• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.8
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• pp.3407-3412
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• 2015

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the accuracy of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, and time-intensity curve (TIC) type analysis derived from dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging (DCE-MRI) in differentiating benign from malignant adnexal masses. Materials and Methods: 47 patients with 56 adnexal masses (27 malignant and 29 benign) underwent DWI and DCE-MRI examinations, prior to surgery. DWI signal intensity, mean ADC value, and TIC type were determined for all the masses. Results: High signal intensity on DWI and type 3 TIC were helpful in differentiating benign from malignant adnexal masses (p<0.001). The mean ADC value was significantly lower in malignant adnexal masses (p<0.001). An ADC value< $1.20{\times}10^{-3}mm^2/s$ may be the optimal cutoff for differentiating between benign and malignant tumors. The negative predictive value for low signal intensity on DWI, and type 1 TIC were 100%. The pairwise comparison among the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of TIC was significantly larger than the AUCs of DWI and ADC (p<0.001 for comparison of TIC and DWI, p<0.02 for comparison of TIC and ADC value). Conclusions: DWI, ADC value and TIC type derived from DCE-MRI are all sensitive and relatively specific methods for differentiating benign from malignant adnexal masses. By comparing these functional MR techniques, TIC was found to be more accurate than DWI and ADC.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.10-19
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• 2007

Conventional MRI methods using T1-, T2-, diffusion-, perfusion-weighting, and functional imaging rely on characterizing the physical and functional properties of the tissue. In this review, we introduce an imaging modality based on measured the mechanical properties of soft tissue, namely magnetic resonance elastography (MRE). The use of palpation to identify the stiffness of tissue remains a fundamental diagnostic tool. MRE can quantify the stiffness of the tissue thereby providing a objective means to measure the mechanical properties. To accomplish a successful clinical setting using MRE, hardware and software techniques in the area of transducer, pulse sequence, and imaging processing algorithm need to be developed. Transducer, a mechanical vibrator, is the core of MRE application to make wave propagate invivo. For this reason, considerations of the frame of human body, pressure and friction of the interface, and high magnetic field of a MRI system needs to be taken into account when designing a transducer. Given that the wave propagates through human body effectively, developing an appropriate pulse sequence is another important issue in obtaining an optimal image. In this review paper, we introduce the technical aspects needed for MRE experiments and introduce several applications of this new field.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.177-186
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• 2004

Introduction : Recent studies Suggested that there is a strong correlation between acupuncture stimulation and its related cortical activation. Anther study showed that either positive or negative BOLD effects could be observed depending on anatomical structure in acupuncture stimulation. In ttis study, we investigated a new acupoint $KI_6$ (照海), which was known as motor-related acupoint and obtained an evidence that the stimulation of $KI_6$ resulted in either negative or positive BOLD response to stimulation. Methods & Results : 1. Subjects and paradigms : Two separate stimulation paradigms were performed on five healthy (aged 22-23 yrs) in this study. First, the paradigm of acupuncture stimulation was that the acupuncture needle was inserted in acupoints $KI_6$, which is located in lateral side of the foot and then continuously twisted(補瀉를 除外한 捻轉法) for 70 seconds for 10 cycles of activation. During rest period (70 seconds), the needle was completed removed from acupoint. Total 60 cycles were performed and 10 images were obtained per cycle. Second, nonacupoint was randomly selected and the same paradigm was performed as acupoint stimulation. The stimulation protocol comprised 10 cycles of alternating. activation and rest (10 images per cycle). Total 60 cycles were performed and each cycle take about 1.5 sec for motor task. Subjects take an at least 15 minutes break before starting anther paradigm. 2. fMRI mapping : Multi-slice functional images were obtained on a 1.5T Magnetom Vision MRI scanner (Simens Medical, Erlangen, Germany) equipped with high performance whole-body gradients. The BOLD T2 * - weighted images were acquired with acho planar imaging sequence (TR = 1.2 sec, TE = 60 msec, and flip angle = $90_{\circ}$). The other sequence parameter are : FOV = 210 mm, matrix=$64{\times}128$ or $64{\times}64$, slice number=10 and slice thickness = 5 or 8 mm. the anatomic images were obtained with Spin-echo T1-weighted images. The resulting images were then anaiyzed with STIMULATE (CMRR, U. of Minnesota) to generate functional maps using a student T-test (p < 0.005) and cluster analysis. Both positive and negative response were evaluated. Conclusions : We have observed the activation of the motor cortex by stimulating motor-related acupoint ($KI_6$). Among five subjects, negative BOLD response was shown in four and positive response in one. All subjects showed positive response to conventional finger flexion-extension task. To understand the detailed mechanisms of correlation between acupuncture stimulation and BOLD fMRI changes and two typs of response, further study strongly required.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.29-46
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• 2004

