• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.33-40
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• 2013

Purpose : To evaluate late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) pattern of left ventricular (LV) myocardium and presence or absence of LGE in other regions of the heart on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in patients diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis. Materials and Methods: From 2009 to 2011, 9 patients who were suspected cardiac amyloidosis underwent CMR. We retrospectively analyzed the presence or absence of LGE and enhancement pattern in LV myocardium, and the presence or absence of LGE in other chambers as well. Also we measured interatrial septal thickness (IST), relative signal intensities of atrial septum and epicardial fat over the left atrial (LA) cavity on delayed enhanced images. MRI parameters in these patients were compared to those of control group of patients with ischemic heart disease by Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: Of nine patients, LGE were found in 8; subendocardial circumferential pattern in 4 and diffuse pattern in 4. LGE in right ventricle was observed in 7. IST was significantly increased in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (P = 0.02). Ratio of atrial septum to LA cavity and ratio of epicardial fat to LA cavity showed a significant difference (P = 0.0002 and P = 0.0006, respectively). Conclusion: In LGE CMR, subendocardial or diffuse enhancement pattern is a typical finding for patients with cardiac amyloidosis. Atrial septum and epicardial fat show relatively increased signal intensities over LA blood cavity.

• Journal of Radiation Industry
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.391-396
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• 2023

Currently, state-of-the-art devices such as SPECT, PET/CT, and PET/MRI are rapidly spreading nationwide, and the penetration rate of nuclear medical devices is also ranked fifth in the world. However, PET/MRI's system is slower and less common because it is more complex than PET/CT. The purpose of this study is to provide optimal information on PET/MRI according to the patient's disease. The subjects obtained information on head and neck cancer, pediatric patients, breast cancer patients, heart disease patients, lung cancer patients, and rectal cancer patients. We tried to accumulate protocols by obtaining a lot of information about each disease. In diagnosing head and neck cancer, it is believed that it is highly likely to be used in evaluating preoperative stage determination, recurrence and remote metastasis after treatment, and unclear primary cervical lymph node metastasis. Diagnosis and continuous follow-up of pediatric patients can increase patient benefits by minimizing radiation exposure. Breast cancer provides a comprehensive evaluation of the clinical need to determine the extent of disease in breast and local lymph nodes and the systematic stages of early diagnosis or recurrence. In diagnosing heart disease patients, MR-based PET motion correction helps to realize the full potential of PET images. For lung cancer patients, the clinical value and usefulness of the resolution and detection ability of integrated PET/MRI for soft tissues such as lung cancer will be sufficient. In diagnosing rectal cancer patients, the detection of missing residual diseases can change the clinical response evaluation for rectal cancer patients treated with TNT, and both the initial stage and treatment response evaluation are possible. Therefore, this literature study provided basic clinical data for PET/MRI tests.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.23 no.8
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• pp.794-802
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• 2022

