• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.81-87
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• 2016

Purpose: To analyze the feasibility of three-dimensional (3D) diffusion-weighted (DW) PSIF (reversed FISP [fast imaging with steady-state free precession]) sequence in order to evaluate peripheral nerves in the elbow. Materials and Methods: Ten normal, asymptomatic volunteers were enrolled (6 men, 4 women, mean age 27.9 years). The following sequences of magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the elbow were obtained using a 3.0-T machine: 3D DW PSIF, 3D T2 SPACE (sampling perfection with application optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolution) with SPAIR (spectral adiabatic inversion recovery) and 2D T2 TSE (turbo spin echo) with modified Dixon (m-Dixon) sequence. Two observers used a 5-point grading system to analyze the image quality of the ulnar, median, and radial nerves. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of each nerve were measured. We compared 3D DW PSIF images with other sequences using the Wilcoxon-signed rank test and Friedman test. Inter-observer agreement was measured using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis. Results: The mean 5-point scores of radial, median, and ulnar nerves in 3D DW PSIF (3.9/4.2/4.5, respectively) were higher than those in 3D T2 SPACE SPAIR (1.9/2.8/2.8) and 2D T2 TSE m-Dixon (1.7/2.8/2.9) sequences (P < 0.05). The mean SNR in 3D DW PSIF was lower than 3D T2 SPACE SPAIR, but there was no difference between 3D DW PSIF and 2D T2 TSE m-Dixon in all of the three nerves. The mean CNR in 3D DW PSIF was lower than 3D T2 SPACE SPAIR and 2D T2 TSE m-Dixon in the median and ulnar nerves, but no difference among the three sequences in the radial nerve. Conclusion: The three-dimensional DW PSIF sequence may be feasible to evaluate the peripheral nerves around the elbow in MR imaging. However, further optimization of the image quality (SNR, CNR) is required.

• Journal of Radiation Industry
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.139-144
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• 2017

To evaluation of clinical usefulness for B1+RMS limits, we compared image quality of Routine, Specific absorption rate (SAR) and Root mean square (RMS) protocol. 5 volunteers underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the brain using three different protocols. We draw Region of interest ROI in cortex, white matter, gray matter, putamen and thalamus of axial plan. Signal to noise ratio (SNR) were evaluated in each area and Contrast to noise ration (CNR) were evaluated between white matter and gray matter. Qualitative evaluation was used to score each ROI. B1+RMS is confirmed its usefulness compared to conventional SAR standard on the aspect of improvement of image quality, reduction of scan time and easy adjusting parameter.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.23 no.11
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• pp.1044-1054
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• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether a deep learning reconstruction (DLR) method improves the image quality, stent evaluation, and visibility of the valve apparatus in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) when compared with filtered back projection (FBP) and hybrid iterative reconstruction (IR) methods. Materials and Methods: CCTA images of 51 patients (mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 63.9 ± 9.8 years, 36 male) who underwent examination at a single institution were reconstructed using DLR, FBP, and hybrid IR methods and reviewed. CT attenuation, image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and stent evaluation, including 10%-90% edge rise slope (ERS) and 10%-90% edge rise distance (ERD), were measured. Quantitative data are summarized as the mean ± SD. The subjective visual scores (1 for worst -5 for best) of the images were obtained for the following: overall image quality, image noise, and appearance of stent, vessel, and aortic and tricuspid valve apparatus (annulus, leaflets, papillary muscles, and chordae tendineae). These parameters were compared between the DLR, FBP, and hybrid IR methods. Results: DLR provided higher Hounsfield unit (HU) values in the aorta and similar attenuation in the fat and muscle compared with FBP and hybrid IR. The image noise in HU was significantly lower in DLR (12.6 ± 2.2) than in hybrid IR (24.2 ± 3.0) and FBP (54.2 ± 9.5) (p < 0.001). The SNR and CNR were significantly higher in the DLR group than in the FBP and hybrid IR groups (p < 0.001). In the coronary stent, the mean value of ERS was significantly higher in DLR (1260.4 ± 242.5 HU/mm) than that of FBP (801.9 ± 170.7 HU/mm) and hybrid IR (641.9 ± 112.0 HU/mm). The mean value of ERD was measured as 0.8 ± 0.1 mm for DLR while it was 1.1 ± 0.2 mm for FBP and 1.1 ± 0.2 mm for hybrid IR. The subjective visual scores were higher in the DLR than in the images reconstructed with FBP and hybrid IR. Conclusion: DLR reconstruction provided better images than FBP and hybrid IR reconstruction.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.607-613
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• 2021

