• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.71-83
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• 2009

Shotcrete is an important primary support for tunnelling in rock. The quality control of shotcrete is a core issue in the safe construction and maintenance of tunnels. Although shotcrete may be applied well initially onto excavated rock surfaces, it is affected by blasting, rock deformation and shrinkage and can debond from the excavated surface, causing problems such as corrosion, buckling, fracturing and the creation of internal voids. This study suggests an effective non-destructive evaluation method of the tunnel shotcrete bonding state applied onto hard rocks using the impact-echo (IE) method and ground penetration radar (GPR). To verify previous numerical simulation results, experimental study carried out. Generally, the bonding state of shotcrete can be classified into void, debonded, and fully bonded. In the laboratory, three different bonding conditions were modeled. The signals obtained from the experimental IE tests were analyzed at the time domain, frequency domain, and time-frequency domain (i.e., the Short- Time Fourier transform). For all cases in the analyses, the experimental test results were in good agreement with the previous numerical simulation results, verifying this approach. Both the numerical and experimental results suggest that the bonding state of shotcrete can be evaluated through changes in the resonance frequency and geometric damping ratio in a frequency domain analysis, and through changes in the contour shape and correlation coefficient in a time-frequency analysis: as the bonding state worsens in hard rock condition, the autospectral density increases, the geometric damping ratio decreases, and the contour shape in the time-frequency domain has a long tail parallel to the time axis. The correlation coefficient can be effectively applied for a quantitative evaluation of bonding state of tunnel shotcrete. Finally, the bonding state of shotcrete can be successfully evaluated based on the process suggested in this study.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.177-182
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• 2009

Purpose : To compare the subchondral fracture on plain radiography and MR image as a method for assessing osteonecrosis in Legg-Calve-Perthes(LCP) pateients. Materials and methods: We retrospetively reviewed 15 hip joint MR images and plain radiography which visualized subchondral fracture. With basis of the Salter-Thompson classification, extent of necrosis was graded group A to B, as follows; Group A = < 50%, B = > 50%. On PACS workstation, necrotic area of each MR image was measured to calculate the volume of necrotic portion: volume = necrotic area $\times$ slice thickness. Necrotic areas on MR images were graded group A to B and results were compared with that measured in Salter-Thompson classification. On follow up, bone resorption was measured and the extent was compared with subchondral fracture representing necrotic area and that on MR volume method respectively. Results : In 9 joints of 15 hip joints (60%), the degree of necrosis in Salter-Thompson classification on plain radiographs was different from that on MR volume method. Based on plain radiographs by Salter-Thompson classification, the degree of necrosis was overestimated in 6(67%) joints, and underestimated in 3(33%) joints compared with MR volume method. On follow up study, bone resorption was not correlated with necrotic extent of subchondral fracture and MR volume method. Conclusion : The extent of femoral head necrosis measured by subchondral fracture was different from that measured by MR and was not correlated with bone resorption on follow up. Therefore, usefulness of subchondral fracture as a prognostic factor may be limited.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.101-108
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• 2005

Purpose : Early detection of small brain metastases is important. The purpose of this study was to compare the detectability of brain metastases according to the size between 1.5 T and 3.0 T MRI. Materials and Methods : We reviewed 162 patients with primary lung cancer who were examined for TNM staging. After administration of double dose of Gd-DTPA, MR imaging was performed with SPGR by 3.0 T MRI and then with T1 SE sequence by 1.5 T MRI. In each patient, three readers performed qualitative assessment. Sensitivity, positive predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy were calculated in 3.0 T and 1.5 T MRI according to size. Using the signal intensity (SI) measurements between the metastatic nodules and adjacent tissue, nodule-to-adjacent tissue SI ratio was calculated. Results : Thirty-one of 162 patients had apparent metastatic nodules in the brain at either 1.5 T or 3.0 T MR imaging. 143 nodules were detected in 3.0 T MRI, whereas 137 nodules were detected at 1.5 T MRI. Six nodules, only detected in 3.0 T MRI, were smaller than 3.0 mm in dimension. Sensitivity, positive predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy in 3.0 T MRI were 100 %, 100 %, and 100 % respectively, and in 1.5 T MRI were 95.8%, 88.3%, and 85.1% respectively. SI ratio was significantly higher in the 3.0 T MRI than 1.5 T MRI (p=0.025). Conclusion : True positive rate of 3.0 T MRI with Gd-DTPA was superior to 1.5 T MRI with Gd-DTPA in detection of metastatic nodules smaller than 3.0 mm.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.109-116
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• 2005

