A chair equipped with a gamma camera diagnostic device for early detection of oral diseases

Abstract

Diagnosis is possible by imaging a desired body part above the neck with a γ camera while the body above the neck of the subject is kept still. [Solution] The imaging unit has an imaging section that images the area from the neck up using a gamma camera (210), an imaging seating section (100) that keeps the person being imaged in a seated position during imaging, an imaging positioning section (300) that is attached to the imaging seating section and images a specified area from the neck up, and an imaging posture maintaining section (400) that prevents the area from moving during imaging of the person being imaged from the neck up. The imaging section is equipped with a gamma camera, an imaging positioning section that moves the gamma camera around the area to be imaged from the neck up that corresponds to the desired imaging position, a protective cover that protects the gamma camera movement drive mechanism, the gamma camera, and the gamma camera movement drive mechanism and has space to avoid interference with the area from the neck up of the person being imaged, and a control section that controls these.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a diagnostic device for the upper neck area equipped with a gamma camera that enables diagnosis of a desired part of the body above the neck of a subject by imaging the desired part of the body above the neck with the gamma camera while the subject keeps the body above the neck still for a predetermined period of time. [Background technology]

[0002] CT (Computed Tomography) using X-rays and bone scintigraphy using a gamma camera have been used as diagnostic devices in the medical field.

[0003] Furthermore, diagnostic devices that combine both of these are known, but in such devices, the patient to be imaged (hereinafter referred to as "imaged person") is imaged while lying down. This inevitably results in a large-scale device, which is expensive and requires a fairly large installation space, so it is generally used only in large hospitals and the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-164548 (see especially paragraph (0047) and FIG. 3) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, dental CT scan devices that are integrated into dental chairs, for example, are also widely used in dental clinics. These dental CT scan imaging and diagnostic devices generally do not inject an imaging agent into the patient before imaging, but rather use a unique configuration in which the X-ray camera is deployed to capture images of the patient's upper and lower teeth, from the front teeth to the back teeth.

[0005] The conventional dental CT scan diagnostic equipment mentioned above is suitable for detecting cracks in the bone, missing bone, and advanced tooth decay. It is also used to determine whether the jawbone is thick enough for implant placement by capturing images of the jawbone, which corresponds to the root of the tooth where the implant will be placed, and understanding the surrounding condition.

[0006] However, the above-mentioned dental CT scan diagnostic device is currently unable to properly diagnose the presence or location of inflammation around the teeth that occurs as a result of gingivitis, periodontitis, or even worsening of these conditions into periodontal disease. Similarly, early detection of inflammation associated with tumors in the dental field, for example, in the pharynx, oral cavity, or tongue, is also difficult. Furthermore, the degree of fatigue progression of the internal tissues of the teeth cannot be accurately diagnosed from the imaging results.

[0007] On the other hand, with the recent rapid aging of society, it has become extremely important to maintain optimal dental health and continue to eat foods of a certain hardness with sufficient masticatory ability. This is because, as we enter an era in which people live to be 100 years old, it is physiologically important to masticate and absorb protein, one of the essential nutrients for the body, especially beef, chicken, pork, lamb, etc., which are physiologically most efficiently absorbed by body tissues, through the digestive tract as animal protein.

[0008] In other words, in order to ensure this, it is important to continue to maintain sufficient chewing ability regardless of age.

[0009] On the other hand, as mentioned above, when diagnosis is made using the imaging results obtained by the CT scan diagnostic device used in the dental field, it is not possible to accurately determine whether or not inflammation is present in the area around the tooth, that is, the initial onset of inflammation and the progression of inflammation.

[0010] Therefore, at present, it cannot be said that this diagnostic device is suitable for early detection and early treatment of periodontal disease, gingivitis, which is the early stage leading up to periodontal disease, and periodontitis, which is the intermediate stage.

[0011] Similarly, it is difficult to detect early and accurate weakening of the bone itself due to fatigue of internal tissues caused by the accumulation of residual stress in the teeth and the internal tissues of the jawbone where the teeth grow, using the CT scan diagnostic equipment used in the dental field.

[0012] As described above, the current CT scan diagnostic devices used in the dental field are unable to simultaneously assess the various physiological conditions related to the dental region of the body as described above.

[0013] In other words, at present, it is quite difficult to accurately diagnose the condition of the problematic tooth, including whether or not inflammation has occurred in the gums around the tooth and the degree of inflammation, and to determine the optimal treatment plan, such as whether to simply place a metal crown on the tooth or to replace the entire crown with, for example, zirconium ceramic.

[0014] Furthermore, with regard to implants, which are rapidly becoming more common, whether or not to actually apply them to a patient requires an accurate understanding of the physiological condition of the area where the implant is to be placed, but it is difficult to capture accurate diagnostic images that correspond to this with current CT scan diagnostic equipment.In the field of dentistry, the term "implantation" is generally used when referring to the implant alone, and "implantation" is generally used when emphasizing the entire treatment or its fixation in the bone, but for the sake of convenience, the following text will use the term "implantation."

[0015] This is because current CT scan diagnostic devices cannot accurately grasp the state of the jawbone tissue at the specified site where the implant will be placed or the degree of inflammation in the surrounding tissue. If implant placement is performed based on diagnostic results that are insufficiently objective and accurate, the state of the jawbone tissue around the implant site and the onset and progression of inflammation in the surrounding tissue will be overlooked. As a result, there is a high risk of developing and worsening peri-implantitis after implant placement.

[0016] This requires the patient to undergo additional treatment, which involves removing the implant and placing a new, larger implant, resulting in an undesirable situation in which the patient faces a significant increase in physical and economic burden.

[0017] An object of the present invention is to provide a diagnostic device for the upper neck area equipped with a gamma camera that can diagnose a desired part of the body above the neck of a subject by imaging the desired part of the body above the neck with the gamma camera while the subject keeps the body above the neck still for a predetermined period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the diagnostic device for above the neck equipped with a gamma camera according to claim 1 of the present invention is a gamma camera-based diagnostic device for the body from the neck up, the diagnostic device comprising: an imaging unit that images the body from the neck up using a gamma camera; an imaging seating unit that positions the body from the neck up in a predetermined imaging area so that the person to be imaged can be kept in a seated position during imaging; an imaging positioning unit that is attached to the imaging seating unit and can move and fix the imaging unit to a predetermined position so that the predetermined part of the person to be imaged from the neck up can be imaged by the imaging unit; and an imaging posture maintaining unit that prevents the body from moving during imaging by the imaging unit; the imaging unit comprises: a γ camera that images a predetermined portion above the neck of the person to be imaged; an imaging positioning unit that moves the γ camera around the imaging portion above the neck of the person to be imaged corresponding to a desired imaging position; a protective cover for protecting the γ camera movement drive mechanism, the γ camera, and the γ camera movement drive mechanism, the protective cover having a space to avoid interference with the portion above the neck of the person to be imaged that is movable up and down above the neck of the person to be imaged; and a control unit that controls the operations of the imaging unit, the imaging positioning unit, the γ camera movement drive mechanism, and the protective cover in order to image a predetermined imaging portion above the neck of the person to be imaged with the γ camera; the imaging positioning unit has a vertical movement guide unit that moves the imaging main body unit up and down at a desired imaging position above the neck while the person to be imaged is seated on the imaging seat and maintains a constant posture above the neck, stops the imaging main body unit, and maintains the position; and a drive mechanism that moves the imaging main body unit along the vertical movement guide unit, The method is characterized in that a desired body part of the person to be imaged above the neck is imaged by a γ camera while the person to be imaged is kept still for a predetermined period of time.

