Chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) usually demonstrates frequent recurrence, diffuse leakage and persistent subretinal fluid, which cannot be absorbed, thus lead to photoreceptor damage and poor visual acuity. As glucocorticoids have been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic CSC, various anti-glucocorticoids oral drugs were used in the clinic to promote retinal fluid absorption and reduce the central retinal thickness of the macula and improve the vision outcomes. In addition, the 5α-reductase-specific inhibitor finasteride, the P450-3A4 inducer rifampicin, circadian rhythmic regulator melatonin, and systemic anti-inflammatory drug methotrexate have also been put into clinical trials for chronic CSC, and achieved certain effects. However, most of the clinical studies on these oral drugs were case reports, but not multi-center randomized clinical trials. The long-term effects of these oral drugs need to be observed and studied further.
ObjectiveUtilizing PDCA circulation to enhance the quality of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in whole body bone scan (WBS). MethodsBased on a retrospective analysis of the quality of WBS in the first half of year 2012, advices and measurements to improve the quality were implemented by the technologists. In the following half year of 2012, monthly evaluation of the WBS quality were carried out to further improve the quality by focusing on fine details of the patient positioning, radiopharmaceuticals injection and image processing, etc. ResultsBy utilization of PDCA circulation, WBS quality in the latter half year of 2012 constantly improved. Further more, effective and improved technical procedures were extracted from scattered individual experience, which was expected to improve the WBS quality effectively in the long run. ConclusionApplication of PDCA circulation in SPECT in whole body bone scan improves the image quality, because it not only brings better communication and understanding between patients and physicians/technologists, but also enables better patient preparations and individualized procedures based on standard protocols.