• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제22권7호
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• pp.1163-1171
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• 2021

Objective: To analyze the correlations between intraoperative ultrasound and MRI metrics of the spinal cord in degenerative cervical myelopathy and identify novel potential predictive ultrasonic indicators of neurological recovery for degenerative cervical myelopathy. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two patients who underwent French-door laminoplasty for multilevel degenerative cervical myelopathy were followed up for 12 months. The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores were assessed preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Maximum spinal cord compression and compression rates were measured and calculated using both intraoperative ultrasound imaging and preoperative T2-weight (T2W) MRI. Signal change rates of the spinal cord on preoperative T2W MRI and gray value ratios of dorsal and ventral spinal cord hyperechogenicity on intraoperative ultrasound imaging were measured and calculated. Correlations between intraoperative ultrasound metrics, MRI metrics, and the recovery rate JOA scores were analyzed using Spearman correlation analysis. Results: The postoperative JOA scores improved significantly, with a mean recovery rate of 65.0 ± 20.3% (p < 0.001). No significant correlations were found between the operative ultrasound metrics and MRI metrics. The gray value ratios of the spinal cord hyperechogenicity was negatively correlated with the recovery rate of JOA scores (ρ = -0.638, p = 0.001), while the ventral and dorsal gray value ratios of spinal cord hyperechogenicity were negatively correlated with the recovery rate of JOA-motor scores (ρ = -0.582, p = 0.004) and JOA-sensory scores (ρ = -0.452, p = 0.035), respectively. The dorsal gray value ratio was significantly higher than the ventral gray value ratio (p < 0.001), while the recovery rate of JOA-motor scores was better than that of JOA-sensory scores at 12 months post-surgery (p = 0.028). Conclusion: For degenerative cervical myelopathy, the correlations between intraoperative ultrasound and preoperative T2W MRI metrics were not significant. Gray value ratios of the spinal cord hyperechogenicity and dorsal and ventral spinal cord hyperechogenicity were significantly correlated with neurological recovery at 12 months postoperatively.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제23권11호
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• pp.1102-1111
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• 2022

Objective: To evaluate the ultrasonography (US) features for diagnosing metastasis in cervical lymph nodes (LNs) in patients with thyroid cancer and compare the US classification of risk of LN metastasis between European and Korean guidelines. Materials and Methods: From January 2014 to December 2018, US-guided fine-needle aspiration was performed on 836 LNs from 714 patients for the preoperative nodal staging of thyroid cancer. The US features of LNs were retrospectively reviewed for the following features: size, presence of hilum, margin, orientation, cystic change, punctate echogenic foci (PEF), large echogenic foci, eccentric cortical thickening, abnormal vascularity, and cortical hyperechogenicity. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent US features for the diagnosis of metastatic LNs. The diagnostic performance of independent US features was subsequently evaluated. LNs were categorized according to the Korean Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (K-TIRADS) and European Thyroid Association (ETA) guidelines, and the correlation between the two sets of classifications was assessed. Results: Absence of the hilum, presence of cystic changes, PEF, abnormal vascularity, and cortical hyperechogenicity were independent US features of metastatic LNs. Cystic changes, PEF, abnormal vascularity, and cortical hyperechogenicity showed high specificity (86.8%-99.6%). The absence of the hilum had the highest sensitivity yet low specificity (66.4%). When LNs were classified according to the ETA guidelines and K-TIRADS, they yielded similar categorizations of malignancy risks and were strongly correlated (Spearman coefficient, 0.9766 [95% confidence interval, 0.973-0.979]). According to the ETA guidelines, 9.8% (82/836) of LNs were classified as "not specified." Conclusion: Absence of hilum, cystic changes, PEF, abnormal vascularity, and cortical hyperechogenicity were independent US features suggestive of metastatic LNs in thyroid cancer. Both K-TIRADS and the ETA guidelines provided similar risk stratification for metastatic LNs with a high correlation; however, the ETA guidelines failed to classify 9.8% of LNs into a specific risk stratum. These results may provide a basis for revising LN classification in future guidelines.

