• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.25-30
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• 2012

Purpose : To compare the enhancement pattern of normal facial nerves on 3D-FLAIR and 3D-T1-FFE-F) sequences at 3.0 T MR units. Materials and Methods: We assessed 20 consecutive subjects without a history of facial nerve abnormalities who underwent temporal bone MRI with contrast enhancement between January 2008 and March 2009. Two neuroradiologists independently reviewed pre-/post-enhanced 3D-T1-FFE-FS and 3D-FLAIR images respectively with 2-week interval to assess the enhancement of normal facial nerves divided into five anatomical segments. The degree of enhancement in each segment was graded as none, mild or strong, and the results of 3D-FLAIR and 3D-T1-FFE-FS image sets were compared. Results: On 3D-FLAIR images, one of the two reviewers observed mild enhancement of the genu segment in two (10%) subjects. On 3D-T1-FFE-FS images, at least one segment of the facial nerve was enhanced in 13 (65%) subjects. At least one reviewer found that 17 of the 100 segments showed enhancement on 3D-T1-FFE-FS images, with the mastoid segment being the most commonly enhanced. Interobserver agreement on 3D-T1-FFE-FS images was good for enhancement of the normal facial nerve (${\kappa}$= 0.589). Conclusion: In contrast to 3D-T1-FFE-FS, normal facial nerve segments rarely showed enhancement on 3D-FLAIR images.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.288-293
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• 2004

Purpose: increased uptake of wrist and hand joints in three phase bone scintigraphy (TPBS) have been used in the detection of reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS). TPBS frequently shows increased shoulder uptake in the hemiplegic RSDS patients. We investigated the significance of the shoulder uptake in the detection of these patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty three patients who had hemiplegia due to brain stroke and diagnosed as RSD were enrolled in this study (M:F=16:7, R:L=11:12). The mean age was $63{\pm}10$ yrs. Ter normal volunteer (mean age: $60{\pm}5$, M:F=1:9) data was used as control group. TPBS was performed $59{\pm}32$ days after stoke (acute stage). We obtained the count ratios of bilateral hands by drawing a region of interest (ROI) in three phase images and compared to the count ratios of shoulders in the delayed image. Hand ROI included an ipsilateral wrist. Sensitivity of detecting the affected limb was defined using the right/left count ratio of normal control. Results: Sensitivities using count ratios of hand blood flow, blood pool and delayed image were 45%, 76% and 78%, respectively. Sensitivity of shoulder count ratio was 74%. Log of right/left counts of hand delayed image and that of shoulder delayed image were correlated well with statistical significance (Spearman's R=0.824, p<0.001). Conclusion: Shoulder uptake showed good correlation with hand uptake in the delayed image of TPBS. Shoulder uptake maybe helpful in the diagnosis of reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome in patients with hemiplegia.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.79-85
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• 2004

Purpose : To evaluate the usefulness and reproducibility of $^1H$ MRS in different 1.5 T MR machines with different coils to compare the SNR, scan time and the spectral patterns in different brain regions in normal volunteers. Materials and Methods : Localized $^1H$ MR spectroscopy ($^1H$ MRS) was performed in a total of 10 normal volunteers (age; 20-45 years) with spectral parameters adjusted by the autoprescan routine (PROBE package). In all volunteers, MRS was performed in a three times using conventional MRS (Signa Horizon) with 1 channel coil and upgraded MRS (Echospeed plus with EXCITE) with both 1 channel and 8 channel coil. Using these three different machines and coils, SNRs of the spectra in both phantom and volunteers and (pre)scan time of MRS were compared. Two regions of the human brain (basal ganglia and deep white matter) were examined and relative metabolite ratios (NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, and mI/Cr ratios) were measured in all volunteers. For all spectra, a STEAM localization sequence with three-pulse CHESS $H_2O$ suppression was used, with the following acquisition parameters: TR=3.0/2.0 sec, TE=30 msec, TM=13.7 msec, SW=2500 Hz, SI=2048 pts, AVG : 64/128, and NEX=2/8 (Signa/Echospeed). Results : The SNR was about over $30\%$ higher in Echospeed machine and time for prescan and scan was almost same in different machines and coils. Reliable spectra were obtained on both MRS systems and there were no significant differences in spectral patterns and relative metabolite ratios in two brain regions (p>0.05). Conclusion : Both conventional and new MRI systems are highly reliable and reproducible for $^1H$ MR spectroscopic examinations in human brains and there are no significant differences in applications for $^1H$ MRS between two different MRI systems.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.323-331
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• 2014