Objectives and Methods : This study was performed to investigate the effect of electro -acupuncture at four gates(bilateral LR3 and LI4) on brain activity in normal subjects using fMRI. Results and Conclusions : 1. fMRI signal increase by electro-acupuncture at Lt. LR3 was observed in Rt. Middle frontal gyrus in group average as well as more than half of the subjects. 2. fMRI signal decreases by electro-acupuncture at Lt. LR3 were observed in Rt. Superior frontal gyrus, Rt. Middle temporal gyrus, Rt. Cingulate gyrus in group average as well as more than half of the subjects. 3. fMRI signal increases by electro-acupuncture at Lt. LI4 were observed in Lt. Superior frontal gyrus, Lt. Middle frontal gyrus, Lt. Inf. Semi-Lunar Lobule(cerebellum), Rt. Middle frontal gyrus, Rt. Cingulate gyrus in group average as well as more than half of the subjects. 4. fMRI signal decreases by electro-acupuncture at Lt. LI4 were observed in Lt. Middle frontal gyrus, Lt. Inferior frontal gyrus, Lt. Precentral gyrus and Rt. Middle frontal gyrus, Rt. Middle temporal gyrus, Rt. Precuneus, Rt. Inferior frontal gyrus, Rt. Postcentral gyrus in group average as well as more than half of the subjects. 5. fMRI signal increase by electro-acupuncture at Lt. LR3 and Lt. LI4 in group average as well as more than half of the subjects was not observed. 6. fMRI signal decreases by electro-acupuncture at Lt. LR3 and Lt. LI4 were observed in Lt. culmen(cerebellum), Lt. Cingulate gyrus와 Rt. Middle frontal gyrus, Rt. Cingulate gyrus, Rt. Inferior frontal gyrus in group average as well as more than half of the subjects. 7. fMRI signal increases by electro-acupuncture at four gates (bilateral LR3 and LI4) were observed in Lt. Middle temporal gyrus and Lt. Postcentral gyrus in group average as well as more than half of the subjects. 8. fMRI signal decrease by electro-acupuncture at four gates (bilateral LR3 and LI4) were observed in Lt. Middle frontal gyrus, Lt. Precentral gyrus, Lt. Inferior frontal gyrus, Lt. Middle temporal gyrus, Lt. Frontal sub-gyral and Rt. Tuber(cerebellum) in group average as well as more than half of the subjects.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.57-65
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• 1996

