• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제20권5호
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• pp.854-861
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• 2019

Objective: To evaluate quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters for differentiation of cysts from and solid masses in the anterior mediastinum. Materials and Methods: The development dataset included 18 patients from two institutions with pathologically-proven cysts (n = 6) and solid masses (n = 12) in the anterior mediastinum. We measured the maximum diameter, normalized T1 and T2 signal intensity (nT1 and nT2), normalized apparent diffusion coefficient (nADC), and relative enhancement ratio (RER) of each lesion. RERs were obtained by non-rigid registration and subtraction of precontrast and postcontrast T1-weighted images. Differentiation criteria between cysts and solid masses were identified based on receiver operating characteristics analysis. For validation, two separate datasets were utilized: 15 patients with 8 cysts and 7 solid masses from another institution (validation dataset 1); and 11 patients with clinically diagnosed cysts stable for more than two years (validation dataset 2). Sensitivity and specificity were calculated from the validation datasets. Results: nT2, nADC, and RER significantly differed between cysts and solid masses (p = 0.032, 0.013, and < 0.001, respectively). The following criteria differentiated cysts from solid masses: RER < 26.1%; nADC > 0.63; nT2 > 0.39. In validation dataset 1, the sensitivity of the RER, nADC, and nT2 criteria was 87.5%, 100%, and 75.0%, and the specificity was 100%, 40.0%, and 57.4%, respectively. In validation dataset 2, the sensitivity of the RER, nADC, and nT2 criteria was 90.9%, 90.9%, and 72.7%, respectively. Conclusion: Quantitative MRI criteria using nT2, nADC, and particularly RER can assist differentiation of cysts from solid masses in the anterior mediastinum.

• 감성과학
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• 제14권2호
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• pp.235-244
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• 2011

본 연구에서는 fMRI 기법을 활용하여 제품과 공감각적 은유가 적용된 제품 디자인에 표현된 미각적 요소와의 적합성 수준이 제품에 대한 신경학적 반응과 제품평가에 미치는 영향에 대하여 알아보고자 하였다. 사전조사를 통해 미각적 요소와 제품 간의 적합성 정도에 따라 제품디자인을 두 그룹으로 나누었다. 총 40개의 제품디자인이 실험자극물로 사용되었다. 총 15명의 건강한 오른손잡이 대학생들이 실험에 참가하였다. 실험은 총 2세션으로 구성되어 있고, fMRI scanning session에서 참가자들은 제품디자인을 관찰하였고, post-scanning session에는 제품디자인에 대한 선호도와 구매의도를 측정하였다. 실험결과 적합성이 높은 제품디자인이 낮은 제품디자인보다 선호도, 구매의도 모두 높게 나타났다. 뇌 반응의 경우 긍정적 보상과 관련된 미상핵(Caudate nucleus)과 피각(putamen) 영역이 적합성이 높은 조건의 제품디자인에서 더 많이 활성화 되는 것으로 나타났다.

• 대한의용생체공학회:의공학회지
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.157-163
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• 2001

본 논문에서는 후취자극 제어장치를 이용하여 후각자극에 대한 인간의 뇌의 활성화 영역을 뇌기능자기공명영상(functional magnetic resonance imaging : fMRI)장치로 측정 또는 가시화하고 이의 임상적용에 대한 기초자료를 마련하고자 하였다. 우선 후각에 이상이 없고 코 수술 경험이 없는 오른손잡이 피험자 4명을 대상으로 5번에 걸쳐 Echo Plannar Imaging(EPI)에 의한 혈액산소농도의존(blood oxygen level dependent : BOLD)법을 이용하여 후각자극에 의한 뇌기능자기공명영상 실험을 수행하였다. 후각자극은 MRI 장치에서 사용할 수 있도록 제작된 후취제어장치를 사용하였으며, 제시된 향은 천연 향의 일종인 lavender-like fragrance를 사용하였다. 향의 제시는 후각의 피로도를 감안하여 3회의 휴식기관과 2회의 자극기간을 각 30초씩 번갈아 시행하였으며, 동시에 5초 간격으로 각 절편 당 30 영상을 연속적으로 획득하였다. Correlation법으로 0.4∼0.7의 문턱치(threshold)범위에서 통계 처리된 뇌의 활성화 영상은 EPI영상과 같은 부위의 T1 강조영상에 overlapping 시켰다. 호흡에 의한 artifact를 제거하기 위해 실험실에 만든 장치로 호흡을 측정하여 post-processing 할 때 반영하였다. 이렇게 얻어진 fMRI 영상의 신호변화를 관찰하여 활성 영역의 위치를 분석하였다. 그 결과 후각자극에 의해 뇌의 전두엽 피질(frontal cortex), 소뇌(cerebellum), 그리고 뇌교(pons)에서 활성화된 신호를 발견할 수 있었다. 또한, 측두엽(temporal lobe)과 뇌섬(insula)에서도 의미 있는 신호가 관찰되었다. 그러나, 일차 후각영역인 piriform cortex와 entorhinal cortex, amygdaloid complex, 그리고 이차후각영역인 orbitofrontal cotex에서는 그다지 많은 빈도로 신호가 발견되지 않았다. 결론적으로 BOLD법을 이용한 fMRI에 의하여 후각자극에 대한 뇌의 활성화영역을 관찰할 수 있었으며, 후각자극에 대한 뇌의 기능을 연구하는데 있어서 중요한 정량적 자료를 제공할 수 있다는 점을 확인할 수 있었다.

