• Advances in pediatric surgery
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.16-22
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• 2002

Between March 1999 and January 2000, 82 boys with the diagnosis of inguinal hernias (12 bilateral and 70 unilateral hernias), underwent Ultrasound (US) examination of both sides of the groin, a total of 164 inguinal imaging prior to surgery. The patients ages ranged from 3 days to 12 years with a mean of 32.6 months. Ninty four examinations were on the clinically symptomatic side and 70 were on the asymptomatic side. The US criteria for the diagnosis of an inguinal hernia were as follows: 1) visceral hernia, the presence of bowel loops, or omentum in the inguinal canal, 2) communicating hydrocele, the presence of fluid in the processus vaginalis, 3) widening of patent processus vaginalis at the level of internal inguinal ring. The width of patent processus vaginalis at the level of internal inguinal ring over 4 mm is considered an occult hernia. Among the 94 symptomatic groins, US findings showed 31 (33%) visceral hernias, 18 (19%) communicating hydroceles, and 38 (41%) widening of the internal inguinal ring, and 7 (7%) groins without abnormalities. In 70 asymptomatic groins, there were 4 (6%) visceral hernias, 5 (7%) communicating hydroceles, 11 (16%) widening of the internal inguinal ring, and 50 (70%) groins without abnormalities. Among the 70 asymptomatic groins there were US abnormalities in 20 (28%). One hundred and seven groins with positive US findings were surgically explored. Among 107 operated sites, the operative findings were compatible with the US diagnosis in 104, a sensitivity for US of 97.2%. In patients with US findings of widening of internal inguinal ring (>4 mm), there was patent processus vaginalis in 36 out of 38 symptomatic groins and 10 of 11 asymptomatic groins. The sensitivity of US to the operative findings in widening of internal inguinal ring was 93.8%. For visceral hernia and communicating hydrocele, the sensitivity of positive US findings was 100%. Ultrasonography for inguinal hernias appears to be a rapid, reliable, and noninvasive screening diagnostic tool with high positive specificity. Therefore, we recommend the use of US as a routine diagnostic tool in pediatric patients with inguinal hernias and hydroceles.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.197-206
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• 2006

This study evaluated the effect of ultrasonic irradiation on improving the flux and cleaning efficiency in membrane process which is widely applied for the treatment of landfill leachate. The experiments on improvement of membrane flux according to the types of membranes(hallowfiber microfiltration, MF and tubular ultrafiltration, UF) were performed with changing frequency($40{\sim}120$ kHz), intensity ($200{\sim}500$ W) and irradiation time of ultrasound as well us operation pressure($0.1{\sim}2.3kg/cm^2$). Membrane was fouled for the first 50 min with primary treated leachate and then the change in flux according to ultrasonic irradiation period was observed for 70 min. Parameters influenced to the recovery ratio corresponding the net flux on pure water and to the enhancement ratio applied after ultrasonic irradiation on the flux were analyzed. In same condition, the flux was improved in proportion to ultrasonic intensity while the improvement of flux was inversely proportional to ultrasonic frequency. The cleaning effect of membrane was delayed and reduced when operation pressure of membrane was high. The recovery ratio and enhancement ratio for $0.1{\mu}m$ MF membrane were 10% and 500%, respectively while those were maximized at $75{\sim}98%\;and\;40{\sim}50%$ for UF membrane for 10,000 and 100,000 MWCO, respectively. In conclusion, it was confirmed that ultrasonic cleaning using mechanical vibration is alternative to water or chemical cleaning for improving membrane flux.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.103-112
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• 2024

Objective: To investigate the association of ultrasound (US) features of follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) with tumor invasiveness and prognosis based on the World Health Organization (WHO) classification and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 54 surgically confirmed FTC patients with US images and TERT promoter mutations (41 females and 13 males; median age [interquartile range], 40 years [30-51 years]). The WHO classification consisted of minimally invasive (MI), encapsulated angioinvasive (EA), and widely invasive (WI) FTCs. Alternative classifications included Group 1 (MI-FTC and EA-FTC with wild type TERT), Group 2 (WI-FTC with wild type TERT), and Group 3 (EA-FTC and WI-FTC with mutant TERT). Each nodule was categorized according to the US patterns of the Korean Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (K-TIRADS) and American College of Radiology-TIRADS (ACR-TIRADS). The Jonckheere-Terpstra and Cochran-Armitage tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Among 54 patients, 29 (53.7%) had MI-FTC, 16 (29.6%) had EA-FTC, and nine (16.7%) had WI-FTC. In both the classifications, lobulation, irregular margins, and final assessment categories showed significant differences (all Ps ≤ 0.04). Furthermore, the incidences of lobulation, irregular margin, and high suspicion category tended to increase with increasing tumor invasiveness and worse prognosis (all Ps for trend ≤ 0.006). In the WHO groups, hypoechogenicity differed significantly among the groups (P = 0.01) and tended to increase in proportion as tumor invasiveness increased (P for trend = 0.02). In the alternative group, punctate echogenic foci were associated with prognosis (P = 0.03, P for trend = 0.03). Conclusion: Increasing tumor invasiveness and worsening prognosis in FTC based on the WHO classification and TERT promoter mutation results were positively correlated with US features that indicate malignant probability according to both K-TIRADS and ACR-TIRADS.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.23 no.10
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• pp.1019-1027
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• 2022

