• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.150-157
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• 2018

Purpose: To assess associations between morphological characteristics of intracranial arteries in time-of-flight MR angiography (TOF-MRA) and atherosclerotic risk factors. Materials and Methods: From January 2014 to October 2015, a total of 129 patients (65 men and 64 women) without intracranial arterial stenosis > 50% were included in this study. All MRIs were performed using a 3T machine with 3D TOF-MRA sequences. We evaluated irregularity, tortuosity, and dilatation of intracranial arteries in maximal intensity projection (MIP) of TOF-MRA. Subjects' risk factors for atherosclerosis including history of hypertension and diabetes were collected by reviewing their medical records. Associations between morphological characteristics and each known atherosclerosis risk factor were examined using univariate regression analysis. Multivariate regression models were built to determine combined association between those risk factors and morphologic changes of intracranial arteries. Results: In multivariate analysis, hypertension (coefficient [95% CI]: 0.162 [0.036, 0.289], P = 0.012) and absence of diabetes (coefficient [95% CI]: -0.159 [-0.296, -0.023], P = 0.022) were associated with large diameter of intracranial arteries. Males (coefficient [95% CI]: 0.11 [-0.006, 0.23], P = 0.062) and higher age (coefficient [95% CI]: 0.003 [-0.001, 0.008], P = 0.138) had marginal association with increased diameter. Tortuosity was associated with old age (OR: 1.04 [1.02, 1.07], P < 0.001). Irregular contour of intracranial arteries was significantly associated with old age (OR: 1.05 [1.02, 1.09], P = 0.004), presence of diabetes (OR: 2.88 [1.36, 6.15], P = 0.0058), and previous ischemic stroke (OR: 3.91 [1.41, 11.16], P = 0.0092). Conclusion: Morphological characteristics (irregularity, tortuosity, dilatation) of intracranial arteries seen in TOF-MRA might be associated with atherosclerotic risk factors in subjects with no or mild stenosis.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• 제2권1호
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• pp.83-88
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• 1998

목적 : 저자는 생체의 방추형 동맥류를 단순화 시킨 비박동성 방추형 유체 모형을 이용하여 방추형 유체의 자기공명 혈과조영술의 신호강도를 분석하고 컴퓨터를 이용한 유체의 모의 실험과 비교하여 임상적으로 방추형 동맥류의 자기공명 혈관조영술의 신호강도의 해석에 도움이 되는 자료를 얻고자 하였다. 대상 및 방법 : 증류수를 유체로 이용한 비박동성 방추형 동맥류 유체 모형에서 3D TOF MRA를 촬영하여 영상을 얻고 각 영상에서 유체의 평균 신호강도를 측정하였으며, 컴퓨터에서 동일 형태의 방추형 유체를 모의 실험하여 유속의 분포, 방향을 얻어 비교 분석하였다. 결과 : 자기공명 혈관조영술에서 방추형 유체의 유입부와 유출부의 신호강도는 균질한 신호 강도를 보였으나, 팽대부에서는 비균질한 신호강도를 보였으며, 유출부로의 이행부위에서는 중심부 저신호강도, 주변부 고신호강도의 과녁 모야으로 보였다. 방추형 유체의 평균 신호강도는 팽대부에서 서서히 감소하다가 유출부로의 이행 부위에서 급속히 감소하였다가 회복되어 유출부에서는 유입부와 같은 정도의 신호강도를 보였다. 컴퓨터를 이용한 모의실험에서 유입부와 유출부에서는 층류의 소견이었으며, 유입부 이행부위 빛 팽대부에서는 유속의 감소와 주변부로의 방향변화가 있었다. 유출부로의 이행부위에서는 유속이 급속히 회복되었고, 중심부분으로의 방향 변화가 현저하였다. 결론 : 방추형 유체는 자기공명 혈관조영술에서 유출부로의 이행부위에서 신호소실과 과녁모양을 보이며, 이는 급격한 유속증가 및 방향 변화에 따른 위상 전위 때문이다.

