This guideline outlines the use of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography / computed tomography for the diagnosis and management of infectious and inflammatory diseases. It provides detailed recommendations for healthcare providers on patient preparation, imaging procedures, and the interpretation of results. Adapted from international standards and tailored to local clinical practices, the guideline emphasizes safety, quality control, and effective use of the technology in various conditions, including spinal infections, diabetic foot, osteomyelitis, vasculitis, and cardiac inflammation. The aim is to assist nuclear medicine professionals in delivering accurate diagnoses and improving patient outcomes while allowing flexibility to adapt to individual patient needs, technological advancements, and evolving medical knowledge. This document is a comprehensive resource for enhancing the quality and safety of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography / computed tomography for the evaluation of infectious and inflammatory diseases.Preamble The Korean Society of Nuclear Medicine (KSNM) was established in 1961 to promote the clinical and technological advancement of nuclear medicine in South Korea, with members that include nuclear medicine physicians and associated scientists. The KSNM regularly formulates and revises procedural guidelines for nuclear medicine examinations to enhance the field and improve the quality of patient care. These guidelines are designed to support healthcare professionals in providing appropriate medical care to patients. However, they are not immutable rules or mandatory requirements for conducting examinations.Therefore, KSNM states that these guidelines should not be used in legal actions challenging a healthcare professional’s medical decisions. The ultimate judgment regarding specific procedures or appropriate measures should be made by nuclear medicine physicians, considering the unique circumstances of each case. Deviation from these guidelines does not imply substandard medical practice. Rather, reasonable judgments differing from the guidelines can be made based on the patient’s condition, available resources, and advancements in knowledge or technology. Due to the diversity and complexity of patients, it is often challenging to predict the most appropriate diagnostic and accurate therapeutic responses. Thus, adherence to these guidelines does not always guarantee an exact diagnosis or successful outcomes.The purpose of this guideline is to assist healthcare providers in making reasonable decisions and conducting effective and safe examinations based on current medical knowledge, available resources, and patient needs when performing 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) examinations for infectious/ inflammatory diseases.

Purpose: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has long been recognized as an effective treatment for depression and suicidality.Virtual reality (VR) technology is widely used for cognitive training for conditions such as anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, but little research has considered VR-based CBT for depressive symptoms and suicidality. We tested the effectiveness and safety of a VR-based CBT program for depressive disorders. Materials and Methods: We recruited 57 participants from May 2022 through February 2023 using online advertisements. This multi-center, assessor-blinded, randomized, controlled exploratory trial used two groups: VR treatment group and treat as usual (TAU) group. VR treatment group received a VR mental health training/education program. TAU group received standard pharmacotherapy. Assessments were conducted at baseline, immediately after the 6-week treatment period, and 4 weeks after the end of the treatment period in each group. Results: Depression scores decreased significantly over time in both VR treatment and TAU groups, with no differences between the two groups. The suicidality score decreased significantly only in VR group. No group differences were found in the remission or response rate for depression, perceived stress, or clinical severity. No adverse events or motion sickness occurred during the VR treatment program. Conclusion VR CBT treatment for major depressive disorder has the potential to be equivalent to the gold-standard pharmacotherapy in reducing depressive symptoms, suicidality, and related clinical symptoms, with no difference in improvement found in this study. Thus, VR-based CBT might be an effective alternative to pharmacotherapy for depressive disorders.

Purpose: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has long been recognized as an effective treatment for depression and suicidality.Virtual reality (VR) technology is widely used for cognitive training for conditions such as anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, but little research has considered VR-based CBT for depressive symptoms and suicidality. We tested the effectiveness and safety of a VR-based CBT program for depressive disorders. Materials and Methods: We recruited 57 participants from May 2022 through February 2023 using online advertisements. This multi-center, assessor-blinded, randomized, controlled exploratory trial used two groups: VR treatment group and treat as usual (TAU) group. VR treatment group received a VR mental health training/education program. TAU group received standard pharmacotherapy. Assessments were conducted at baseline, immediately after the 6-week treatment period, and 4 weeks after the end of the treatment period in each group. Results: Depression scores decreased significantly over time in both VR treatment and TAU groups, with no differences between the two groups. The suicidality score decreased significantly only in VR group. No group differences were found in the remission or response rate for depression, perceived stress, or clinical severity. No adverse events or motion sickness occurred during the VR treatment program. Conclusion VR CBT treatment for major depressive disorder has the potential to be equivalent to the gold-standard pharmacotherapy in reducing depressive symptoms, suicidality, and related clinical symptoms, with no difference in improvement found in this study. Thus, VR-based CBT might be an effective alternative to pharmacotherapy for depressive disorders.

