• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.157-161
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• 2009

Purpose : This study aimed to investigate the luminal stenosis of the internal carotid artery with calcification detected on panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods : This study used fifty carotid arteries of 36 dental patients whose panoramic radiograph and computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed the presence of carotid artery calcification. A neuroradiologist interpreted CTA to determine the degree of stenosis of the internal carotid arteries. The degree of stenosis was stratified in four stages; normal (no stenosis), mild stenosis (1-49%), moderate stenosis (50-69%) and severe stenosis (70-99%). Results : Among the fifty carotid arteries with calcification detected on both panoramic radiography and CTA, 20 carotid arteries (40%) were normal, 29 carotid arteries (18%) had mild stenosis, 1 carotid artery (2%) had moderate stenosis, and there was none with severe stenosis. Conclusion : Sixty percent of the carotid arteries with calcification detected on both panoramic radiography and CTA had internal luminal stenosis, and two percent had moderate stenosis. When carotid atheroma is detected on panoramic radiograph, it is possible that the dental patient has luminal stenosis of the internal carotid artery.

• Proceedings of the KOR-BRONCHOESO Conference
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• 1993.05a
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• pp.99-99
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• 1993

Radiography of nasopharynx are routinely performed for nasopharyngeal soft tissue changes. Although CT scan is widely performed nowadays, the value of lateral neck radiograph is still important to detect the masses in the nasopharynx. The purpose of this study was to establish the constitution of the normal dimension of the nasopharyngeal soft tissue on the lateral neck radiograph and make a parameter of the nasopharyngeal soft tissue hypertrophy. We have made various measurements of the thickness of the nasopharyngeal soft tissue on the lateral skull films in 214 Korean adults (109 males and 104 females). We found that the diameter of the nasopharyngeal soft tissue was decreased by age and the value of males were always greater than that of females and the thickness of the roof was always less than the posterior wall.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.35-42
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• 2003

Purpose: This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between the mandibular asymmetry and the internal derangement of temporomandibular joint. Materials and methods: One hundred and sixty eight patients had been assessed through clinical examinations, panoramic radiographs and magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs), were selected. The samples were classified into three subgroups according to the severity of the mandibular asymmetries in the panoramic radiographs and the status of TMJ discs on the MRI were compared among each groups. Results: In an apparent asymmetry group, there was a significant difference in the number of temporomandibular disk displacement without reduction between the long and short side (66.7%, 18/27 joints on the short side) when the ratio of condylar process and coronoid process was used (p<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference when the ratio of condyle and ramus was used. Conclusion: The probability of the disc displacement without reduction was higher at the side with relatively shorter condylar process on the panoramic radiograph, and also it might be more effective to use ratio of condylar process and coronoid process in the assessment of mandibular asymmetry. Therefore, a careful assessment on the temporomandibular disorders is necessary to diagnose and establish the treatment plans for the patients with a mandibular asymmetry and the panoramic radiograph can be used effectively on that way.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.226-232
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• 2009

Background: Blunt chest trauma accounts for 90% of all chest traumas in Europe and the United States and this causes 20% of all trauma-related deaths. The major cause of morbidity and mortality after blunt chest trauma is undetected injuries. For this reason, chest computerized tomography has gained popularity for the evaluation of trauma, but it is expensive and it exposes patients to radiation. This study identified the clinical features associated with the diagnosic information obtained on a CT chest scan, as compared with a standard chest X-ray, for patients who sustained blunt trauma to the chest. This study also evaluated the role of a routine computed tomographic (CT) scan for these patients. The patients who had chest computed tomography done after the initial chest x-ray were analyzed separately for the presence of occult injuries. Material and Method: We studied 100 consecutive patients from November 2006 to July 2007: 74 patients after motor vehicle crashes and 26 patients after a fall from a height >2m. Simultaneous with the initial clinical evaluation, an anteroposterior chest radiograph and a helical chest CT scan were obtained for all the patients. The data extracted from the medical record included the vital signs, the interventions and the type and severity of injury (RTS). Result: Among the 100 cases, 79 patients showed at least more than one pathologic sign on their chest radiograph, and 21 patients had a normal chest radiograph. For 17 of the patients who had a normal chest X ray, the CT scan showed multiple injuries, which were pneumothorax, hemothorax, lung contusion, sternal fracture etc. This represents that a CT scan is statistically superior to a chest radiograph to diagnose the pathologic signs. But on the other hand, as for treatment, only 31 patients were diagnosed by CT scan and they were treated with chest tube insertion ect. 42 patients needed ony conservative management without invasive thoracosurgical treatment such as chest tube insertion or open thoracotomy. 27 patients were treated based on the diagnosis made by the chest radiograph and physical examination. Conclusion: Chest computerized tomography was significantly more effective than routine chest X-ray for detecting lung contusion, pneumothorax and mediastinal hematoma, as well as fractured ribs, scapula and, sternum. Although the occult findings increased, the number of patients who needed treatment was small. Therefore, we suggest making selective use of a CT scan to avoid its overuse in ERs.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.57 no.6
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• pp.535-542
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• 2004