• 대한영상의학회지
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• 제82권6호
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• pp.1619-1627
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• 2021

투석 환자에서 중심정맥협착은 비교적 흔한 합병증이나, 이로 인한 경정맥역류 및 두개내압 상승은 드물며, 진행성 시력 저하를 보이는 경우는 몇 개의 증례만 보고되고 있다. 저자들은 경정맥역류로 인한 두개내압 상승, 시력 저하 그리고 뇌 MRI에서의 상안정맥 확장에 대해 해면경막 동정맥루로 오인하였던 증례를 보고하고자 한다. 환자는 time-of-flight MR angiography (이하 TOF-MRA)에서 경정맥역류 소견이 있었고, 혈관조영술에서 좌측 완두정맥의 협착이 확인되었다. 중심정맥협착에 대해 풍선혈관성형술을 시행하였고 증상이 호전되어 퇴원하였다. 중심정맥협착에 의한 경정맥역류와 해면경막 동정맥루는 유사한 증상을 보일 수 있으나 치료법이 다르므로, MRI와 TOF-MRA의 면밀한 검토를 토대로 영상의학적으로 감별하는 것이 중요하며, 뇌혈관조영술을 통해 중심정맥협착 유무를 확인하는 것이 필요하다.

• Journal of Magnetics
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.185-191
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• 2014

In this study we evaluated that flow rate changes affect the (time of flight) TOF image and contrast-enhanced (CE) in a three-dimensional TOF angiography. We used a 3.0T MR System, a nonpulsatile flow rate model. Saline was used as a fluid injected at a flow rate of 11.4 cm/sec by auto injector. The fluid signal strength, phantom body signal strength and background signal strength were measured at 1, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25-th cross-section in the experienced images and then they were used to determine signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio. The inlet, middle and outlet length were measured using coronal images obtained through the maximum intensity projection method. As a result, the length of inner cavity was 2.66 mm with no difference among the inlet, middle and outlet length. We also could know that the magnification rate is 49-55.6% in inlet part, 49-59% in middle part and 49-59% in outlet part, and so the image is generally larger than in the actual measurement. Signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio were negatively correlated with the fluid velocity and so we could see that signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio are reduced by faster fluid velocity. Signal-to-noise ratio was 42.2-52.5 in 5-25th section and contrast-to-noise ratio was from 34.0-46.1 also not different, but there was a difference in the 1st section. The smallest 3D TOF MRA measure was $2.51{\pm}0.12mm$ with a flow velocity of 40 cm/s. Consequently, 3D TOF MRA tests show that the faster fluid velocity decreases the signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio, and basically it can be determined that 3D TOF MRA and 3D CE MRA are displayed larger than in the actual measurement.

• 대한자기공명의과학회:학술대회논문집
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• 대한자기공명의과학회 2003년도 제8차 학술대회 초록집
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• pp.97-97
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• 2003

Contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) gradually occupies its position as a primary evaluation tool forsteno-occlusive disease of supra-aortic cervical arteries. It has several advantages over time-of-flight (TOF) technique such as shorter imaging time, less saturation effect, and less flow- and motion-related artifacts. Diverse methods of k-space sampling, imaging sequences, and strategies for image acquisitiontiming have been introduced since its early clinical application. Especially, methods of k-space sampling and image acquisition timing are very important to achieve maximal arterial enhancement and suppress venous signal while maintaining large scan coverage and high spatial resolution. In addition, regardless of several advantages over TOF technique, it still has a tendency to overestimate the degree of stenosis in patients with carotid or vertebralartery disease. In this exhibit, we will overview the current techniques of CE-MRA with special attention to methods of k-space sampling and image acquisition timing. We will also discuss diagnostic accuracy of CE-MRA in patients with supra-aortic cervical artery stenosis and artifacts frequently misinterpreted as steno-occlusive lesion on CE-MRA.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제52권2호
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• pp.85-91
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• 2012