• 대한영상의학회지
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• 제84권3호
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• pp.596-605
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• 2023

목적 이 연구는 갑상선 수술 중 절제된 정상 부갑상선 검체를 이용하여 부갑상선의 초음파 소견을 알아보고자 한다. 대상과 방법 2020년 12월부터 2021년 3월까지 갑상선 수술을 시행한 17명 환자의 34개 부갑상선을 분석하였다. 모든 정상 부갑상선은 자가이식전 동결 절편을 통해 조직학적으로 진단되었고 부갑상선 검체를 무균 생리식염수에 넣은 상태에서 고해상 초음파 영상을 얻었다. 부갑상선 검체의 초음파 에코(고에코, 저에코), 에코결(균일, 불균일), 크기, 및 모양(난원, 원형)을 후향적으로 분석하였다. 두 명의 환자에서 얻은 3개의 부갑상선 에코를 절제된 갑상선 실질 에코와 비교하였다. 결과 모든 부갑상선은 생리식염수에 적신 거즈의 에코와 유사한 고에코를 나타냈다. 균일한 고에코는 32개(94.1%)의 부갑상선에서 관찰되었고 3개의 부갑상선은 갑상선 실질보다 높은 에코를 나타냈다. 부갑상선의 장경은 5.1-9.8 mm (평균 7.1 mm)였고, 모양은 33개(97.1%)부갑상선에서 난원형을 보였다. 결론 부갑상선 검체의 에코는 모두 고에코를 나타냈고, 작은 크기의 균일한 고에코를 보이는 난원형 구조물은 부갑상선의 특징적 초음파 소견이었다.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제40권3호
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• pp.137-142
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• 2010

Purpose : This study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic ability of ultrasonography in detection of bone defects and new bone formation. Materials and Methods : Experimental bony defects were prepared on the parietal bone samples acquired from 3.5 kg New Zealand male rabbits. The defects were evaluated using ultrasonography and CBCT, and examined histologically at interval of 1, 3, 6, and 8 weeks. Results : Ultrasonograph demonstrated hyperechogenicity in the defect area at 3 weeks and broadened hyperechogenicity from the margin of bone defect at 6 and 8 weeks due to new bone formation. On the CBCT images, new bone formation was first observed at 3 weeks around the margin of the defect, and showed gradually increase at 6 and 8 weeks. Histologic findings revealed existence of the fibroblasts and fibrous connective tissue with abundant capillary vessels only at 1 week, but osteoid tissue and newly formed trabecular bone at 3 weeks. Bone remodeling in the defect area was observed at 6 weeks and increased calcification and dense trabecular bone formation was observed at 8 weeks. Conclusions : Ultrasonograph proved to be a very useful diagnostic tool in detecting the bony defect and new bone formation. Additionally, ultrasonography provided valuable information regarding the blood supply around the defect area.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제21권11호
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• pp.1248-1255
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• 2020

Objective: To analyze long-term follow-up sonographic findings of intrathyroidal thymus in children. Materials and Methods: Among 1259 patients with congenital hypothyroidism under 15 years of age who underwent thyroid ultrasonography (US), 41 patients were diagnosed with an intrathyroidal thymus based on US criteria, i.e., hypoechoic solid lesion with punctate and linear echogenicity. In 26 patients aged one to 14 years old, the last follow-up US was performed after 6 to 132 months and compared with the initial US. The lesion was considered to decrease in size if there was a change of more than 2 mm in any dimension. The margin change was divided into well-defined and indistinct, blurred. When the echogenicity changed to a hyperechoic from a characteristic thymic echogenicity pattern, the pattern was considered a hyperechogenic. The changes in size were compared with the changes in shape, margin, and echogenicity pattern. The changes in size, shape, margin, and echogenicity were analyzed the association with the age of last follow-up. Statistical analysis was conducted using the chi-squared test and logistic regression. Results: Fifteen (57.7%) cases were stable in size, and 11 (42.3%) decreased in size, including one that disappeared. Ten (38.5%) cases changed to indistinct margins from initially well-defined margins including one case of initially indistinct margin. Six (23.1%) changed to hyperechogenic, from initially characteristic thymic echogenicity patterns. When follow-up change was compared, decreases in size were significantly associated with lesion changes to indistinct margins (p = 0.004). The age at last follow-up was significantly associated with change to hyperechogenicity (odd ratio, 2.141; 95% confidence interval, 1.144-4.010, p = 0.017). Conclusion: On follow-up US, an intrathyroidal thymus may be decreased in size, with indistinct margins, or show changes to a hyperechoic mass. Decreases in size may be associated with changing to indistinct margins, and changes to hyperechogenicity may be associated with increasing age.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• 제7권2호
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• pp.234-238
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• 2003

