• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.493-501
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• 1999

Purpose: We conducted a comparative study to evaluate the diagnostic values of T1-201, Tc-99m MIBI and I-131 scans in the follow-up assessment after ablative I-131 therapy in differentiated thyroid cancer. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 20 patients who underwent surgical removal of thyroid cancer and ablative radioactive iodine therapy, and followed by one or mote times of I-131 retreatments (33 cases). In all patients, T1-201, Tc-99m MIBI, diagnostic and therapeutic I-131 scans were performed and the results were analyzed retrospectively. Also serum thyroglobulin levels were measured in all patients. The final diagnosis of recurrent or metastatic thyroid cancer was determined by clinical, biochemical, radiologic and/or biopsy findings. Results: Positive rates (PR) of Tc-99m MIBI, T1-201, diagnostic and therapeutic I-131 scans in detecting malignant thyroid tissue lesions were 70% (19/27), 54% (15/28), 35% (17/48) and 63% (30/48), respectively. The PR in the group of 20 cases (28 lesions) who underwent concomitant T1-201 and I-131 scans were in the order of therapeutic 131 scan 71%, T1-201 scan 54% and diagnostic I-131 scan 36%. There was no statistically significant difference between T1-201 and diagnostic I-131 scans (p>0.05). In the group of 20 cases (27 lesions) who underwent concomitant Tc-99m MIBI and I-131 scans, the PR were in the order of Tc-99m MIBI scan 70%, I-131 therapeutic scan 52% and I-131 diagnostic scan 33%. The PR of Tc-99m MIBI was significantly higher than that of diagnostic I-131 scan (p<0.05). Conclusion: Tc-99m MIBI scan is superior to diagnostic I-131 scan in detecting recurrent or metastatic thyroid cancer following ablation therapy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. T1-201 scan did not showed significantly higher positive rate than diagnostic I-131 scan. Instead of diagnostic I-131 scan before the I-131 retreatment, Tc-99m MIBI scan without discontinuing thyroid hormone replacement would be a prudent and effective approach in the management of these patients.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.135-139
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• 2019

Background In immediate breast reconstruction using an extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous (eLDMC) flap, the volume of the flap decreases, which causes a secondary deformity of the breast shape. Since little research has investigated this decrease in muscle volume, the authors conducted an objective study to characterize the decrease in muscle volume after breast reconstruction using an eLDMC flap. Methods Research was conducted from October 2011 to November 2016. The subjects included 23 patients who underwent mastectomy due to breast cancer, received immediate reconstruction using an eLDMC flap without any adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and received a computed tomography (CT) scan from days 7 to 10 after surgery and 6 to 8 months postoperatively. In 10 patients, an additional CT scan was conducted 18 months postoperatively. Axial CT scans were utilized to measure the volumetric change of the latissimus dorsi muscle during the follow-up period. Results In the 23 patients, an average decrease of 54.5% was observed in the latissimus dorsi muscle volume between the images obtained immediately postoperatively and the scans obtained 6 to 8 months after surgery. Ten patients showed an average additional decrease of 11.9% from 6-8 months to 18 months after surgery. Conclusions We studied changes in the volume of the latissimus dorsi muscle after surgery using an eLDMC flap performed after a mastectomy without adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In this study, we found that immediate breast reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi muscle flap led to a decrease in muscle volume of up to 50%.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.886-890
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• 2000

Objective : placement of ventricular catheter is important to achieve long-term patency of the shunt system. We describe a method of calculating the insertion site, trajectory, and the length of the ventricular catheter using CT parameters in shunt surgery. Patients and Methods : These can be rapidly obtained using a caliper from a scout cut and two axial scans at lateral ventricular and upper 3rd ventricular level. To compare this technique with traditional one, we analyzed 40 consecutive patients who underwent shunt surgery. Results : Of 20 patients undergoing ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion using this technique, none had poor location of the proximal catheter. In the counterpart, 9 patients had poor location(p＝0.001). The number of patients who required revision surgery were also lower in the group using this technique, but it was not statistically significant (4 versus 2, p＝0.422). Mean follow-up period was shorter in this technique group. Conclusion : This technique provides an accurate placement of the proximal catheter without special instrument or additional expenses.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.576-580
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• 2019

Meconium peritonitis as a cause of non-immune hydrops in neonates is rarely reported. Here we report such a rare occurrence. In our case, a routine antenatal scan at 25 weeks revealed isolated ascites. By 31 weeks of gestation, all features of hydrops were observed in scans. However, antenatal workup for immune and non-immune hydrops was negative. Subsequently, a preterm hydropic female baby was delivered at 32 weeks. She required intubation and ventilator support. An X-ray revealed calcification in the abdomen suggestive of meconium peritonitis. Ultrasound showed gross ascites, a giant cyst compressing the inferior vena cava, and minimal bilateral pleural effusion. Emergency laparotomy revealed meconium pellets and perforation of the ileum. Double-barrel ileostomy was performed, and the edema resolved and activity improved. The baby was discharged after 3 weeks. Ileostomy closure was done at follow-up. The baby is growing well.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.1-12
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• 2001

