• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.131-134
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• 2018

Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is well known for detecting the presence of hemorrhagic transformation, microbleeds and the susceptibility of vessel signs in acute ischemic stroke. But in some cases, it can provide the tissue perfusion state as well. We describe a case of a patient with hyperacute ischemic infarction that had a slightly hypodense, patchy lesion at the left thalamus on the initial SWI, with a left proximal posterior cerebral artery occlusion on a magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and delayed time-to-peak on an MR perfusion performed two hours after symptom onset. No obvious abnormal signals at any intensity were found on the initial diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). On a follow-up MR image (MRI), an acute ischemic infarction was seen on DWI, which is the same location as the lesion on SWI. The hypointensity on the initial SWI reflects the susceptibility artifact caused by an increased deoxyhemoglobin in the affected tissue and vessels, which reflects the hypoperfusion state due to decreasing arterial flow. It precedes the signal change on DWI that reflects a cytotoxic edema. This case highlights that, in some hyperacute stages of ischemic stroke, hypointensity on an SWI may be a finding before the hyperintensity is seen on a DWI.

• Journal of Magnetics
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.220-226
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• 2017

SNR (signal to ratio) is a criterion for providing objective information for evaluating the performance of a magnetic resonance imaging device, and is an important measurement standard for evaluating the quality of MR (Magnetic Resonance) image. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the correct SNR measurement for multi-channel coil and parallel imaging. As a result of research, we found that both T1 and T2 weighted images show the narrowest confidence interval of the method recommended by NEMA (The National Electrical manufacturers Association) 1 having a single measurement method, whereas the ACR (American College of Radiology) measurement method using a multi-channel coil and a parallel imaging technique shows the widest confidence interval. There is a significance in that we quantitatively verified the inaccurate problems of a signal to noise ratio using a ACR measurement method when using a multi-channel coil and a parallel imaging technique of which method does not satisfy the preconditions that researchers could overlook.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.197-200
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• 2021

Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) is a disease caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection that can be diagnosed through clinical symptoms with or without imaging evaluations. The typical features of RHS on imaging evaluation include signal changes and enhancement in the internal auditory canal (IAC) nerves, and the labyrinthine segment of cranial nerve VII (CN VII) and cranial nerve VIII (CN VIII). In some patients, inner ear structure (cochlear and vestibular apparatus) is involved in RHS. Neurologic complications, such as encephalitis and meningitis, are rare in RHS, but are known to occur. Therefore, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is necessary to detect both abnormal signal intensity in the IAC, CN VII, CN VIII, inner and ear structure, and CNS complications. We report an RHS patient with CN VII, VIII, and leptomeningeal enhancement within the cerebellar folia on 10-min delayed, contrast-enhanced (CE), three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) imaging.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.293-299
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• 2021

Purpose: To accelerate magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) by developing a flexible deep learning reconstruction method. Materials and Methods: Synthetic data were used to train a deep learning model. The trained model was then applied to MRF for different organs and diseases. Iterative reconstruction was performed outside the deep learning model, allowing a changeable encoding matrix, i.e., with flexibility of choice for image resolution, radiofrequency coil, k-space trajectory, and undersampling mask. In vivo experiments were performed on normal brain and prostate cancer volunteers to demonstrate the model performance and generalizability. Results: In 400-dynamics brain MRF, direct nonuniform Fourier transform caused a slight increase of random fluctuations on the T2 map. These fluctuations were reduced with the proposed method. In prostate MRF, the proposed method suppressed fluctuations on both T1 and T2 maps. Conclusion: The deep learning and iterative MRF reconstruction method described in this study was flexible with different acquisition settings such as radiofrequency coils. It is generalizable for different in vivo applications.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• 제23권3호
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• pp.179-201
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• 2019