Purpose : To assess the usefulness of rectal filling using ultrasonographic gel in patients with lower rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: Twenty five patients with lower rectal cancer were enrolled. High resolution pelvic MR was performed twice before and after gel filling. Independently and retrospectively, two radiologists reviewed each set of MR images using five-grade scales for sphincter involvement, CRM (circumferential resection margin) involvement and depiction of the tumor. Same two radiologists retrospectively performed consensus review of each set of MR images for tumor distance from the anal verge and T&N staging. Results: Tumor depiction scores from MR with gel filling were significantly higher than those of MR without distention (p<0.001). Compared to MR without distension, MR with gel filling had no significant differences in prediction of CRM or sphincter involvement (p>0.05). Distance from the anal verge was significantly different between MR with gel filling and rigid endoscopy ($6.8{\pm}1.6cm$ vs. $5.8{\pm}1.6cm$, p=0.001). There were no significant differences between pathological staging and MR staging with or without gel filling. Conclusion: MR with gel filling improved tumor depiction. And also MR with gel filling revealed same ability for the predictions of CRM or sphincter invasion in patients with lower rectal cancer, comparing with MR without gel filling.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.323-331
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• 2011

We evaluated clinical usefulness of Arterial spin labeling perfusion MR imaging on the acute ischemic cerebral infarction patients through this study. We compared 22 patients who were done with DSC imaging and ASL imaging in admitted emergency room with acute ischemic cerebral infarction, with 36 normal comparison persons (DSC image on 21persons, ASL images on 15persons). Siemens Magnetom Verio 3.0T with 12 channel head coil was used for this study. DSC image obtained 4 maps(rCBV, rCBF, rMTT, TTP) through post-processing. For qualitative analysis we compared the area of lesion macro-diagonal with the size of diffusion weighted MR image for rMTT, TTP, rCBF, rCBV, ASL maps. For Quantitative analysis we analyzed significant correlations between less than 3 cm infarction group and normal comparison group using mean relative value of flowing image with Mann-Whitney U test. TTP(95.5%) and rCBF(95.5%) maps showed high recognition rate in qualitative analysis for >3cm infarction group. The rCBF and rCBV map tests were highly related with final stage stroke areas. Mean relative value of infarction group showed a significant correlations in quantitative analysis(p<0.05). As a conclusion, arterial spin labeling image showed high lesion recognition rate in the >3cm infarction group. Mean relative values in quantitative evaluation were used for reference data. If we do more sustainable researches, ASL image will be useful for an early diagnosis of cerebral infarction, determination of the range of ischemic pneumbra and effective treatments.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.165-169
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• 2004

In Magnetic Resonance Electrical Impedance Tomography (MREIT), we inject current through electrodes placed on the surface of a subject and measure the induced magnetic flux density distribution using an MRI scanner. This requires a constant current source whose output pulses are synchronized with MR pulse sequences. In this paper, we present a design and performance analysis of a current source used in a 3.0T MREIT system. The developed current source was tested using a saline phantom. We found that its performance is satisfactory for the current MREIT system. We suggest future improvements for better SNR(signal-to-noise ratio).

