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National Cancer Screening Project and Korean Society of Breast Imaging recommend that breast cancer screening should be performed on those aged 40 and above. Nevertheless, this recommendation is usually ignored by a number of medical institutions. The purpose of this study is to emphasize the necessity of an age limitation in screening mammography. Ten institutions were randomly selected and telephone inquiries about patients' age limitation and internal guidelines were set up. The 3,214 women, who underwent screening mammography through ‘GE Senography 2000D’ in each hospital, were classified into five groups according to age(from 20s to 40s, at intervals of 5). And then, collected data was analyzed by a radiologist in accordance with ACR-BIRADS(American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System), through which breast parenchymal density and the results of analysis were categorized in order to predict the sensitivity of mammography. Information about craniocaudal-view mammograms was automatically produced by use of GE Senography 2000D, and the average glandular dose was retrospectively analyzed through the program ‘Excel 2007.’ Two institutions did not set the age limitation. Other seven institutions internally allowed those who wanted to receive mammography regardless of age. Approximately 99% of those aged 20 to 29 were judged as having the dense breast. In those aged 35 to 39, breast parenchymal density tended to be lower, but the fatty breast to increase. In the case of ‘category-zero’ that does not need additional tests, the rate of ‘heterogeneously dense’ and ‘extremely dense’ reached to 83.1% and 15.1% respectively. Regarding dense breasts, there was no sufficient information for image reading. The glandular dose, applied to 3,214, was 1.47mGy on the average. In those aged 20 to 24 who are sensitive to radiation, the average glandular dose indicated 1.59mGy. Those aged 35 and above showed the lowest value, 1.43mGy. In those aged 35 to 39, the breast tended to change from denseness to fattiness. The average glandular dose was lowest in those aged 35 and above, which suggests that screening mammography should be periodically performed on those aged 35 and above in order that breast cancer may be early detected. On the other hand, in those aged less than 35, it is difficult to analyze mammograms due to the high density of breast parenchyma, and also retakes become frequent. In particular, subjects may be exposed to excessive doses. Accordingly, it should be substituted by breast self-examination or clinical breast examination. In case of need, it is advisable to perform ultrasonography.

최근 유방 영상 검사는 의료영상저장전송시스템(Picture Archiving and Communication System, PACS)의 도입과 특수의료장비에 관한 정도관리 실시로 인해 Computed Radiography(CR)과 Digital Radiography(DR)에 관한 관심도와 이용도가 증가하고 있는 추세이다. 본 연구는 유방영상검사에 이용되고 있는 각 시스템별 검출기의 영상 화질을 정도관리 시 사용되는 ACR 팬텀을 이용하여 비교 분석하였다. 평가 방법은 심리적인 방법으로 ACR 팬텀을 이용한 영상의 수치 값을 SPSS 통계프로그램을 이용하여 유의성과 신뢰도를 분석한 결과는 다음과 같다. 1. Fiber에서는 Screen-Film인 경우 3.9점, CR($50\;{\mu}m$)인 경우 4.2점, CR($100\;{\mu}m$)인 경우 3.2점, DR인 경우 4.2점을 얻어 CR($50\;{\mu}m$), DR, Screen-Film, CR($100\;{\mu}m$)순으로 높은 점수를 받았다(P<0.05). 2. Calcification은 Screen-Film인 경우 2.7점, CR($50\;{\mu}m$)인 경우 2.5점, CR($100\;{\mu}m$)인 경우 2.0점, DR인 경우 2.9점을 얻어 DR, Screen-Film, CR($50\;{\mu}m$), CR($100\;{\mu}m$) 순으로 높은 점수를 받았다(0.025(P<0.05). 3. Mass는 Screen-Film인 경우 3.8점, CR($50\;{\mu}m$)인 경우 3.8점, CR($100\;{\mu}m$)인 경우 3.6점, DR인 경우 4.5점을 얻어 DR, CR($50\;{\mu}m$), Screen-Film, CR($100\;{\mu}m$) 순으로 높은 점수를 받았다(P<0.1). 4. 합계점수 평가는 Screen-Film인 경우 10.4점, CR($50\;{\mu}m$)인 경우 10.6점, CR($100\;{\mu}m$)인 경우 8.7점, DR인 경우 11.3점을 얻어 DR, CR($50\;{\mu}m$), Screen-Film, CR($100\;{\mu}m$) 순으로 높은 점수를 받았다. 이상의 결과는 DR, Screen-Film시스템이 CR($100\;{\mu}m$)에 비해 화질이 우수하다는 것을 알 수 있다. 하지만 DR은 소자에 의한 불안정성, Screen-Film은 artifact에 의한 화질 저하 등 단점을 가지고 있으며, 화질 저하가 문제였던 CR시스템 중 Dual-Side방식의 CR($50\;{\mu}m$)을 사용한 경우에는 Screen-Film 시스템과 차이가 없는 것으로 나타났다. 향후 방사선 영상검사가 디지털화 되는 추세이므로 유방영상검사도 각 시스템의 발전과 보완이 필요할 것으로 사료된다.