Portable low-cost magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems have the potential to enable "point-of-care" and timely MRI diagnosis, and to make this imaging modality available to routine scans and to people in underdeveloped countries and areas. With simplicity, no maintenance, no power consumption, and low cost, permanent magnets/magnet arrays/magnet assemblies are attractive to be used as a source of static magnetic field to realize the portability and to lower the cost for an MRI scanner. However, when taking the canonical Fourier imaging approach and using linear gradient fields, homogeneous fields are required in a scanner, resulting in the facts that either a bulky magnet/magnet array is needed, or the imaging volume is too small to image an organ if the magnet/magnet array is scaled down to a portable size. Recently, with the progress on image reconstruction based on non-linear gradient field, static field patterns without spatial linearity can be used as spatial encoding magnetic fields (SEMs) to encode MRI signals for imaging. As a result, the requirements for the homogeneity of the static field can be relaxed, which allows permanent magnets/magnet arrays with reduced sizes, reduced weight to image a bigger volume covering organs such as a head. It offers opportunities of constructing a truly portable low-cost MRI scanner. For this exciting potential application, permanent magnets/magnet arrays have attracted increased attention recently. A magnet/magnet array is strongly associated with the imaging volume of an MRI scanner, image reconstruction methods, and RF excitation and RF coils, etc. through field patterns and field homogeneity. This paper offers a review of permanent magnets and magnet arrays of different kinds, especially those that can be used for spatial encoding towards the development of a portable and low-cost MRI system. It is aimed to familiarize the readers with relevant knowledge, literature, and the latest updates of the development on permanent magnets and magnet arrays for MRI. Perspectives on and challenges of using a permanent magnet/magnet array to supply a patterned static magnetic field, which does not have spatial linearity nor high field homogeneity, for image reconstruction in a portable setup are discussed.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.105-112
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• 2010

병리조직학적으로 고환림프종으로 확진된 예들의 초음파검사 및 자기공명영상을 후향적으로 분석하여 다른 고환종양과 구분할 수 있는 소견이 있는지를 알아보기 위하여 본 연구를 시행하였다. 수술적 절제에 의해 확진된 7예와 초음파-유도하 조직생검으로 확진된 1예 등 총 8예를 대상으로 하였다. 종괴의 크기와 위치, 고환 이외에 침범된 장기를 조사하였고, 초음파검사에서는 종괴의 모양과 경계, 종괴 내부의 에코, 균일도와 함께 색도플러검사에서의 혈관분포상태를 조사하였다. 자기공명영상이 시행된 4예를 대상으로 종괴의 모양과 경계, 균일도, T1-및 T2-강조영상에서의 신호강도 및 조영증강 여부와 시간에 따른 조영증강의 변화를 조사하였다. 고환에 국한되어 있었던 경우는 2예에 불과하였고, 4예는 정삭을, 4예는 대동맥주위림프절을 침범하고 있었다. 초음파검사에서 종양의 외연은 6예에서 평활하였고 종괴의 에코는 7예에서 정상 고환 보다 저에코로 보였다. 4예는 균일하였고, 3예는 전반적으로는 균일하였으나 약간 불균일한 부분을 포함하고 있었고, 1예는 불균일하였다. 8예 모두에서 주변의 정상 조직보다는 현저하게 혈관분포상태 (vascularity)가 증가되어 있었다. 자기공명영상 T1-강조영상에서는 정상 고환과 유사한 신호강도로, T2-강조영상에서는 현저한 저신호강도로 관찰되었고 대체로 균일하였다. 조영 후 검사에서는 4예 모두 정상 고환 조직보다는 저신호강도로, 약하게, 균일하게 조영증강되었는데, 역동적 조영증강 검사가 시행된 1예에서는 시간이 감에 따라 점차 조영증강이 증가되는 소견을 관찰할 수 있었다. 이상의 결과를 토대로 50세 이상의 나이가 많은 환자에서 고환 종괴가 관찰되고, 초음파 검사에서 균일한 저에코로, 자기공명영상 T2-강조영상에서 균일한 저신호강도로 관찰될 때에는 고환림프종의 가능성을 가장 먼저 고려하여야할 것으로 생각한다.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• 제38권1호
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• pp.52-59
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• 2020

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the feasibilities of magnetic resonance (MR) image-based planning using synthetic computed tomography (sCT) versus CT (pCT)-based planning in helical tomotherapy for prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective evaluation was performed in 16 patients with prostate cancer who had been treated with helical tomotherapy. MR images were acquired using a dedicated therapy sequence; sCT images were generated using magnetic resonance for calculating attenuation (MRCAT). The three-dimensional dose distribution according to sCT was recalculated using a previously optimized plan and was compared with the doses calculated using pCT. Results: The mean planning target volume doses calculated by sCT and pCT differed by 0.65% ± 1.11% (p = 0.03). Three-dimensional gamma analysis at a 2%/2 mm dose difference/distance to agreement yielded a pass rate of 0.976 (range, 0.658 to 0.986). Conclusion: The dose distribution results obtained using tomotherapy from MR-only simulations were in good agreement with the dose distribution results from simulation CT, with mean dose differences of less than 1% for target volume and normal organs in patients with prostate cancer.