The Evaluation of patients complaining of psychiatric symptoms following head injury is much affected by the results of various tests. The objecive of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of each lest by comparing the structual and fuctional brain studies. The subjects were 93 organic menial disorder in and out patients at the Dept. of Neuropsychiatry of the Kyung Hee University Hospital. After carrying out MRI, CT, SPECT, EEG, the results of each were analysed for the sesitivity and ability to detect focal lesion. The degree of inter-test correlations of lest results were also investigated. Furthermore, the characteristic features of psychological tests were studied and the relationship between each of above mentioned tests and psychological test was examined. As for the test sensitivity to diagnosis, the SPECT was the most superior followed by MRI, CT, EEG in thai order. In the case of abnormality, SPECT ranked 1st in detection of focal lesion, followed by MRI, CT in that order. In the inter-test result correlation, the correlation of SPECT-MRI was statistically significant. When mare than moderate abnormality EEG finding was reported, it correlated significantly with that of MRI findings. In the MMPI, the average scores on F, Hs, D, Hy, Pa, Pt, Sc subscales were above 60. Abnormal SPECT group scored significantly high on the F, Pd, Pa, Sc, Ma scales and therefore in comparison ot the SPECT normal group, displayed more psychotic features. In K-WAIS, the mean full scale IQ was down to 77. 23(Verbal IQ : 78.76, Performance IQ : 77.44) but there was no characterogic significant relationship between the lowered to and abnormal SPECT, MRI, CT and EEG results. In conclusion, 1) The SPECT was mast superior in sensitivity and detection of focal lesions. In comparision with other tests, the results of SPECT correlated well with MRI had thus is thought to be very usefull testing method in the evaluation of organic mental disorder patients. 2) The MRI had relatively high sensitivity, ability to detect focal lesion and superior correlation with other test. 3) Although EEG fared less an sensitivity in comparison to other tests, the results of above moderate abnormal grade group and that of MRI correlated significantly. 4) In the MMPI highly scored in F, Hs, D, Hy, Pa, Pt, Sc subscales and abnormal SPECT patients were shown to display more sever psychotic features. There was no significant character relationship between the lowered IQ(in K-WAIS) and abnormal findings on MRI, CT, SPECT, EEG.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.133-150
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• 2003

Objective: Recently. many studies have showed the evidences of the effect of the Electro-acupuncture treatment through scientific. Methods : One of these methods is functional MRI. We performed electro-acupuncture on Zusanli(St36) and observed the change of brain activation using fMRI. Zusanli(St36) is located on the lateral side of the lower leg. 3 cun(寸) inferior to the Patella of the lower border. Theoretically and clinically. this point has been considered very important for gynecological disorders. spleen and stomach disorders. and psychological disorders. To see the effects of electro-acupuncture stimulation on Zusanli(St36). the experiment was carried out on twelve healthy volunteers. using the gradient echo sequence with the 3.0T whole-body fMRI system(ISOL). After the needle insertion on right Zusanli(St36). 2 Hz of electric stimulation was given for 30 seconds. repeated five times. with 30 seconds' intervals. The Image analysis including motion correction. talairach transformation, and smoothing was done with SPM99. Results ad conclusion : The electro-acupuncture stimulation on Zusanli(St36) activates Brodmann Area 6, 13, 2, 19, 21, 22, 39, 40, 38, 3which indicates the pathways of the electro-acupuncture stimulation on Zusanli(St36) and the possibility of the relationship of the electro-acupuncture stimulation on Zusanli(St36) with autonomic nervous system, internal organic system.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.208-226
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• 2003

Objective : Recently many studies have showed the evidence of the effect of the acupuncture treatment through scientific methods. One of these methods is functional MRI. We performed electro-acupuncture on St40 and observed the change of brain activation using fMRI. Methods : To see the effects of electro-acupuncture stimulation on Fenglong(St40), the experiment was carried out on six healthy volunteers, using the gradient echo sequence with 3.0T whole-body MRI system(ISOL). after the needle insertion on right Fenglong(St40), 2 Hz of electric stimulation was given for 30 seconds, repeated five times, with 30 seconds' intervals. Results & Conclussion : Electro-acupuncture stimulation on Fenglong(St40) activated Brodmann's Areas of 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 13, 18, 22, 30, 40, 42, 43 which may be the central pathways of electro-acupuncture stimulation on Fenglong(St40).