Background : Despite the clinical clues of bronchial asthma, some chronic coughers fail to be diagnosed due to negative test results. This study was aimed at evaluating the diagnostic performance of routine objective tests and identifying a cost-effective approach for asthmatics with a chronic cough. Methods : Patients with a chronic cough of more than 3 weeks duration, and showing normal chest radiograph and spirometry were enrolled. On the first visit, objective tests, composed of serum total IgE, peripheral blood eosinophil count, spontaneous sputum eosinophil count, methacholine bronchial provocation test (MBPT) and paranasal sinus radiograph, were performed, with the simultaneous administration of oral prednisolone (0.5mg/kg) for one week. The final diagnoses were made on the basis of the test results, and the patients grouped according to their steroid responsiveness. The role of the etiologic diagnosis tests was evaluated, and the medical costs of the final management plan simulated with respect to three assumed models. Results : Sixty chronic coughers were finally analyzed. The final diagnoses were as follows: bronchial asthma 21.7%, eosinophilic bronchitis 6.7%, paranasal sinusitis 18.3%, presumptive allergy 8.3% and non-diagnostic case 45.0%. Ninety percent were steroid responder. With the bronchial asthma cases, the positive rate of MBPT was 38.5%, with sputum eosinophil count in 84.6%, serum total IgE in 38.5%, and a peripheral blood eosinophil count rate of 30.8%. When the test results and steroid responsiveness data were applied to the 3 models, the chest radiograph, spirometry, sputum eosinophil count and paranasal sinus radiograph test results, and simultaneous short term steroid treatment seemed to have acceptable diagnostic performances, which could be used as a further guide to cost-effective planning. Conclusion : Objective tests, composed of chest radiograph, spirometry, paranasal sinus radiograph and sputum eosinophil count, with simultaneous short term steroid treatment, are suggested as cost-effective approaches for asthmatics with a chronic cough.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.12 no.10
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• pp.340-348
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• 2012

To evaluate the usefulness of tomosynthesis in the chest area, simple radiograph, low-dose CT, and tomosynthesis examinations were performed, and their absorbed doses were compared, and finally the images were evaluated. The absorbed dose recorded with the simple Radiograph examination was $0.33{\pm}0.27$ mGy, that of low-dose CT $1.26{\pm}0.56$ mGy, and that of tomosynthesis $0.55{\pm}0.02$ mGy, which indicate significance differences in absorbed doses among the examinations(p<0.001). Based on the evaluations of the images, The simple radiograph scores were $1.66{\pm}0.72$, $1.61{\pm}0.63$, and $1.57{\pm}0.73$, respectively; low-dose CT scores were $2.92{\pm}0.26$, $2.91{\pm}0.29$, and $2.88{\pm}0.32$, respectively; and tomosynthesis scores were $2.69{\pm}0.51$, $2.76{\pm}0.43$, and $2.66{\pm}0.61$, respectively. That is, there were statistically significant differences among the examinations(p<0.001), although there was no significant difference between low-dose CT and tomosynthesis examinations. Therefore, tomosynthesis is judged to be a useful examination that can minimize radiation doses to patients during chest examinations and enhance diagnostic efficacy.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.364-372
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• 2010

Objective: This study was designed to assess the diagnostic validity of digital panoramic radiographs compared to cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders. Methods: Panoramic radiograph and CBCT were taken from a total of 212 joints from 106 subjects. The joints were examined by two dentists and divided into the following six groups: normal, flattening, osteophyte formation, erosion, sclerosis, and unclassified. The sensitivity and specificity of each observer and inter-observer reliability were statistically analyzed. Results: The results showed relatively high intra-observer reliability in the diagnosis of both panoramic and CBCT images and the weighted Kappa indices of panoramic and CBCT images were 0.714 and 0.727, respectively. The sensitivities of panoramic images of observer A and B to CBCT images was 82.35% and 84.30%, respectively, while the specificity of observer A and B was 58.06% and 61.54%, respectively. However, guided diagnosis from panoramic and CBCT images were statistically different (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The present study suggests that the panoramic radiograph could be used as a primary diagnostic device to detect bony changes of temporomandibular joints in clinical orthodontics, because panoramic images showed relatively high sensitivity compared to CBCT images. However, CBCT images may be one of the best choices when a more accurate diagnosis is necessary.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.63-69
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• 2011