Recently, interests and utilization on Computed Radiography(CR) and Digital Radiography(DR) tends to increase owing to an introduction of Picture Archiving and Communication System(PACS) and an accuracy control of special medical equipment for a breast imaging examination. This study was intended to compare and analyze a detector's imaging quality by each system to be used for the breast imaging examination by using ACR Phantom used at the accuracy control. As an evaluation method, a significance and reliability of image's value using the ACR Phantom was analyzed by using SPSS program. The results are followed. 1. For the fiber, there was 3.9 score in Screen-Film, 4.2 score in CR($50{\mu}m$), 3.2 score in CR($100{\mu}m$), and 4.2 score in DR. There was the high score in the order of CR($50{\mu}m$), DR, Screen-Film, and CR($100{\mu}m$)(P<0.05). 2. For the calcification, there was 2.7 score in Screen-Film, 2.5 score in CR($50{\mu}m$), 2.0 score in CR($100{\mu}m$), and 2.9 score in DR. There was the high score in the order of DR, Screen-Film, CR($50{\mu}m$), and CR($100{\mu}m$).(0.025(P<0.05). 3. For Mass, there was 3.8 score in Screen-Film, 3.8 score in CR($50{\mu}m$), 3.6 score in CR($100{\mu}m$), and 4.5 score in DR. There was the high score in the order of DR, CR($50{\mu}m$), Screen-Film, and CR($100{\mu}m$) (P<0.1). 4. As the total score, there was 10.4 score in Screen-Film, 10.6 score in CR($50{\mu}m$), 8.7 score in CR($100{\mu}m$), and 11.3 score in DR. There was the high score in the order of DR, $CR(50{\mu}m$), Screen-Film, and $CR(100{\mu}m$). As shown in the above results, it can be known that DR and Screen-Film System has higher image quality than CR. But, DR has unstability caused by element, and Screen-Film has the low image quality caused by artifact as disadvantages. When Dual-Side CR($50{\mu}m$) was used among CR systems which had the problem of low image quality, it was indicated that there was no difference with Screen-Film System. Because the radiation imaging examination tends to become digitalized, each system for the breast imaging examination will need to be developed and supplemented.

자기공명영상 장치의 정도관리를 위한 ACR 팬텀은 팬텀내의 여러 구조물을 통하여 자기공명영상 화질을 평가할 수 있다. 본 연구는 3.0T 장비에서 Head coil에서 ACR 팬텀을 이용하여 임플란트와 치아 교정용 철사를 부착하여 영상의 고스트 신호 백분율과 절편 두께 정확도를 분석할 수 있었다. T1강조영상 첫 번째 절편과 열한 번째 절편의 임플란트 보철에서 절편위치 정확도는 수신대역폭이 230에서 좋게 나타났으며, 교정용 철사가 부착했을 때는 수신대역폭이 130일 때가 좋았다. 고스트 신호 백분율은 SE T1강조영상 일곱번째 절편에서 임플란트 보철에 추가된 교정용 철사의 경우에는 수신대역폭 230이 좋게 나타났다. 자기공명영상 검사에서 임플란트 보철 환자의 경우에 적절한 수신대역폭을 선택하여 영상의 왜곡과 신소 소실이 감소된 영상을 획득할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

ACR phantom for quality control of magnetic resonance imaging equipment can evaluate magnetic resonance imaging picture quality through various structures within the phantom. In this study, percent Signal Ghosting and Slice position accuracy of imaging could be analyzed by attaching implant and the wire for correction of tooth using ACR phantom in Head coil of 3.0T equipment. In the T1 weighted imaging of the first slice and the eleventh slice of implant, the slice position accuracy appeared to be good in ingress bandwidth 300, and it was good in ingress bandwidth 130 when wire for correction was attached. Percent Signal Ghosting in the seventh slice of SE T1 weighted imaging, implant and wire for correction added all appeared to be good when ingress bandwidth was 230. It is thought that in case of implant dental prosthesis patients in brain exam using magnetic resonance imaging, optimum image can be obtained by changing ingress bandwidth.