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of single-shot whole thoracic time-resolved MR angiography (TR-MRA) to identify the feeding arteries of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) and reperfusion of the lesion after embolization in patients with multiple PAVMs. Materials and Methods: Nine patients (8 females and 1 male; age range, 23-65 years) with a total of 62 PAVMs who underwent percutaneous embolization for multiple PAVMs and were subsequently followed up using TR-MRA and CT obtained within 6 months from each other were retrospectively reviewed. All imaging analyses were performed by two independent readers blinded to clinical information. The visibility of the feeding arteries on maximum intensity projection (MIP) reconstruction and multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) TR-MRA images was evaluated by comparing them to CT as a reference. The accuracy of TR-MRA for diagnosing reperfusion of the PAVM after embolization was assessed in a subgroup with angiographic confirmation. The reliability between the readers in interpreting the TR-MRA results was analyzed using kappa (κ) statistics. Results: Feeding arteries were visible on the original MIP images of TR-MRA in 82.3% (51/62) and 85.5% (53/62) of readers 1 and 2, respectively. Using the MPR, the rates increased to 93.5% (58/62) and 95.2% (59/62), respectively (κ = 0.760 and 0.792, respectively). Factors for invisibility were the course of feeding arteries in the anteroposterior plane, proximity to large enhancing vessels, adjacency to the chest wall, pulsation of the heart, and small feeding arteries. Thirty-seven PAVMs in five patients had angiographic confirmation of reperfusion status after embolization (32 occlusions and 5 reperfusions). TR-MRA showed 100% (5/5) sensitivity and 100% (32/32, including three cases in which the feeding arteries were not visible on TR-MRA) specificity for both readers. Conclusion: Single-shot whole thoracic TR-MRA with MPR showed good visibility of the feeding arteries of PAVMs and high accuracy in diagnosing reperfusion after embolization. Single-shot whole thoracic TR-MRA may be a feasible method for the follow-up of patients with multiple PAVMs.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.50-57
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• 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tendon healing of arthroscopic repair in full-thickness supraspinatus tears. We evaluate the effectiveness of the arthroscopic repair of full-thickness supraspinatus tears by assessing functional improvement. Materials and Methods: Thirty consecutive full-thickness supraspinatus tears were repaired arthroscopically in 19 patients with a one row of anchor and 11 patients with two rows of anchors. Patients ranged in age from 51 to 79 years (average 63 years). Average follow-up was 16 month (range, 12 to 28 months). To evaluate the effectiveness of the arthroscopic repair of full-thickness supraspinatus tears by assessing functional improvement, we calculate the Constant, ASES, UCLA scores. The 30 patients had either an MR Arthrogram (25 cases) or an MRI (5 cases), performed between 5 months and 20 months (mean 10 months) after surgery. Results: The cuff was healed in 21/30 cases (70%) and partially torn in 3 cases (10%) after the arthroscopic repair of full-thickness supraspinatus tear. Although the supraspinatus tendon was totally torn to the tuberosity in 6 cases(20%) after the arthroscopic repair, the size of the tear was smaller than the initial in 5 cases. The Constant score improved from an average of $55.7{\pm}7.1$ points preoperatively to $77.7{\pm}9.7$ points at the last follow-up (p<0.001), and the average ASES score improved from $39.2{\pm}7.4\;to\;72.4{\pm}12.6$ (p<0.001), and the average UCLA score improved from $17.9{\pm}2.2\;to\;26.8{\pm}5.0$ (p<0.001). Strength of elevation was significantly better $(7.1kgs{\pm}2.4)$ in the shoulders with a healed tendon that in those with an total or partial re-tear tendon $(4.5kgs{\pm}1.0)$ (p<0.05). Factors adversely affecting tendon healing were increasing age, Only 41.7% of the repairs completely healed in patients over 65 years (p<0.05). Conclusion: Arthroscopic repair of isolated full-thickness tear of the supraspinatus leads to completely healing in 70% of the cases. Total or partial re-tear of the repaired rotator cuff is associated with a decreased strength. Older patients had significantly lower healing rates.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.34 no.12
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• pp.3654-3658
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• 2013

The synthesis of a DO3A conjugate of [(p-aniline benzothiazole)methyl]pyridine ($L^2H_3$) and its gadolinium complex of the type [$Gd(L^2)(H_2O)$] ($GdL^2$) is described. The $R_1$ relaxivity ($=4.50mM^{-1}sec^{-1}$) and kinetic inertness of $GdL^2$ compares well with those of structurally analogous Dotarem$^{(R)}$ ($R_1=3.70mM^{-1}sec^{-1}$), a typical extracellular (ECF) MRI contrast agent (CA). Yet, by comparison with Dotarem$^{(R)}$, $GdL^2$ exhibits non-covalent interactions with human serum albumin (HSA) as evidenced by the ${\varepsilon}^*$ titration curve along with in vivo MR signal enhancement in both aorta and heart. Liver-specific nature of $GdL^2$ is also observed as excretion is made through gallbladder. Most notably, $GdL^2$ further demonstrates specificity toward the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.132-137
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• 2007

With the advance of stem cell transplantation research, in vivo cell tracking techniques have become increasingly important in recent years. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may provide a unique tool for non-invasive tracking of transplanted cells. Since the initial findings on the stem cell migration by MRI several years ago, there have been numerous studies using various animal models, notably in heart or brain disease models. In order to develop more reliable and clinically applicable methodologies, multiple aspects should be taken into consideration. In this review, we will summarize the current status and future perspectives of in vivo cell tracking technologies using MRI. In particular, use of different MR contrast agents and their detection methods using MRI will be described in much detail. In addition, various cell labeling methods to increase the sensitivity of signals will be extensively discussed. We will also review several key experiments, in which MRI techniques were utilized to detect the presence and/or migration of transplanted stem cells in various animal models. Finally, we will discuss the current problems and future directions of cell tracking methods using MRI.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.8
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• pp.1369-1378
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• 2021