저자들은 3년 전부터 외반슬과 동요성 보행을 보인 6세 남아에서 특발성 Fanconi 증후군에 동반된 신석회화증의 증례를 경험하였기에 문헌 고찰과 함께 보고하는 바이다.

• 대한두경부종양학회지
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.53-56
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• 2008

Objectives：The purpose of this study was to evaluate the variable sonographic features in addition to classic findings and to find the helpful characteristic findings for diagnosis of branchial cleft cysts. Subjects and Methods：We retrospectively analyzed the sonographic finding of 16 histopathologically proven branchial cleft cysts. Assessment involved the following variables : location related to carotid artery, size, cyst wall, border, margin, shape, internal echotexture, post echoic enhancement, orientation of longitudinal axis relative to the long axis of the neck, and tapering edge. Results：Most branchial cleft cysts were seen as well defined(15/16), oval shape(13/16), smooth inner (12/16) and outer margin(13/16), and post echoic enhancement(16/16). Their diameter varied from 1 to 6cm (mean 3.3cm). The branchial cleft cysts showed variable internal echopatterns；hyperechogenicity or pseudosolid appearance(1/16), heterogeneous echogenicity(4/16) in addition to classic form of anechoic(5/16) or hypoechoic internal echogenicity(6/16). Longitudinal axis of most branchial cleft cysts were arranged in the direction of the long axis of the neck(13/16) and some branchial cleft cysts had tapering edge(6/16). Conclusion：If both atypical sonographic findings and location are showed, longitudinal arrangement of long axis and tapering edge of branchial cleft cysts are helpful findings for differential diagnosis.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제21권12호
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• pp.1374-1382
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• 2020

Objective: To determine whether ultrasonography at initial presentation can help assess the clinical severity of congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) in infants without a sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) mass. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 71 infants aged less than 12 months (4.1 ± 2.3 months) with non-mass CMT. The clinical severity was divided into three grades (groups 1-3) based on the degree of lateral head bending or cervical rotation. The difference (SCM-D) and ratio (SCM-R) between the maximal thickness of the affected and non-affected SCMs were obtained using transverse and longitudinal ultrasonography. The sonographic echotexture and echogenicity of the involved SCM were reviewed. Results: A significant difference was observed in the SCM-D (0.42 ± 0.30 mm in group 1; 0.74 ± 0.50 mm in group 2; 1.14 ± 0.85 mm in group 3; p = 0.002) and SCM-R (1.069 ± 0.067 in group 1; 1.129 ± 0.087 in group 2; 1.204 ± 0.150 in group 3; p = 0.001) among the groups when measured along the longitudinal but not along the transverse ultrasonography plane. The areas under the curves of the SCM-R and SCM-D measured by longitudinal ultrasonography were 0.731 (p < 0.001) and 0.731 (p < 0.001) for group 1 versus groups 2-3. The proportions of heterogeneous echotexture or hyperechogenicity in the involved SCM did not differ significantly among the three clinical groups (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasonography can aid in assessing the clinical severity of CMT in infants without an SCM mass at the time of initial diagnosis. The SCM-R and SCM-D helped grade the clinical severity when obtained by longitudinal scan.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.153-160
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• 1998

