• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.85 no.3
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• pp.607-617
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• 2024

Purpose Recent studies have demonstrated the usefulness of diffusion-weighted MR neurography (DW MRN) for assessing nerve roots. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of DW MRN with a unidirectional motion-probing gradient (MPG) for the lumbar nerve roots at 1.5T MR. Materials and Methods Sixty-four lumbar spine MRI scans with DW MRN using anteroposterior unidirectional MPG were retrospectively analyzed. Any changes in the 512 lumbar spinal nerve roots from L3 to S1 were evaluated using T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (CE T1WI), and DW MRN, with agreement and correlation analysis. Results T2WI revealed compression of 78 nerve roots, and CE T1WI revealed 52 instances of nerve root enhancement. Sixty-seven nerve roots showed swelling and hyperintensity on DW MRN. A total of 42 nerve roots showed changes in the CE T1WI and DW MRN sequences. Moderate to substantial agreement and moderate positive correlation were observed between DW MRN and CE T1WI, as well as DW MRN and T2WI (κ = 0.59-0.65, ρ = 0.600-0.653). Conclusion DW MRN with unidirectional anteroposterior MPG can help evaluate neuritisrelated changes in spinal nerve roots and could serve as a sequence capable of complementing or substituting gadolinium CE imaging.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.201-208
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the optimal flip angle by measuring the SNR and CNR according to the angle of changes of the MRI technique using the Image J program. A total of 30 normal volunteers were assessed by using a 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging system (Philips, Medical System, Achieva). For the MRI angiography, we set the region of interest in four regions and evaluated the SNR and CNR. The statistical significance of SNR and CNR was calculated by one-way ANOVA using quantitative analysis at five different positions. The Bonferroni method was used for post-hoc analyzes. Statistical significance was determined by using ANOVA analysis at p<0.05 and Bonferroni method was used as a post-hoc analysis. The results of this study, the measurement values of ACA(SNR:$876.59{\pm}14.22$, CNR:$1999.7{\pm}12.5$), PCA(SNR:$863.48{\pm}13.29$, CNR:$1870.18{\pm}12.56$), ICA(SNR:$1116.87{\pm}08.34$, CNR:$2979.37{\pm}14.69$) and MCA(SNR:$848.66{\pm}15.25$, CNR:$2199.25{\pm}13.48$) were obtained with the high signal intensity at $25^{\circ}$(p<0.05). The values of a1, a2, a3, p1, p2, p3, m1, m2 and m3 were also the same (p<0.05). Post-hoc analysis results, There was a statistically significant difference (p=0.000) between $10^{\circ}$, $15^{\circ}$, $20^{\circ}$ on the $25^{\circ}$ reference for the flip angle, but no significant results were obtained with $30^{\circ}$(p<0.05). In concision, because the signal intensity decreased at $30^{\circ}$, this study revealed that the optimal flip angles were $25^{\circ}$ in cerebrovascular MR angiography.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.74-80
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• 2009

Purpose : To evaluate the characteristic MR imaging findings of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) in the skull and to compare them with those of plain radiography and computed tomography. Materials and Methods : A total of 10 lesions in 9 patients (Age range; 5-42 years, Mean age; 18, all women) with Langerhans cell histiocytosis in the skull were included in our study. Nine lesions in nine patients were histologically confirmed by surgery or fine needle aspiration biopsy. All patients performed with MRI, and plain radiography and CT scan were done in 7 patients (8 lesions). Two experienced neuroradiologists reviewed the radiological examinations independently with attention to location, size, shape and nature of the lesions in the skull and compared the extent and extension of the lesions to adjacent structures. Results : The lesions were distributed in all of the skulls without predilection site. On MRI, the masses were shown as well-enhancing soft tissue masses (10/10) mainly in diploic spaces (8/10) with extension to scalp (9/10) and dura mater (7/10). Dural enhancement (7/10) and thickening (4/10) were seen. The largest diameter of the soft tissue masses ranged 1.1 cm to 6.8 cm, shaped as round (5/10) or oval (5/10). On CT scans, the lesions were presented as soft tissue masses involving diploic space (6/8) and scalp extension (7/8) were also well visualized. Although bony erosion or destruction was more clearly seen on CT rather than those of MRI, enhancement of soft tissue masses and dura were not well visualized on CT. In contrast, all of the lesions in LCH were seen as punched out (4/8), beveled-edge appearance (4/8) osteolytic masses in plain radiography, but scalp and dural extension could not be seen. Conclusion : Characteristic MR findings in patients with LCH are soft tissue mass in diploic space with extension to dura and scalp, and MRI would be better imaging modality than plain radiography or CT.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.95-102
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• 2010

