Kyung-Rae Dong

A Study on Comparison of Cardiac Ejection Fraction Values Measured in Myocardium SPECT and Cine MRI

This study examined the correlation between MR cine and myocardium Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) by comparing the measured cardiac ejection fractions. The usefulness of cardiac MRI was also evaluated. Ten patients (8 men, 2 women and average age of 58.6 years), who underwent a myocardium SPECT scan and cardiac cine MRI scan among patients who visited the hospital for the chief complaint of cardiac disorder from June 1, 2010 to February 10, 2011, were enrolled in this study. The cardiac ejection fraction was calculated from the images obtained in both scans. The data was used to examine the correlation. The regression equation the cardiac ejection fraction values of the 10 patients obtained in myocardium SPECT and MRI cine was Y = 1.12X�8.91 (R 2 = 0.78, significance of F = 0.001639, and confidence level of 95%). The results were significant when the cardiac ejection fraction obtained from MRI cine was compared with that obtained from myocardium SPECT. Overall, a cardiac examination using MRI enables an investigation of not only the ejection fraction but also the ED and ES volumes, stroke volume, wall thickness, and wall thickening in a higher spatial resolution despite the examination being conducted once. This examination is believed to be very useful for diagnosing patients with cardiac disease.

Studies on the Ability to Detect Lesions According to the Changes in the MR Diffusion Weighted Images

This study evaluated the ability of Diffusion-Weight Image (DWI), which is one of pulse sequences used in MRI based on the T2 weighted images, to detect samples placed within phantoms according to their size. Two identically sized phantoms, which could be inserted into the breast coil bilaterally, were prepared. Five samples with different sizes were placed in the phantoms, and the T2 weighted images and DWI were obtained. The Breast 2 channel coil of SIEMENS MAGNETOM Avanto 1.5 Tesla equipment was used for the experiments. 2D T2 weighted images were obtained using the following parameters: TR/TE = 6700/74 msec, Thickness/gap = 5/1 mm, Inversion Time (TI) = 130 ms, and matrix = 224 × 448. The parameters of DWI were that TR/TE = 8100/ 90 msec, Thickness/gap = 5/1 mm, matrix = 128 × 128, Inversion Time = 185 ms, and b-value = 0, 100, 300, 600, 1000 s/mm. The ratio of the sample volume on DWI compared to the T2 weighted images, which show excellent ability to detect lesions on MR images, was presented as the mean b-value. The measured b-value of the samples was obtained: 0.5 × 0.5 cm = 0.33/0.34 square × cm (103%), 1 × 1 cm = 1.28/1.25 square × cm (102.4%), 1.5 × 1.5 cm = 2.28/2.67 square x cm (85.39%), 2 × 2 cm = 3.56/4.08 square x cm (87.25%), and 2.5 × 2.5 cm = 7.53/8.77 square × cm (85.86%). In conclusion, the detection ability by the size of a sample was measured to be over 85% compared to T2 weighted image, but the detection ability of DWI was relatively lower than that of T2 weighted image.

Dose assessment according to changes in algorithm in cardiac CT

The principal objective of this study was to determine the effects of the application of the adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) technique in combination with another two factors (body mass index (BMI) and tube potential) on radiation dose in cardiac computed tomography (CT). For quantitative analysis, regions of interest were positioned on the central region of the great coronary artery, the right coronary artery, and the left anterior descending artery, after which the means and standard deviations of measured CT numbers were obtained. For qualitative analysis, images taken from the major coronary arteries (right coronary, left anterior descending, and left circumflex) were graded on a scale of 1–5, with 5 indicating the best image quality. Effective dose, which was calculated by multiplying the value of the dose length product by a standard conversion factor of 0.017 for the chest, was employed as a measure of radiation exposure dose. In cardiac CT in patients with BMI of less than 25 kg/m2, the use of 40% ASIR in combination with a low tube potential of 100 kVp resulted in a significant reduction in the radiation dose without compromising diagnostic quality. Additionally, the combination of the 120 kVp protocol and the application of 40% ASIR application for patients with BMI higher than 25 kg/m2 yielded similar results.

Implementation of PACS using PDA System on Medical Images

PACS(Picture archiving communication system) is a system that enables medical images such as X -ray, CT, MRI, PET to be stored electronically viewed on computer screens so that doctors and other authorized people can access search the information as needed. But if they are not in hospital area for example on holiday or at night, that are not able to access the PACS system instantly. We have to solve this problem for more efficient patient care. So we try to suggest a method that use the PDA system that wireless LAN and CDMA cellular phone are equipped. This system may help to access easier to PACS system regardless of the location and can also attribute the development of telemedicne.

Survey on low-dose medical radiation exposure in occupational workers: the effect on hematological change

This study examined the changes in the hematological index caused by low-dose medical radiation exposure in workers in a medical radiation-exposed environment. The cumulative dose was obtained using thermoluminescent dosimeters over a 9-year period, and the changes in hematological index count (red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin, platelets, white blood cells (WBCs), monocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils) were examined in both the occupational workers and controls. In total, 370 occupational workers and 335 controls were compared. The analysis led to the following observations: (1) The average cumulative dose in males and females was 9.65±15.2 and 4.82±5.55 mSv, respectively. (2) In both males and females, there was a very low correlation between the occupation period and the cumulative dose (r<±0.25). (3) When the occupation period was longer, the WBC counts both decreased and increased in the male workers and the RBC counts were lower in the workers than in the control group (p<0.05). In females, the WBC counts both decreased and increased in the workers and the eosinophil counts were lower in the workers than in the control group (p<0.01). (4) When the cumulative dose was large, the lymphocyte counts decreased in male workers and the platelet count was lower in the workers than in the control group (p<0.05). In females, the lymphocyte count and RBC count were lower in the workers than in the control group (p<0.05). Abnormal distributions of some blood indices were observed in the occupational radiation workers compared with the controls. Attempts were made to limit radiation exposure to personnel, but the employees did not always follow the preset rules. Actually, the adverse effects of low-level radiation were attributed to probability. Overall, workers should obey the radiation protection regulations provided by the government and a national system of radiation protection is needed.