Long-bone examination is mainly used for inspection of the lower extremities. Recently, a long length detector (FXRD-1751S, VIEWORKS, Korea) with three digital detectors attached has been developed. High energy X-rays are used because pelvic areas require high image quality. In this case, X-rays are transmitted a lot in thin areas such as an ankle, and it is not suitable for diagnosing an image. Therefore, this study use copper filters made with 3D printers to increase image quality in the Long-bone inspection. A copper filter was manufactured in consideration of the overall thickness of the lower part. The experiment was conducted in anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral (LAT) positions, depending on the presence or absence of the filter. 5x5 pixels of region of interest (ROI) were selected from the pelvis, knee, and ankle areas. X-rays were irradiated under the conditions of 70 kVp and 40 mAs for AP, 80 kVp, and 63 mAs for lat when without filters, 90 kVp and 80 mAs for AP, 90 kVp and 100 mAs for lat when with filters. signal to noise ratio(SNR) ratio and contrast to noise (CNR) values were measured 1106.38, 14.34 before applying the filter and 1189.32, 70.43 after the filter. For the knee area, 650.44, 97.61 before applying the filter, and 1013.17, 444.24 after applying the filter. For the ankle area, 206.65, 23.68 before applying the filter and 993.50, 136.11 after applying the filter. In the Long-bone examination, SNR and CNR were greatly measured when the filter was applied, confirmed the availability of using the copper additional filter.

• Korean Journal of Digital Imaging in Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.45-50
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• 2008

Recently, MR Cholangiography used mainly bu controlling of patient's breathing. There is breathing hold techniques to get images within shopt time and gating technique adjusted to respiration cycle for high resolution image. In this study, the aim of this experiment is to know on clinical usefulness compared with PACE and RTG thchniques. This study's period is from 2006 in November to 2007 in January. A total of 21 patients investigated at MAGNETOM Sonata 1.5T (SIEMENS Erlangen) with use of 12ch body coil. MR acquisition protocol used 3D turbo spin echo coronal sequence. Scan parameters applied to potimal setting in use as gating techniques, respectively. Analysis of consuming timing evaluated with rapidness. As analysis of quantity, the common bile duct, gall bladder measured in signal intensities, then these data were calculated by signal to noise ratio and contrast to noise ratio. Qualitative analysis, experienced 2radiologists and 3 RTs were evaluated into 3groups about artifact, accuracy of lesions, sharpness of the common bile duct or gall bladder. As a result of analysis, when compared to PACE, consuming time of the RTG took less than PACE, On both CNRs and SNRs, PACE technique was slightly high values than RTG(p<0.05). Qualitative analysis' results, discrimination of lesions in the common bile duct, gall bladder get a significance level in both RTG and PACE techniques but presence's artifact of breathing and pulsation highly demonstrate in PACE techniques. In conclusion, both PACE and RTG methods at MRCP provided prominently clinical information for the common bile duct, gall bladder. If machines have not limitation with performance, induction of breathing holding also will help getting diagnistic quality.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.74-79
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• 2017