배경: 류마티스 인자 검사와 ACPA검사는 ACR/EULAR criteria에서 류마티스관절염의 진단을 위한 혈청학적 검사 항목으로 포함되어 있다. 항핵주변인자(antiperinuclear antibody) 검사는 ACPA 검사의 원조에 해당하는 검사로 류마티스관절염에 대한 높은 특이도를 보이면서 류마티스인자 음성/anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide(anti-CCP) 음성인 류마티스관절염에서 자가항체를 검출할 수 있음에도 불구하고 ACR/EULAR criteria의 혈청학적 검사 항목에 포함되지 않았다. 저자들은 항핵주변인자 검사를 ACR/EULAR criteria에적용하기 위한 방안을 연구하기 위해 본 연구를 시행하였다. 방법: 류마티스관절염이 의심되는 53명의 환자를 대상으로 임상증상 및 검사 결과를 조사하였다. 대상 환자들은 전원 류마티스인자 음성, anti-CCP 검사 음성이면서 항핵주변인자 검사 양성이었다. 항핵주변인자 검사의 형광 강도(1+, 2+, 3+, 4+)에 따라 환자를4개의 그룹으로 구분하였고 항핵주변인자 양성 소견에 대해 1에서4점까지 점수를 부여했을 때 ACR/EULAR criteria의 점수가 6점 이상인 환자의 비율을 조사하였다. 결과: 항핵주변인자 검사의 형광 강도가 증가함에 따라 평균ACR/EULAR criteria 점수가 증가하는 양상을 보였으나 해당 4개의 그룹의 ACR/EULAR criteria 점수는 유의한 차이가 없었다(P >0.05). 항핵주변인자 양성에 대해 2점 및 3점을 ACR/EULAR criteria에적용하도록 하였을 때 6점 이상이 된 환자의 비율은 각각39.6%와 77.4%였다. 결론: ACR/EULAR criteria의 ACPA 검사 항목에 항핵주변인자 항목도 포함시키고 항핵주변인자 검사 양성인 경우 형광 강도와 관계 없이 3점을 부여하는 방안이 바람직할 것으로 사료된다

Background: The American College of Rheumatology/European League against Rheumatism classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (ACR/EULAR criteria) include the rheumatoid factor (RF) test and the anti-citrullinated peptide/protein antibody (ACPA) test as serologic makers for rheumatoid arthritis. Antiperinuclear factor (APF) test, an originator of ACPA, is highly specific for rheumatoid arthritis and can be detected in RF or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) negative rheumatoid arthritis, but it is not included in the serologic criterion of ACR/EULAR criteria. In this study, we investigated the way for applying the APF test to ACR/EULAR criteria. Methods: We analyzed clinical symptoms and laboratory findings of 53 patients who were suspected having rheumatoid arthritis. All patients were negative for the RF and anti-CCP and positive for APF. We classified these patients into 4 groups according to the fluorescence intensity of APF test, and gave 1-4 points for APF positivity. The proportion of patients who scored 6 or greater in ACR/EULAR criteria in relation to APF scores was evaluated. Results: Median scores of ACR/EULAR criteria showed a tendency to increase as the level of fluorescence intensity of APF rises, but ACR/EULAR scores of 4 groups were not different significantly from each other (P >0.05). The proportion of patients who scored 6 or greater in ACR/EULAR criteria were 39.6% and 77.4%, when scores of APF positivity were 2 and 3 points, respectively. Conclusions: We think it is reasonable to include APF test in the ACPA of ACR/EULAR criteria and give 3 points for APF positivity, regardless of its fluorescence intensity.

The purpose was to evaluate overall performance according to automatic exposure control(AEC) and semi AEC (SAEC) mode in mammography. The mammography images using the AmericanCollege of Radiology (ACR) phantom were acquired at the 27 kVp AEC mode, and 27, 28, 29 kVp SAECmode, respectively. The similarity analysis such as peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) was performedbetween reference image as 27 kVp AEC mode and comparison image as 27, 28, 29 kVp SAEC mode. Thecontrast to noise ratio (CNR) was used drawn by region of interest to acquired images. In addition, theradiation dose rate was implemented at the front, right, and left side from ACR phantom. According tothe similarity analysis, there was no significant difference between the images with AEC and SAEC mode. Besides, the images SAEC mode for CNR was superior 1.1 times than AEC mode. According to radiationdose rate for SAEC mode was decreased 1.2 times compared with AEC mode. We confirmed that theSAEC mode was useful when scanning the mammography.