[0019] Furthermore, the diagnostic device for above the neck equipped with a gamma camera according to claim 2 is the diagnostic device for above the neck equipped with a gamma camera according to claim 1, The diagnostic device for above the neck equipped with the gamma camera is equipped with an X-ray camera for CT imaging in addition to the gamma camera, The imaging unit includes a gamma camera moving rail that moves the gamma camera along a predetermined path when the imaging unit captures an image. The X-ray camera is attached so that it can move along a guide rail for moving the gamma camera, or so that it can move along a guide rail for moving the X-ray camera that is provided parallel to the rail, thereby enabling the X-ray camera to capture images of body parts that are common to body parts photographed by the gamma camera; and A feature of this system is that the scintigraphy imaging results created by the gamma camera and the CT imaging results taken by the X-ray camera can be displayed superimposed on each other via the control device, improving the accuracy of locating the area to be imaged.

[0020] Furthermore, the diagnostic device for the upper neck area equipped with a gamma camera according to claim 3 is While the person to be imaged is seated on the imaging seating section, the diagnostic device performs a diagnosis from the neck up, and the imaging section moves up and down along the imaging positioning section to image a specified part of the person to be imaged from the abdomen to the head, making it possible to diagnose the specified part.

[0021] In claim 1 or claim 2, the image-taking posture maintaining unit preferably includes a chest fixing belt, a support fixing unit that supports the imaged lower jaw, the forehead posture position maintaining belt, and a head position and posture maintaining holding unit that holds down the upper side of the imaged person's head to prevent the head from moving during image taking by the gamma camera while the imaged person is seated.

[0022] Similarly, in claim 1 or claim 2, it is preferable that the chest posture maintaining belt, the lower jaw support fixing part, the forehead position posture maintaining belt, and the head position posture maintaining holding part of the posture maintaining part during imaging are each provided in at least either the imaging seat chair or the imaging positioning part.

[0023] In addition, in claim 3, it is preferable that an abdominal posture position support belt is further provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a diagnostic device for the upper neck portion of a subject equipped with a gamma camera that can diagnose a desired part of the body above the neck of the subject by imaging the desired part of the body above the neck with the gamma camera while the subject's body above the neck is kept still for a predetermined period of time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory side view showing a schematic configuration of a diagnostic device from the neck up equipped with a gamma camera according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention, showing a state in which a person to be imaged (patient) is sitting in a chair just before imaging is performed. [Figure 2] 1, is an explanatory side view showing the state in which the imaging device is imaging an area used for dental diagnosis, which is one of the representative predetermined parts of the subject from the neck up to the neck to be diagnosed. FIG. [Figure 3] 1A to 1B are explanatory diagrams showing the preparation stages for imaging a subject by immobilizing the body from the neck up, in the order of (a) to (b), and showing an enlarged view of the body from the neck up from the front. [Figure 4] 4(a) shows the preparation stage immediately before imaging the subject while immobilizing the neck, and FIG. 4(b) shows the state of imaging the area in the dental care field corresponding to FIG. 2, and is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the subject from the neck up from the front. [Figure 5] 5(a) is an enlarged view of the imaged person from the neck up, corresponding to FIG. 2, showing the process of moving the gamma camera along the guide rail to the front of the head to image the head, and FIG. 5(b) is an explanatory view showing the state in which the imaging device has been moved to an imaging position to image further areas of the imaged person from the neck up, which are the eyes, nose, and ears, that are to be diagnosed. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging control unit provided in an imaging device from the neck up that is equipped with a gamma camera according to the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration according to a modified example of the present embodiment, and shows a state corresponding to FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration according to a modified example of the present embodiment, and shows a state corresponding to FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, an above-neck diagnostic device using a gamma camera according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is an explanatory side view showing the schematic configuration of an above-neck diagnostic device equipped with a gamma camera according to a first and second embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a subject (patient) is sitting in a chair just before imaging is performed. Fig. 2 is an explanatory side view, following Fig. 1, showing a state in which the imaging device is imaging a region used for dental diagnosis, which is one of the representative predetermined regions above the neck to be diagnosed on the subject.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the preparation stage for imaging the subject while immobilizing the neck and above in the order of (a) to (b), and is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the neck and above of the subject from the front. Fig. 4 is a diagram (Fig. 4(a)) showing the preparation stage immediately before imaging the subject while immobilizing the neck, and a diagram (Fig. 4(b)) corresponding to Fig. 2 showing the state during imaging of a dental treatment area, and is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the neck and above of the subject from the front.

[0028] 5A and 5B are enlarged views of the upper neck portion of the subject corresponding to FIG. 2, and are an explanatory diagram (FIG. 5A) showing the process of imaging the head by moving the gamma camera along the camera movement guide rails to the front of the head, and an explanatory diagram (FIG. 5B) showing the state in which the imaging device has been moved to an imaging position to image other areas of the subject above the neck to be diagnosed, such as the brain, eyes, nose, and ears. Also, FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram explaining the configuration of an imaging control unit provided in an imaging device for the upper neck portion equipped with a gamma camera of the present invention.

[0029] In each drawing, basically, among the components of the present invention, those that can be seen from the outside are shown with solid lines, and those that are internal structures and cannot be seen from the outside are shown with dotted lines, but for convenience of explanation, the components of the present invention are not necessarily limited to this and are shown in each drawing. Also, with regard to the imaged person (patient) depicted when applying the present invention, all components of the present invention are shown with solid lines regardless of the position of each component of the present invention shown with solid or dotted lines so that the positional relationship of each component of the present invention to the imaged person can be easily understood.

[0030] The diagnostic device for the upper neck using a gamma camera according to this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as "diagnostic device for the upper neck using a gamma camera 10") comprises an imaging unit 200 that images the body from the neck up using a gamma camera, an imaging seating unit 100 that positions the body from the neck up in a predetermined imaging area by keeping the person to be imaged in a seated position during imaging, an imaging positioning unit 300 that is attached to the imaging seating unit 100 and can move and fix the imaging unit 200 to a predetermined position so that the imaging unit 200 can image predetermined parts of the person to be imaged from the neck up, and an imaging posture maintaining unit 400 that prevents the body from moving during imaging by the imaging unit 200.

[0031] The imaging unit 200 includes a gamma camera 210 that images a predetermined location above the neck of the person being imaged, an imaging positioning unit 300 that moves the gamma camera 210 around the imaging unit 200 above the neck of the person being imaged corresponding to the desired imaging position, a protective cover 250 that forms part of the gamma camera 210 and the gamma camera movement drive mechanism, has a space to avoid interference with the part above the neck of the person being imaged, and is movable up and down relative to the part above the neck of the person being imaged, and an imaging control unit 500 (shown only in Figure 6) that moves the imaging unit 200, the imaging positioning unit 300, the gamma camera movement drive mechanism, and the protective cover 250 to predetermined positions and controls the operation of the gamma camera 210 to image a predetermined part of the imaging unit 200 above the neck of the person being imaged.

[0032] Due to the nature of the present invention to which this embodiment belongs, a small gamma camera is used as the gamma camera 210. The small size of the gamma camera 210 makes it possible to narrow down the target to a specific region above the neck of the person to be imaged and make a specific diagnosis. The timing of imaging by the gamma camera 210 and the like are all optimally controlled by the imaging control unit 500.