Objective: Few attempts have been made to investigate the prognostic value of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI or dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MRI of non-enhancing, T2-high-signal-intensity (T2-HSI) lesions of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in newly diagnosed patients. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic values of DCE MRI and DSC MRI parameters from non-enhancing, T2-HSI lesions of GBM. Materials and Methods: A total of 76 patients with GBM who underwent preoperative DCE MRI and DSC MRI and standard treatment were retrospectively included. Six months after surgery, the patients were categorized into early progression (n = 15) and non-early progression (n = 61) groups. We extracted and analyzed the permeability and perfusion parameters of both modalities for the non-enhancing, T2-HSI lesions of the tumors. The optimal percentiles of the respective parameters obtained from cumulative histograms were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and univariable Cox regression analyses. The results were compared using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis of progression-free survival. Results: The 95th percentile value (PV) of Ktrans, mean Ktrans, and median Ve were significant predictors of early progression as identified by the ROC curve analysis (area under the ROC curve [AUC] = 0.704, p = 0.005; AUC = 0.684, p = 0.021; and AUC = 0.670, p = 0.0325, respectively). Univariable Cox regression analysis of the above three parametric values showed that the 95th PV of Ktrans and the mean Ktrans were significant predictors of early progression (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.06, p = 0.009; HR = 1.25, p = 0.017, respectively). Multivariable Cox regression analysis, which also incorporated clinical parameters, revealed that the 95th PV of Ktrans was the sole significant independent predictor of early progression (HR = 1.062, p < 0.009). Conclusion: The 95th PV of Ktrans from the non-enhancing, T2-HSI lesions of GBM is a potential prognostic marker for disease progression.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.416-421
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• 2012

A 10-year-old 4-kg spayed female Chihuahua with severe congestive heart failure was referred for surgical treatment. Through several examinations, the dog was diagnosed as severe mitral regurgitation (MR) and moderate TR. Because of the poor prognosis associated with continuation of medical management, surgical repair of the mitral valve was considered as the treatment option for the dog. The mitral valve repair was performed undergoing cardio pulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit. However after mitral repair, the dog was died without recovery from anesthesia. Many risk factors associated with failure of cardiac surgery are included CPB management, hypothermia, organ dysfunction, hemorrhage, hypotension, electrolyte & acid base imbalance, and infection. Although the dog is died from the operation, it is an important to reveal the factors of failure in veterinary clinic. From the case report, causes of failure of mitral valve repair can be considered from the failure of oxygenation and gas exchange by hypothermia and serious hypotension with low heart rate by low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS). Through the several considerations from this case, it is known that coming cardiac surgery for mitral valve repair is required to be more careful for successful operation. Further it can be brought to increase success rate in further operation.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.99-106
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• 2002

Background: Simple ventricular septal defect(VSD) is the most common congenital heart disease. Although closure of VSD is currently associated with a relatively low risk, experience with younger and smaller infants has been variably less satisfactory. We assessed the results of surgical closure of VSD in infant. Materials and Methods: Between 1996 and 2000, 45 non-restrictive VSD patients underwent patch repair and retrospective analysis was done. Patients were divided into two groups based on weight: group I infants weighed 5kg or less(n=16), and group II infants weighed more than 5kg(n=29). Both groups had similar variation in sex, VSD location, aortic cross clamp time and total bypass time. But combined diseases (ASD, PDA, MR) were more in group I. We closed VSD with patch and used simple continuous suture method in all patients. Results: There were no operative mortality, no reoperation for hemodynamically significant residual shunt and no surgically induced complete heart block. As a complication, pneumonia(group I: 2 cases, group II: 2 cases), transient seizure(group II: 2), wound infection(group I: 1, group II: 1), urinary tract infection(group I: 1) and chylopericardium(group I: 1) developed, and there was no significant difference between two groups(p>0.05). Conclusion: Early primary closure with simple continuous suture method was applicable in all patients with non-restrictive VSD without any serious complications.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.23-29
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• 2004

Nebulin is a (Mr 600∼900 kDa) large actin-binding protein specific to skeletal muscle and thought to act as a molecular template that regulates the length of thin filaments. Cardiac muscles of higher vertebrates have been shown earlier to lack nebulin. Recently, full-length nebulin mRNA transcripts have been detected in heart muscle, but at lower levels than in skeletal muscle. Nebulin expression also was detected in the kidney, eye, and otic canal, suggesting that nebulin isoforms may also be expressed in these organs. We have searched for nebulin isoforms in brain of human using PCR and Northern blot. Here, we provide evidence that nebulin mRNA transcripts are expressed in brain. Seven nebulin isoforms (B, C, D, E, F, G and H form) are obtained in human skeletal muscle and four isoforms (B, C, G and H form) in human brain cDNA library. We cloned the 1.3 kb of nebulin fragment from human adult brain library by PCR. The identity of the PCR product was confirmed by sequence analysis. The partial brain nebulin sequence was 99% identical to the skeletal muscle cDNA as determined by Blast alignment. It contains two simple-repeats HR1, HR2 and linker-repeats exon l35∼143 except exon 140. It was different from skeletal muscle B form, which contain HR1 and HR8. These data suggest that nebulin isoform diversity occurs even more extensively than previously known, likely contributing to the distinct thin filament architecture of different striated muscles.