배경: 요의 알부민-크레아티닌비(UACR)를 이용한 알부민뇨의 평가는 당뇨나 고혈압 환자에서 신질환의 초기 검출에 중요하다. 현재 UACR을 측정할 수 있는 몇 가지 현장검사법이 개발되어 이용되고 있다. 저자들은 두 가지 반정량 현장검사법의 진단적 정확성을 비교하고자 하였다. 방법: 총 219개의 수시방출뇨 검체에서 요 알부민과 크레아티닌이 Toshiba TBA-200FR NEO 화학분석기를 이용하여 측정되었으며 UACR이 산출되었다. 또한 두 가지 현장검사법인 CLINITEK Microalbumin 2 Strip (Siemens, NY, USA)과 URiSCAN 2 ACR Strip (YD diagnostics, Yongin, Korea)을 사용하여 UACR을 측정하였다. 결과: 정량분석법에 의한 UACR을 기준으로 한 CLINITEK의 민감도 및 특이도는 96.7%, 62.7%, URiSCAN의 민감도 및 특이도는 45.9%, 84.8%였다. 양성 및 음성예측도의 경우 CLINITEK은 50.0%, 98.0%였고 URiSCAN은 53.8%, 80.2%였다. 현장검사법 CLINITEK의 UACR값과 비교한 URiSCAN의 UACR값의 일치도는 정상구간(<30 mg/g)에서는 91.1%, 비정상구간(≥30 mg/g)에서는 36.4%였다. 결론: URiSCAN 현장검사법은 CLINITEK 현장검사법에 비해 위양성 결과를 줄여 특이도는 향상되었으나 낮은 민감도에 의한 높은 위음성으로 인해 유의하게 낮은 음성예측도가 초래되었다. URi-SCAN 현장검사법을 알부민뇨의 배제검사로 적용하기 위해서는 요 알부민의 검출감도를 향상시키는 것이 필요할 것으로 사료되었다.

Background: Diagnosing albuminuria by measuring the urinary albumin-creatinine ratios (UACR) is important for the early detection of kidney diseases in patients with diabetes or hypertension. Currently, a few point-of-care testing (POCT) systems exist for estimating the UACR. Here, we evaluated the performance characteristics of two semi-quantitative UACR POCT assays. Methods: Albumin and creatinine levels were quantified for 219 randomly acquired urine samples with the Toshiba TBA-200FR NEO analyzer, and the UACR were calculated. The results were compared to UACR measured using the CLINITEK Microalbumin 2 Strip (Siemens, USA) and URiSCAN 2 ACR Strip (YD diagnostics, Korea) POCT assays. Results: Semi-quantitative results from the CLINITEK and URiSCAN UACR assays showed that the sensitivity and specificity of each test were, respectively, 96.7% and 62.7%, and 45.9% and 84.8%. Positive and negative predictive values of the CLINITEK and URiSCAN tests were, respectively, 50.0% and 98.0%, and 53.8% and 80.2%. The rate of agreement between URiSCAN test and CLINITEK test was 91.1% in the normal UACR range (<30 mg/g), but it was as low as 36.4% in the abnormal UACR range (≥30 mg/g). Conclusions: The URiSCAN test showed higher specificity than did the CLINITEK test owing to the lower false positive results. However, the high rate of false negatives for the URiSCAN test significantly lowered its sensitivity and negative predictive values. Therefore, the sensitivity of the URiSCAN device in detecting urine albumin needs to be improved before its adoption as a reliable rule-out testing system.

This study aimed to implement a deep learning model that can perform quantitative quality control through ACTS software used for quantitative evaluation of ACR phantom in CT quality control and evaluate its usefulness. By changing the scanning conditions, images of three modules of the ACR phantom's slice thickness (ST), low contrast resolution (LC), and high contrast resolution (HC) were obtained and classified as ACTS software. The deep learning model used ResNet18, implementing three models in which ST, HC, and LC were learned with epoch 50 and an integrated model in which three modules were learned with Epoch 10, 30, and 50 at once. The performance of each model was evaluated through Accuracy and Loss. When comparing and evaluating the accuracy and loss function values of the deep learning models by ST, LC, and HC modules, the Accuracy and Loss of the HC model were the best with 100% and 0.0081, and in the integrated model according to the Epoch value, Accuracy and Loss with epoch 50 were the best with 96.29% and 0.1856. This paper showed that quantitative quality control is possible through a deep learning model, and it can be used as a basis and evidence for applying deep learning to the CT quality control.