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.187-207
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• 2003

Objective: Recently, many studies have showed the evidences of the effect of the acupuncture treatment through scientific methods. One of these methods is functional MRI. We performed electro-acupuncture on Liv3 and observed the change of brain activation using fMRI. Methods: To see the effect of electro-acupuncture stimulation on Liv3. the experiment was carried out on 12 healthy volunteers. using the gradient echo sequence with the 3.0T whole-body MRI system(ISOL). After the needle insertion on right Liv3. 2 Hz of electric stimulation was given for 30 seconds. repeated five times. with 30 seconds' intervals. The Image analysis including motion correction, talairach transformation. and smoothing was done with SPM99. Results : 1. Group averaged brain activation induced by bilateral electro-acupuncture stimulation on Liv3 activates Brodman Area 6, 13, 18, 19, 22, 31, 39, 44, 2. Group averaged brain deactivation induced by bilateral Electro-acupuncture stimulation on Liv3 activates Brodman Area 4, 6, 9, 19, 36, 37, 39. 3. Group averaged brain activation induced by unilateral(right side) electro-acupuncture stimulation on Liv3 activates Brodman Area 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 22, 40, 42, 43. 4. Group averaged brain deactivation induced by unilateral(right side) electro-acupuncture stimulation on Liv3 activates Brodman Area 6, 18, 19, 28, 30, 31, 35, 37. 5. Brain region activated by motor stimulation activates Brodman Area 4, 6, 13, 19, 42.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.68-72
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• 2005

Object:Nicotine dependence is the most common substance abuse disorder. One of the characteristics of nicotine dependence is craving. Regional activation of the brain induced by craving for nicotine was evaluated by using functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate neuroanatomical site of smoking craving. Method:A smoker who satisfied DSM-IV criteria for nicotine dependence and a non smoker was studied. MRI data were acquired on a 1.5T Magnetom Vision Plus with a head volume coil. Two sets of visual stimuli were presented to subjects in a random manner. One was the film scenes of inducing smoking craving and the other was neutral stimuli not related to smoking. There were two fMRI sessions before and after smoking or sham smoking. Data were analyzed using SPM99. Results:fMRI showed significant activated area in anterior cingulate and medial frontal lobes in the smoker during smoking craving. Right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and parietal lobes were activated in the control during visual stimulation before smoking. After smoking, there was no brain activation during visual stimulation in both of smoker and non smoker. Conclusion:Metabolic activity of the anterior cingulate and medial frontal lobes increased during craving for smoking. This result suggests that fMRI may be a valuable tool in the identification of neurobiological process of craving.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.86-103
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• 2003

Objective : Recently, many studies have showed the evidences of the effect of the acupunture treatment through scientific methods. One of these methods is functional MRI. We performed electro-acupunture on Sp6 and observed the changes of brain activation using fMRI. Methods : To see the effect of electro-acupunture stimulation on Sp6, the experiment was carried out on 12 healthy volunteers, using the gradient echo sequence with the 3.0T whole-body MRI system(ISOL). After the needle insertion on right Sp6, 2Hz of electric stimulation was given for 30 seconds, repeated five times, with 30 seconds' intervals. The Image analysis including motion correction, talairach transformation, and smoothing was done with SPM99. Results : 1. Group averaged brain activation induced by bilateral eletro-acupunture stimulation on Sp6 activates Brodman Area 3, 7, 13. 2. Group averaged brain deactivation induced by bilateral eletro-acupunture stimulation on Sp6 activates Brodman Area 6, 38, 47. 3. Group averaged brain activation induced by unilateral(right side) eletro-acupunture stimulation on Sp6 activates Brodman Area 5, 6, 13, 17, 18, 19, 31, 38, 40 ptoms, back pain(32.5%) was the 4. Group averaged brain deactivation induced by unilateral(right side) eletro-acupunture stimulation on Sp6 activates Brodman Area 3, 4, 18, 21, 36, 38, 39. 5. Brain region activated by motor stimulation activates Brodman Area 3, 4, 6, 18, 19.