[0033] The gamma camera movement drive mechanism (corresponding to symbol 200 in the figure) has a camera movement guide rail 220, a gamma camera movement mounting part 240, a gamma camera movement motor (not shown), and a protective cover 250, and is electrically connected to the imaging control part 500 so that it can be driven and controlled.

[0034] The camera movement guide rail 220 is in the form of an approximately loop made of a material with sufficient strength and rigidity and has an arc or annular shape so that the gamma camera 210 can be moved approximately horizontally along a predetermined imaging area from the neck up of the person being imaged.

[0035] The gamma camera movement mounting section 240 is provided with a movement means such as a bearing to enable the gamma camera 210 to move smoothly along the camera movement guide rail 220, and serves to connect the two.

[0036] This allows the gamma camera 210 to capture images of a specific area of ​​the subject's body from the neck up, continuously capturing images from all around, and obtaining an image of the resulting image with the area evenly spread out from all around.

[0037] The gamma camera movement motor (not shown) is used to move the gamma camera 210 attached to the gamma camera movement mounting part 240 along the camera movement guide rail 220 at a predetermined speed, and has a high-precision motor such as a pulse motor or stepping motor, and a reduction mechanism (not shown) that precisely reduces the rotation speed of the motor so that the gamma camera movement mounting part 240 accurately moves the camera movement guide rail 220 at a constant feed speed.

[0038] The gamma camera movement motor may be attached to the gamma camera movement mounting part itself, or may be attached to a predetermined position on the camera movement guide rail 220 and have a structure that transmits the driving force in some way to the gamma camera movement mounting part 240. The gamma camera movement motor is also electrically connected to the imaging control part 500 so that its movement is controlled.

[0039] The protective cover 250 serves to protect the gamma camera 210 and the drive mechanism for moving the gamma camera, and is made of a lightweight resin with excellent strength and durability that does not affect the imaging by the gamma camera 210. In this embodiment, the overall shape of the protective cover 250 is like a so-called life jacket, and the person to be imaged from the neck up can move up and down while passing through the imaging through-hole space 251 inside.

[0040] That is, an imaging through-hole space 251 having an inner diameter larger than the area above the neck of the person being imaged is formed inside the protective cover, and this inner imaging through-hole space 251 serves as a space to avoid interference between the protective cover 250 and the area above the neck of the person being imaged.

[0041] In this embodiment, the protective cover 250 has a gamma camera 210 built in, a mounting part 240 for moving the gamma camera, a guide rail 220 for moving the camera, and a gamma camera movement motor built in or integrated into the protective cover 250, and is attached to an imaging unit lifting mechanism that is provided in the imaging posture maintaining part 400 described later and moves the imaging unit 200 up and down to a predetermined position above the neck of the person being imaged.

[0042] The protective cover 250 is colored so that its internal structure cannot be seen from the outside. Specifically, the entire surface of the protective cover 250 is colored so that the person being imaged cannot see the gamma camera 210 moving inside along the camera movement guide rail 220 while taking images. This allows the person being imaged (patient) to remain seated in a chair without being distracted by the position of the gamma camera 210 during imaging, which takes longer than X-ray CT devices installed in ordinary dental clinics. As a result, the psychological burden of physically restraining the upper body during imaging can be eliminated.

[0043] Furthermore, in the present invention, the gamma camera 210 is colored to make its position invisible, which prevents the person being imaged (patient) from becoming impatient or bored during the relatively long imaging process with the gamma camera and tampering with the gamma camera itself, which would prevent accurate imaging.

[0044] When using this embodiment, the second embodiment described later, and modified examples of the present invention for diagnosis in the field of ophthalmology, which will be described in detail later, a marker unit for maintaining a viewpoint position that allows the subject's eyes to gaze at one point without moving during imaging may be provided, for example, at an appropriate position inside the imaging through-hole space 251 of the protective cover 250. This is preferable because it minimizes the movement of the eyes during imaging by the gamma camera 210, thereby enabling accurate imaging results and enabling accurate diagnosis.

[0045] The imaging seating unit 100 is used to keep the body from the neck up in an appropriate position when the person to be imaged is imaged by the gamma camera 210. Specifically, the imaging seating unit 100 has the form of a chair with a backrest, and has an electric or hydraulically driven seat elevation mechanism 120 that can adjust the height of the seat 110 to suit the height of the person to be imaged. The seat elevation mechanism 120 is driven and controlled by the imaging control unit 500 as a seat height elevation / adjustment mechanism shown only in Fig. 6.

[0046] This allows the person to remain seated on the seat 110 while maintaining the same posture and height as in everyday life during the imaging period, thereby reducing not only the physical burden but also the mental burden.

[0047] The image-capturing posture maintaining unit 400 further includes a chest fixing belt 410 to prevent the imaged person from moving above the neck while seated and capturing images with the gamma camera 210, a lower jaw fixing support unit 420 that supports the imaged person's lower jaw to prevent movement during capturing images, a forehead posture position maintaining belt 430, and a head position and posture maintaining holder 440 that holds down the upper side of the imaged person's head to prevent movement during capturing images.

[0048] The head position and orientation maintaining holding unit 440 has a head position and orientation maintaining holding cap 441 that holds down the upper side of the head of the person to be imaged, and the forehead position and orientation maintaining belt 430 has a head support 431 that holds down the back of the head of the person to be imaged. The combination of the head position and orientation maintaining holding cap 441 and the head support 431, together with the head periphery holding effect of the forehead position and orientation maintaining belt 430, keeps the head still without putting strain on the head while the person to be imaged is seated and being imaged, thereby ensuring reliable imaging by the gamma camera 210.

[0049] It should be noted that the combination of the head position and posture maintaining holding cap part 441 and the head support 431 that holds the back of the head of the person being imaged is provided not only in this first embodiment but also in the second embodiment and the modified example of the present invention.

[0050] The chest fixing belt 410 has its ends fixed to the backrest / standing guide 150 of the imaging seat 100, and is wrapped around the chest of the person being imaged at a position that perfectly matches the chest of the person being imaged, preventing the chest from moving without placing a physical burden on the person being imaged. The belt can be easily attached and detached using, for example, Velcro (registered trademark). This prevents pressure on the chest of the person being imaged, i.e., prevents discomfort to the person being imaged, and also serves to maintain the upper body in a fixed seated position throughout the imaging period.

[0051] As with the chest fixing belt 410, the forehead posture position maintaining belt 430 has both ends fixed to the backrest / standing guide part 150 provided on the imaging seating part 100, and is wrapped around the forehead at a position that exactly matches the forehead of the person being imaged so that the forehead does not move without imposing any physical strain on the person being imaged.

[0052] When wearing the belt, for example, Velcro (registered trademark) is used to prevent pressure from being applied to the forehead of the person being imaged, i.e., to prevent discomfort to the person being imaged, and also serves to maintain a fixed seated position for the upper body during the imaging period.

[0053] The imaging positioning unit 300 has a vertical movement guide unit 310 and an imaging main body lifting drive mechanism 320. The vertical movement guide unit 310 is designed to move the imaging main body up and down at a desired imaging position above the neck while the subject is seated on the imaging seating unit 100 and maintains a constant posture above the neck, and then stop the imaging main body and maintain that position. The imaging main body lifting drive mechanism 320 is designed to move the imaging main body along the vertical movement guide unit 310.

[0054] It should be noted that the chest posture maintaining belt, lower jaw support fixing portion, forehead position posture maintaining belt, and head position posture maintaining holder of the posture maintaining portion 400 during imaging are not limited to this embodiment, and may be provided in either the imaging seating portion 100 or the imaging positioning portion 300.