Purpose : To determine the usefulness of additional Mn-DPDP MRI for preoperative evaluation of the patients with colorectal cancers by comparison of dual-phase CT scan, Mn-DPDP enhanced MRI and combination of CT and MRI. Materials and Methods : Fifty-three colorectal cancer patients with 92 metastatic nodules underwent dualphase (arterial and portal) helical CT scan and Mn-DPDP MRI prior to surgery. The indication of MRI was presence or suspected of having metastatic lesions at CT scan and/or increased serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels (10 ng/mL or more). The diagnosis was established by the combination of findings at surgery, intraoperative ultrasonography, and histopathologic examination. Two radiologists interpreted CT, MRI, and combination of CT-MRI at discrete sessions and evaluated each lesion for location, size, and intrinsic characteristics. The lesions were divided into three groups according to their diameter; 1cm<, 1-2 cm, and >2 cm. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated using the alternative-free response receiver operating characteristic method. Detection and false positive rate were also evaluated. Results : In the lesions smaller than 1 cm, detection rate of combined CT-MRI was superior to CT or MRI alone (82%, p=0.036). The mean accuracy (Az values) of combined CT and MRI was significantly higher than that of CT in the lesions smaller than 2 cm (1 cm<, p=0.034; 1-2 cm, p=0.045). However, there was no significant difference between MRI and combined CT-MRI. The false positive rate of CT was higher than those of combined CT-MR in the lesions smaller than 1 cm (28%, p=0.023). Conclusion : Additional MRI using Mn-DPDP besides routine CT scan was helpful in differentiating the hepatic lesions (<2 cm) and could improve detection of the small hepatic metastases (<1 cm) from colorectal carcinoma.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.123-129
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• 2001

Purpose: The purposes of this study are to evaluate normal MR spectroscopy (MRS) data of the cerebellum and pons, and to evaluate intra-unit and inter-unit differences of the results. Materials and methods: Nine normal volunteers (mean age 23 years) were studied with two 1.5 Tesla MR units (A and B units). A total of four sessions of MRS study were performed with two sessions in ea.ch MR unit in each volunteer. In each session, MRS data were obtained from bilateral cerebellar hemisphere and pons. MRS was performed using spin-echo single voxel technique with repetition time of 2000 ms, echo time of 288ms and 128 averagings. Voxel size was $2{\;}{\times}{\;}2{\;}{\times}{\;}1.5{\;}cm$ in the cerebellum and $1.5{\;}{\times}{\;}1.5{\;}{\times}{\;}1.5{\;}cm$ in the pons. Metabolite ratios of NAA/Cho, NAAcCr, NAAc(Cho+Cr) and Cr/Cho (both peak heights and the peak areas) were compared among the results of four sessions of MRS for evaluation of intra-unit and inter-unit differences. Results: In the cerebellum, mean (SO values of peak height NAA/Cho, NAA/Cr, NAA/(Cho+Cr) and Cr/Cho ratios obtained in the first session of A unit were $1.08{\pm}O.16,{\;}1.44{\pm}O.286,{\;}0.61{\pm}O.09{\;}and{\;}O.76{\pm}0.13$, respectively. Comparing with the results of the second session, intra-unit differences were 3-7%. In B unit intra-unit differences were 1-9%, except for 22% of Cr/Cho ratio. Inter-unit differences between A and B units were 1-26%. In the pons, mean ISD values of peak height NANCho, NANCr, NANICho + Cr) and Cr/Cho ratios obtained in the first session of A unit were $1.51{\pm}O.35,{\;}3.35{\pm}O.78,{\;}1.02{\pm}0.16{\;}and{\;}0.47{\pm}O.14$, respectively. Mean NAAfCho, NANCr and NAAI(Cho+ Cr} ratios of the pons were significantly higher than those of the cerebellum. Intra-unit differences were 2-21 % in A unit and 4-18 % in B unit. Inter-unit differences between A and B units were 1-18%. The mean values obtained by using peak area were generally higher and wider in range than those of peak height in both units. Conclusion: Mean NAAfCho, NAAlCr and NAAf(Cho+Cr) ratios of the cerebellum were significanHy lower than those of the pons. Intra-unit differences of most metabolites ratios were generally not significant, whereas inter-unit differences were greater than intra-unit differences in more metabolite ratios. Therefore, normal MRS data of the cerebellum and the pons should be obtained in every MR unit, before MRS applications in the diseases of the cerebellum and the pons.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.115-123
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• 2012

Purpose : To evaluate white matter abnormalities on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in patients with mild Alzheimer disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM). Materials and Methods: DTI was performed in 21 patients with mild AD, in 13 with MCI and in 16 old healthy subjects. A fractional anisotropy (FA) map was generated for each participant and processed for voxel-based comparisons among the three groups using TBSS. For comparison, DTI data was processed using the VBM method, also. Results: TBSS showed that FA was significantly lower in the AD than in the old healthy group in the bilateral anterior and right posterior corona radiata, the posterior thalamic radiation, the right superior longitudinal fasciculus, the body of the corpus callosum, and the right precuneus gyrus. VBM identified additional areas of reduced FA, including both uncinates, the left parahippocampal white matter, and the right cingulum. There were no significant differences in FA between the AD and MCI groups, or between the MCI and old healthy groups. Conclusion: TBSS showed multifocal abnormalities in white matter integrity in patients with AD compared with old healthy group. VBM could detect more white matter lesions than TBSS, but with increased artifacts.