Evaluation of the radiation dose to a phantom for various X-ray exposure factors performed using the dose area product in digital radiography

The aim of this study is to measure the dose area product (DAP) in digital radiography by using a DAP meter to determine the X-ray exposure. Pediatric X-ray examinations can be obtained for any radiographic examinations using the selected radiographic examination parameters (kVp and mAs), the DAP information recorded. The best peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) at a fixed tube voltage of 70 kVp was obtained at tube currents of 20 and 32 mA, whereas the best PSNR at a fixed tube current of 25 mA was obtained at a tube voltage of 73 kVp. The fixed tube voltage of 70 kVp and the fixed tube current of 25 mA could help to obtain the best image quality and depict the spatial resolution of an anthropomorphic torso phantom radiographic examination. The normalized data over the DAP were provided to determine the patient dose from radiography.

Reduction of the Useless Radiation Exposure to Patients and Improvement of the Skill to Manage the Test according to Minimizing Changes of Posture in Bone Mineral Density

As we recognize the health care, test of BMD is increased. There are various methods in BMD, Dual Energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) which has high precision and accuracy, and low medical exposure dose has been widely used. To measure the changes of BMD, the test must be done as same posture at first and follow up study performed a year. we analyze the difference in the hour taken before and after the examination by radiologic technologist, frequency of scout scan, and the amount of the radiation exposure. The hour of the examination and frequency of the scout scan were shorten and the dose of the radiation exposure is reduced. As the numerical value of total subjects is converted into that of one person, the duration for the test was 52 seconds, the frequency for the scout scan 0.79 time, and the dose for the radiation exposure . When the health care provider perform the precise and easy methods to minimize changes of posture and the skillful ability to manage the test, useless radiation is decreased.

The Study of Radiation Damage Mechanism on Ultra-Structures of Leukocytes and Platelets in Rat Cells

ABSTRACT The principal objective of this study was to assess the mechanisms relevant to radiation-induced damage to multicore leukocytes and platelets, using a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). In this study, in the group subjected to 5 Gy irradiation, platelet size was reduced by 25%, and the cell membranes were thick and not clearly visible. On the 20-day and 30-day observations, passed leukocytes and mitochondrial damage were shown to be increased. The mass of glycogen granules was also reduced. In the 7 Gy irradiation group, platelet size was even more profoundly reduced. In the erythrocytes, most echinocytes, which generally exhibit burrs, were irregularly shaped, and sickle cells were observed. In the observation of leukocytes, no evidence of radiation damage was detected in the primary or secondary granules. Damage to the nuclear membrane and cell membrane was increased. The outline of the centrosome was somewhat dim. In the 7 Gy irradiation group, no damage was detected in specific granules of the basophil. Phagocytosis of amoebal movement was observed. In some parts of the lymphocyte, nuclei were divided or formed a space between the nucleus and cytoplasm and were sensitive to radiation.

Quantitative Analysis of T1 Weighted Images due to Change in TI by Using the Inversion Recovery in 3.0T Brain MRI Examination

Although 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the advantages of a higher signal to noise ratio (SNR) and contrast than 1.5T MRI, there are limitations on the contrast between white and grey matter because of the long T1 recovery time when T1 images are obtained using the Spin Echo Technique. To overcome this, T1 weighted images are obtained occasionally using the inversion recovery (IR) technique, which employs a relatively long TR. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal TI in a brain examination when a T1 weighted image is obtained using the IR technique. Eight participants (male: 7, female: 1, average age: 34 ± 14.11) with a normal diagnosis were targeted from February 18, 2012 to February 27, 2012, and the contrast between white and grey matter as well as the contrast to noise ratio (CNRs) in each participant were measured. The CNRs of white matter and grey matter were highest at TI = 600, 650, 750, 900, 1050 and 1100 ㎳ when the TR was 1100, 1400, 1700, 2000, 2300 and 2600 ms, respectively. Therefore, as the TIs were 44.425 ± 0.877% of the TRs in the TR range of 1400-2300 ms, the optimal T1 weighted images that describe the contrast between white and grey matter can be obtained if the TIs are compensated for with 44.425 ± 0.877% of the TRs in the time of setting TIs.

Survey for Patient Satisfaction Rate & Patient Leading System Development through RFID and OCS Worklist Program Connection

With the introduction of the computer, convenience at work may have increased but flexibility decreased along with a tendency for humans to become secondary to computers with regards to work schedules. As it exists, from entering the department of radiology to completion of imaging requires a great deal of time and difficulties in understanding the imaging process adds to patient dissatisfaction. Since clinics use RFID bars to track patient locations at comprehensive medical testing centers, departments of radiology may apply RFID and Worklist at the core of the OCS system in order to increase work efficiency and improve work flow. As a result of developing an RFID and Worklist centered OCS program, there was a vast improvement in patient satisfaction and work flow. Theses results are the basis of an RFID system that in the future may be connected to PACS and other systems with an intergrated Worklist. There is a need to realize a plan the can offer ubiquity to hospital work.