[0055] The diagnostic device for the upper neck portion equipped with a gamma camera according to the present invention also includes a mandibular fixation support unit 420 that can be fixed after being adjusted by the imaging positioning unit 300 to move up and down to match the lower jaw of the person being imaged. This allows the lower jaw of the person being imaged to be fixed so that it does not open or close during imaging by the gamma camera 210. Furthermore, the imaging unit 200 can be positioned at an optimal position for the person being imaged above the neck by lowering the imaging unit 200 along the vertical movement guide unit 310 via the imaging control unit 500 based on information about the fixed position (height) after adjusting the height of the mandibular fixation support unit 420. Furthermore, the mandibular fixation support unit 420 also has a protective function that prevents the gamma camera 210, camera movement guide rail 220, and protective cover 250, which are somewhat heavy, from falling onto the shoulders of the person being imaged (patient) in the unlikely event that they fall when the camera is set up.

[0056] 6, the imaging control unit 500 is electrically connected to the imaging unit 200, the imaging positioning unit 300, the gamma camera movement drive mechanism, the protective cover 250, and other components according to the present invention, as appropriate, and serves to control the operation of each component so that the gamma camera 210 can capture an image of a predetermined imaging region above the neck of the subject.

[0057] The imaging control unit 500 uses a diagnostic device for the neck and above equipped with a gamma camera according to the present invention as shown in FIG. 6 to display the diagnostic results of this first embodiment and the diagnostic results of a second embodiment described later as images on a diagnostic result display device 600.

[0058] More specifically, the diagnostic result information is displayed on a diagnostic result display device 600 capable of clear display, such as a liquid crystal display, in accordance with the image captured by the gamma camera according to the first embodiment and the image captured by the gamma camera and X-ray camera according to the second embodiment, as needed.

[0059] With the above-mentioned configuration, the diagnostic device for the upper neck portion equipped with the gamma camera according to this embodiment can image a desired body part above the neck with the gamma camera while the body above the neck of the subject is kept still for a predetermined period of time.

[0060] In actual use, preparations are made according to the site to be diagnosed and the content to be diagnosed (for example, determining the presence or absence of inflammation by blood flow scintigraphy of a dental treatment site, as well as tumor infiltration and metastasis by bone scintigraphy, cerebral blood flow scintigraphy, cerebral dopamine transporter scintigraphy, neuroendocrine tumor scintigraphy, and in the modified examples described below, thyroid scintigraphy, myocardial blood flow scintigraphy, pulmonary blood flow scintigraphy, neuroendocrine tumor scintigraphy, kidney scintigraphy, etc.), and a radiopharmaceutical is injected, followed by a period of rest, after which imaging is performed with the gamma camera according to the present invention.

[0061] In this gamma camera imaging, the subject is seated as described above, and the imaging part is kept still during the gamma camera imaging. In the second embodiment and its accompanying modifications described below, imaging is also performed with an X-ray camera without using a radiopharmaceutical, so imaging with the X-ray camera may be completed before imaging with the gamma camera, which takes some time, or imaging with the X-ray camera may be performed after imaging with the gamma camera.

[0062] The diagnostic device for those from the neck up equipped with a gamma camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention makes it possible to detect various dental diseases described above as problems to be solved by the invention at an early stage and to start initial treatment without imposing significant physical, mental, or economic burden on the patient being imaged.

[0063] Specifically, in order to accurately and quickly find and diagnose lesions where early treatment is extremely important, scintigraphy using a gamma camera can be used to image a predetermined body part from the neck up of the patient, without the patient having to lie down, while the patient remains seated in a chair. This means that the imaging results can be used on the spot to aid in early diagnosis without imposing any physical or mental burden on the patient.

[0064] For example, in the field of dentistry, the present invention enables early detection and early treatment of periodontal disease, gingivitis, which is the early stage leading up to periodontal disease, and periodontitis, which is the intermediate stage. In addition, even if periodontal disease has already developed, by diagnosing and treating it early, serious secondary damage to various organs of the body caused by periodontal disease can be prevented.

[0065] Specifically, periodontal disease is said to be caused by microorganisms in the oral cavity. These microorganisms not only cause inflammation of the gums as periodontal disease progresses, but if left untreated, these microorganisms are transported to various organs via the blood, and the toxins of these microorganisms can cause various damage to various organs of the body. This can be prevented by the present invention.

[0066] In addition to the above, it is possible to grasp in advance the state of the jawbone tissue at the specified site where the implant will be placed and the degree of inflammation in the surrounding tissue. In other words, to prevent future problems caused by peri-implantitis, it is possible to prioritize treatment of the affected area where inflammation has occurred before the implant is placed, and to create a condition suitable for the placement of an implant that can be used permanently in the future.

[0067] Furthermore, the diagnostic device for the neck and above equipped with a gamma camera according to the present invention is highly effective in the early detection and accurate diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorders. Specifically, the gamma camera captures images of the jaw area while the patient is seated, just as they would be in their daily lives, making it possible to identify areas of inflammation associated with temporomandibular joint disorders.

[0068] People with temporomandibular joint disorder generally suffer from significant pain, making it difficult to move the lower jaw sufficiently to chew food, and forcing the lower jaw to move too suddenly can lead to serious problems such as dislocation of the temporomandibular joint. Therefore, the diagnostic device for the neck and above equipped with the gamma camera of the present invention can be used to quickly detect areas of inflammation, and the diagnostic results can be used to ensure treatment that prevents the onset and progression of temporomandibular joint disorder. This allows people of all ages to maintain sufficient chewing ability and continue to obtain the nutrients they need, contributing to maintaining good health.

[0069] Furthermore, the use of the diagnostic device for those above the neck equipped with the gamma camera according to the present invention makes it possible to realize early detection and treatment of pulpitis, one of the most troublesome diseases in dentistry. Pulpitis is a troublesome inflammation that develops through the apical foramen as so-called ascending pulpitis, which is caused not only by so-called dental caries (cavities) but also by marginal pulpitis or osteomyelitis of the jaw, and early detection and treatment before it develops into pulpitis are important, so the present invention is extremely useful in this respect.

[0070] Furthermore, the gamma camera-equipped diagnostic device for the upper neck according to the present invention can also be useful for the early detection of inflammation caused by allergies, an autoimmune disease caused by metal ions penetrating into tissues from metal crowns placed to treat cavities. It has been pointed out that if such a phenomenon is left untreated, it can lead to atopic dermatitis, which has little to do with dentistry. Therefore, early detection of the onset of such inflammation is a highly significant diagnostic tool. The gamma camera-equipped diagnostic device for the upper neck according to the present invention can play a significant role in preventing diseases caused by metal allergies, which are difficult to predict, and in explaining the causes of allergic reactions when they do occur.

[0071] More specifically, palmoplantar pustulosis is one of the immunodeficiency reactions that occurs when a metal crown is placed over a tooth to treat tooth decay. Palmoplantar pustulosis is a disease in which pustules, which are blisters filled with pus, form on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and those who suffer from this symptom may never imagine that a metal allergy caused by the metal crown mentioned above is the cause.

[0072] Therefore, until they can officially see a dermatologist and have their condition diagnosed, they may worry more than necessary, wondering if it is related to a disease that can lead to serious symptoms, such as hemolytic streptococcus, which has been a problem in recent years, and this can become a considerable burden not only physically but also mentally.