최근 전 세계적으로 유방암 발병률이 증가하면서, 2020년 약 230만 건의 여성 유방암 사례가 보고되었다. 이에 따라 유방암 진단 정확성 향상을 위한 디지털 유방 촬영 장비의 성능 개선이 중요한 과제로 떠오르고 있으며, 유방 촬영 팬텀은 이러한 성능 평가에서 핵심적인 역할을 한다. 본 연구에서는 몬테카를로 시뮬레이션을 활용해 미국 방사선의학회(American College of Radiology, ACR) 표준 유방 촬영 팬텀을 설계하고, 이를 디지털 유방 촬영 검출기의 성능 평가에 활용할 수 있는지를 확인하였다. 설계된 ACR 팬텀은 아크릴 상자(10.2 cm × 10.8 cm × 4.4 cm)로 구성되며, 16개의 신호 세트(섬유소 6개, 석회화 알갱이 5그룹, 종괴 5개)를 포함하고 있다. 시뮬레이션 영상과 실제 촬영된 팬텀 영상에 대하여 9명의 방사선사가 각 모의 병변 신호를 시각적으로 평가하였으며, 시뮬레이션 영상에서는 섬유 ≥ 0.89 mm, 미세 알갱이 ≥ 0.32 mm, 종괴 ≥ 0.64 mm 크기의 신호가 구별 가능함을 확인하였다. 본 연구를 통해 시뮬레이션 기반 유방 표준 팬텀이 새로운 검출기의 설계 및 성능 평가 단계에서 유용하게 활용될 가능성을 확인하였다.

In Recent years, the global incidence of breast cancer has been rising, with approximately 2.3 million cases of female breast cancer reported worldwide in 2020. Numerous studies are currently underway to enhance the accuracy of breast cancer diagnosis through the development of digital mammography detectors. This study aims to design an American College of Radiology (ACR) mammographic phantom using Monte Carlo simulation and investigate its utility in evaluating the performance of digital mammography detector. The ACR phantom was described as an acrylic resin box (10.2 cm × 10.8 cm × 4.4 cm) included 16 sets signals (six fibers, five group of specks, and five masses). To confirm the performance of simulated phantom by comparing it with real phantom, the photon interaction data was reconstructed into an image for visual evaluation. Each phantom images were scored by nine radiologic technologists. The simulated signals were distinguishable with signals for fibers ≥ 0.89 mm, group of speck ≥ 0.32 mm, and masses ≥ 0.64 mm. This study demonstrates that the simulation-based breast standard phantom can serve as a valuable tool in the design and performance evaluation of new digital mammography detectors.

To maintain improved image quality in mammography, the quality control process is performed using the ACR (American college of radiology) phantom. In addition, many studied were performed by fabricating the customized breast phantom to provide more information in mammography. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the image quality by designing the modified ACR phantoms. The five modified acrlylic ACR phantoms were designed by considering insert position and phantom thickness. The phantoms were consisted of 4.5, 3.0, and 1.5 cm in terms of phantom thickness, and 3.0, 2.0, and 0.5 cm in terms of insert position, respectively. The acquired images were evaluated by PSNR (peak signal to noise ratio), RMSE (root mean square error), CC (correlation coefficient), CNR (contrast to noise ratio), and COV (coefficient of variation). Based on the similarity analysis, the result is suitable between conventional and new designed phantoms. In addition, the CNR and COV results in terms of insert position showed that image quality for 0.5 cm was 2.3 and 27.4% improved compared with 2 and 3 cm, respectively. According to phantom thickness results, the CNR result for 1.5 cm and COV result for 4.5 cm were 50.1 and 62.7% improved compared with that those conditions. In conclusion, we confirmed that the image quality depends on the breast size and thickness through modified ACR phantom study.

