PURPOSE: Cellular uptake of 99mTc-sestamibi (MIBI) and 99mTc-tetrofosmin (TF) is low in cancer cells expressing multidrug resistance (MDR) by p-glycoprotein (Pgp) or multidrug related protein (MRP). Verapamil is known to increase cellular uptake of MIBI in MDR cancer cells, but is recently reported to have different effects on tracer uptake in certain cancer cells. This study was prepared to evaluate effects of verapamil on cellular uptake of MIBI and TF in several cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cellular uptakes of Tc-99m MIBI and TF were measured in erythroleukemia K562 cell, breast cancer MCF7 cell, and human ovarian cancer SK-OV-3 cells, and data were compared with those of doxorubicin-resistant K562 (Ad) cells. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used for the detection of mdr1 mRNA and Pgp expression, and to observe changes in isotypes of PKC enzyme. Effects of verapamil on MIBI and TF uptake were evaluated at different concentrations upto 200 micro M at 1x10 (6) cells/ml at 37degrees C. Radioactivity in supernatant and pellet was measured with gamma counter to calculate cellular uptake ratio. Toxicity of verapamil was measured with MTT assay. RESULTS: Cellular uptakes of MIBI and TF were increased by time in four cancer cells studied. Co-incubation with verapamil resulted in an increase in uptake of MIBI and TF in K562 (Adr) cell at a concentration of 100 micro M and the maximal increase at 50 micro M was 10-times to baseline. In contrast, uptakes of MIBI and TF in K562, MCF7, SK-OV3 cells were decreased with verapamil treatment at a concentration over 1 micro M. With a concentration of 200 micro M verapamil, MIBI and TF uptakes in K562 cells were decreased to 1.5 % and 2.7% of those without verapamil, respectively. Cellular uptakes of MIBI and TF in MCF7 and SK-OV-3 cells were not changed with 10 micro M, but were also decreased with verapamil higher than 10 micro M, resulting 40% and 5% of baseline at 50 micro M. MTT assay of four cells revealed that K562, MCF7, SK-OV3 were not damaged with verapamil at 200 micro M. CONCLUSION: Although verapamil increases uptake of MIBI and TF in MDR cancer cells, cellular uptakes were further decreased with verapamil in certain cancer cells, which is not related to cytotoxicity of drug. These results suggest that cellular uptakes of both tracers might differ among different cells, and interpretation of changes in tracer uptake with verapamil in vitro should be different when different cell lines are used.
Blotting, Western ; Breast Neoplasms ; Cell Line ; Drug Resistance, Multiple ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute ; MCF-7 Cells ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; P-Glycoprotein ; Radioactivity ; RNA, Messenger ; Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi ; Verapamil*

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the normal values of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and cerebrovascular reserve (CVR) in normal children to aged volunteers using Tc-99m HMPAO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty four right-handed normal volunteers (20 males, 14 females, mean age 40.3+/-24.9 years, range 4 to 82 years) were underwent rest/acetazolamide (ACZ) brain SPECT using Tc-99m HMPAO and the sequential injection and subtraction method. rCBF was estimated on the basis of a semiquantitative approach by means of right/left ratio, region/cerebellum and region to whole brain ratios in frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes, basal ganglia, thalami, and cerebellum. CVR was measured by means of % perfusion increase calculated as % mean count change compared to rest rCBF in each regions. RESULTS: Mean values of right to left ratios range from 1.004 to 1.018. rCBF was highest in cerebellum and lowest in basal ganglia and thalami. Frontal and temporal rCBF decreased while occipital and thalamic rCBF increased according to age. No sexual difference of rCBF was noted. Mean CVR was 29.9+/-12.9%. Mean CVR significantly increased to late teens, and declined thereafter. After 6th decade, CVR in both frontal lobes, left parietal lobe and right basal ganglia decreased significantly with advancing age. There was no sexual difference of CVR. CONCLUSION:: Quantitative assessment of CVR was possible by ACZ Tc-99m HMPAO brain SPECT. It revealed that rCBF and CVR changed according to age in normal Korean volunteers. There was no sexual difference.
Acetazolamide ; Adolescent ; Basal Ganglia ; Brain* ; Cerebellum ; Child ; Female ; Frontal Lobe ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Male ; Occipital Lobe ; Parietal Lobe ; Perfusion ; Rabeprazole ; Reference Values ; Technetium Tc 99m Exametazime* ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon* ; Volunteers