[0073] Therefore, by using the diagnostic device for the neck and above using the gamma camera of the present invention to examine the level of inflammation in the dental field during treatment of a cavity, the possibility of the onset of such an allergic disease can be pointed out in advance, and the onset of the above-mentioned allergy can be prevented by treating the inflammation early, and even if an allergy does occur, the diagnosis of the present invention can provide complete psychological reassurance before the patient is officially examined by a dermatologist.

[0074] For these reasons, the diagnostic device for the neck and above equipped with the gamma camera according to the present invention is an ideal diagnostic device for the early detection and diagnosis of inflammation in the dental field.

[0075] In addition, by using a diagnostic device for areas above the neck using a gamma camera according to the present invention, it is possible to detect inflammation early not only in the areas where the upper and lower teeth grow but also in areas located on the top side of the head, such as the nose, ears, eyes, brain, and surrounding nerve areas, and to grasp the occurrence of early symptoms of the degree of inflammation at an early stage of these lesions.By informing the patient of these lesions, which will progress to a serious condition if left untreated, as early diagnosis results, it is possible to encourage the patient to visit a specialized medical institution where more detailed examinations can be performed.

[0076] This will enable us to detect serious progressive diseases at an earlier stage, which are expected to occur more frequently in the aging society we live in. By treating these diseases before they impose a heavy physical, mental, and even financial burden on patients, we will be able to continue living healthy lives and contribute to improving the quality of life in the era of 100-year lifespans.

[0077] What is particularly significant is that when the area where the upper and lower teeth are present is examined for dental treatment at a dental clinic using a diagnostic device for the neck and above that uses a gamma camera according to the present invention, the imaging unit can be moved slightly upward as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b) to capture images of the more serious lesions mentioned above, thereby serving as an early diagnosis for the onset of other lesions in conjunction with the dental treatment.

[0078] Furthermore, the diagnostic results can be used at an early stage as reference material for the early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, which is caused by the accumulation of prion proteins. It will also be possible to detect and prevent the early progression of chronic inflammation and the resulting fibrosis of biological tissues associated with autoimmune diseases.

[0079] Furthermore, although it does not reach the level of serious pathologies as described above, in addition to diagnosing the condition of teeth, as shown in Figure 5(b), by moving the imaging unit up and down in the middle part above the neck, it can also be useful for diagnosing sinusitis, rhinitis (nasal allergy), chronic otitis media, and Meniere's disease, which has an unknown cause and is actually caused by the influence of some part of the body or the occurrence of a tumor, as well as for early diagnosis of whether inflammation has occurred in the brain and the degree of inflammation if it has occurred.

[0080] As described above, the present invention has a unique advantage not found in conventional diagnostic devices, in that it can accurately diagnose teeth and surrounding areas in dental care, as well as detect inflammation and disease in any other area above the neck at an early stage and advise the imaged person (patient) to undergo detailed examination as soon as possible.

[0081] Next, an above-neck diagnostic device equipped with a gamma camera according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The above-neck diagnostic device equipped with a gamma camera according to the second embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as "above-neck diagnostic device equipped with a gamma camera") has a basic configuration in common with the above-neck diagnostic device equipped with a gamma camera according to the first embodiment, and is further characterized by the inclusion of an X-ray CT scanner as an additional diagnostic assistance function to enhance its diagnostic accuracy. Therefore, the drawings for explaining the first embodiment will be used. The same components will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions will be reused from the description of the second embodiment. Furthermore, in each drawing, components unique to the second embodiment will be indicated in parentheses.

[0082] Hereinafter, the diagnostic device for the upper neck portion equipped with a gamma camera and an X-ray CT scanner according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Specifically, the diagnostic device for the upper neck portion equipped with a gamma camera according to the second embodiment includes an X-ray camera 270 for CT imaging (hereinafter simply referred to as "X-ray camera 270" as appropriate) in addition to a gamma camera 210, and when imaging with the X-ray camera 270, the X-ray camera 270 is also moved using a gamma camera moving rail 220 that moves the gamma camera 210 along a predetermined path.

[0083] Alternatively, instead of this configuration, a separate guide rail for X-ray camera movement may be provided in addition to the guide rail for gamma camera movement 220, so that the X-ray camera can move along a separate guide rail for X-ray camera movement that is parallel to the guide rail for gamma camera movement 220.

[0084] An above-neck diagnostic device 10 using a gamma camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. The above-neck diagnostic device 20 using a gamma camera according to this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as "above-neck diagnostic device 20 using a gamma camera") includes an imaging unit 200 that images the body above the neck using both a gamma camera and an X-ray camera, an imaging seating unit 100 that positions the above-neck portion of the subject in a predetermined imaging area while reducing the physical burden on the subject by keeping the subject in a seated position during imaging, an imaging positioning unit 300 that is attached to the imaging seating unit 100 and can move and fix the imaging unit 200 to a predetermined position so that the imaging unit 200 can image a predetermined region above the neck of the subject, and an imaging posture maintaining unit 400 that prevents the above-neck portion of the subject from moving during imaging by the imaging unit 200.

[0085] The imaging unit 200 includes a gamma camera 210 and an X-ray camera that image a predetermined location above the neck of the person being imaged, a drive mechanism for moving the gamma camera 210 and the X-ray camera that moves the gamma camera 210 and the X-ray camera around the imaging location above the neck of the person being imaged that corresponds to the desired imaging position, a protective cover 250 that has a space to avoid interference with the portion above the neck of the person being imaged and that protects the gamma camera 210, the X-ray camera, and the drive mechanism for moving the gamma camera and the X-ray camera and that is movable up and down relative to the portion above the neck of the person being imaged, and an imaging control unit 500 that moves the imaging unit 200, the imaging positioning unit 300, the drive mechanism for moving the gamma camera and the X-ray camera, and the protective cover 250 to predetermined positions and controls the operation of imaging the predetermined imaging location above the neck of the person being imaged with the gamma camera 210 and the X-ray camera.

[0086] Due to the nature of the present invention to which this embodiment belongs, a small gamma camera and X-ray camera are used as the gamma camera 210 and X-ray camera. The drive mechanism for moving the gamma camera and X-ray camera includes a guide rail 220 for camera movement, a mounting portion for moving the gamma camera and X-ray camera (not specifically shown in the drawings), a motor for moving the gamma camera and X-ray camera, a protective cover 250, and an imaging control unit 500.

[0087] The camera movement guide rail 220 is in the form of an approximately loop made of a material with sufficient strength and rigidity and has an arc or annular shape to enable the gamma camera 210 and the X-ray camera to move approximately horizontally along a predetermined imaging area from the neck up of the subject.

[0088] The gamma camera movement mounting part 240 and the X-ray camera movement mounting part 271 are equipped with movement means such as bearings to enable the gamma camera 210 and the X-ray camera 270 to move smoothly along the camera movement guide rail 220, respectively, and are used to connect the two.

[0089] This allows the gamma camera 210 to capture images of a specific area of ​​the subject's body from the neck up, continuously capturing images from all around, and obtaining an image of the resulting image with the area evenly spread out from all around.

[0090] Similarly, when imaging using the X-ray camera 270, a specific imaging area above the neck of the subject is continuously imaged from all around, so that an image of the imaging result can be obtained with this imaging area evenly spread out from all around.

[0091] The gamma camera and X-ray camera movement motor is used to move the gamma camera 210 and X-ray camera attached to the gamma camera and X-ray camera movement mounting part at a predetermined speed along the camera movement guide rail 220, and has a high-precision motor such as a pulse motor or stepping motor, and a reduction mechanism (not shown) that precisely reduces the rotation speed of the motor so that the gamma camera and X-ray camera movement mounting part accurately moves the camera movement guide rail 220 at a constant feed speed.