Purpose: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt recognition and treatment. Particularly in children, anaphylaxis often occurs in the child care facilities, making the role of teachers crucial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the extent of improvement in anaphylaxis awareness among child care facilities teachers both online and offline education programs. Methods: On June 22 and October 18–19, 2022, a total of 387 teachers from child care facilities in Busan participated. Among them, 271 individuals received education and completed surveys online in June, and 116 participated offline in October. We administered 9 items of questionnaire survey on knowledge, and management skills for anaphylaxis before and after the educational sessions were provided by an allergy specialist. Results: The overall correct answer rates for awareness were improved from 57.1% before to 67.3% after education. Awareness of anaphylaxis symptoms was the lowest (10.1%) before education, it has improved after education, but it remained the lowest (22.5%).Awareness of self-injectable epinephrine was significantly improved from 79.8% to 93.8%, and awareness of the injection site increased from 55.8% to 86.8%. Based on the education methods, the awareness improvement rate was 5% (56.6%→61.5%) for online and 14% (57.5%→73.0%) for offline (P < 0.01). Conclusion The correct awareness of anaphylaxis is important, so repetitive, systematic and continuous education is necessary to improve and promote. Additionally, the results suggest that an educational method combining practice and feedback in offline services may be more effective than online methods in enhancing awareness of anaphylaxis.

Purpose: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt recognition and treatment. Particularly in children, anaphylaxis often occurs in the child care facilities, making the role of teachers crucial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the extent of improvement in anaphylaxis awareness among child care facilities teachers both online and offline education programs. Methods: On June 22 and October 18–19, 2022, a total of 387 teachers from child care facilities in Busan participated. Among them, 271 individuals received education and completed surveys online in June, and 116 participated offline in October. We administered 9 items of questionnaire survey on knowledge, and management skills for anaphylaxis before and after the educational sessions were provided by an allergy specialist. Results: The overall correct answer rates for awareness were improved from 57.1% before to 67.3% after education. Awareness of anaphylaxis symptoms was the lowest (10.1%) before education, it has improved after education, but it remained the lowest (22.5%).Awareness of self-injectable epinephrine was significantly improved from 79.8% to 93.8%, and awareness of the injection site increased from 55.8% to 86.8%. Based on the education methods, the awareness improvement rate was 5% (56.6%→61.5%) for online and 14% (57.5%→73.0%) for offline (P < 0.01). Conclusion The correct awareness of anaphylaxis is important, so repetitive, systematic and continuous education is necessary to improve and promote. Additionally, the results suggest that an educational method combining practice and feedback in offline services may be more effective than online methods in enhancing awareness of anaphylaxis.

This guideline outlines the use of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography / computed tomography for the diagnosis and management of infectious and inflammatory diseases. It provides detailed recommendations for healthcare providers on patient preparation, imaging procedures, and the interpretation of results. Adapted from international standards and tailored to local clinical practices, the guideline emphasizes safety, quality control, and effective use of the technology in various conditions, including spinal infections, diabetic foot, osteomyelitis, vasculitis, and cardiac inflammation. The aim is to assist nuclear medicine professionals in delivering accurate diagnoses and improving patient outcomes while allowing flexibility to adapt to individual patient needs, technological advancements, and evolving medical knowledge. This document is a comprehensive resource for enhancing the quality and safety of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography / computed tomography for the evaluation of infectious and inflammatory diseases.Preamble The Korean Society of Nuclear Medicine (KSNM) was established in 1961 to promote the clinical and technological advancement of nuclear medicine in South Korea, with members that include nuclear medicine physicians and associated scientists. The KSNM regularly formulates and revises procedural guidelines for nuclear medicine examinations to enhance the field and improve the quality of patient care. These guidelines are designed to support healthcare professionals in providing appropriate medical care to patients. However, they are not immutable rules or mandatory requirements for conducting examinations.Therefore, KSNM states that these guidelines should not be used in legal actions challenging a healthcare professional’s medical decisions. The ultimate judgment regarding specific procedures or appropriate measures should be made by nuclear medicine physicians, considering the unique circumstances of each case. Deviation from these guidelines does not imply substandard medical practice. Rather, reasonable judgments differing from the guidelines can be made based on the patient’s condition, available resources, and advancements in knowledge or technology. Due to the diversity and complexity of patients, it is often challenging to predict the most appropriate diagnostic and accurate therapeutic responses. Thus, adherence to these guidelines does not always guarantee an exact diagnosis or successful outcomes.The purpose of this guideline is to assist healthcare providers in making reasonable decisions and conducting effective and safe examinations based on current medical knowledge, available resources, and patient needs when performing 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) examinations for infectious/ inflammatory diseases.

