Assessment of the viability of integrating virtual reality programs in practical tests for the Korean Radiological Technologists Licensing Examination: a survey study.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of incorporating virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) programs into practical tests administered as part of the Korean Radiological Technologists Licensing Examination (KRTLE). This evaluation is grounded in a comprehensive survey that targeted enrolled students in departments of radiology across the nation.

Methods: In total, 682 students from radiology departments across the nation were participants in the survey.

Updated National Diagnostic Reference Levels and Achievable Doses for CT Protocols: A National Survey of Korean Hospitals.

In 2021, the Korean government proposed a new CT diagnostic reference level. This study performed a nationwide survey and developed new DRLs and AD for 13 common CT examinations. We compared other countries' DRLs for CT examinations.

Radiation safety behavior model for the radiological science departments of Universities in Korea.

Objectives: This study was to employ the major variables relating to radiation safety that were derived using the Haddon Matrix to develop a radiation safety behavior model based on social cognitive theory that can be applied to improve the radiation safety behaviors of professors and students in radiological science departments.

Methods: The safety levels of students and professor in radiological science departments were analyzed in order to design a radiation safety behavior management model based on the Haddon Matrix and social cognitive theory, which can be used to enhance radiation safety strategically. The survey was administered on April 23, 2015, to professor and students of 45 universities around South Korea with established radiological science departments, and the investigation lasted for 30 days.

The Optimal Energy Level of Virtual Monochromatic Images From Spectral CT for Reducing Beam-Hardening Artifacts Due to Contrast Media in the Thorax.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the optimal energy level of virtual monochromatic images from spectral CT compared with conventional polychromatic images for reducing beam-hardening artifacts caused by contrast media in the thorax.

Materials And Methods: A total of 101 consecutive patients who underwent chest CT with contrast enhancement were retrospectively included in this study. The same contrast media and injection protocols were applied to the whole study population.

The development of a diagnostic reference level on patient dose for head computed tomographyangiography examinations in Korea.

The primary goal of this study was to analyse the state of patient doses in the field for head computed tomography angiography (HCTA) examinations in the Republic of Korea. All survey data, including CT application and patient dose details, were obtained from the general hospitals registered in the Korean Hospital Association. The systematic analysis of patient dose data would allow target value to be established for the weighted CT dose index (CTDIw), volume-weighted CTDI (CTDIvol) and a dose-length product (DLP), which might be used to set diagnostic reference levels.

Spontaneously healed asymptomatic pulmonary tuberculosis: prevalence of airflow obstruction, and correlation between high-resolution CT findings and pulmonary function tests.

Rationale And Objectives: We investigated the relationships between spontaneously healed asymptomatic pulmonary tuberculosis (SHAPTB), airflow obstruction (AFO), and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings.

Materials And Methods: We selected 82 participants with SHAPTB diagnosed by interferon-γ release assay and 8044 with normal chest radiographs (CXR). We applied a CT scoring system for the extent of tuberculous sequelae to correlate the HRCT findings with pulmonary function test.

Radiation dose reduction from low-kilovoltage liver computed tomography using multidetector row computed tomography.

The primary goal of this study was to ascertain the reduction in radiation dose when conducting low-kilovoltage liver computed tomography (CT) examinations using multidetector row CT (MDCT). Fifty patients under follow-up who were diagnosed with liver cancer were examined using a 16-slice MDCT scanner and volume CT dose index (CTDI(vol)) measured according to the methods of examination, which were based on a three-phase CT scan conducted in the previous year and a four-phase CT scan was done a year later. Scanning parameters were 120 kVp-140 mA s, 120 kVp-120 mA s and 80 kVp-280 mA s.

Comparative analysis of radiation dose and image quality between thyroid shielding and unshielding during CT examination of the neck.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of thyroid shielding by measuring radiation dose, CT attenuation, and noise of superficial neck structures during CT examination.

Subjects And Methods: We divided 84 patients without abnormalities seen on CT into two groups depending on whether shielding with a cotton spacer was applied over the thyroid. On CT images, we measured the CT attenuation and noises in the strap and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles.

Optimal multidetector row CT parameters for evaluations of the breast: a phantom and specimen study.

Rationale And Objectives: The use of breast computed tomography (CT) has been limited by radiation hazard and image quality. The objective of this study was to compare radiation doses and image quality for different 64-channel multidetector row CT (MDCT) parameters, and to potentially provide optimal CT parameters for breast imaging.

Materials And Methods: For assessment of radiation doses, CT dose index (CTDI(100)) values were obtained at various x-ray tube voltages (80, 120, 140 kVp) and currents (30, 50, 100, 150, 200 mAs) using a standard CT body dose phantom.

The development of a guidance level for patient dose for CT examinations in Korea.

The primary goal of this study was to analyse the state of patient doses in the field of computed tomography (CT) examinations in the Republic of Korea. All survey data including the CT applications and patient dose details were obtained from general hospitals registered in the Korean Hospital Association. The systematic analysis of the patient dose survey gives target values of the weighted computed tomography dose index (CTDI(w)) and the dose-length product (DLP).

Improved imaging of the cervico-thoracic junction in computed tomography.

Purpose: To reduce beam hardening artifacts caused by the shoulder joint, we explored new and unique methods to improve the quality of images, such as varying the injection site and changing the position of patients (swimmers position).

Materials And Methods: Fifth-four patients underwent neck CT examinations performed in routine and swimmers position and with a 64-slice MDCT scanner in spiral scanning. To examine the difference due to the injection sites of contrast material, subjects were divided into right- and left-side groups.

The development of a diagnostic reference level on patient dose for CT examination in Korea.

The purpose of this research is to develop a diagnostic reference level for computed tomography (CT) suitable for Korean medical purposes. The direction of CT application and details on patient dose were investigated by survey, and the dose measurement is targeted in general hospitals registered with the Korean Hospital Association. The dose measurement was done with head and body phantom, and an accurate dosimeter was utilised in medical institutions that participated in the survey.

Patient dose measurements in diagnostic radiology procedures in Korea.

This study is the first nationwide investigation aimed at estimating the patient dose for radiographic examinations in Korea including gastrointestinal studies, computed tomography and mammography. The survey data from 161 hospitals and the dose data from 32 hospitals were analysed. The third quartile entrance surface dose, dose area product (DAP), weighted CT dose index (CTDIw) and mean glandular dose (MGD) were reported.

Low-dose multidetector dynamic CT in the breast: preliminary study.

This study investigated the feasibility of using low-dose multidetector dynamic computed tomography (CT) scan for imaging breast. We measured the radiation dose using a phantom at low- and standard-dose CT. To compare the image quality at low- and standard-dose CT, we evaluated normal breasts in 57 cases.