Purpose Proton therapy can deliver an optimal dose to tumor while reducing unnecessary dose to normal tissue as compared the conventional photon therapy. As proton beams are irradiated into tissue, various positron emitters are produced via nuclear fragmentation reactions. These positron emitters could be used for the dose verification by using PET. However, the short half-life of the radioisotopes makes it hard to obtain the enough amounts of events. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of off-line PET imaging scan time on the PET image quality. Materials and Methods The various diameters of spheres (D=37, 28, 22 mm) filled with distilled water were inserted in a 2001 IEC body phantom. Then proton beams (100 MU) were irradiated into the center of the each sphere using the wobbling technique with the gantry angle of $0^{\circ}$. The modulation widths of the spread out bragg peak were 16.4, 14.7 and 9.3 cm for the spheres of 37, 28 and 22 mm in diameters respectively. After 5 min of the proton irradiation, the PET images of the IEC body phantom were obtained for 50 min. The PET images with different time courses (0-10 min, 11-20 min, 21-30 min, 31-40 min and 41-50 min) were obtained by dividing the frame with a duration of 10 min. In order to evaluate the off-line PET image quality with the different time courses, the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the PET image calculated for each sphere. Results The CNRs of the sphere (D=37 mm) were 0.43, 0.42, 0.40, 0.31 and 0.21 for the time courses of 0-10 min, 11-20 min, 21-30 min, 31-40 min and 41-50 min respectively. The CNRs of the sphere (D=28 mm) were 0.36, 0.32, 0.27, 0.19 and 0.09 for the time courses of 0-10 min, 11-20 min, 21-30 min, 31-40 min and 41-50 min respectively. The CNR of 37 mm sphere was decreased rapidly after 30 min of the proton irradiation. In case of the spheres of 28 mm and 22 mm, the CNR was decreased drastically after 20 min of the irradiation. Conclusion The off-line PET imaging time is an important factor for the monitoring of the proton therapy. In case of the lesion diameter of 22 mm, the off-line PET image should be obtained within 25 min after the proton irradiation. When it comes to small size of tumor, the long PET imaging time will be beneficial for the proton therapy treatment monitoring.

• Korean Journal of Digital Imaging in Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.9-14
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study has attempted to evaluate and compare the image evaluation and exposure dose by respectively applying Filtered Back Projection(FBP), the existing test method, and Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction(ASIR) with different values of tube voltage during the Low Dose Computed Tomography(LDCT). Materials and Methods: With the image reconstruction method as basis, Chest Phantom was utilized with the FBP and ASIR set at 10%, 20% respectively, and the change of Tube Voltage (100kVp, 120kVp). For image evaluation, Back ground noise, Signal to Noise ratio(SNR) and Contrast to Noise ratio(CNR) were measured, and, for dose evaluation, CTDIvol and DLP were measured respectively. The statistical analysis was tested with SPSS(ver. 22.0), followed by ANOVA Test conducted after normality test and homogeneity test. (p<0.05). Results: In terms of image evaluation, there was no outstanding difference in Ascending Aorta(AA) SNR and Infraspinatus Muscle(IM) SNR with the different values of ASIR application(p<0.05), but a significant difference with the different amount of tube voltage(p>0.05). Also, there wasn't noticeable change in CNR with ASIR and different amount of Tube Voltage (p<0.05). However, in terms of dose evaluation, CTDIvol and DLP showed contrasting results(p<0.05). In terms of CTDIvol, the measured values with the same tube voltage of 120kVp were 2.6mGy with No-ASIR and 2.17mGy with 20%-ASIR respectively, decreased by 0.43mGy, and the values with 100kVp were 1.61mGy with No-ASIR and 1.34mGy with 20%-ASIR, decreased by 0.27mGy. In terms of DLP, the measured values with 120kVp were $103.21mGy{\cdot}cm$ with No-ASIR and $85.94mGy{\cdot}cm$ with 20%-ASIR, decreased by $17.27mGy{\cdot}cm$(about 16.7%), and the values with 100kVp were $63.84mGy{\cdot}cm$ with No-ASIR and $53.25mGy{\cdot}cm$ with 20%-ASIR, a decrease by $10.62mGy{\cdot}cm$(about 16.7%). Conclusion: At lower tube voltage, the rate of dose significantly decreased, but the negative effects on image evaluation was shown due to the increase of noise. For the future, through the result of the experiment, it is considered that the method above would be recommended for follow-up patients or those who get health checkup as long as there is no interference on the process of diagnosis due to the characteristics of Low Dose examination.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.919-926
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• 2021