Study design : A retrospective study of lumbar disc herniations using results of follow-up computed tomographic scan examinations. Objective : Lumbar disc herniations is one of the cause low back pain and lower extremity pain. To clarify the lumbar disc herniations morphological changes over time(mean 5.3 years) in order to establish a strategy for treatment. Methods : Sixteen patients with lumbar disc herniations who underwent follow-up computed tomographic scan examinations were studied. The changes over time in herniated disc size(herniation ratio) were evaluated using this scan technique. The initial computed tomographic scan allowed classification of the herniations according to herniation ratio: small, medium and large. Results : Comparison with follow-up computed tomographic scans showed that of the 16 patients, in 14 patients(88%), the herniation ratio(HR) was decreased and among them, 8 patients had complet resolution of herniated disc. In 2 patients with small herniations, the HR of one case was increased, the other was decreased. In 8 patients with medium herniations, the HR of one case had no change, the others was decreased. In 6 patients with large herniation, the HR of all patients was decreased. Interestingly, 4 of the 16 patients showed calcification change of herniated disc. Conclusion : There is no doubt that herniated disc size is decreased over time. The largest herniations were those which had the greatest tendency to decrease in size. But in some cases, the HR was increased, or calcification change was showed.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.95-108
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• 2004

This nationwide survey was conducted to evaluate the current status of clinical practice for gastric cancer patients in Korea. The Information Committee of the Korean Gastric Cancer Association (KGCA) sent questionnaires containing 45 items about the preoperative diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment, and postoperative follow-up for gastric cancer patients to all 298 KGCA members in 108 institutes. Response rates were $32.6\%$ (97/298) for individuals and $59.3\%$ (64/108) for institutes. Most university hospitals responded (response rate of university hospitals: $71.6\%$, 48/67). The preoperative staging work up was performed primarily by abdominal CT, followed by bone scans, abdominal ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound, and so on. Gastric cancer patients with stages II, III, and IV usually received adjuvant chemotherapy after a curative operation. About half of the surgeons regarded 2 cm as a safe resection margin in early gastric cancer and 5 cm in advanced gastric cancer. More than half of surgeons usually performed a D2 lymph node dissection in early gastric cancer and D2+$\alpha$ lymph node dissection in advanced gastric cancer. About $20\%$ of surgeons performed less invasive surgery and/or function-preserving surgery, such as a pylorus-preserving gastrectomy, a laparoscopic wedge resection, or a laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.28-32
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• 2006

Purpose: Conventional chest X-ray and pulmonary function test cannot sensitively detect inhalation injury. Bronchoscopy is known to be the gold standard but it is invasive method. We evaluated whether lung inhalation/perfusion scans can sensitively detect inhalation injury of fire victims. Materials and Methods: Nineteen patients (male 9, female 10, mean age 31.6 yr) of fire victims were enrolled in this study. Inhalation lung scan was performed 2 days later after inhalation injury with $^{99m}Tc$-technegas. Perfusion lung scan was performed 4 days later with $^{99m}Tc$- MAA (macroaggregated albumin). Follow up lung scans were performed 16 and 18 days later for each. Chest X-ray was performed in all patients and bronchoscopy was performed in 17 of 19 patients at the same period. Pulmonary function test was performed in 9 patients. Results: Four of 19 patients showed inhalation and perfusion defects and one showed inhalation defect but, normal perfusion scan findings. These five patients with abnormal scan findings showed abnormal bronchoscopic findings and severe respiratory symptoms. On chest X-ray, 2 of them had pulmonary tuberculosis and one of them showed pulmonary congestion. FEV1 /FVC was abnormal in 3 patients. On the follow up scan, all patients with abnormal initial scan findings showed improved findings and they had improved clinical state. Conclusion: Inhalation/perfusion lung scans can detect inhalation burn injury noninvasively in early stage and may be useful in therapeutic decision making and follow up of patients.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.10-18
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• 2014