• 대한방사선기술학회지:방사선기술과학
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• 제41권6호
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• pp.553-560
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• 2018

PET-CT and PET-MRI which integrates CT using ionized radiation and MRI using phenomena of magnetic resonance are determined to have the limitation to apply the semi-quantitative index, standardized uptake value (SUV), with the same level due to the fundamental differences of image capturing principle and reorganization, hence, their correlations were analyzed to provide their clinical information. To 30 study subjects maintaining pre-treatment, $^{18}F-FDG$ (5.18 MBq/㎏) was injected and they were scanned continuously without delaying time using $Biograph^{TM}$ mMR 3T (Siemens, Munich) and Biograph mCT 64 (Siemens, Germany), which is an integral type, under the optimized condition except the structural differences of both scanners. Upon the measurement results of $SUV_{max}$ setting volume region of interest with evenly distributed radioactive pharmaceuticals by captured images, $SUV_{max}$ mean values of PET-CT and PET-MRI were $2.94{\pm}0.55$ and $2.45{\pm}0.52$, respectively, and the value of PET-MRI was measured lower by $-20.85{\pm}7.26%$ than that of PET-CT. Also, there was a statistically significant difference in SUVs between two scanners (P<0.001), hence, SUV of PET-CT and PET-MRI cannot express the clinical meanings in the same level. Therefore, in case of the patients who undergo cross follow-up tests with PET-CT and PET-MRI, diagnostic information should be analyzed considering the conditions of SUV differences in both scanners.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제22권7호
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• pp.1021-1033
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• 2021

Objective: To assess the expression of vascular normalization genes in different molecular subtypes of breast cancer and to determine whether molecular subtypes with a higher vascular normalization gene expression can be identified using dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Materials and Methods: This prospective study evaluated 306 female (mean age ± standard deviation, 50 ± 10 years), recruited between January 2014 and August 2017, who had de novo breast cancer larger than 1 cm in diameter (308 tumors). DCE MRI followed by IVIM DWI studies using 11 different b-values (0 to 1200 s/mm²) were performed on a 1.5T MRI system. The Tofts model and segmented biexponential IVIM analysis were used. For each tumor, the molecular subtype (according to six [I-VI] subtypes and PAM50 subtypes), expression profile of genes for vascular normalization, pericytes, and normal vascular signatures were determined using freshly frozen tissue. Statistical associations between imaging parameters and molecular subtypes were examined using logistic regression or linear regression with a significance level of p = 0.05. Results: Breast cancer subtypes III and VI and PAM50 subtypes luminal A and normal-like exhibited a higher expression of genes for vascular normalization, pericyte markers, and normal vessel function signature (p < 0.001 for all) compared to other subtypes. Subtypes III and VI and PAM50 subtypes luminal A and normal-like, versus the remaining subtypes, showed significant associations with K^trans, k_ep, v_p, and IAUGC_BN90 on DEC MRI, with relatively smaller values in the former. The subtype grouping was significantly associated with D, with relatively less restricted diffusion in subtypes III and VI and PAM50 subtypes luminal A and normal-like. Conclusion: DCE MRI and IVIM parameters may identify molecular subtypes of breast cancers with a different vascular normalization gene expression.

• 한국병원경영학회지
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• 제2권1호
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• pp.1-21
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• 1997