No abstract available.
Consensus ; Hyperthyroidism ; Thyroid Gland

PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate whether the free to total PSA ratio(F/T PSA ratio) offers a better discriminant for the detection of patient with prostatic cancer(CaP) and those with benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) than serum total PSA alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 1996 to February 1999, free and total PSA levels were measured on frozen sera samples of 154 men with BPH and 46 with CaP using immunoradiometric assay. RESULTS: In all subjects, the mean total PSA was significantly higher in CaP group(72.59+/-66.58ng/ml) than BPH group(3.12+/-4.10ng/ml). The mean PSAD was significantly higher in CaP group(1.64+/-1.86) than BPH group(0.08+/-0.01). The mean F/T PSA ratio was significantly lower in CaP group(0.19+/-0.07) than BPH group(0.30+/-0.13). Among 41 subjects whose total PSA were between 4-20ng/ml, the mean PSAD was significantly higher in CaP group(0.37+/-0.16) than BPH group(0.17+/-0.07), but the mean F/T PSA ratio was not significantly different between CaP(0.19+/-0.10) and BPH group(0.25+/-0.13). By comparing the sensitivity and specificity of total PSA alone, PSAD and F/T PSA ratio on receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve in all subjects and subjects with total PSA between 4-20ng/ml, F/T PSA ratio had no superiority than total PSA alone and PSAD for. discrimination between CaP and BPH. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that the F/T PSA ratio is not superior to total PSA alone and PSAD in the detection of prostatic cancer, and further evaluation of the usefulness of F/T PSA ratio should be required.
Discrimination (Psychology) ; Humans ; Immunoradiometric Assay ; Male ; Prostate* ; Prostate-Specific Antigen* ; Prostatic Hyperplasia* ; Prostatic Neoplasms* ; Sensitivity and Specificity

PURPOSE: The sensitivity of ST-depression in the electrocardiogram during exercise is influenced by the level of efforts. However, unlike the prevalence of ST-depression on exercise ECG, the degree of exercise is reported to do not influence the diagnostic ability of myocardial perfusion scan. Furthermore, the relation between the prevalence of myocardial ischemia and effort is still controversial. We evaluated the effect of the degree of exercise on the ability of SPECT imaging to detect coronary artery stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patient population was comprised of 111 patients (73 men and 38 women, mean age 56 years) who underwent an exercise test in conjunction with Tc-99m MIBI and cardiac catheterization within 3 months apart each other. The degree of exercies was classified into four groups according to the percentage of maximal predicted heart rate. The sensitivity and specificity was compared between each group. RESULTS: The overall diagnostic sensitivity was significantly higher with Tc-99m MIBI SPECT than exercise ECG. The specificity was not significantly different between two tests. Sensitivity and specificity of Tc-99m MIBI was not different between four groups. Sensitivity for individual coronary stenosis seemed to be lower in subjects who had premature termination of exercise due to early appearance of ST depression. CONCLUSION: These RESULTS suggest that the overall diagnostic sensitivity of Tc-99m MIBI myocardial perfusion SPECT is not significantly affected by the degree of exercise in stable patients undergoing symptom-limited treadmill exercise testing. Myocardial perfusion SPECT imaging should be added to routine exercise stress testing for the detection of coronary artery disease.
Cardiac Catheterization ; Cardiac Catheters ; Coronary Artery Disease* ; Coronary Stenosis ; Coronary Vessels* ; Depression ; Diagnosis ; Electrocardiography ; Exercise Test ; Female ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Male ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Myocardium ; Perfusion ; Prevalence ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon*

Evans syndrome refer to autoimmune hemolytic anemia accompanied by thrombocytopenia. The etiologic factors of Evans syndrome are unknown but viral infections such as Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus are suggested. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is an acute illness characterized clinically by fever, sore throat, and lymphadenopathy; serologically by the transient positive heterophil antibody; and hematologically by mononuclear leukocytosis with atypical lymphocytosis. We experienced a case of Epstein-Barr virus infection presented as Evans syndrome. Epstein-Barr virus infection was diagnosed by positive heterophil antibody and EBV viral capsid antigen IgM. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenic purpura were completely resolved by steroid therapy.
Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune ; Capsid ; Cytomegalovirus ; Fever ; Herpesvirus 4, Human* ; Immunoglobulin M ; Leukocytosis ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Lymphocytosis ; Pharyngitis ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; Thrombocytopenia