[0092] The motor for moving the gamma camera and X-ray camera may be attached to the mounting portion for moving the gamma camera and X-ray camera itself, or may be attached to a predetermined location on the guide rail 220 for camera movement and configured to transmit the driving force in some way to the mounting portion for moving the gamma camera and X-ray camera.

[0093] The protective cover 250 serves to protect the gamma camera 210, the X-ray camera, and the drive mechanisms for moving the gamma camera and the X-ray camera, and is made of a lightweight resin that is strong and durable and does not affect the imaging by the gamma camera 210 and the X-ray camera. As in the first embodiment, the protective cover 250 has an overall shape similar to that of a so-called life jacket, and can move up and down while the person to be imaged above the neck passes through the imaging through-hole space 251 inside.

[0094] That is, an imaging through-hole space 251 having an inner diameter larger than the area above the neck of the person being imaged is formed inside the protective cover, and this inner imaging through-hole space 251 serves as a space to avoid interference between the protective cover 250 and the area above the neck of the person being imaged.

[0095] In this embodiment, the protective cover 250 has the gamma camera 210 and X-ray camera built into it, an attachment part for moving the gamma camera and X-ray camera, a guide rail 220 for camera movement, and a motor for moving the gamma camera and X-ray camera built into or integrated into the protective cover 250, and is attached to an imaging unit lifting mechanism that is provided in the imaging posture maintenance part 400 described later and moves the imaging unit 200 up and down to a predetermined position above the neck of the person being imaged.

[0096] The imaging control unit 500 controls the operation of the imaging unit 200, the imaging positioning unit 300, the drive mechanism for moving the gamma camera and the X-ray camera, and the protective cover 250 so that a predetermined imaging area above the neck of the subject can be imaged by the gamma camera 210 and the X-ray camera 270.

[0097] In addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the imaging control unit 500 further has the function of displaying the scintigraphy imaging results created by the gamma camera 210 and the CT imaging results taken by the X-ray camera 270 superimposed on each other, for example, on a display (display device) having a resolution that allows them to be displayed as clear images.

[0098] The effect of the second embodiment of the present invention is that it is possible to clearly determine the presence or absence of lesions in body parts above the neck by superimposing the locations of various inflammations associated with lesions on the bone imaging results, while ensuring safety by minimizing the amount of radiation exposure during imaging.

[0099] For example, in the field of dentistry, by taking images of the entire dental arch of the upper and lower jaws using the gamma camera 210 and the X-ray camera 270, the results of these images can be compiled to create a 3D image, enabling more detailed diagnosis of the entire teeth of the person being imaged (patient).

[0100] More specifically, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, by using a dental medical CT device in addition to the gamma camera 210 to superimpose these images, it is possible to more accurately grasp the area where inflammation is occurring, and to provide appropriate treatment to suppress the inflammation and achieve early treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder.

[0101] Furthermore, the second embodiment provides high-resolution images, improving the accuracy of diagnosis. In other words, real-time monitoring allows for more accurate observation of the state of tissue, including its position, enabling prompt decisions during treatment.

[0102] For this reason, capturing a 3D image of the teeth and jawbone as a whole using the gamma camera 210 and the X-ray camera 270 allows particularly accurate diagnosis to be performed in the following applications:

[0103] In other words, firstly, the diagnosis of tooth decay; secondly, the diagnosis of periodontal disease, which has become more common in recent years as society ages rapidly, and pre- and post-operative diagnosis of implant treatment; thirdly, the early diagnosis of apical lesions that are difficult to find during regular dental examinations; and fourthly, the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorder, which becomes very difficult to treat if left untreated and worsens.

[0104] In other words, without using a large-scale scintigraphy imaging diagnostic device like those installed in large hospitals, the teeth, gums, and entire jawbone can be imaged and diagnosed all at once using both the small gamma camera 210 and X-ray camera 270 of the present invention.

[0105] For example, according to the present invention, it is possible to diagnose whether cancer has metastasized to the bones above the neck in conjunction with the diagnosis of an osteoporotic patient much more frequently and at less cost than before. This, combined with being a groundbreaking technology that enables more accurate diagnoses in dental care, makes it easy to realize early detection of tooth decay, periodontal disease, oral inflammation, cancer (malignant tumors), and temporomandibular joint disorders, and makes it possible to easily perform early diagnosis of various lesions above the neck in dental care in conjunction with tooth decay treatment. In other words, the present invention has the outstanding advantage of being able to detect the development of serious lesions above the neck at an early stage, along with tooth decay treatment, at local dental clinics throughout the country, including depopulated areas.

[0106] Next, a modified example of the diagnostic device for the upper neck portion equipped with the gamma camera described in each of the above-mentioned embodiments will be described below. In addition to the diagnostic device for diagnosing the upper neck portion as in the first and second embodiments, this modified example is characterized in that, while the subject is seated on the imaging seat, the imaging unit moves up and down along the imaging positioning unit to image a predetermined region of the subject from the abdomen to the head, enabling diagnosis of the predetermined region.

[0107] Fig. 7 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration according to a modified example of this embodiment, and is shown in a state corresponding to Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration according to a modified example of this embodiment, and is shown in a state corresponding to Fig. 1.

[0108] In this modified example, components having the same configuration as those in the first and second embodiments, i.e., the same shape, size, and dimensions, are denoted by the same reference numerals, and components having equivalent configurations are denoted by corresponding reference numerals.

[0109] 7 and 8, in this modification, the imaging unit 200 is configured to be large enough to move up and down freely from the abdomen of the person to be imaged along the vertical movement guide unit 310 (imaging main body lifting drive mechanism 320), that is, the inner diameter of the so-called life ring-shaped protective cover 290 and the inner diameter of the ring-shaped camera movement guide rail 280 are larger than the abdomen of the person to be imaged in a seated position and both hands at either side of the person to be imaged as shown in Figures 7 and 8. This allows the imaging unit 200 to descend along the vertical movement guide unit 310 to the abdomen of the person to be imaged in a seated position, and also to rise to the head of the person to be imaged as in the first and second embodiments.

[0110] 7 and 8, in addition to the components of the first and second embodiments, this modified example further includes an abdomen fixing band 510 that fixes the abdomen so that it does not move during imaging. The abdomen fixing band 510 has the same configuration as the chest fixing band 410 in the first and second embodiments, and prevents the abdomen of the person being imaged from moving during imaging with the gamma camera.

[0111] According to this modification, it is possible to image not only the region above the neck as in the above-described embodiment but also the neck, chest, and abdomen with the gamma camera while the subject is sitting in a chair and not moving the upper body, which is the posture in which the subject spends a considerable amount of time in daily life. In other words, while a conventional gamma camera images the subject while lying down, the imaging method according to the modification of the present invention makes it possible to image the subject while the upper body is standing.

[0112] As a result, according to this modified example, when the upper body is upright, imaging can be performed in a state where gravity acts on the blood flow, unlike the conventional state where the patient is lying down, and therefore it is possible to accurately reflect in the imaging results the state in which phenomena that are different from conventional phenomena occur due to the blood flow in the neck, chest, and abdomen.

[0113] In other words, it is possible to perform examinations in an upright position, which is the position in which the subject spends a significant amount of time in daily life, rather than lying down while sleeping. This is expected to enable the early detection of new pathologies that could not be detected by conventional gamma camera diagnoses.