Purpose: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt recognition and treatment. Particularly in children, anaphylaxis often occurs in the child care facilities, making the role of teachers crucial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the extent of improvement in anaphylaxis awareness among child care facilities teachers both online and offline education programs. Methods: On June 22 and October 18–19, 2022, a total of 387 teachers from child care facilities in Busan participated. Among them, 271 individuals received education and completed surveys online in June, and 116 participated offline in October. We administered 9 items of questionnaire survey on knowledge, and management skills for anaphylaxis before and after the educational sessions were provided by an allergy specialist. Results: The overall correct answer rates for awareness were improved from 57.1% before to 67.3% after education. Awareness of anaphylaxis symptoms was the lowest (10.1%) before education, it has improved after education, but it remained the lowest (22.5%).Awareness of self-injectable epinephrine was significantly improved from 79.8% to 93.8%, and awareness of the injection site increased from 55.8% to 86.8%. Based on the education methods, the awareness improvement rate was 5% (56.6%→61.5%) for online and 14% (57.5%→73.0%) for offline (P < 0.01). Conclusion The correct awareness of anaphylaxis is important, so repetitive, systematic and continuous education is necessary to improve and promote. Additionally, the results suggest that an educational method combining practice and feedback in offline services may be more effective than online methods in enhancing awareness of anaphylaxis.

This guideline outlines the use of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography / computed tomography for the diagnosis and management of infectious and inflammatory diseases. It provides detailed recommendations for healthcare providers on patient preparation, imaging procedures, and the interpretation of results. Adapted from international standards and tailored to local clinical practices, the guideline emphasizes safety, quality control, and effective use of the technology in various conditions, including spinal infections, diabetic foot, osteomyelitis, vasculitis, and cardiac inflammation. The aim is to assist nuclear medicine professionals in delivering accurate diagnoses and improving patient outcomes while allowing flexibility to adapt to individual patient needs, technological advancements, and evolving medical knowledge. This document is a comprehensive resource for enhancing the quality and safety of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography / computed tomography for the evaluation of infectious and inflammatory diseases.Preamble The Korean Society of Nuclear Medicine (KSNM) was established in 1961 to promote the clinical and technological advancement of nuclear medicine in South Korea, with members that include nuclear medicine physicians and associated scientists. The KSNM regularly formulates and revises procedural guidelines for nuclear medicine examinations to enhance the field and improve the quality of patient care. These guidelines are designed to support healthcare professionals in providing appropriate medical care to patients. However, they are not immutable rules or mandatory requirements for conducting examinations.Therefore, KSNM states that these guidelines should not be used in legal actions challenging a healthcare professional’s medical decisions. The ultimate judgment regarding specific procedures or appropriate measures should be made by nuclear medicine physicians, considering the unique circumstances of each case. Deviation from these guidelines does not imply substandard medical practice. Rather, reasonable judgments differing from the guidelines can be made based on the patient’s condition, available resources, and advancements in knowledge or technology. Due to the diversity and complexity of patients, it is often challenging to predict the most appropriate diagnostic and accurate therapeutic responses. Thus, adherence to these guidelines does not always guarantee an exact diagnosis or successful outcomes.The purpose of this guideline is to assist healthcare providers in making reasonable decisions and conducting effective and safe examinations based on current medical knowledge, available resources, and patient needs when performing 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) examinations for infectious/ inflammatory diseases.

Purpose: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has long been recognized as an effective treatment for depression and suicidality.Virtual reality (VR) technology is widely used for cognitive training for conditions such as anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, but little research has considered VR-based CBT for depressive symptoms and suicidality. We tested the effectiveness and safety of a VR-based CBT program for depressive disorders. Materials and Methods: We recruited 57 participants from May 2022 through February 2023 using online advertisements. This multi-center, assessor-blinded, randomized, controlled exploratory trial used two groups: VR treatment group and treat as usual (TAU) group. VR treatment group received a VR mental health training/education program. TAU group received standard pharmacotherapy. Assessments were conducted at baseline, immediately after the 6-week treatment period, and 4 weeks after the end of the treatment period in each group. Results: Depression scores decreased significantly over time in both VR treatment and TAU groups, with no differences between the two groups. The suicidality score decreased significantly only in VR group. No group differences were found in the remission or response rate for depression, perceived stress, or clinical severity. No adverse events or motion sickness occurred during the VR treatment program. Conclusion VR CBT treatment for major depressive disorder has the potential to be equivalent to the gold-standard pharmacotherapy in reducing depressive symptoms, suicidality, and related clinical symptoms, with no difference in improvement found in this study. Thus, VR-based CBT might be an effective alternative to pharmacotherapy for depressive disorders.