In order to analyze the shifts in the volume and profits of Computed Tomography(CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) utilization for a year before and after the implementation of insurance coverage for CT, this study has been undertaken examining CT and MRI cost data from 'Y' University Hospital situated in Seoul, Korea. Following are the results of this study: 1. The medical insurance payment for CT, implemented on January 1, 1996, increased CT utilization from January 1996 to April 1996 due to low insurance premiums: however, from May 1996 the number of CT cases significantly decreased as a result of strengthened medical cost reviews and the new 'Detailed standards for approval of CT' announced near the end of April 1996 by the insurer. 2. Since the implementation of insurance coverage for CT, CT fee reduction rates for reimbursements by the insurer to the hospital were 50% and 40% for January and February, respectively, and 31% and 15% for March and April. A significant point in the lowering of the reduction rate was reached in May at 11%; furthermore, since June the reduction rate fell below the average reduction rate for reimbursements for all procedures. If the 'Detailed standards for approval of CT' had been announced before the implementation of insurance coverage for CT, CT utilization would not have been so high due to the need to meet those 'standards'. In addition, loss of hospital profits resulting from the reduction for reimbursements would not have occurred. 3. The shifts in MRI utilization showed that there was no particular change with the beginning of insurance coverage for CT, and the introduction of the 'Detailed standards for approval of CT' made MRI utilization increase because MRI is free of restrictions imposed by the insurer. 4. The relationship between CT utilization and MRI utilization showed that they were supplementary to each other before insurance coverage for CT, but that CT was substituted for MRI because of strengthened medical cost reviews after t~e beginning of insurance coverage for CT. 5. The shifts in volume by patient characteristics showed that the number of inappropriate case patients, according to the insurer's "Standards for approval", decreased more than the number of appropriate case patients after the introduction of insurance coverage for CT. Therefore, the health insurance fee schemes for CT have influenced patient care. 6. The shifts in profits from CT utilization showed a net profit decrease of 31.6%. In order to match the pre-coverage profit level, 5,471 more cases would need to be seen and productivity would need to be increased by 32.7%. This profit decrease resulted from a decrease of CT utilization and low reimbursements. With insurance coverage, net profits from CT were 24.4%, and a margin of safety ratio was 39.6%. Because of the net profits and margin of safety ratio, CT utilization fees for insured appropriate cases could not be considered inappropriate. 7. The shifts in profits from MRI utilization before and after the introduction of CT coverage showed that in order to match pre-CT coverage profit levels, 2,011 more cases would need to be seen and productivity would need to be increased by 9.2%. The reasons for needing to increase the number of cases and productivity result from cost burdens created by adding new MRI units. But with CT coverage already begun, MRI utilization increased. Combined with a minor increase in the MRI fee schedule, MRI utilization showed a net profit increase of 18.5%. Net profits of 62.8% and a 'margin of safety ratio' of 43.1% for MRI utilization showed that the hospital relied on this non-covered procedure for profits. 8. The shifts in profits from CT and MRI utilization showed the net profits from CT decreased by 2.33billion Won while the net profits from MRI increased by 815.7million Won. Overall, these two together showed a net profit decrease of 1.51billion Won. The shifts in utilization showed a functional substitutionary relationship, but the shifts in profits did not show a substitutionary relationship. From these results, We can conclude that if insurance is to be expanded to include previously uncovered procedures using expensive medical equipment, detailed standards should be prepared in advance. The decrease in profits from the shifts in coverage and changes in fees is a difficult burden that should be shared, not carried by the hospital alone. Also, a new or improved fee schedule system should include revised standards between items listed and the appropriateness of the fee schedule should constantly be ensured. This study focused on one university hospital in Seoul and is therefore limited in general applicability. But it is valuable for considering current issues and problems, such as the influence of CT coverage on hospital management. Future studies will hopefully expand the scope of the issues considered here.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제53권2호
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• pp.125-128
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• 2013

A 65-year-old man who had lateral cervical disc herniation underwent cervical posterior laminoforaminotomy at C5-6 and C6-7 level right side. During the operation, there was no serious surgical bleeding event. After operation, he complained persistent right shoulder pain and neck pain. Repeated magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed diffuse cervical epidural hematoma (EDH) extending from C5 to T1 level right side and spinal cord compression at C5-6-7 level. He underwent exploration. There was active bleeding at muscular layer. Muscular active bleeding was controlled and intramuscular hematoma was removed. The patient's symptom was reduced after second operation. Symptomatic postoperative spinal EDH requiring reoperation is rare. Meticulous bleeding control is important before wound closure. In addition, if patient presents persistent or aggravated pain after operation, rapid evaluation using MRI and second look operation is needed as soon as possible.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• 제22권4호
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• pp.218-228
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• 2018

Purpose: The objective of this study is to determine the effect of physical changes on MR temperature imaging at 7.0T and to examine proton-resonance-frequency related changes of MR phase images and T1 related changes of MR magnitude images, which are obtained for MR thermometry at various magnetic field strengths. Materials and Methods: An MR-compatible capacitive-coupled radio-frequency hyperthermia system was implemented for heating a phantom and swine muscle tissue, which can be used for both 7.0T and 3.0T MRI. To determine the effect of flip angle correction on T1-based MR thermometry, proton resonance frequency, apparent T1, actual flip angle, and T1 images were obtained. For this purpose, three types of imaging sequences are used, namely, T1-weighted fast field echo with variable flip angle method, dual repetition time method, and variable flip angle method with radio-frequency field nonuniformity correction. Results: Signal-to-noise ratio of the proton resonance frequency shift-based temperature images obtained at 7.0T was five-fold higher than that at 3.0T. The T1 value increases with increasing temperature at both 3.0T and 7.0T. However, temperature measurement using apparent T1-based MR thermometry results in bias and error because B1 varies with temperature. After correcting for the effect of B1 changes, our experimental results confirmed that the calculated T1 increases with increasing temperature both at 3.0T and 7.0T. Conclusion: This study suggests that the temperature-induced flip angle variations need to be considered for accurate temperature measurements in T1-based MR thermometry.