[0114] Furthermore, as described above, the diagnostic device using the gamma camera according to the present invention has extremely advantageous features, such as a small overall size, low cost of the device itself, and an installation space that is about the same as that occupied by a dental clinic treatment chair.

[0115] As a result, by widely disseminating this technology to dental clinics across Japan, for example, it will be possible to detect inflammation, tumors, polyps, etc. in parts of the body that could not be detected before in the first and second embodiments of the present invention at an early stage, in conjunction with dental maintenance such as regular tartar removal, treatment of cavities, prevention of periodontal disease, and placement of dentures and implants, and to recommend that patients undergo more detailed examinations at a general hospital.

[0116] Furthermore, according to a modified example of the present invention, early diagnosis of inflammation, tumors, polyps, etc. in a specific body part can be performed using a gamma camera from the abdomen to the head while the patient is in a posture similar to that in everyday life, which will facilitate the early detection of abnormalities in a wider range of body parts and will enable the patient to be recommended for more detailed examination at a general hospital.

[0117] In addition to the above, according to this modified example, as mentioned above, the overall size is small, the cost of the device itself is low, and the installation space is only about the same as that occupied by a dental clinic treatment chair, so the installation location does not necessarily have to be limited to dental clinics, and it can be spread to small-scale medical clinics such as internal medicine clinics, otolaryngology clinics, ophthalmology clinics, and cardiology clinics all over the country.

[0118] This will eliminate the cost, time, and transportation difficulties that residents of depopulated areas have to face when traveling to nearby large cities for detailed examinations, especially in this era of what is said to be a 100-year lifespan. Instead, they will be able to easily visit clinics like the ones mentioned above for regular checkups when they feel a little unwell, allowing them to live a mentally stable daily life.

[0119] As described above, this modification makes it possible to quickly detect the onset of inflammation and changes in pathological condition that accompany the early symptoms of various diseases from the abdomen upwards, and to encourage the patient to undergo detailed examinations before these conditions worsen. Specifically, by imaging body parts such as the chest and abdomen, it is possible to notify the patient of findings that are suspected to be early symptoms of cardiomyopathy, valvular disease, arteriosclerosis, arterial dissection, and aneurysms as an early diagnosis.

[0120] Furthermore, by imaging the entire abdomen in a stepwise manner in the vertical direction, it is possible to detect early stages of inflammation such as hepatitis, pancreatitis, and kidney diseases, more specifically, glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis caused by inflammation or infection, as well as early detection of peritoneal abnormalities, and to adequately treat these before they develop into serious cardiovascular or visceral diseases, thereby encouraging patients to undergo detailed examinations at more specialized medical institutions to prevent them from becoming serious.From a similar perspective, it is also possible to quickly detect the occurrence of swelling (inflammation) of lymph nodes from the abdomen to the head, and encourage patients to undergo detailed examinations to more appropriately identify the cause.

[0121] Finally, the inventors of the present invention will list and explain the unique advantages of the present invention that they wish to emphasize the most. Miniature gamma cameras are beginning to be used as useful tools in dentistry. Below are some of their main uses and advantages. (1) It is useful for diagnosing infectious diseases. Specifically, the use of a small gamma camera makes it possible to quickly and easily identify the site of infection, which allows for early and appropriate treatment. (2) It is useful for assessing inflammation. Specifically, gamma cameras are useful for assessing the degree of inflammation. This is particularly important in root canal treatment and periodontal disease treatment. (3) It is useful for tumor detection. Specifically, early detection of tumors in the oral cavity and jaw contributes to the early detection and treatment of malignant tumors. (4) It is useful for assessing blood flow. Specifically, it can be used to assess blood flow in periodontal tissues and the dental pulp, allowing for monitoring of tissue health and healing processes. (5) Because the device is small, the cost is quite low, and it does not require a large installation space, it can be widely adopted in ordinary dental clinics in town. This allows dental clinics to diagnose various inflammations and the condition of teeth and jawbone bone tissue, a feature of the present invention, while treating cavities, for example. As a result, it becomes possible to perform early detection and early treatment of various diseases in the field of dental care, while significantly reducing the physical, time, and financial burden on patients who are imaged compared to conventional methods. (6) It can be used for all diagnoses above the neck. Specifically, the gamma camera of the present invention can be used to monitor the state of tissue recovery as a follow-up after surgery. Therefore, it is not limited to the field of dentistry, but can also be used to detect and address complications after surgery early in ophthalmology, otolaryngology, and neurosurgery. This makes it useful for follow-up after surgery in the oral cavity in the field of dentistry, as well as in other medical fields such as ophthalmology, otolaryngology, and neurosurgery. (7) It is extremely effective for periodontal disease examinations. Specifically, it eliminates the need for invasive examinations for the prevention, early detection, and early treatment of periodontal disease, which is a growing problem as we enter an era of 100-year lifespans and many people age. In other words, it is possible to understand the dental health of the person being imaged (patient) without invasive examinations. (8) By changing the imaging agent, it is possible to accurately obtain imaging results for the desired area above the neck. For example, by injecting an imaging agent suitable for bone scintigraphy before dental treatment, it is possible to obtain useful imaging results above the neck using a diagnostic device equipped with a gamma camera after dental treatment. Specifically, for example, if a person who has been diagnosed with oral cancer or tongue cancer and is undergoing treatment is injected with an imaging agent for bone scintigraphy before undergoing treatment for caries at a dental clinic, and then after the treatment, an image of the body from the neck up can be taken using a diagnostic device equipped with a gamma camera according to the present invention, which can simultaneously diagnose whether the cancer has metastasized to the bones, and can be used to confirm the effectiveness of the patient's cancer treatment. In addition to diagnosing whether cancer has metastasized to the bones, this invention can also be used to detect early and accurate fractures, such as microfractures and stress fractures, in the upper neck area of ​​elderly people with advanced osteoporosis, which are difficult to detect using X-ray examinations. In addition, the use of a gamma camera can be useful for the early detection of inflammation such as osteomyelitis and arthritis, which are normally difficult to detect, for diagnosing the progression of osteoporosis, a condition in which bone density decreases and bones become more susceptible to fractures, and for the early detection of Paget's disease and bone tumors. (9) According to the configuration of the present invention, the chair portion is equipped with a cap-shaped head rest, as shown in each drawing. In addition, a head fixing belt is attached. Furthermore, a chest fixing belt is attached to the backrest. These body posture support devices are used to keep the subject motionless for approximately 30 minutes, the imaging time required by the gamma camera. This configuration enables diagnosis of teeth, surrounding tissues, and jawbone with a lower radiation dose than an X-ray CT scanner, and even in the same posture as when the jaw moves and bites while sitting and eating in daily life. As a result, while maintaining the posture of daily life, this device can be used to check for inflammation in the body parts above the neck, and for inflammation in the masticatory muscles that also play an important role in bite, such as the temporalis muscle, masseter muscle, lateral pterygoid muscle, and medial pterygoid muscle. It can also be used to determine the early stages of pulpitis, predict the possibility of future onset of periodontal disease, and identify and locate inflammation sites causing temporomandibular joint disorders. (10) From the detailed explanation by the inventor of the present invention as above, it can be understood that the device according to the present invention can be used not only in dentistry but also in otolaryngology, ophthalmology, and neurology. (11) Stress fractures and new fractures are metabolically active, so they appear as hot spots in gamma camera images. Other bone infections (osteomyelitis) and infected areas also appear as hot spots in gamma camera images. Furthermore, early detection of other bone abnormalities, such as arthritis, which is inflammation of specific joints, bone dysplasia, and abnormalities in bone blood flow, is possible. In other words, bone scintigraphy is a very useful examination method for early detection of bone diseases and abnormalities and for formulating appropriate treatment plans. This bone scintigraphy diagnostic method can be performed easily, at low cost, and with minimal installation space without using large-scale equipment, by examining the subject (patient) from the neck up using the diagnostic device for the neck up equipped with the gamma camera of the present invention, and very useful diagnoses can be achieved. The advantages of using bone scintigraphy in dental care are as follows: It allows for the evaluation of a wide range of bone lesions. In addition, when periodontal disease progresses and widespread bone resorption is suspected, bone scintigraphy can be used to confirm overall bone metabolic activity and detect abnormal bone metabolism. In addition, if abnormal bone metabolism is suspected in a specific area, detailed evaluation becomes possible. As described above, the use of bone scintigraphy in the field of dentistry is useful for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment, as well as for assessing the status of bone regeneration and repair after treatment. In other words, visual inspection, probing, X-rays, etc. are commonly used to diagnose periodontal disease and peri-implantitis, but scintigraphy is not used to diagnose these diseases. By widely disseminating this invention in dental care settings, it will be useful not only in the field of dental care, but also in the evaluation of a wide range of metabolic activities in the body's physiology related to important sensory organs such as the eyes, ears, and nose above the neck, as well as the cranial nerves, as well as in the early diagnosis of treatment effects and the early detection of various diseases. (12) Gamma cameras are versatile imaging tools in dentistry, as they allow detailed visualization of bone structure and tooth condition, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment planning. Specifically, gamma cameras are used in the primary dental applications, such as implant planning and placement, periodontal disease diagnosis and management, temporomandibular joint assessment, salivary gland imaging, and tumor detection and treatment, among others. Gamma cameras also have many advantages over traditional X-ray imaging. This is because imaging with a gamma camera is non-invasive and exposes patients to less radiation than X-ray imaging. They also provide high-resolution images in real time, allowing dentists to better visualize patients and develop more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. The gamma camera-equipped diagnostic device for the upper neck area according to the present invention can be provided in a very small size at low cost, and compared to the large diagnostic vehicles used in conventional periodic diagnostic examinations, it can be mounted on a vehicle slightly larger than a regular minivan and traveled to various locations, making it extremely easy to perform mobile diagnosis using the gamma camera-equipped diagnostic device for the upper neck area according to the present invention.As a result, this mobile diagnostic device can be used to provide dental care to areas with declining populations where residents are scattered and living far from each other, which has become a serious social problem in recent years, and at the same time, it can also be used to diagnose other lesions above the neck at an early stage, making it an ideal medical and welfare service, especially for elderly people living in such depopulated areas. Similarly, for the same reasons as those mentioned above, the present invention can be effective in situations where a large number of evacuees are forced to live in evacuation facilities for a long period of time due to the effects of super typhoons or linear rain bands caused by abnormal weather in recent years, or due to the occurrence of a major earthquake or volcanic eruption which can occur at any time.

