A study on the usefulness of methylcellulose in rectal CT based on the analysis of the differences in absorption of radiation-permeable and radiation-impermeable materials.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to use various radiation-permeable and radiation-impermeable materials, used to facilitate the observation of a lesion during a rectal computed tomography (CT) scan, in order to determine the best material to use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In regard to the study method, the radiation-permeable and radiation-impermeable materials of physiological saline, methylcellulose, contrast medium, ultrasound gel, and air were used to perform scanning with scan parameters that were used in general abdominal scanning. The GSI mode was used for material analysis. RESULTS: According to the results of the phantom study, the average CT value was 25.5 ± 5.9 HU for physiological saline, 77.6 ± 7.3 HU for methylcellulose, 3,070 ± 0.1 HU for contrast medium, 74.1 ± 11.9 HU for ultrasound gel, and -954.1 ± 10.3 HU for air. According to the analysis of materials by energy, contrast medium and physiological saline showed a dramatic decrease in the CT value as energy increased. Methylcellulose showed a gradual decrease in CT value, whereas air showed a small change in CT value according to the graph. CONCLUSIONS: Out of these materials, methylcellulose had the advantage of reducing discomfort in patients, and was more convenient for examiners before and after the rectal CT scan.

Factor analysis of biochemical markers associated with bone mineral density in adults.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to find biochemical markers related to low bone mineral density in Korean adults. [Subjects and Methods] From August 1 to September 15, 2013, subjects receiving medical checkups were classified as lumbar spine bone normal, osteopenic, or osteoporotic using a bone mineral densitometer. Next, age, body mass index, and biochemical parameter differences were compared among the three groups. [Results] The results revealed that, the relevant factors were maximum blood pressure, minimum blood pressure, bone mineral density, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), fasting blood glucose, iron, neutrophils, monocytes, and eosinophils. The bone mineral density of patients with osteoporosis was 0.763 times lower than that of normal subjects. The total bilirubin level of patients with osteoporosis was 0.45 times lower than that of normal subjects. The alkaline phosphatase level of patients with osteopenia was 1.059 times higher than that of normal subjects, and that in patients with osteoporosis was 1.088 times higher than that in normal subjects. The fasting blood glucose level of patients with osteoporosis was 0.963 times lower than that of normal subjects. The iron level of patients with osteoporosis was 0.986 times lower than that of normal subjects. [Conclusion] In conclusion, osteoporosis is a representative disease in elderly women due to aging and menopause, and more active interest should be taken for prevention and treatment.