• 한방재활의학과학회지
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• 제19권4호
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• pp.151-163
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• 2009

Objectives : In the assessment of the lumbar spine by magnetic resonance imaging (hereinafter, "MRI"), changes in the paraspinal muscles are overlooked. The purpose of our study is to examine the correlation between the multifidus muscle atrophy on MRI findings and the clinical findings in low back pain (hereinafter, "LBP") patients. Methods : The retrospective study on 38 LBP patients, presenting either with or without associated leg pains, was undertaken. The MRI findings on the patients were visually analysed to find out a lumbar multifidus muscle atrophy, disc herniation, disc degeneration, spinal stenosis and nerve root compressions. The clinical history in each case was obtained from their case notes and pain drawing charts. Results : The lumbar multifidus muscle atrophy has occurred from more than 80% of the patients with LBP. Most of lumbar multifidus muscle atrophies have increased from lower level of lumbar spine. It was bilateral in the majority of the cases. In addition, multifidus muscle atrophy was correlated to the patient's age, disc degenerations and spinal stenosis. On the contrary, gender, the duration of LBP, referred leg pain, disc herniation and nerve root compressions had no relevance to multifidus muscle atrophies. Therefore, when assessing the MRIs of the lumbar spine, we should have more attetion on multifidus muscle, because it has lot's of information about spinal neuropathy problems. Conclusions : Therefore, the examination of multifidus muscle atrophies should be considered when assessing the MRIs of the lumbar spine. In addition, it helps to evaluate and plan the treatment modalities of LBP. Moreover, it prevents from LBP by discovering the importance between the multifidus muscle and the spine stabilization exercise.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• 제20권2호
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• pp.95-104
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• 2016

Purpose: To evaluate the knee joint after double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with three-dimensional (3D) isotropic magnetic resonance (MR) image, and to directly compare the ACL graft findings on 3D MR with the clinical results. Materials and Methods: From January 2009 to December 2014, we retrospectively reviewed MRIs of 39 patients who had reconstructed ACL with double bundle technique. The subjects were examined using 3D isotropic proton-density sequence and routine two-dimensional (2D) sequence on 3.0T scanner. The MR images were qualitatively evaluated for the intraarticular curvature, graft tear, bony impingement, intraosseous tunnel cyst, and synovitis of anteromedial and posterolateral bundles (AMB, PLB). In addition anterior tibial translation, PCL angle, PCL ratio were quantitatively measured. KT arthrometric values were reviewed for anterior tibial translation as positive or negative. The second look arthroscopy results including tear and laxity were reviewed. Results: Significant correlations were found between an AMB tear on 3D-isotropic proton density MR images and arthroscopic proven AMB tear or laxity (P < 0.05). Also, a significant correlation was observed between increased PCL ratio on 3D isotropic MRI and the arthroscopic findings such as tear, laxities of grafts (P < 0.05). KT arthrometric results were found to be significantly correlated with AMB tears (P < 0.05) and tibial tunnel cysts (P < 0.05). Conclusion: An AMB tear on 3D-isotropic MRI was correlated with arthroscopic results qualitatively and quantitatively. 3D isotropic MRI findings can aid the evaluation of ACL grafts after double bundle reconstruction.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.31-36
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• 2005

To evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging and electron microscopic findings of the hyperacute stage of cerebral fat embolism in cats and the time needed for the development of vasogenic edema. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at 30 minutes (group 1, n=9) and at 30 minutes and 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours after embolization with triolein (group 2, n= 10). As a control for group 2, the same acquisition was obtained after embolization with polyvinyl alcohol particles (group 3, n=5). Electron microscopic examination was done in all cats. In group 1, the lesions were iso- or slightly hyperintense on T2-weighted (T2W) and diffusion-weighted (DWIs) images, hypointense on the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map image, and markedly enhanced on the gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images (Gd-T1WIs). In group 2 at 30 minutes, the lesions were similar to those in group 1. Thereafter, the lesions became more hyperintense on T2WIs and DWIs and more hypoinfense on the ADC map image. In group 3, the lesions showed mild hyperintensity on T2WIs at 6 hours but hypointensity on the ADC map image from 30 minutes, with a tendency toward a greater decrease over time. Electron microscopic findings revealed discontinuity of the capillary endothelial wall, perivascular and interstitial edema, and swelling of glial and neuronal cells in groups 1 and 2. The lesions were hyperintense on T2WIs and DWIs, hypointense on the ADC map image, and enhanced on Gd-T1WIs. On electron microscopy, the lesions showed cytotoxic and vasogenic edema with disruption of the blood-brain barrier.