Objectives: We performed this study to evaluate the antioxidative and hypolipidemic effect of Artemisia iwayomogi (韓茵蔯), Curcuma longa L. (鬱金) and Raphanus sativus L. (蘿?子) (ACR). Method: We enriched Artemisiae Capillaris, Curcumae Longae and Raphani Semen compound with alcohol. ACR extract is treated to HepG2 cell. Cell groups are devided into 3 groups: normal, control and ACR treated group. We measured polyphenol, flavonoids, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity, ROS, glutathione, GSH peroxidase, GSH reductase, SOD, catalase, free fatty acid, lipid peroxidation and suppression of ACAT1 and HMG-CoA reductase expression on mRNA level. Results: 1. ACR contained polyphenol and flavonoids and increased GSH significantly in HepG2 cell. 2. ACR increased GPx, GR, and catalase activity significantly in HepG2 cell. 3. ACR increased DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity significantly in HepG2 cell and decreased ROS. 4. ACR decreased free fatty acid and MDA significantly in HepG2 cell. 5. ACR suppressed ACAT1 and HMG-CoA reductase expression on mRNA level in HepG2 cell. Conclusion: This study suggests that ACR has antioxidative and hypolipidemic effect and might be effective in prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia.

Background: Albuminuria is generally known as a sensitive marker of renal and cardiovascular dysfunction. It can be used to help predict the occurrence of nephropathy and cardiovascular disorders in diabetes. Individuals with prediabetes have a tendency to develop macrovascular and microvascular pathology, resulting in an increased risk of retinopathy, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic renal diseases. We evaluated the clinical value of a strip test for measuring the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) in prediabetes and diabetes. Methods: Spot urine samples were obtained from 226 prediabetic and 275 diabetic subjects during regular health checkups. Urinary ACR was measured by using strip and laboratory quantitative tests. Results: The positive rates of albuminuria measured by using the ACR strip test were 15.5% (microalbuminuria, 14.6%; macroalbuminuria, 0.9%) and 30.5% (microalbuminuria, 25.1%; macroalbuminuria, 5.5%) in prediabetes and diabetes, respectively. In the prediabetic population, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall accuracy of the ACR strip method were 92.0%, 94.0%, 65.7%, 99.0%, and 93.8%, respectively; the corresponding values in the diabetic population were 80.0%, 91.6%, 81.0%, 91.1%, and 88.0%, respectively. The median [interquartile range] ACR values in the strip tests for measurement ranges of <30, 30-300, and >300 mg/g were 9.4 [6.3-15.4], 46.9 [26.5-87.7], and 368.8 [296.2-575.2] mg/g, respectively, using the laboratory method. Conclusions: The ACR strip test showed high sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value, suggesting that the test can be used to screen for albuminuria in cases of prediabetes and diabetes.

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic widespread pain with a low pain threshold. The aim of this study was to compare two criteria for the diagnosis and assessment of FM and to analyze the correlation and agreement between the 1990 and 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) preliminary diagnostic criteria for FM. Methods: We studied 98 patients who had already been diagnosed as having FM using the 1990 criteria or 2010 preliminary criteria. Tender point examination, FM impact questionnaire (FIQ) and pain visual analog scale (VAS) were obtained. According to the preliminary criteria, FM was quantified as WPI (widespread pain index) and the SS scale (symptom severity) and the two criteria were compared. Results: Among 98 patients, 78.6% of the patients were diagnosed with the 1990 ACR criteria and 93.9% of the patients were diagnosed with the ACR preliminary diagnostic criteria, and there was also significant agreement between the two criteria (P < 0.01). There was a correlation with the WPI and the tender point, with the SS and the FIQ, and with the sum of the WPI and SS and the FIQ. Conclusions: The ACR preliminary diagnostic criteria for FM were in agreement with the 1990 ACR criteria during the disease course. The preliminary criteria were the more sensitive method than the 1990 criteria. In addition, the 2010 criteria might have advantages since it is easy to assess the physical and psychological symptoms and can be quantified. Therefore, the ACR preliminary diagnostic criteria for FM could be used more conveniently for clinical diagnosis and follow up evaluation after starting management of FM.