• 전자공학회논문지
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• 제53권12호
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• pp.131-138
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• 2016

본 연구에서는 CT에서 사용되는 요오드화 조영제가 가돌리늄조영제와 비교하여 MR영상신호에 어떠한 영향을 미치는지 알아보고자 하였으며, 이에 따른 CT조영증강 검사 이후 MRI검사를 시행하는 프로토콜이 적정한지에 대하여 논하고자 하였다. 실험은 iodine과 gadolinium의 두 개의 팬텀을 제작하여 MRI에서의 통상적인 T1, T2, T2 FLAIR, 3D Angio 검사를 시행 후, 이에 대한 정량적 분석이 이루어졌다. 실험결과 체내 자유수(Free water)와 유사한 셀라인의 신호강도 SSI(Saline's Signal Intensity)는 iodine팬텀에서 각 175, 1231, 333, 37 [a.u]을 보였고, gadolinium팬텀에서 101, 1021, 321, 31 [a.u]을 기록하였다. 셀라인의 SI(Signal Intensity)를 기준으로 가장 큰 차이의 신호강도 BDEPS(the Biggest Difference of EPS)는 iodine팬텀에서 각 1297, 123, 757, 232 [a.u]를 보였고, gadolinium팬텀에서 793, 6, 1495, 365 [a.u]를 기록하였다. 이때 셀라인과 비교한 신호증강정도 EPS(Enhancement Percentage to Saline)는 iodine팬텀에서 641.1 -90.0, 127.3, 527%를 보였고, gadolinium팬텀에서 685.1, 99.4, 365.7, 1077.4% 기록하였다. BDEPS를 보이는 지점인 BP(BDEPS's point)는 iodine팬텀에서 900, 900, 477, 900 mmol을 보였고, gadolinium팬텀에서 4, 0.2, 0.2, 40 mmol을 기록하였다. 셀라인과 비교 하여 육안으로 SI변화를 확인할 수 있는 지점 CPSS(Change Point of SI to SSI)는 iodine팬텀에서 63, 423, 63, 29 mmol을 보였고, gadolinium팬텀에서 각 [50, 30], [4, 0.2], [4, 1], 0.2 mmol을 기록하였다. 본 연구를 통하여 iodine 역시 MR신호에 영향을 끼치며, 이는 gadolinium과는 다른 패턴을 보이는 것을 확인하였다. 이에 따라 임상현장에서 본 연구의 정량화 데이터를 감안하여 CT와 MRI 검사 순서 프로토콜을 결정한다면 유용한 진단학적 MR영상을 구현 할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제64권6호
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• pp.901-912
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• 2021

Objective : In the cervical spine, many surgical procedures have been developed to achieve optimal results for various disorders, including degenerative diseases, traumatic injury, and tumor. In this study, we report our experience and follow-up results with a new surgical technique for cervical spine entitled posterior floating laminotomy (PFL) in comparison with conventional laminectomy and fusion (LF). Methods : Data for 85 patients who underwent conventional LF (n=66) or PFL (n=19) for cervical spine disorders between 2012 and 2019 were analyzed. Radiological parameters, including cervical lordosis (CL), T1 slope (T1S), segmental lordosis (SL), and C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), were measured with lateral spine X-rays. Functional outcomes, comprising the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA), neck disability index (NDI), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores, were also measured. For the patients who underwent PFL, postoperative magnetic resonance image (MRI) was performed in a month after the surgery, and the degree of decompression was evaluated at the T2-weighted axial image, and postoperative computed tomography (CT) was conducted immediately and 1 year after the operation to evaluate the gutter fusion. Results : There was no difference in CL, T1S, SL, and C2-7 SVA between the groups but there was a difference in the preoperative and postoperative SL angles. The mean difference in the preoperative SL angle compared with that at the last follow-up was -0.3° after conventional LF and 4.7° after PFL (p=0.04), respectively. mJOA, NDI, and VAS scores showed significant improvements (p<0.05) during follow-up in both groups. In the PFL group, postoperative MRI showed sufficient decompression and postoperative CT revealed gutter fusion at 1 year after the operation. Conclusion : PFL is a safe surgical method which can preserve postoperative CL and achieve good clinical outcomes.