Co-existence of subacute thyroiditis and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is rarely reported. We have recently experienced interesting cases of subacute thyroiditis, which developed while waiting for elective surgery of thyroid cancer in two patients. Two women, aged 52 and 55 years, suspected or diagnosed as PTC complained of anterior neck pain and febrile sensation several weeks before the scheduled surgery. Both cases showed elevated serum thyroid hormones and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone. Ill-defined hypoechoic lesions on ultrasonography and decreased uptake on Tc-99m pertechnetate scan were noted in both lobes. Total thyroidectomy for PTC was performed after relief of symptoms either by steroid or non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug treatment. Pathologic evaluation of surgical specimen revealed multinucleated giant cells and mononuclear cell infiltration. Pathognomic findings of subacute thyroiditis in addition to PTC were observed in both cases.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether pathologically proven central or lateral lymph node (LN) metastasis (pN1a or pN1b) could affect ablation success and recurrence after high-dose radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation. We also sought to identify the risk factors for long-term recurrence in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 277 patients with pN1 disease who had undergone high-dose RAI ablation (5.55 GBq) between 2000 and 2006 were included in this retrospective study. We compared the ablation success rate and the recurrence rate between patients with pN1a and pN1b disease. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for recurrence. RESULTS: The median duration of follow-up was 10.2 years. The overall ablation success rate was 64%, and the ablation success rate in the pN1b group (49%) was lower than in the pN1a group (74%). The overall recurrence rate was 23%, and the recurrence rate in the pN1b group (30%) was higher than in pN1a group (18%). A higher ratio of metastatic LNs, a higher level of pre-ablation thyroglobulin, and ablation failure were significant risk factors for recurrence by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Patients with pN1b disease experienced a lower ablation success rate and a higher recurrence rate than patients with pN1a disease. However, a higher ratio of metastatic LNs, a higher level of pre-ablation thyroglobulin, and ablation failure were stronger risk factors than the pathological N stage for long term recurrence in patients with node-positive PTC.
Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Iodine ; Lymph Nodes ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neoplasm Metastasis* ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Thyroglobulin ; Thyroid Neoplasms

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether pathologically proven central or lateral lymph node (LN) metastasis (pN1a or pN1b) could affect ablation success and recurrence after high-dose radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation. We also sought to identify the risk factors for long-term recurrence in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 277 patients with pN1 disease who had undergone high-dose RAI ablation (5.55 GBq) between 2000 and 2006 were included in this retrospective study. We compared the ablation success rate and the recurrence rate between patients with pN1a and pN1b disease. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for recurrence. RESULTS: The median duration of follow-up was 10.2 years. The overall ablation success rate was 64%, and the ablation success rate in the pN1b group (49%) was lower than in the pN1a group (74%). The overall recurrence rate was 23%, and the recurrence rate in the pN1b group (30%) was higher than in pN1a group (18%). A higher ratio of metastatic LNs, a higher level of pre-ablation thyroglobulin, and ablation failure were significant risk factors for recurrence by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Patients with pN1b disease experienced a lower ablation success rate and a higher recurrence rate than patients with pN1a disease. However, a higher ratio of metastatic LNs, a higher level of pre-ablation thyroglobulin, and ablation failure were stronger risk factors than the pathological N stage for long term recurrence in patients with node-positive PTC.
Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Iodine ; Lymph Nodes ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neoplasm Metastasis* ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Thyroglobulin ; Thyroid Neoplasms

Radioactive iodine (131I) therapy is a well established treatment modality for patient with hyperthyroidism and differentiated thyroid cancer after total thyroidectomy. Patients may sometimes need to be hospitalized to reduce radiation exposure of other people and relatives from radioactive patients receiving 131I therapy. This review was prepared to present suggestions and recommendations to health providers with reasoned instructions on radiation safety for patients, their families, caregivers, and the public after 131I therapy. The recommendations should help to ensure compliance and reduce the potential for harmful radiation exposure to others, and also to recognize that required actions may differ when attaining compliance with existing local regulations of other jurisdictions. Most of reported suggestions and recommendations are based on data derived from relevant measurements of radiation exposure, 131I clearance and excretion, and reports of the impact of precautions in limiting radiation exposure. We have quoted many descriptions from American Thyroid Association Guidelines in this review, which was published recently and emphasize the roles of the treating physician and the radiation safety officer in individualizing the precautions for each patient while allowing the referring physician to assist in preparing appropriate and adequate pre- and post-therapy actions. We tried to summarize the reported scientific papers and recommendations to provide general principle of radiation protection and some delicate issues in radiation safety after radioiodine therapy for the thyroid disease, to lower radiation exposure from patients to public and medical.
Caregivers ; Compliance ; Dietary Sucrose ; Humans ; Hyperthyroidism ; Iodine ; Radiation Protection ; Social Control, Formal ; Thyroid Diseases ; Thyroid Gland ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; Thyroidectomy