Objective : Hemifacial spasm (HFS) caused by vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) is very rare, and in theses cases, it is difficult to decompress the nerve from its vascular compression. The objective of this study was to investigate the outcome of microvascular decompression (MVD) for HFS caused by VBD. Methods : There were 10 patients of HFS caused by VBD at our hospital between September 1978 and September 2008. We evaluated magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and time of flight magnetic resonance imaginge (TOF MRI) findings using the criteria for VBD. We compared the clinical outcomes of MVD for the 10 patients with VBD with the overall outcomes of the total 2058 MVDs performed for HFS. Results : The results of MVD for HFS caused by VBD were successful in 90.9% of cases. The postoperative complication rate in VBD was 45.5%. Offending vessels in patients with VBD were identified visually during surgery. Adverse effects after MVD were found in 4 patients. We found that the diameter of VBD was significantly greater in patients with complications than in those with no complications (p=0.028). Conclusion : Our data shows that MVD may be a good treatment modality for HFS caused by VBD but care must be taken to avoid adverse effects from the procedure. It is important to detach the dolichoectatic artery from its surrounding structures sufficiently to allow it to be easily movable. In addition, attempts should be made to lessen the retraction of the cerebellum during release of the dolichoectatic artery.

• 대한영상의학회지
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• 제84권6호
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• pp.1361-1366
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• 2023

잔류 원시 후각동맥은 1979년에 처음 보고된 매우 드문 전대뇌동맥의 변이로, 급격하게 꺾이는 머리핀 회전의 구조적 특성에 의하여 혈역학적 스트레스가 유발되고, 이로 인하여 동맥류의 발생과 높은 연관성을 가지는 것으로 보고되고 있다. 우리는 간헐적 두통을 주소로한 46세 여성에서 우연히 발견된 머리핀 회전에서 동맥류를 동반한 제4형 잔류 원시 후각 동맥의 증례에 대하여 보고하고자 한다. 뇌 MRA와 유체속도강조 자기공명혈관조영술(time-offlight MR angiography)에서 왼쪽 전대뇌동맥의 A1 분절에서 시작되어 머리핀 회전을 형성한 후 부 중대뇌동맥으로 이어지는 비정상적인 주행을 보이는 동맥이 확인되었다. 또한 머리핀 회전 분절에서 방추형 동맥류도 확인이 되었다. 이러한 변이들은 극히 드물긴 하지만, 동맥류가 동반될 수 있음을 인지하고 진단하는 것이 중요하다.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• 제9권2호
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• pp.94-100
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• 2005

목적 : 뇌혈관 평가에 있어서 경두개 도플러 초음파(transcranial doppler; TCD)와 고식적 뇌혈관조영술(CA)과 비교하여 3T 장비를 이용한 Time-of-flight(TOF) 자기공명 뇌혈관 조영술(3T-TOF MRA)의 유용성에 대해 알아보고자 하였다. 대상 및 방법 : 뇌혈관 질환이 의심된 54명의 환자를 대상으로 3T-TOF MRA를 시행하였다. 54명 모두에서 TCD를 시행하였으며, 이중 11명은 CA를 함께 시행하였다. 뇌혈관의 평가를 위해 추골동맥과 기저동맥을 포함하여 I군, 총경동맥의 분지부위 2 cm 전부터 내 외경동맥 분지 부위에서 내경동맥의 무릎(genu)부위 까지를 II군, 내경동맥의 추체부위에서 전 중 대뇌동맥의 1차분지 부위까지를 III군, 그리고 각각 전 중 대뇌동맥 1차분지 그 이하 부위를 IV군으로 임의로 구분하였다. 평가는 2명의 방사선과 의사가 3T-TOF MRA와 TCD, 그리고 CA의 결과를 모르는 상태에서 각 군에서 혈관의 양상이 잘 나타나는 경우를 3점, 양상이 잘 나타나지 않으나 판독이 가능한 경우를 2점, 잡상 등으로 혈관의 평가가 어려운 경우를 1점으로 하였다. 혈관의 협착 정도에 대한 평가는 TCD 및 CA와 각각 비교하여 그 일치 정도를 평가하였다. 결과 : 각 군당 좌우를 합하여 108 혈관분절, 총 432 혈관분절을 평가하였다. 정성평가에서 I, II, III, IV군은 각각 2.98, 2.96, 2.91, 2.88로 혈관의 양상에 대한 파악은 잘 되는 것으로 나타났다. TCD만을 시행한 43명 중 41명에서 3T-TOF MRA와 TCD가 일치하였고, TCD와 CA를 모두 함께 시행한 11명에서는 3T-TOF MRA가 TCD 및 CA와 모두 일치하였다. 결론 : 3T-TOF MRA는 뇌혈관 평가에 있어서 CA 및 TCD와 비교해서 빠르고 비침습적이며 혈관상태를 적절하게 평가할 수 있는 유용한 검사라고 생각한다.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제23권2호
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• pp.246-255
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• 2022