Objective: Thyroidectomy bed lesions frequently show suspicious ultrasound (US) features after thyroid surgery. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) may not provide definitive pathological information about the lesions. Although core-needle biopsy (CNB) has excellent diagnostic performance in characterizing suspicious thyroid nodules, no published studies have evaluated the performance of CNB specifically for thyroidectomy bed lesions. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance and safety of CNB for characterizing thyroidectomy bed lesions. Materials and Methods: A total of 124 thyroidectomy bed lesions in 113 patients (79 female and 34 male; age, 23-85 years) who underwent US-guided CNB between December 2008 and December 2020 were included. We reviewed the US imaging features of the target lesions and the histories of previous biopsies. The pathologic results, diagnostic performance for malignancy, and complications of CNB were analyzed. Results: All samples (100%) obtained by CNB were adequate for pathological analysis. Pathological analysis revealed inconclusive results in two lesions (1.6%). According to the reference standard, 50 lesions were ultimately malignant (40.3%), and 72 were benign (58.1%), excluding the two inconclusive lesions. The performance of CNB for diagnosing malignant thyroidectomy bed lesions in the 122 lesions had a sensitivity of 98.0% (49/50), a specificity of 100% (72/72), positive predictive value of 100% (49/49), and negative predictive value of 98.6% (72/73). Eleven lesions were referred for CNB after prior inconclusive FNA results in thyroidectomy bed lesions, for all of which CNB yielded correct conclusive pathologic diagnoses. According to the pathological analysis of CNB, there were various benign lesions (58.9%, 73/124) besides recurrence, including benign postoperative lesions other than suture granuloma (32.3%, 40/124), suture granuloma (15.3%, 19/124), remnant thyroid tissue (5.6%, 7/124), parathyroid lesions (4%, 5/124), and abscesses (1.6%, 2/124). No major or minor complications were associated with the CNB procedure. Conclusion: US-guided CNB is accurate and safe for characterizing thyroidectomy bed lesions.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.76 no.2
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• pp.88-92
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• 2014

We hereby report a case on bronchogenic cyst which is initially non-infected, then becomes infected after bronchoscopic ultrasound (US)-guided transesophageal fine-needle aspiration (FNA). The non-infected bronchogenic cyst appears to be filled with relatively echogenic materials on US, and the aspirate is a whitish jelly-like fluid. Upon contrast-enhanced MRI of the infected bronchogenic cyst, a T1-weighted image shows low signal intensity and a T2-weighted image shows high signal intensity, with no enhancements of the cyst contents, but enhancements of the thickened cystic wall. The patient then undergo video-assisted thoracic surgery 14 days after the FNA. The cystic mass is known to be completely removed, and the aspirate is yellowish and purulent. To understand the image findings that pertain to the gross appearance of the cyst contents will help to diagnose bronchogenic cysts in the future.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.307-312
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• 2019

Background: The aim of this study was to clarify the topographical relationships between the dorsal scapular nerve (DSN) and the dorsal scapular artery (DSA) in the interscapular region to identify safe and convenient injection points related to DSN blockade. Methods: Thirty shoulders of embalmed Korean cadavers and 50 live subjects were used for dissection and ultrasound (US) analysis. Results: The running patterns of the DSA and DSN in the interscapular region were classified into 3 types. Type I was defined as nerves that were medial to the artery and parallel without changing location (80.0% of specimens). In type II (13.3%), the nerve and artery traversed one another only one time over their entire length. In type III (6.7%), the nerve and artery traversed one another, resembling a twist. Above the level of the scapular spine, the nerve was always medial to the artery. Below the scapular spine, the number of arteries was obviously decreased. Most of the arteries were lateral to the medial border of the scapula, except at the level of the superior angle of the scapula artery (SA). The positional tendency of the DSN toward the medial or lateral sides from the medial border of the scapula was similar. In US imaging of live subjects, the DSA was most observed at the level of the SA (94.0%). Conclusions: Results of this study enhance the current knowledge regarding the pathway of the DSN and DSA and provide helpful information for selective diagnostic nerve blocks in the interscapular region.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.19-29
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• 2021