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new technique for localizing impacted mesiodens using its horizontal magnification ratio on panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods : Location-magnification equation of a panoramic equipment was obtained from horizontal magnification ratio of a metal ball which was located variable positions from the center of image layer at interval of 2 mm. Panoramic radiographs were obtained from a skull phantom with a metal ball which was a substitute for impacted mesiodens and was embedded 10mm(Group 1), 15mm(Group 2), and 20mm(Group 3) posterior to the central incisor. Each group obtained 7 panoramic radiographs at variable positions and one periapical radiograph. Three methods were used to estimate the actual width of the incisors and the balls which were used to calculate the magnification ratio. The methods included using the actual incisor width and the calculated ball width (Method 1), using the actual incisor width and the ball widths measured on periapical radiograph (Method 2), and using the incisor and the ball widths measured on periapical radiograph (Method 3). The location of the metal ball was calculated by using the location-magnification equation. Results : The smallest difference between the calculated and the actual distance was $0.1{\pm}0.7 \;mm$ in Group 1/ Method 3. The largest difference was $-4.2{\pm}1.6 \;mm$ in Group 3/Method 2. In all groups, method 3 was the most accurate. Conclusion : Quantitative localization of impacted mesiodens is possible by using panoramic radiograph.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.177-181
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• 2010

Purpose: The author evaluated the clinical and radiological results after wearing the medial arch supports in children. Materials and Methods: 103 patients who had symptomatic flat feet were evaluated from march, 2002 to may 2009. All patients wore the medial arch supports according to the symptoms. We measured parameters at weight-bearing radiographs before and after medial arch support were worn. We also evaluated the clinical scores using the AOFAS score. Results: Mean age of patients was 97 months (11-204 months), all foot of patients involved bilaterally. Mean talo-first metatarsal angle of right foot was $17.7{\pm}9.4$ and left foot was $19.96{\pm}9.5$ degrees at AP radiograph in pre-wearing state. Mean calcaneal pitch angle of right foot was $12.0{\pm}5.3$ and left foot was $11.9{\pm}5.8$ degrees at lateral radiograph in pre-wearing state. Mean talo-first metatarsal angle of right foot was $14.4{\pm}8.05$ and left foot was $13.1{\pm}8.77$ degrees at AP radiograph in post-wearing state. Mean calcaneal pitch angle of right foot was $16.4{\pm}5.75$ left foot was $16.5{\pm}5.6$ degrees at lateral radiograph in post-wearing state. The radiographic angles between pre-wearing and post-wearing state were statistically significant (p<0.05). Mean pre-wearing AOFAS hindfoot score was $66.7{\pm}9.25$, midfoot score was $60.0{\pm}9.34$ forefoot score was $57.1{\pm}11.8$. Mean post-wearing AOFAS hindfoot score was $73.2{\pm}9.73$, midfoot score was $68.1{\pm}10.1$, forefoot score was $67.2{\pm}11.4$. The forefoot score was highest improving scores among the AOFAS scores. Conclusion: From our study, we concluded that medial arch support was effective for symptomatic flat feet of children in radiological and clinical results from our study.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.471-489
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• 1998

For the successful endodontic treatment, root canal should be cleaned thoroughly by accurate mechanical and chemical canal preparation and sealed completely with canal filling material without damaging the periapical tissues. The accuracy of the root canal length measurement is a prerequisite for the success of the endodontic treatment, and the root canal length is often determined by the standard periapical radiographs and digital tactile sense. In this study, the accuracy and the clinical usefulness of Digora/sup (R)/, an intraoral digital imaging processor and the conventional standard radiographs were compared by measuring the length from the top of the file to the root apex. 30 single rooted premolars were invested in a uniformly sized blocks and No.25 K-file was inserted into and fixed in each canal. Each block was placed in equal distance and position to satisfy the principle of the bisecting angle and paralleling techniques and Digora/sup (R)/ system's image and standard periapical radiographs were taken. Each radiograph was examined by 3 different observers by measuring the length from top of the file to the root apex and each data was compared and analyzed. The results were as follows; 1. In the bisecting angle technique, the average difference between the Digora/sup (R)/ system and standard periapical radiograph was 0.002 mm and the standard deviation was 0.341 mm which showed no statistically significant difference between the two systems(p>0.05). Also, in the paralleling technique, the average difference between these two system was 0.007 mm and the standard deviation was 0.323 mm which showed no statistically significant difference between the two systems(p>0.05). 2. In Digora/sup (R)/ system, the average difference between the bisecting angle and paralleling technique was -0.336 mm and the standard deviation was 0.472 mm which showed a statistically significant difference between the two techniques(p<0.05). Also, in the standard periapical radiographs, the average difference between the bisecting angle and paralleling technique was 0.328 mm and the standard deviation was 0.517 mm which showed a statistically significant difference between these two techniques(p<0.05). 3. In Digora/sup (R)/ system and the standard periapical radiographs. there was a statistically significant difference between the measurement using the bisecting angle technique and the actual length(p<0.05), But there was no statistically significant difference between the measurement using the paralleling technique and the actuallength(p>0.05). In conclusion. the determination of the root canal length by using the Digora/sup (R)/ system can give us as good an image as the standard periapical radiograph and using the paralleling technique instead of the bisecting angle technique can give a measurement closer to the actual canal length. thereby contributing to a successful result. Also. considering the advantages of the digital imaging processor such as decreasing the amount of exposure to the patient. immediate use of the image. magnification of image size. control of the contrast and brightness and the ability of storing the image can give us good reason to replace the standard periapical radiographs.