Purpose : To evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinicopathological features of triple negative breast cancer, and compare them with those of non-triple negative breast cancer. Materials and Methods : This study included 231 pathologically confirmed breast cancers from January 2007 to May 2008. We retrospectively reviewed the MRI findings according to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) lexicon: mass or non-mass type, mass shape, mass margin, non-mass distribution, and enhancement pattern. Histologic type, histologic grade, and the results for epidermal growth factor receptor, p53, and Ki 67 were reviewed. Results : Of 231 patients, 43(18.6%) were triple negative breast cancer. Forty triple negative breast cancers (93.0%) were mass-type lesion on MRI. A round or oval or lobular shape (p=0.006) and rim enhancement (p=0.004) were significantly more in triple negative breast cancer than non- triple negative breast cancer. In contrast, irregular shape (p=0.006) and spiculated margins (p=0.032) were significantly more in non-triple negative breast cancer. Old age (p=0.019), high histologic grade (p<0.0001), EGFR positivity (p<0.0001), p53 overexpression (p=0.038), and Ki 67 expression (<0.0001) were significantly associated with the triple negative breast cancer. Conclusion : MRI finding may be helpful for differentiation between triple negative and non-triple negative breast cancer.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.183-189
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• 2009

Purpose : To evaluate the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) maximal intensity projection (MIP) reconstruction method in breast MRI. Materials and Methods : Total 54 breasts of consecutive 27 patients were examined by breast MRI. Breast MRI was performed using GE Signa Excite Twin speed (GE medical system, Wisconsin, USA) 1.5T. We obtained routine breast MR images including axial T2WI, T1WI, sagittal T1FS, dynamic contrast-enhanced T1FS, and subtraction images. 3D MIP reconstruction images were obtained as follows; subtraction images were obtained using TIPS and early stage of contrast-enhanced TIPS images. And then 3D MIP images were obtained using the subtraction images through advantage workstation (GE Medical system). We detected and analyzed the lesions in the 3D MIP and routine MRI images according to ACR $BIRADS^{(R)}$ MRI lexicon. And then we compared the findings of 3D MIP and those of routine breast MR images and evaluated whether 3D MIP had additional information comparing to routine MR images. Results : 3D MIP images detect the 43 of 56 masses found on routine MR images (76.8%). In non-mass like enhancement, 3D MIP detected 17 of 20 lesions (85 %). And there were one hundred sixty nine foci at 3D MIP images and one hundred nine foci at routine MR images. 3D MIP images detected 14 of 23 category 3 lesions (60.9%), 11 of 16 category 4 lesions (68.87%), 28 of 28 Category 5 lesions (100%). In analyzing the enhancing lesions at 3D MIP images, assessment categories of the lesions were correlated as the results at routine MR images (p-value < 0.0001). 3D MIP detected additional two daughter nodules that were descriped foci at routine MR images and additional one nodule that was not detected at routine MR images. Conclusion : 3D MIP image has some limitations but is useful as additional image of routine breast MR Images.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.113-119
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• 1998