Purpose: To assess parent perspectives of the current and potential future tests for their child with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: New Zealand parents of a child with IBD were invited to complete an anonymous online survey. Experiences relating to their child's blood or faecal tests, medical imaging (abdominal ultrasound [US], abdominal computerised tomography [CT] and magnetic resonance enterography) and colonoscopy were collected. Perceived attitudes to potential future testing of urine, saliva, and breath, were sought. Results: Twenty-eight parents, 93% female completed the survey, and 86% were aged between 35 and 54 years. Baseline information was provided by parents for 27 of 28 children, 70.3% had Crohn's disease with a mean disease duration of 2.67 years. Blood tests were the most requested and completed tests, while CT was the least ordered and most refused test. Colonoscopy was rated as the least comfortable and generated the most worry. Explanation of test significantly improved parent's levels of understanding when their child had blood, faecal, imaging (US) or colonoscopy tests. Providing an explanation, test invasiveness and the impact of the blood results may have on their child's treatment significantly improved parents' comfort levels. However, explanation of colonoscopy generated a significant parental concerns. Saliva, urine and blood tests were chosen as the most preferred disease monitoring tests. Conclusion: Parents preferred any tests less invasive than colonoscopy for monitoring their child's IBD. Although providing explanation of their child's tests enhanced parents' understanding, it can also affect parents' levels of concern and comfort.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.12
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• pp.1383-1392
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• 2020

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided minimally invasive treatment in patients with parathyroid lesions. Materials and Methods: This study included 27 patients who had undergone US-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or ethanol ablation (EA) for parathyroid lesions between January 2010 and 2018. RFA was performed in 19 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT, n = 11) or secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT, n = 8), and EA was performed in eight patients with symptomatic nonfunctioning parathyroid cysts (SNPCs). Nodule size, volume, serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium levels were recorded before and after treatment. Complications were evaluated during and after treatment. Results: In patients with PHPT, significant reductions in size and volume were noted after RFA at 6- and 12-month follow-up (all, p < 0.05). Seven nodules nearly completely disappeared (residual volume < 0.1 mL); serum PTH and calcium levels were reduced to normal ranges (7/11, 63.6%). Four patients experienced partial reductions of serum PTH and calcium levels (4/11, 36.4%). In patients with SHPT, three experienced therapeutic response of serum PTH (3/8, 37.5%), while five showed persistent hyperparathyroidism (5/8, 62.5%) within 6 months after RFA. In patients with SNPCs, EA resulted in significant reductions in cyst size and volume (all, p < 0.05) at the last follow-up. A total of four complications (two transient hypocalcemia [RFA], one permanent [RFA], and one transient [EA] hoarseness) were observed. Conclusion: Minimally invasive treatments, such as RFA and EA, may serve as therapeutic alternatives for patients with PHPT or SNPCs; they may have limited usefulness in patients with SHPT.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.110-113
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• 2000

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine, when measuring prostate volume by TRUS, whether height is more accurately determined by transaxial or midsagittal scanning. Materials and Methods: Sixteen patients who between March 1995 and March 1998 underwent both preoperative TRUS and radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer were included in this study. Using prolate ellipse volume calculation (height × length × width × 𝜋/6), TRUS prostate volume was determined, and was compared with the measured volume of the specimen. Results: Prostate volume measured by TRUS, regardless of whether height was determined transaxially or midsagittally, correlated closely with real specimen volume. When height was measured in one of these planes, a paired t test revealed no significant difference between TRUS prostate volume and real specimen volume (p = .411 and p = .740, respectively), nor were there significant differences between the findings of transaxial and midsagittal scanning (p = .570). A paired sample test, however, indicated that TRUS prostate volumes determined transaxially showed a higher correlation coefficient (0.833) and a lower standard deviation (9.04) than those determined midsagittally (0.714 and 11.48, respectively). Conclusion: Prostate volume measured by TRUS closely correlates with real prostate volume. Furthermore, we suggest that when measuring prostate volume in this way, height is more accurately determined by transaxial than by midsagittal scanning.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.470-476
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• 2012

Enzymatic action and microbial growth degrade the quality of fresh-cut lettuce. Browning, a bad smell, and softening during storage are the major forms of quality deterioration. Health-oriented consumers tend to avoid foods treated with chemicals to maintain their freshness. This study was conducted to evaluate the change in the quality of fresh-cut lettuce with combined low-temperature blanching (LB) and ultrasonication (US). The optimum condition was selected using the response surface methodology (RSM), through a regression analysis with the following independent variables; the ultrasonication time (X1), blanching temperature (X2), blanching time (X3), and dependent variable; ${\Delta}E$ value (y). It was found that the condition with the lowest ${\Delta}E$ value occurred with combined 90s US and $45^{\circ}C$ 90s LB (US+LB). The combined treatment group (US+LB) was stored at $10^{\circ}C$ for 9 days with the control group and each single-treatment group, with low-temperature blanching and ultrasonication. Overall, the US+LB group had a significantly high $L^*$ value, which indicates significantly low $a^*$, $b^*$, ${\Delta}E$, browning index, PPO, and POD activity values, and a low total bacteria count (p < 0.05). The US+LB group also had the highest sensory score (except for aroma and texture; p > 0.05).