• Title/Summary/Keyword: Gradient Echo

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Turbo FLASH NRI Using Optimized Flip Angle Pattern: Application to Inversion-Recovery T1-Weighted Imaging (최적화된 Flip Angle Pattern을 사용한 Turbo FLASH MRI: Inversion-Recovery T1-Weighted Imaging에의 응용)

  • Oh, C.H.;Choi, H.J.;Yang, Y.J.;Lee, D.R.;Ryu, Y.C.;Hyun, J.H.;Kim, S.R.;Yi, Y.;Jung, K.J.;Ahn, C.B.
    • Proceedings of the KOSOMBE Conference
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    • v.1998 no.11
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    • pp.55-56
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    • 1998
  • The 3-D Fast Gradient Echo (Turbo FLASH, Turbo Fast Low Angle Shot) sequence is optimized to achieve a good T1 contrast using variable excitation flip angles. In Turbo FLASH sequence, depending on the contrast preparation scheme, various types of image contrast can be established. While proton density contrast is obtained when using a short repetition time with a short echo time and small flip angles, T1 or T2 weighting can be obtained with proper contrast preparation sequences applied before the above proton density Turbo FLASH sequence. To maximize the contrast to noise ratio while retaining a sharp impulse response (smooth frequency domain response), the excitation flip-angle pattern is optimized through simulation and experiments. The TI (the delay after the preparation sequence which is a 180 degree inversion RF pulse in the IR T1 weighted imaging case), TD (the delay time between the Turbo FLASH sequence and the next preparation), and TR are also optimized fur the best image quality. The proposed 3-D Turbo FLASH provides $1mm\times1mm\times1.5mm$ high resolution images within a reasonable 5-8 minutes of imaging time. The proposed imaging sequence has been implemented in a Medison's Magnum 1.0T system and verified through simulations as well as human volunteer imaging. The experimental results show the utility of the proposed method.

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The Study of in Vivo Visual Pathway Tracing using Magnetic Magnanese Tracer (자성 망간 추적자를 이용한 in Vivo 시신경경로 추적에 관한 연구)

  • Bae, Sung-Jin;Chang, Yong-Min
    • Progress in Medical Physics
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    • v.18 no.1
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    • pp.42-47
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    • 2007
  • Purpose: To evaluate the tracing of optic nerve tract using manganese enhanced magnetic resonance Imaging. Materials and Methods: After injecting $30{\mu}l$ of $MnCl_2(1mol)$ (1 mol) Into the retina of female New Zealand white rabbit, the contrast enhancements at major anatomical structures of optic nerve tract were evaluated by high resolution T1-weighted Images 12 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after $MnCl_2(1mol)$ Injection using 3D FSPGR (Fast Speiled Gradient Recalled echo) pulse sequence at 1.5T clinical MR scanner with high performance gradient system. Also, for quantitative evaluation, the signal-to-noise ratios of circular ROI on anatomical locations were measured. Results: The major structures on the optic nerve tract were enhanced after injecting $MnCl_2(1mol)$. The structures, which showed enhancement, were right optic nerve, optic chiasm, left optic tract, left lateral geniculate nucleus, left superior colliculus. The structures on the contralateral optic pathway to the right retina were enhanced whereas the structures on the ipsilateral pathway did not show enhancement. Conclusion: The Mn transport through axonal pathway of optic nerve sys)em was non- invasively observed after injecting injecting $MnCl_2$ at the retina, which is the end terminal of optic nerve system. This Mn transport seems to occur by voltage gated calcium $(Ca^{2+})$ channel and In case of direct Injection Into the retina, the fast transpori pathway of voltage gated calcium channel seems to be responsible for Mn transport.

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Software development for the visualization of brain fiber tract by using 24-bit color coding in diffusion tensor image