Objective: To determine the usefulness of Silent MR angiography (MRA) for evaluating intracranial aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coil embolization. Materials and Methods: Ninety-nine patients (101 aneurysms) treated with stent-assisted coil embolization (Neuroform atlas, 71 cases; Enterprise, 17; LVIS Jr, 9; and Solitaire AB, 4 cases) underwent time-of-flight (TOF) MRA and Silent MRA in the same session using a 3T MRI system within 24 hours of embolization. Two radiologists independently interpreted both MRA images retrospectively and rated the image quality using a 5-point Likert scale. The image quality and diagnostic accuracy of the two modalities in the detection of aneurysm occlusion were further compared based on the stent design and the site of aneurysm. Results: The average image quality scores of the Silent MRA and TOF MRA were 4.38 ± 0.83 and 2.78 ± 1.04, respectively (p < 0.001), with an almost perfect interobserver agreement. Silent MRA had a significantly higher image quality score than TOF MRA at the distal internal carotid artery (n = 57, 4.25 ± 0.91 vs. 3.05 ± 1.16, p < 0.001), middle cerebral artery (n = 21, 4.57 ± 0.75 vs. 2.19 ± 0.68, p < 0.001), anterior cerebral artery (n = 13, 4.54 ± 0.66 vs. 2.46 ± 0.66, p < 0.001), and posterior circulation artery (n = 10, 4.50 ± 0.71 vs. 2.90 ± 0.74, p = 0.013). Silent MRA had superior image quality score to TOF MRA in the stented arteries when using Neuroform atlas (4.66 ± 0.53 vs. 3.21 ± 0.84, p < 0.001), Enterprise (3.29 ± 1.59 vs. 1.59 ± 0.51, p = 0.003), LVIS Jr (4.33 ± 1.89 vs. 1.89 ± 0.78, p = 0.033), and Solitaire AB stents (4.00 ± 2.25 vs. 2.25 ± 0.96, p = 0.356). The interpretation of the status of aneurysm occlusion exhibited significantly higher sensitivity with Silent MRA than with TOF MRA when using the Neuroform Atlas stent (96.4% vs. 14.3%, respectively, p < 0.001) and LVIS Jr stent (100% vs. 20%, respectively, p = 0.046). Conclusion: Silent MRA can be useful to evaluate aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coil embolization, regardless of the aneurysm location and type of stent used.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제45권1호
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• pp.5-10
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• 2009

Objective : Direct surgical clipping of paraclinoid aneurysms poses technical challenges to even very experienced neurosurgeons, making endovascular treatment an alternative treatment modality in many centers. We have therefore retrospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of endovascular detachable coil embolization of paraclinoid aneurysms. Methods : From June 1997 to June 2007, 65 patients underwent endovascular detachable coiling for 67 paraclinoid aneurysms (of which 9 were ruptured and 58 were unruptured) in our institute. Their medical records, radiological images and readings, and operation records were reviewed retrospectively. Results : After the initial embolization procedure, complete occlusion was achieved in 29 (43.3%) of the aneurysms treated by endovascular detachable coiling. Six aneurysms required retreatment, with two each requiring one, two, or three additional endovascular procedures. Fifty-five (82.1%) aneurysms were measured by three-dimensional time of flight (TOF) magnetic resonance images (MRI) or transfemoral cerebral angiography (TFCA) at a mean follow-up of 29.7 months (range from 4 to 94 months), with 39 aneurysms (70.9%) showing complete occlusion. Thromboembolic events (3.8%) were the most frequent complication. Rupture did not occur during or after any of the procedures. According to the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), 98.4% of the patients treated by coil embolization had a score of 4 or 5. Conclusion : Our results indicate that endovascular detachable coiling is a safe and effective treatment modality in paraclinoid aneurysms.