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Medical Physics Conference
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• 2003.09a
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• pp.58-58
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• 2003

목적 : 본 연구에서는 C-arm과 CT에 사용 가능한 자궁경부암용 팬톰을 개발하고 이를 이용하여 기존의 필름 방법에 기반한 위치 확인 방법과 CT 재구성 방법의 정확성을 비교 연구하고자 한다. 정확성이 검증된 후에는 두 방법의 장점을 이용하기 위해 CT로 재구성된 좌표를 필름의 좌표로 변환시켜 현재 사용되고 있는 필름에 기반한 근접 치료 계획 시행에 도움을 주고자 한다. 방법 : 자체 제작한 자궁경부암용 팬톰은 인체 등가 물질인 물과 아크릴을 사용하였고, 크게 localizer 부분과 팬톰 부분으로 구성되어 있다. 또한, 실제 자궁경부암 환자의 임상적인 구조를 모사하여 제작하였다. 자궁경부암 치료시 중요 장기인 방광과 직장을 구와 원기둥으로 설계하였고, 고선량율 applicator는 아크릴 판의 흠으로 고정시켜 제작하였기 때문에 CT 촬영시 applicator를 제거한 영상에서도 applicator의 구조가 정확하게 묘사될 수 있도록 제작하였다. 두 시스템에서 재구성된 좌표를 비교하기 위해 각각의 시스템에서의 얻은 재구성 좌표와 팬톰 자체의 localizer와 재구성 알고리즘을 바탕으로 개발된 프로그램을 이용하여 얻은 좌표로 두 재구성 좌표의 비교 연구를 수행하였다. 정확성이 검증되고 장기의 정보가 담긴 CT의 좌표는 자체 개발된 프로그램으로 2 차원의 필름 좌표로 변환되었다. 본 연구에 사용된 모든 프로그램은 ILD 5.5를 사용하여 개발되었다. 결과 : 두 시스템의 좌표 비교 결과 x, y 축은 차이가 2mm 이내로 비교적 정확한 실험 결과를 얻을 수 있었고, z 축의 경우 CT 슬라이드의 굵기에 따라 2mm-3mm 이내의 차이가 있음을 관찰할 수 있었다. z 축을 제외한 좌표의 차이는 획득한 영상에서 컴퓨터로 좌표를 옮기는 localizer 좌표 선택 과정에 발생했을 것으로 예상된다. 또한, 이 검증된 좌표와 개발된 프로그램을 이용하여 우리는 CT의 좌표를 2차원의 필름 좌표로 정확하게 변환할 수 있었다. 결론 : 이 연구로부터 기존의 C-arm 재구성 방법과 CT 재구성 방법의 비교를 통해 각 치료 기기의 신뢰성을 직접 확인할 수 있었으며, 비교를 통해 검증된 CT의 좌표를 필름 좌표로 변환시킴으로서, 각 시스템의 장점만을 결합한 효과적인 치료 계획을 세울 수 있는 가능성을 제시하였다. 또한 물과 아크릴을 사용한 비교적 간단하고 경제적인 방법으로 C-arm, CT 그리고 MRI에 모두 이용 가능한 팬톰을 제작하여 쉽고 정확하게 위치를 확인할 수 있었다. 더 나아가, 본 연구에서 제작된 자궁경부암 팬톰은 근접치료를 포함하여 관련 팬톰 개발에 도움을 줄 수 있을 것으로 예상된다.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.41-46
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• 1999

Purpose : To investigate the difference of total activation in visual area, motor area, and cerebellum according to the stimulation paradigm. Materials and Methods : Functional MR imaging was performed in 5 healthy volunteers with visual and motor activity using EPI technique. LED and Checker-Board stimulation were performed for visual activity. Thumb motion and Finger Tapping were performed for motor and cerebellum activity. Stimulus timing was 60sec. off, 120sec. on, 60sec. off. Data processing was carried out by using the cross-correlation method for each pixel. Each pixel was then selected and assumed activated if the correlation coefficient was equal or larger than a threshold value. Time course data was obtained by calculating the total activation which was defined as the number of activated pixel x averaged pixel intensity. Results : In the case of visual activity with LED stimulation, we found increased total activity of more than 100% compared with Checker-Board stimulation. In the case of motor area and cerebellum with Finger tapping stimulation, we found increased total activity of more than 10% and 150%, respectively compared with Thumb motion stimulation.