  • Oh, Jung-Su;Song, In-Chan;Ik hwan Cho;Kim, Jong-Hyo;Chang, Kee-Hyun;Park, Kwang-Suk
    • Proceedings of the KSMRM Conference
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    • 2002.11a
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    • pp.133-133
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    • 2002
  • Purpose: The purpose of paper is to implement software to visualize brain fiber tract using a 24-bit color coding scheme and to test its feasibility. Materials and Methods: MR imaging was performed on GE 1.5 T Signa scanner. For diffusion tensor image, we used a single shot spin-echo EPI sequence with 7 non-colinear pulsed-field gradient directions: (x, y, z):(1,1,0),(-1,1,0),(1,0,1),(-1,0,1),(0,1,1),(0,1,-1) and without diffusion gradient. B-factor was 500 sec/$\textrm{mm}^2$. Acquisition parameters are as follows: TUTE=10000ms/99ms, FOV=240mm, matrix=128${\times}$128, slice thickness/gap=6mm/0mm, total slice number=30. Subjects consisted of 10 normal young volunteers (age:21∼26 yrs, 5 men, 5 women). All DTI images were smoothed with Gaussian kernel with the FWHM of 2 pixels. Color coding schemes for visualization of directional information was as follows. HSV(Hue, Saturation, Value) color system is appropriate for assigning RGB(Red, Green, and Blue) value for every different directions because of its volumetric directional expression. Each of HSV are assigned due to (r,$\theta$,${\Phi}$) in spherical coordinate. HSV calculated by this way can be transformed into RGB color system by general HSV to RGB conversion formula. Symmetry schemes: It is natural to code the antipodal direction to be same color(antipodal symmetry). So even with no symmetry scheme, the antipodal symmetry must be included. With no symmetry scheme, we can assign every different colors for every different orientation.(H =${\Phi}$, S=2$\theta$/$\pi$, V=λw, where λw is anisotropy). But that may assign very discontinuous color even between adjacent yokels. On the other hand, Full symmetry or absolute value scheme includes symmetry for 180$^{\circ}$ rotation about xy-plane of color coordinate (rotational symmetry) and for both hemisphere (mirror symmetry). In absolute value scheme, each of RGB value can be expressed as follows. R=λw|Vx|, G=λw|Vy|, B=λw|Vz|, where (Vx, Vy, Vz) is eigenvector corresponding to the largest eigenvalue of diffusion tensor. With applying full symmetry or absolute value scheme, we can get more continuous color coding at the expense of coding same color for symmetric direction. For better visualization of fiber tract directions, Gamma and brightness correction had done. All of these implementations were done on the IDL 5.4 platform.

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A fMRI study on the cerebral activity induced by Electro-acupuncture on Zusanli(St36) (족삼리(足三里)(St36)의 전침자극(電鍼刺戟)이 fMRI상 뇌활성(腦活性) 변화(變化)에 미치는 영향(影響))

  • Kim, Young-il;Kim, Young-hwa;Lim, Yun-kyoung;Lee, Hyen;Lee, Byung-ryul;Kim, Yeon-jin
    • 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.

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fMRI study on the cerebral activity induced by Electro-acupuncture on Fenglong(St40) (풍륭(豊隆)(St40) 전침(電鍼)이 뇌활성(腦活性) 변화(變化)에 미치는 영향(影響) (fMRI를 이용한 연구))

  • Bae, Eun-jeong;Hong, Kwon-eui;Lee, Hyun;Lee, Byung-ryul;Yim, Yun-kyoung;Kim, Yeon-jin
    • 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).

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A fMRI study on the cerebral activity induced by Electro-acupuncture on Taichong(Liv3) (태충(太衝)(Liv3)의 전침자극(電鍼刺戟)이 fMRI상 뇌활성(腦活性) 변화(變化)에 미치는 영향(影響))

  • Ha, Chi-hong;Lee, Hyun;Lim, Yun-kyoung;Hong, Kwon-eui;Lee, Byung-ryul;Kim, Yeon-jin
    • 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.

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Reproducibility of Hemispheric Language Dominance by Noun, Verb, Adjective and Adverb Generation Paradigms in Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Normal Volunteers (정상성인의 뇌기능적 자기공명영상에서 명사, 동사, 형용사 그리고 부사 만들기 과제들에 대한 언어영역편재화의 재현성에 관한 연구)

  • In Chan Song;Kee Hyun Chang;Chun Kee Chung;Sang Hyun Lee;Moon Hee Han
    • Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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    • v.5 no.1
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    • pp.24-32
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    • 2001
  • Purpose : We investigated the reproducibility of language lateralization by 4 different word generation paradigms or the rest contents in each paradigm using functional magnetic resonance imaging in normal volunteers Materials and Methods Nine normal volunteers with left-handedness (mean age: 25 yrs) were examined on a 1.57 MR unit using a single-shot gradient echo epibold sequence. Four different word generation paradigms of noun, verb, adjective and adverb were used in each normal volunteer for investigating language system. In each paradigm, two different rest contents consisted of only seeing the " +" symbol or reading the meaningless letters. Each task consisted of 96 phases including 3 activations and 6 rests of 2 different contents. Two activation maps in one task were obtained under two different rest contents using the correlation method. We evaluated the detection rates of Broca and Wernicke areas and the differences of language lateralization among four different word generation paradigms, or between the rest contents. Results : The detection rates of Broca and Wernicke areas were over 67 % in 4 different language paradigms and there was no significant difference of them among language paradigms, or between two different rest contents. Language dominances, in all 4 different language paradigms, were shown to be consistent in 66 %, but were contrary with language paradigms in some subjects. The rest contents made no significant effect on dominant language dominance determination, but the success rates of the dominant language dominances determined from 4 language paradigms were higher in reading the meaningless letter (100%, n=9) than in only seeing "+" on screen at the rest task (78%, n=7).