The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate whether the transvaginal ultrasonographic analysis of endometrial pattern and thickness could predict the stage of menstrual cycle. Endometrial pattern and thickness were observed in those patients receiving infertility work up from April, 1994 to July, 1998 at Seoul National University Hospital. The study group was 185 patients with normal regular menstrual cycles. Among them, 44 patients received endometrial biopsy, and the date of endometrium was compared with the observed endometrial pattern and thickness. The observed endometrial pattern was presence or absence of central cavity echogenicity, triple line sign, endometrial hypoechogenicity, ring sign, endometrial hyperechogenicity and posterior acoustic sonic enhancement. The results were as follows; Central cavity echogenicity was seen throughout menstrual cycle. Triple line sign was observed in 81.1% of patients during early secretory phase. However, in mid to late secretory phase, triple line sign was appeared in only 6.8%. The percentage of positive endometrial hypoechogenicity was highest in early secretory phase. In contrast to hypoechogenicity, positive endometrial hyperechogenicty was highest in mid to late secretory phase. Ring sign was observed in 73.5% of the patients during early secretory phase with peak incidence. Posterior acoustic enhancement was seen in 72.7% of the patients during late secretory phase. The sensitivity and specificity of being a secretory phase if the patients showed hyperechogenic endometrium, were 84.2%, 83.3% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of being a secretory phase if the patients showed posterior acoustic enhancement were 93.8%, 58.3% respectively. Endometrial thickness was not correlated with endometrial dating. In conclusion, transvaginal ultrasonographical delineation of the endometrial pattern might be useful tool in predicting endometrial status during normal menstrual cycle. But, endometrial thickness could not predict the endometrial dating.

• 대한방사선기술학회지:방사선기술과학
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.149-155
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• 2013

대한갑상선학회는 0.5 cm 보다 큰 경우에만 미세침흡인술을 권고하고 있으나, 본원에서는 0.5 cm 이하의 결절에서도 갑상선 유두암이 많이 발견되고 있다. 이 연구는 건강의학센터에서 미세침흡인술을 시행하여 갑상선 유두암으로 확진된 결절을 토대로 크기에 따른 초음파 특징을 분류해 보고자 한다. 결절의 크기를 장경 0.5 cm 이하, 0.5~1 cm, 1 cm 보다 큰 결절의 세 그룹으로 나누어 각각에서의 악성을 시사하는 초음파 소견에 차이가 있는지 알아보았다. 288개의 악성결절 중 0.5 cm 이하 크기는 21.5 % (62/288), 0.5~1 cm 54.9 % (158/288), 1 cm 보다 큰 결절은 23.6 % (68/288)로 나타났다. 앞뒤가 긴모양의 특징은 0.5 cm 이하 그룹 90.3 % (56/62), 1 cm 보다 큰 그룹 48.5 % (33/68)로 나타나 통계적으로 유의한 차이를 보였다(p<0.001). 0.5 cm이하 그룹에서 well defined smooth 결절은 1예도 없었으며, 침상(spiculated) 혹은 불규칙한 경계는 크기가 클수록 빈도가 증가하였다(p=0.024). 내부에코는 0.5 cm 이하 그룹에서 고에코(hyperechogenicity)와 동에코(isoechogenicity)의 결절은 1예도 없었으며, 각 그룹별로 현저한 저에코(marked hypoechogenicity)보다 저에코(hypoechogenicity)가 많았다(p=0.034). 미세 혹은 거대석회화는 0.5 cm 이하에서 77.4 % (48/62)가 관찰되지 않았으며, 0.5 cm 이하 그룹부터 21.0 % (13/62), 48.1 % (76/158), 64.7 % (44/68)로 결절 크기가 증가할수록 관찰빈도가 증가하였다(p<0.001). 초음파에서 0.5 cm 이하의 결절은 앞뒤가 긴 모양과 침상 혹은 불규칙한 경계, 불분명한 경계를 보였고, 저에코 혹은 현저한 저에코가 많았다. 그러나 미세 혹은 거대석회화는 없는 것이 특징적이었다. 따라서 0.5 cm 이하의 작은 크기의 결절에서 악성을 시사하는 초음파적 특징은 미세침흡인 술이나 추적검사에 대한 유용한 지침을 제공할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.