUV according to time input difference, the image was reconstructed and analyzed by artificially changing time difference of 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 20 min against the same patients based on 60 minutes. Result: SUV of the image that reconstructed the images of 30 patients by giving intervals of 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 20 min respectively and the image that entered original time was compared and analyzed through paired t-test. Based on 0 minute, mean SUV of aorta was changed by 0.3, 1.1, 1.4, 3.2, 4.7, 12.5% respectively and there was no statistically significant difference in 1, 2 minutes (p>0.05) but there was significant difference in 3, 5, 10, 20 min (p<0.05). The changes of $SUV_{avg}$ of liver were 1.6, 2.5, 3.0, 4.2, 6.6, 12.8% in 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 20 min respectively and the changes of $SUV_{max}$ of primary lesion were 1.0, 1.5, 2.2, 3.5, 6.6, 12.8% respectively (p<0.05). Conclusion: Errors may occur in the process of measuring or recording variables affecting SUV such as height and weight of patients, $^{18}F$-FDG dose, Emission scan start time etc. and as these errors are more, the accurate assessment of SUV is interfered. Therefore, in order to assess SUV more accurately, it is thought that efforts to minimize these errors should be made. Of these efforts, time synchronization will be a cornerstone for accurate scanning.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.421-429
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• 2005

Purpose: It has been postulated that dopamine release in the striatum underlies the reinforcing properties of nicotine. Substantial evidence in the animal studies demonstrates that nicotine interacts with dopaminergic neuron and regulates the activation of the dopaminergic system. The aim of this study was to visualize the dopamine release by smoking in human brain using PET scan with $[^{11}C]raclopride$. Materials and Methods: Five male non-smokers or ex-smokers with an abstinence period longer than 1 year (mean age of $24.4{\pm}1.7$ years) were enrolled in this study $[^{11}C]raclopride$, a dopamine D2 receptor radioligand, was administrated with bolus-plus-constant infusion. Dynamic PET was performed during 120 minutes ($3{\times}20s,\;2{\times}60s,\;2{\times}120s,\;1{\times}180s\;and\;22{\times}300s$). following the 50 minute-scanning, subjects smoked a cigarette containing 1 mg of nicotine while in the scanner. Blood samples for the measurement of plasma nicotine level were collected at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, 60, and 90 minute after smoking. Regions for striatal structures were drawn on the coronal summed PET images guided with co-registered MRI. Binding potential, calculated as (striatal-cerebellar)/cerebellar activity, was measured under equilibrium condition at baseline and smoking session. Results: The mean decrease in binding potential of $[^{11}C]raclopride$ between the baseline and smoking in caudate head, anterior putamen and ventral striatum was 4.7%, 4.0% and 7.8%, respectively. This indicated the striatal dopamine release by smoking. Of these, the reduction in binding potential in the ventral striatum was significantly correlated with the cumulated plasma level of the nicotine (Spearman's rho=0.9, p=0.04). Conclusion: These data demonstrate that in vivo imaging with $[^{11}C]raclopride$ PET could measure nicotine-induced dopamine release in the human brain, which has a significant positive correlation with the amount or nicotine administered bt smoking.