Purpose : Because adenocarcinomas of the uterine cervix have lower 5-year survival rate than squamous cell carcinomas due to early lymph node metastasis and local extension, scrutiny of lymph node metastasis and local extension by radiologic examination is necessary in case of clinically diagnosed or suspected adenocarcinomas. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether there are specific findings of these tumors, compared with squamous cell carcinomas, through the analysis of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings. Materials and Methods : Of 21 pathologically proven cervical adenocarcinomas, MR imaging findings of 18 tumors (histologic staging : two Ib, four IIa, two IIb, one IIIa, and one IIIb) were retrospectively analyzed and compared with those of 40 wquamous cell carcinoma in consecutive patients as a control group. T1-wetighted and fast spin echo T2-weighted images were obtained on the axial and sagittal planes, using a 1.5-T MR scanner. The largest diameter, location, signal intensity and degree of contrast enhancement contour, shape and longitudinal extent of the tumor and associated findings on MR image were analyzed. Results : The largest diameters of cervical adenocarcinomas ranged from 0.8 to 4.1 cm(mean, 2.2 cm). Of 18 adenocarcinomas, nine were of endocervical type. All adenocarcinomas were isointense to surrounding cervical stroma on T1-weighted images and hyperintense(homogeneous in ten, inhomogeneous in eight) on fast spin echo T2-weighted images. Adenocarcinomas enhanced on contrast study in all patients (homogeneous in six, inhomogeneous in 12 with hyperintese enhnacing rim in two). Eight adenocarcinomas had smooth contours and ten had irregular ones. The shape of adenocarcinoma was irregular in eight patients, barrel shape in six, papillary/polypod in three, and nodular in one. All adenocarcinomas involved lower half of the uterine cervix and six tumors extended up to the upper half. Pelvic lymph nodes of more than 1.5cm in diameter in two adenocarcinomas pateints and no detectable small pelvic lymph nodes on MR imaging in one patient were pathologically positive. Hydrometra was associated in two adenocarcinomas patients, and hematometra in one patient. Compared with squamous cell carcinomas, more frequent MR findings of endocervical type and barrel shape in cervical adenocarcinomas were statistically significant. Conclusion : Cervical adenocarcinomas had more frequent MR findings of endocervical type and barrel shape, compared with wquamous cell carcinomas. Adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix may be suspected on MR imaging, when a cervical carcinoma is of barrel shape along the endocervical canal and tends to involve lymth nodes in earlier stages.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.20-25
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• 2006

Purpose : To evaluate the NMR relaxation properties of newly developed high performance paramagnetic complexes. Materials and methods : 4-aminomethylcyclohexane carboxylic acid (0.63g, 4 mmol) was mixed with the suspension solution of DMF (15mL) and DTPA-bis-anhydride (0.71g, 2 mmol) to synthesize the ligand. The ligand was then mixed with Gd2O3 (0.18g, 0.5 mmol) to synthesize Gd-chelate. For the measurement of magnetic relaxivity of paramagnetic compounds, the compounds were diluted to 1mM and then the relaxation times were measured at 1.5T(64 MHz). Inversion-recovery pulse sequence was employed for T1 relaxation measurement and CPMG(Carr-Purcell-Meiboon-Gill) pulse sequence was employed for T2 relaxation measurement. Using MATLAB(Version 7.1) program, T1 magnetic relaxation map, R1 map, T2 magnetic relaxation map and R2 map were developed to represent magnetic relaxation time and magnetic relaxivity as image. Results : Compared to $R1=4.9mM^{-1}sec^{-1}$ and $R2=4.8mM^{-1}sec^{-1}$ of Omniscan (Gadodiamide), which is commercially available paramagnetic MR agent, R1 of SUK090(Gd-C32H74N5O24) was $12.46mM^{-1}sec^{-1}$ and R1 of SUK091(Gd-C34H78N5O24) was $12.77mM^{-1}sec^{-1}$. However, R1 of SUK092(Gd-C30H56N5O17) was decreased to $2.09mM^{-1}sec^{-1}$. In case of R2, SUK090(Gd-C32H74N5O24) was $8.76mM^{-1}sec^{-1}$ and SUK091(Gd-C34H78N5O24) was $7.60mM^{-}1sec^{-1}$ whereas SUK092(Gd-C30H56N5O17) was decreased to $1.82mM^{-1}sec^{-1}$. Conclusion : Among three new paramagnetic complexes, SUK090(Gd-C32H74N5O24) and SUK091(Gd-C34H78N5O24) showed higher T1, T2 magnetic relaxation rates than that of commercially available paramagnetic MR agent and thus expected to have more contrast enhancement effect.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.225-232
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• 2014