In this study, we wanted to find out the optimal angle as a modified tangential projection of the patella. In the experiment, we used Kyoto Kagaku's PBU-50 phantom. In the supine position, the F-T angle was set to 95°, 105°, 115°, 125°, 135°, 145°, and Patella tangential projection images were obtained by varying the X-ray tube angle by 5° so that the angle between the X-ray centerline and tibia at each angle was 5~20°. Image J was used for image analysis and the congruence angle, lateral patellofemoral angle, patellofemoral index and contrast to noise ratio(CNR) were also measured. SPSS 22 was used for statistical analysis, and the mean values of congruence angle, patellofemoral angle, patellofemoral index, and CNR were compared with Merchant method through one-way batch analysis and corresponding sample t-test. As a result of the study, in the case of congruence angle, the angle of incidence of the knee-angle X-ray centerline was 105°-72.5° (20° tangential irradiation), 115°-72.5°, 77.5° (15, 20° tangential irradiation), 125°-82.5° (20° tangential irradiation), lateral patellofemoral angle is 115°-72.5°, 77.5° (15, 20° tangential irradiation), 125°-72.5° (10° tangential irradiation), patellofemoral index is 115°-72.5° (15° tangential irradiation) and 125°-72.5° (10° tangential irradiation) were not significantly different from Merchant method (p> .05). In case of CNR, it is not different from Merchant method at 105°-67.5°, 72.5° (15, 20° tangential irradiation), 115°-67.5°, 72.5°, 77.5° (10, 15, 20° tangential irradiation). (P> .05). Based on the results of this study, high diagnostic value images can be obtained by setting the knee angle and the angle of incidence of the X-ray tube to 115°-72.5° (15° tangential irradiation) during the modified tangential examination of the knee bone. It was confirmed.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics and Information Engineers
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• v.51 no.12
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• pp.163-173
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• 2014

When evaluating the spatial resolution images and evaluation of low contrast resolution using CT standard phantom, and might present a automated quantitative evaluation method for minimizing errors by subjective judgment of the evaluator be, and try to evaluate the usefulness. 120kVp and 250mAs, 10mm collimation, SFOV(scan field of view) of 25cm or more than, exposure conditions DFOV(display field of view) of 25cm, and were evaluated the 24 passing images and 20 failing images taken using a standard reconstruction algorithm by using the Nuclear Associates, Inc. AAPM CT Performance Phantom(Model 76-410). Quantitative evaluation of low contrast resolution and spatial resolution was using an evaluation program that was self-developed using the company Mathwork Matlab(Ver. 7.6. (R2008a)) software. In this study, the results were evaluated using the evaluation program that was self-developed in the evaluation of images using CT standard phantom, it was possible to evaluate an objective numerical qualitative evaluation item. First, if the contrast resolution, if EI is 0.50, 0.51, 0.52, 0.53, as a result of evaluating quantitatively the results were evaluated qualitatively match. Second, if CNR is -0.0018~-0.0010, as a result of evaluating quantitatively the results were evaluated qualitatively match. Third, if the spatial resolution, as a result of using a image segmentation technique, and automatically extract the contour boundary of the hole, as a result of evaluating quantitatively the results were evaluated qualitatively match.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.927-933
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the differences in scan time, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in the third lumbar vertebral region including the back fat, spinal cord, and cerebrospinal fluid using the mDixon, T2 TSE, and T2 spectral pre-saturation with inversion-recovery (SPIR) techniques. With the factors affecting the SNR fixed, the lumbar sagittal plane images of 30 adults were compared on mDixon, T2 TSE, and T2 SPIR imaging tests. The test times for mDixon, T2 TSE, and T2 SPIR were 115 seconds, 60 seconds, and 60 seconds, respectively. The mDixon T2 images showed higher SNR than the T2 TSE images at the third lumbar vertebral region (p<0.05), lower SNR in the back fat and cerebrospinal fluid (p<0.05) areas, and comparable SNR in the spinal cord (p>0.05). The CNR between the third lumbar vertebral area and back fat was higher in the mDixon T2 images, and the CNR of the cerebrospinal fluid and spinal cord images was higher in the T2 TSE images (p<0.05). The mDixon T2 FS images CNR was lower for the 3rd lumbar vertebral body region and back fat than the T2 SPIR images, and higher for the spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid images (p<0.05). The CNR between the third lumbar body and back fat areas was higher in the mDixon T2 FS images (p<0.05), and there was no difference in the CNR in the images of the cerebrospinal fluid and the spinal cord (p>0.05). It is difficult to determine whether the mDixon technique is superior to the conventional T2 TSE and T2 SPIR techniques in terms of test time, SNR, and CNR. This study was confined to patients with simple lower back pain and was limited by controlled experimental conditions. Studies using clinically applied protocols are warranted in the future.