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Analysis and Comparison of MR Signal Strength and SNR Value for Optimal FOV (최적의 FOV를 위한 MR신호강도와 신호 대 잡음비 값의 비교분석)

  • Lee, Sang-Ho
    • Journal of radiological science and technology
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    • v.41 no.2
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    • pp.109-113
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    • 2018
  • Despite the continuous development of software, it is continuously pursued to enlarge the examination area of FOV in order to reduce the factors of inconsistency in images that appear in continuous examination during wide area examination using contrast agent such as whole body angiography. In this study, we investigated the optimal FOV by comparing the SNR values according to the changes of FOV. The change of the FOV was gradually changed to $270{\times}200$, $300{\times}223$, $330{\times}244$, $360{\times}266$ and $380{\times}281$. SE images at TR 450 msec and TE 10 msec, FSE images at TR 2,000 msec, TE 80 msec, and GE images were scanned at TR 117 msec, and TE 16 msec. SNR values were calculated from the mean values of signal intensities of five phantom images and the signal intensity values of four background standard deviations. As a result of the study, the signal intensity and the SNR value according to the change of the FOV value gradually increased as the FOV was increased, but it was found that the SNR value decreased at a constant size. In conclusion, the results are different from previous studies that the SNR increases as the FOV increases. The cause of these results could not be confirmed. However methods that can be imaged and included within the effective FOV should be considered.

Wallerian Degeneration of Insufficiently Affected White Matters in Old Infarction: Tract of Interest Analysis of Diffusion Tensor Imaging

  • Choi, Chi-Hoon;Lee, Jong-Min;Koo, Bang-Bon;Park, Jun-Sung;Kwon, Jun-Soo;Kim, Sun-I.
    • Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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    • v.28 no.3
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    • pp.317-324
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    • 2007
  • The application of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and fiber tractography to Wallerian degeneration (WD) is important because this technique is a very potent tools for quantitatively evaluating fiber tracts in vivo brain. We analyzed a case and control using tracts of interest (TOI) analysis to quantify WD. We scanned a case of old infarction and an age-matched healthy volunteer. T1 magnetization prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo (MPRAGE), fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and 12-direction diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were obtained and analyzed using TOI analysis. The value of mean diffusity ($D_{av}$) and fracional anisotrophy (FA) were analyzed statistically by MWU test. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. A comparison of the global fiber diffusion characteristics shows WD of both the corpus callosum and the ipsilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus. The corpus callosum in particular showed trans-hemispherical degeneration. Local fiber characteristics along the geodesic paths show WD in the corpus callosum, ipsilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus, ipsilateral corticospinal tract, and ipsilateral corticothalamic tract. We have demonstrated changes in $D_{av}$ and FA values and a clear correspondence with the WD in various tracts. TOI analysis successfully revealed radial WD in white matter tracts from a region of encephalomalacia and primary gliosis, although they were only slightly affected.

Radiologic Determination of Corpus Callosum Injury in Patients with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Associated Clinical Characteristics

  • Kim, Dong Shin;Choi, Hyuk Jai;Yang, Jin Seo;Cho, Yong Jun;Kang, Suk Hyung
    • Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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    • v.58 no.2
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    • pp.131-136
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    • 2015
  • Objective : To investigate the incidence of corpus callosum injury (CCI) in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) using brain MRI. We also performed a review of the clinical characteristics associated with this injury. Methods : A total of 356 patients in the study were diagnosed with TBI, with 94 patients classified as having mild TBI. We included patients with mild TBI for further evaluation if they had normal findings via brain computed tomography (CT) scans and also underwent brain MRI in the acute phase following trauma. As assessed by brain MRI, CCI was defined as a high-signal lesion in T2 sagittal images and a corresponding low-signal lesion as determined by axial gradient echo (GRE) imaging. Based on these criteria, we divided patients into two groups for further analysis : Group I (TBI patients with CCI) and Group II (TBI patients without CCI). Results : A total of 56 patients were enrolled in this study (including 16 patients in Group I and 40 patients in Group II). Analysis of clinical symptoms revealed a significant difference in headache severity between groups. Over 50% of patients in Group I experienced prolonged neurological symptoms including dizziness and gait disturbance and were more common in Group I than Group II (dizziness : 37 and 12% in Groups I and II, respectively; gait disturbance : 12 and 0% in Groups I and II, respectively). Conclusion : The incidence of CCI in patients with mild TBI was approximately 29%. We suggest that brain MRI is a useful method to reveal the cause of persistent symptoms and predict clinical prognosis.