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface and superficial dose for patients requiring postmastectomy radiation therapy(PMRT) with different treatment techniques. Materials and Methods : Computed tomography images were acquired for the phantom(I'mRT, IBA) consisting of tissue equivalent material. Hypothetical chestwall and lung were outlined and modified. Five treatment techniques(Wedged Tangential; WT, 4-field IMRT, 7-field IMRT, TOMO DIRECT, TOMO HELICAL) were evaluated using only 6MV photon beam. GafChromic EBT3 film was used for dose measurements at the surface and superficial dose. Surface dose profiles around the phantom were obtained for each treatment technique. For superficial dose measurements, film were used inside the phantom and analyzed superficial region for depth from 1-6mm. Results : TOMO DIRECT showed the highest surface dose by 47~70% of prescribed dose, while 7-field IMRT showed the lowest by 35~46% of prescribed dose. For the WT, 4-field IMRT and 7-field IMRT, superficial dose were measured over 60%, 70%, and 80% for 1mm, 2mm, and 5mm depth, respectively. In case of TOMO DIRECT and TOMO HELICAL, over 75%, 80%, and 90% of prescribed dose was measured, respectively. Surface and superficial dose range were uniform in overall chestwall for the 7-field IMRT and TOMO HELICAL. In contrast, Because of the dose enhancement effect with oblique incidence, The dose was gradually increased toward the obliquely tangential angle for the WT and TOMO DIRECT. Conclusion : For PMRT, TOMO DIRECT and TOMO HELICAL deliver the higher surface and superficial doses than treatment techniques based linear accelerator. It showed adequate dose(over 75% of prescribed dose) at 1mm depth in skin region.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.45-50
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• 2012

Nowadays, most of the hospital serves "one stop service" for CT scan. The patients could be taken the CT scan in the day they register for scan. On the contrary to the time convenience, patients are not satisfied with long waiting time and unkindness of staff. The objective of this study is to improve the patient's satisfaction for the CT scan, by analyzing inconvenience factors and improving the service qualities. From April 1 to August 30 in 2011, we investigated the satisfaction of patients who did examined abdomen CT scan with contrast media. We analyzed the 89 questionnaires before and after the service improvements from them. The worker's kindness, the environment of CT room and understanding about CT scan were answered by questionnaire and the waiting time of a day CT scan was drawn by medical information statistics. Also, the period before improvement was from April to June and the period after improvement was from July to September. And these questionnaire was analyzed through SPSS V. 15.0. In this study, kindness of staff, environment of CT room, intelligibility for CT scan and waiting time was explored and analyzed by SPSS V.15.0. The score of kindness was improved by 32%, satisfaction level of the environment was improved by 52.54%. The understanding level about CT scan was improved by 52.36% and the wating time of a day CT was shortened by 21% through our service enhancement programs. Consequentially, it is considered that these efforts would contribute to increase the revenue of hospital.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2018

Purpose: This study was designed to optimize the flip angle (FA) and scan timing of the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) using the 3D T1-weighted, gradient-echo (GRE) imaging with controlled aliasing in parallel imaging results in higher acceleration (CAIPIRINHA) technique on gadoxetic acid-enhanced 3T liver MR imaging. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two patients who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced 3T liver MR imaging were included in this study. Four 3D T1-weighted GRE imaging studies using the CAIPIRINHA technique and FAs of $9^{\circ}$ and $13^{\circ}$ were acquired during HBP at 15 and 20 min after intravenous injection of gadoxetic acid. Two abdominal radiologists, who were blinded to the FA and the timing of image acquisition, assessed the sharpness of liver edge, hepatic vessel clarity, lesion conspicuity, artifact severity, and overall image quality using a five-point scale. Quantitative analysis was performed by another radiologist to estimate the relative liver enhancement (RLE) and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Statistical analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and one-way analysis of variance. Results: The scores of the HBP with an FA of $13^{\circ}$ during the same delayed time were significantly higher than those of the HBP with an FA of $9^{\circ}$ in all the assessment items (P < 0.01). In terms of the delay time, images at the same FA obtained with a 20-min-HBP showed better quality than those obtained with a 15-min-HBP. There was no significant difference in qualitative scores between the 20-min-HBP and the 15-min-HBP images in the non-liver cirrhosis (LC) group except for the hepatic vessel clarity score with $9^{\circ}$ FA. In the quantitative analysis, a statistically significant difference was found in the degree of RLE in the four HBP images (P = 0.012). However, in the subgroup analysis, no significant difference in RLE was found in the four HBP images in either the LC or the non-LC groups. The SNR did not differ significantly in the four HBP images. In the subgroup analysis, 20-min-HBP imaging with a $13^{\circ}$ FA showed the highest SNR value in the LC-group, whereas 15-min-HBP imaging with a $13^{\circ}$ FA showed the best value of SNR in the non-LC group. Conclusion: The use of a moderately high FA improves the image quality and lesion conspicuity on 3D, T1-weighted GRE imaging using the CAIPIRINHA technique on gadoxetic acid, 3T liver MR imaging. In patients with normal liver function, the 15-min-HBP with a $13^{\circ}$ FA represents a feasible option without a significant decrease in image quality.