[0122] The present invention is not limited to the configurations of the first and second embodiments described above, and various modifications can be applied within the scope in which the effects of the present invention can be exerted.

[0123] As described above, the inventors of the present invention believe that an above-the-neck diagnostic device equipped with a gamma camera according to the present invention will be a valuable tool that helps dentists provide superior care to imaged individuals (patients). Another advantage of using a gamma camera is that the present invention can be implemented in conjunction with dental treatment in dental care. Specifically, it becomes possible to simultaneously detect the occurrence of inflammation in nearby areas that have little relationship to the treatment, which could not be examined in the past, and to appropriately diagnose the severity of the inflammation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 10,20 (above-the-neck with gamma camera) diagnostic equipment 100 Imaging seat 110 Seating seat 120 Seat lift mechanism 150 Backrest and standing guide 200 Imaging unit 210 gamma camera 220 Camera movement guide rail 240 (γ) Camera moving attachment 250 protective cover 251 Imaging through-hole space 270 X-ray cameras 271 (X-ray) Camera moving mounting part 300 Imaging positioning unit 310 Vertical movement guide 320 Imaging body lifting drive mechanism 400 Posture maintenance unit during imaging 410 Chest Fixation Belt 420 Mandibular fixed support part 430 Forehead Posture Positioning Belt 431 Antodai 440 Head position and posture maintenance holder 441 Head position and posture maintenance holding cap 500 Imaging control unit 600 Diagnostic result display device

Claims

1. a gamma camera-based diagnostic device for the body from the neck up, the diagnostic device comprising: an imaging unit that images the body from the neck up using a gamma camera; an imaging seating unit that positions the body from the neck up in a predetermined imaging area so that the person to be imaged can be kept in a seated position during imaging; an imaging positioning unit that is attached to the imaging seating unit and can move and fix the imaging unit to a predetermined position so that the predetermined part of the person to be imaged from the neck up can be imaged by the imaging unit; and an imaging posture maintaining unit that prevents the body from moving during imaging by the imaging unit; the imaging unit comprises: a γ camera that images a predetermined portion above the neck of the person to be imaged; an imaging positioning unit that moves the γ camera around the imaging portion above the neck of the person to be imaged corresponding to a desired imaging position; a protective cover for protecting the γ camera movement drive mechanism, the γ camera, and the γ camera movement drive mechanism, the protective cover having a space to avoid interference with the portion above the neck of the person to be imaged that is movable up and down above the neck of the person to be imaged; and a control unit that controls the operations of the imaging unit, the imaging positioning unit, the γ camera movement drive mechanism, and the protective cover in order to image a predetermined imaging portion above the neck of the person to be imaged with the γ camera; the imaging positioning unit has a vertical movement guide unit that moves the imaging main body unit up and down at a desired imaging position above the neck while the person to be imaged is seated on the imaging seat and maintains a constant posture above the neck, stops the imaging main body unit, and maintains the position; and a drive mechanism that moves the imaging main body unit along the vertical movement guide unit, A diagnostic device for the upper neck area equipped with a gamma camera, characterized in that a desired body part above the neck of the person to be imaged is imaged with the gamma camera while the body above the neck of the person to be imaged is kept still for a predetermined period of time.

2. The diagnostic device for the body above the neck equipped with the gamma camera is equipped with an X-ray camera for CT imaging in addition to the gamma camera, The imaging unit includes a gamma camera moving rail that moves the gamma camera along a predetermined path when the imaging unit captures an image. The X-ray camera is attached so as to be movable along a guide rail for moving the gamma camera, or so as to be movable along a guide rail for moving the X-ray camera that is provided parallel to the rail, thereby enabling the X-ray camera to capture images of body parts common to those captured by the gamma camera; and 2. The diagnostic device for the upper neck equipped with a gamma camera according to claim 1, characterized in that the scintigraphy imaging results created by the gamma camera and the CT imaging results taken by the X-ray camera can be displayed in an overlapping state via the control device, thereby improving the accuracy of identifying the position of the area to be imaged.

3. 3. The diagnostic device for the upper neck area equipped with a gamma camera according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the diagnostic device performs a diagnosis of the upper neck area, and in addition, while the person to be imaged is seated on the imaging seating section, the imaging section moves up and down along the imaging positioning section to image a predetermined part of the person to be imaged from the abdomen to the head, thereby enabling a diagnosis of the predetermined part.

Images