This study was purpose to quantitative evaluation of comparison of the image intensity uniformity and noise power spectrum (NPS) by using American college of radiology (ACR) phantom for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MRI was used achiva 3.0T MRI and discovery MR 750, 3.0T, the head and neck matrix shim SENSE head coil were 32 channels receive MR coil. The MRI was used parameters of image sequence for ACR standard and general hospital. NPS value of the ACR standard T2 vertical image in GE equipment was 7.65E-06 when the frequency was 1.0 mm^-1. And the NPS value of the ACR hospital T1 region of interest (ROI) 9 over all vertical image in Philips equipment was 9E-08 when the frequency was 1.0 mm^-1 and the NPS value of the hospital T2 ROI 9 over all vertical image in Philips equipment was 1.06E-07 when the frequency was 1.0 mm^-1. NPS was used efficiently by using a general hospital vertical sequence more than the standard vertical sequence method by using the ACR phantom. Furthermore NPS was the quantitative quality assurance (QA) assessment method for noise and image intensity uniformity characteristics was applied mutatis mutandis, and the results values of the physical imaging NPS of the 3.0T MRI and ACR phantom were presented.

This study was purpose to quantitative assessment of the resolution characteristics by using American college of radiology(ACR) phantom for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MRI equipment was used (Achiva 3.0T MRI, Philips system, Netherlands) and the head/neck matrix shim SENSE head coil were 32 channels(elements) receive MR coil. And the MRI equipment was used (Discovery MR 750, 3.0T MRI, GE medical system, America) and the head/neck matrix shim MC 3003G-32R 32-CH head coil were receive MR coil. As for the modulation transfer function(MTF) comparison result by using ACR magnetic resonance imaging phantom, the MTF value of the ACR standard T2 image in GE equipment is 0.199 when the frequency is 1.0 mm^-1 and the MTF value of the hospital T2 image in Philips equipment is 0.528. It was used efficiently by using a general sequence more than the standard sequence method using the ACR phantom. In addition it is significant that the quantitative quality assurance evaluation method for resolution characteristics was applied mutatis mutandis, and the result values of the physical image characteristics of the 3.0T MRI device were presented.

본 연구는 3.0T 자기공명영상(MRI)을 위한 American College of Radiology(ACR) 팬텀을 사용하여 변조전달함수(MTF)와 잡음전력스펙트럼(NPS)의 영상 품질 측정을 평가하는 것을 목적으로 한다. MRI는 Vida 3.0T MRI 2020년 및 2021년도를 사용하였다. 그리고, 두경부 심 헤드 코일은 20채널 MR 코일을 사용하였다. 그리고, MRI는 ACR 표준 및 일반병원용 영상 시퀀스의 매개변수를 사용하였다. 2020년도 S사 장비에서 ACR 표준 T1, T2 영상의 MTF 값은 MTF가 0.5일 때 주파수 0.32 mm^-1, 0.27 mm^-1이다. 그리고 2021년도 S사 장비에서 ACR 표준 T1, T2 영상의 MTF 값은 MTF가 0.5일 때 주파수 0.36 mm^-1, 0.38 mm^-1이다. 2020년도 S사 장비의 ACR 일반병원용 T1, T2 영상의 MTF 값은 MTF가 0.5일 때 주파수 0.40 mm^-1, 0.39 mm^-1이다. 그리고 2021년도 S사 장비의 ACR 일반병원용 T1, T2 영상의 MTF 값은 MTF가 0.5일 때 주파수 0.36 mm^-1, 0.36 mm^-1이다. 2020년도 S사 장비의 ACR 표준 T2 수평 영상의 NPS 최고값은 주파수가 0.5 mm^-1일 때 3.03711E-06이며, 2021년도 S사 장비의 ACR 표준 T2 수평 방법 영상의 NPS 최고값은 주파수가 0.5 mm^-1일 때 9.75354E-07이다. ACR 팬텀을 이용한 일반병원용 시퀀스 방법보다 일반 표준 시퀀스를 이용하면 MTF와 NPS 측정값들이 조금 더 효율적으로 사용되었다. 또한, 공간해상력과 영상 강도 균일성 특성에 대한 정량적 품질보증(QA) 평가 방법인 MTF와 NPS를 준용하여 적용하였고, 3.0T MRI와 ACR 팬텀의 물리적 영상 특성인 MTF와 NPS 결과값을 제시하였다.