• Korean Journal of Digital Imaging in Medicine
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine usefulness of 3T equipment-based time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (3T-TOF MRA) by comparing standard technique (ST) with high resolution technique (HRT) in evaluation of cerebral blood vessel. The 3T-TOF MRA was performed for 31 patients who were suspected of having cerebrovascular disease from March to July 2010. For evaluation of cerebral blood vessel, classification was conducted randomly: group I that included vertebral artery and basilar artery, group II that ranged from 2.5cm before basin part of common carotid artery to basin part of internal and external carotid arteries and to genu part of internal carotid artery, group III that ranged from vertebral part of internal carotid artery to the first basin art of anterior and middle cerebral through education recognizes the importance of dose reduction and examine if their efforts and further reduce patient dose could achieve optimization of the medical exposure is considered.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Bioinformatics Conference
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• 2002.06a
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• pp.89-104
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• 2002

유전체연구사업단은 국내에서 발병 및 사망빈도가 가장 높은 위암과 간암의 퇴치를 목적으로 국가적 특목전략사업으로 연구를 추진하고 있다. 이와 별도로 보건복지부에서는 22개의 중요 질병별 유전체 연구센터를 전국적으로 추진하고 있다. 따라서, 연구가 성공적으로 진행되면 각 연구소에서 독자적으로 개발하여 제공하는 생명정보의 양은 거의 무한에 이를 것이다. 그러나 생명정보는 환자진료에 도움을 주기 위해서는 궁극적으로 임상정보와 함께 유기적으로 통합되어야 한다. 임상정보와의 통합을 위해서는 의료기관의 진료정보와 연구소의 생명정보가 연계되어 엄밀한 임상실험이 추가적으로 실시되어야 한다. 뿐만 아니라 생명정보학의 발전을 위해서는 연구대상의 임상정보가 공유되어야 한다. 유전체정보를 이용하는 생명정보학(Bioinformatics)은 각 국가마다 전략사업으로 간주하여 막대한 투자가 이루어지는 새로운 분야이다. 현재 선진국에서 개발 사용 중인 시스템의 연간 사용료가 고가이므로 국내 도입은 거의 불가능하거나 또는 매우 비효율적이다. 유전체 또는 생명정보의 임상활용 및 생명정보연구를 위한 임상정보 공유를 위해서는 우선 다음의 사항이 개발되어야 한다. 1) 다음과 같은 개별환자의 정보를 각 의료기관에서 제공 받아 저장 활용한다. - 진찰 및 임상소견, 수술기록, 경과기록, 검사결과 (임상병리, 해부병리, 방사선 등), - 영상정보 (X-ray, CT, MRI, 초음파, 전자현미경, 그래픽 등), - 환자개인기록(병력, 과거력, 가족력, 알러지 등), - 예방접종 기록 2) 각 연구소에서 첨단기술을 이용하여 개발되는 생명정보를 임상에 활용하기 위해서는 유전체연구센타와 병원간에 임상정보와 유전체 분석정보의 공유가 필수적으로 발생하게 됨으로, 유전체 정보와 임상정보의 통합은 미래 의료환경에 필수기능이 될 것이다. 3) 각 생명공학 연구소에서 사용하는 첨단 분석 장비와 생명공학 정보시스템의 자동 연계가 필요하다. 현재 국내에는 전국적인 초고속정보망이 가동되어 웹을 기반으로 하는 생명정보의 공유는 기술적으로 문제가 될 수 없으나 임상정보의 유전체연구에 그리고 유전체연구정보의 임상활용은 다양한 문제를 내포하고 있다. 이에 영상을 포함한 환자정보의 유전체연구센터와 병원정보시스템과의 효율적인 연계통합 운영을 위해 국내에서는 초기 도입단계에 있는 국제적인 보건의료정보의 표준인 Health Level 7 (textural information 공유), DICOM (image 및 wave 공유), 관련 ISO표준, WHO의 ICD9/10 (질병분류), LOINC (검사 및 관련용어), SNOMED International (의학용어) 등을 활용하여야 한다.