Purpose: Among different PET/CT devices which are composed of same PET model but different CT models, SUV, usually used for quantitative evaluation, was measured to assess the accuracy of follow up scans in different PET/CT and confirm that interequipment compatibility is useful in arranging the PET/CT exam appointment. Materials and Methods: Using ACR PET Phantom, PET NEMA IEC Body Phantom, SNM Chest Phantom and Ge-68 cylinder Phantom, $SUV_{mean}$ and $SUV_{max}$ was measured by 3 different models of PET/CT (Discovery 690, Discovery 690Elite and Discovery 710, GE) made in same company. ANOVA was used to evaluate the significant difference in the result. Results: In the result, the average of $SUV_{max}$ was D690 (25 mm-1.82, 16 mm-1.75, 12 mm-1.73, 8 mm-1.44), D690E (25 mm-1.76, 16 mm-1.92, 12 mm-1.78, 8 mm-1.55) and D710 (25 mm-1.84, 16 mm-1.89, 12 mm-1.77, 8 mm-1.61) in ACR Phantom, D690 (25 mm-2.26, 16 mm-2.25, 12 mm-1.92, 8 mm-1.85), D690E (25 mm-2.45, 16 mm-2.25, 12 mm-2.05 8 mm-1.91) and D710(25 mm-2.49, 16 mm-2.20, 1 2mm-2.30, 8 mm-2.05) in PET NEMA IEC Body Phantom, D690-1.04, D690E-1.10 and D710-1.09 in SNM Chest Phantom and D690-0.81, D690E-0.81, D710-0.84 in Ge-68 cylinder Phantom. The differences between average SUV of 4 phantoms were $SUV_{mean}$-1.87%, $SUV_{max}$-2.15%. And also as a result of ANOVA analysis, there was no significant difference statistically. Conclusion: If different models of PET/CT have same specification of PET system, there was no significant difference in $SUV_{mean}$ and $SUV_{max}$ even though they have different CT system. And also differences of $SUV_{mean}$ and $SUV_{max}$ in phantom images were under 5% which many manufacturers recommend. Therefore, follow up scan will be possible using different PET/CT if it has same specification of PET system with the previous PET/CT. This information will enable the accurate comparative analysis when conducting follow up scans and be helpful to schedule PET/CT exam more effectively.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.231-238
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• 2008

Objective: Significant portion of premature ovarian failure patients ovulate intermittently and even can achieve pregnancy. The clinical features and reproductive potentials of Korean women with premature ovarian failure have never been elucidated. The purpose of this study is to assess ovarian follicular growth and ovulatory potential. Methods: Complete medical records of fifteen women with idiopathic premature ovarian failure were reviewed retrospectively. Subjects with more than 6 ultrasonographic scans and 36 months of follow-up period were included. Once the ovarian follicle was found by ultrasonography, the follicular growth was serially monitored. The result of ovulation induction of 6 cycles in 4 patients were also evaluated. Rate of positive ovarian follicle by ultrasound, rate of natural follicular growth and response of ovulation induction were assessed. Results: Among the 15 patients, 6 women (40%) had ovarian follicle in random ultrasonography. But the chance of positive follicle per ultrasonography scan was 7% (8 out of 115 scans). One out of 6 women eventually ovulated during the follow-up scan. In remaining 5 subjects, size of follicles remained unchanged. None of 6 ovulation induction cycles resulted successful ovulation. Conclusion: Incidence of positive ovarian follicle in Korean premature ovarian failure patients is lower than that of Western counterpart. This result, however, could not be directly compared because of the differences of study design. The ovulation rate by medical ovulation induction in this group is 0%, which is worse than the reported success rate of Western studies.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.84-88
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• 2012

Purpose: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), which is caused by mutations of the NF1 gene, is the most frequent single gene disorder to affect the nervous system. Unidentified bright objects (UBOs) are commonly observed on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with NF1. However, their clinical and pathologic significance is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between UBOs and cerebral glucose metabolism measured by $^{18}F$-2-Fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ($^{18}F$-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) in Korean patients with NF1. Materials and Methods: Medical records of 75 patients (34 males and 41 females) with NF1 who underwent brain MRI and PET between 2005 and 2011 were evaluated retrospectively. Clinical data including demographics, neurological symptoms, and brain MRI and PET findings, were reviewed. Results: UBOs were detected in the brain MRI scans of 31 patients (41%). The region most frequently affected by UBOs was the basal ganglia. The most frequent brain PET finding was thalamic glucose hypometabolism (45/75, 60%). Of the 31 patients with UBOs, 26 had thalamic glucose hypometabolism on brain PET, but the other 5 had normal brain PET findings. Conversely, of the 45 patients with thalamic glucose hypometabolism on brain PET, 26 showed UBOs on their brain MRI scans, but 19 had normal findings on brain MRI scans. Conclusion: UBOs on brain MRI scans and thalamic glucose hypometabolism on PET appear to be 2 distinctive features of NF1 rather than correlated symptoms. Because the clinical significance of these abnormal imaging findings remains unclear, a longitudinal follow-up study of changes in clinical manifestations and imaging findings is necessary.