This study was purpose to evaluation of measurement of image quality according to Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) and noise power spectrum (NPS) using American college of radiology (ACR) phantom for 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI was used Vida 3.0T MRI 2020s and 2021s. Head and neck shim head coil were 20 channels receive MR coil. The MRI was used parameters of image sequence for ACR standard and general hospital. MTF value of the ACR standard T1, T2 image in 2020s Siemense equipment was frequency 0.32 mm^-1, 0.27 mm^-1, when the MTF was 0.5. And MTF value of the ACR standard T1, T2 image in 2021s Siemense equipment was frequency 0.36 mm^-1, 0.38 mm^-1, when the MTF was 0.5. MTF value of the ACR general hospital T1, T2 image in 2020s Siemense equipment was frequency 0.40 mm^-1, 0.39 mm^-1, when the MTF was 0.5. And MTF value of the ACR general hospital T1, T2 image in 2021s Siemense equipment was frequency 0.36 mm^-1, 0.36 mm^-1, when the MTF was 0.5. NPS highest value of the ACR standard T2 horizontal image in 2020s Siemense equipment was 3.03711E-06 when the frequency was 0.5 mm^-1 and the NPS highest value of the ACR standard T2 horizontal image in 2021s Siemense equipment was 9.75354E-07 when the frequency was 0.5 mm^-1. MTF and NPS were used little bit efficiently using a general standard sequence more than the hospital sequence method using the ACR phantom. Furthermore MTF and NPS was the quantitative quality assurance (QA) evaluation methods for resolution and image intensity uniformity characteristics was applied mutatis mutandis, and the results values of the physical imaging MTF and NPS of the 3.0T MRI and ACR phantom were presented.

The authors developed a computer program for automation for the coding by ACR (American college of Radiology) code. The automatic coding can reduce radiologist's burden and make more accurate coding possible in most of the situation. This program used IBM PC AT and was written in dBASE Ⅲ plus language. We established the ACR dictionary as followings; procedure code='ACR 32', anatomy code='-761',pathology code='_312/7' The codes were automatically established while the results were typer written, Uncoded diagnosis was remained into 28 digits. All of the searching wee performed by index file, with which searching time is negligible regardless of the file size.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) comprises group of small vessel vasculitides, including granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). In 2022, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) jointly proposed new classification criteria for AAV (the 2022 ACR/EULAR criteria). In this review, we briefly summarize the 2022 ACR/EULAR criteria for GPA, MPA, and EGPA, and introduce our clinical experience with applying them to patients who were previously diagnosed with AAV based on three criteria: firstly, the classification criteria for GPA and EGPA proposed by the ACR in 1990; secondly, the algorithm for the classification of AAV and polyarteritis nodosa proposed by the European Medi cines Agency algorithm in 2007 (the 2007 EMA algorithm); and thirdly, the revised International Chapel Hill Consensus Confer ence nomenclature of vasculitides in 2012 (the 2012 CHCC definitions). We found that concordance rate was highest in patients with MPA (96.6%), followed by those with EGPA (86.3%) and GPA (73.8%). In addition, compared to previous criteria, we noted several issues of the undervalued or overvalued items in the 2022 ACR/EULAR criteria for classifying AAV and provided several suggestions. To increase the diagnostic accuracy and reduce the discordance rate among the new and previous criteria for AAV, we suggest that the previous criteria should be considered together with the 2022 ACR/EULAR criteria when applying the classifi cation criteria for AAV to patients suspected of AAV.

Images of microcalcification specks showed large variation in conventional radiographs of phantoms which are approved for mammography image quality standard by the American College of Radiology (ACR). This kind of variation is not appropriate for image quality standards because the number of specks are visually counted in images and that number is important in image quality evaluation. Our study using synchrotron radiation (SR) imaging revealed the overlapping of micro-sized air bubble(s) to some specks, and also the structural deformation or crackings. Eight phantoms approved by ACR from two different makers and an air-bubble phantom were examined. SR imaging was performed at a synchrotron radiation facility, SPring-8, in Japan. The image-detector was a fluorescent-screen optical-lens coupling system using a CCD camera with a spatial resolution of 6 $\square$m. Objects when imaged with longer sample-to-detector distance show edge enhancement due to a difference in refraction indices, that is refraction enhancement. Refraction-enhanced SR images revealed that some of specks carried foreign objects, which were proven to be air. In phantoms provided by one maker, attaching/overlapping airs were observed for 62 out of 150 specks (41%) , with a higher incidence for the smallest specks. A speck becomes hardly visible in a conventional radiograph when air(s) overlaps the majority part of a speck, though depending on the size of the air-inclusion and on its configuration. Those airs might have been adsorbed on a speck surface before being embedded and then introduced into the matrix together with specks. Our study using SR imaging has clearly shown the nature of defects in some mammography phantoms which seriously degrade the quality as an image standard.