• 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.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.314-322
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• 2014

Purpose: Diastolic dysfunction is a common problem in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The purpose of this study was to assess the role of MRI in the assessment of diastolic function using mitral valve and pulmonary vein flow velocities in HCM patients. Methods and Results: Phase-contrast MRI (mitral valve and pulmonary vein) and transthoracic echocardiography was successfully performed for 59 HCM patients (44 men and 15 women; mean age, 51 years). Forty-nine patients had a diastolic dysfunction; grade 1 (n = 20), grade 2 (n = 27), and grade 3 (n = 2) using echocardiography, and ten patients had normal diastolic function. The transmitral inflow parameters (E, A, and E/A ratios) obtained by MRI showed positive correlation with the same parameters measured by echocardiography (Pearson's r values were 0.47, 0.60, and 0.75 for E, A, E/A, respectively, all P < 0.001). With the flow information of the pulmonary vein from cardiac MRI, pseudo-normalized pattern (n = 8) could be distinguished from true normal filling pattern (n = 17), and the diastolic function grades by cardiac MRI showed moderate agreement with those of echocardiography (kappa value = 0.45, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Assessment of left ventricle diastolic function is feasible using phase-contrast MRI in HCM patients. Analysis of pulmonary vein flow velocity on MRI is useful for differentiating pseudo-normal from normal diastolic function in HCM patients.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.24-31
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• 2007

Purpose: To evaluate any combined rotator cuff pathologies in adhesive capsulitis patients with magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) or ultrasonography (USG), and to see any differences in findings between MRA and USG. Materials and Methods: From June to December 2005, 80 consecutive patients with adhesive capsulitis were prospectively evaluated with either MRA or USG. Two groups were randomly assigned for examination. Evaluation were focused on any combined rotator cuff pathologies especially supraspinatus tendon. Results: Small (less than 1 cm) full-thickness SSP tendon tear were seen in 6 patients (MRA 4, USG 2, 8%) and partial-thickness SSP tendon tears in 21 (MRA 12, USG 9, 26%). In addition, supraspinatus tendinopathy were seen in 15 patients (MRA 7, USG 8, 19%). Overall, various SSP pathologies were reported in 42 patients (53%) of the study objects (MRA 23, 68% and USG 19, 41%). Subscapularis tendon partial tears were reported in 9 patients (MRA 6, USG 3, 11%). There were no statistical differences of the findings between MRA and USG in detecting rotator cuff pathologies (p>0.5). Conclusion: Nearly one half of the adhesive capsulitis patients showed various supraspinatus tendon pathology in MRA or USG. Although MRA group showed slight higher percentage of associated rotator cuff pathology than USG group (without statistical significance), this could be attributed to better resolution capacity of MRA than USG.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.193-199
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• 2014

Purpose : To evaluate the relationship between superior labral dimension of the glenohumeral joint on direct MRA and presence of SLAP lesion. Materials and Methods: IRB approval was obtained and informed consent was waived for this retrospective study. Direct MRA studies of the shoulder in 296 patients (300 shoulders) with arthroscopic surgery were analyzed by two radiologists blinded to the arthroscopic results, which were used as gold standard. One of the radiologists reviewed the images twice (session 1 and 2) for the evaluation of intra-observer variability. Transverse and longitudinal dimensions of superior labrum on coronal T1-weighted images were measured as base and height of the inverted triangular-shaped superior labrum and compared between patients with SLAP lesions vs. non-SLAP patients. Presence of meniscoid labrum was noted. Statistical analysis was done using unpaired t-test. Results: Among 279 patients (283 shoulders), 122 patients (43.1%) had SLAP lesions. The mean base/height of superior labrum in SLAP and non-SLAP patients measured on T1-weighted MR image were 8.8 mm / 5.2 mm, 8.5 mm / 4.9 mm for reader 1; 8.2 mm / 4.9 mm, 8.1 mm / 4.5 mm for session 1 of reader 2; 8.0 mm / 4.8 mm, 7.6 mm / 4.3 mm for session 2 of reader 2. In SLAP group, the mean labral height was larger than non-SLAP group with statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Fifteen patients (5.3%) had meniscoid labrum according to operation records. Conclusion: In patients with SLAP lesion, the height of the superior glenoid labrum on oblique coronal image of MRA was slightly larger than non-SLAP patients. A larger height of superior glenoid labrum may be associated with SLAP lesions.