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Although chest CT has been discussed as a first-line test for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), little research has explored the implications of CT exposure in the population. To review chest CT protocols and radiation doses in COVID-19 publications and explore the number needed to diagnose (NND) and the number needed to predict (NNP) if CT is used as a first-line test.We searched nine highly cited radiology journals to identify studies discussing the CT-based diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. Study-level information on the CT protocol and radiation dose was collected, and the doses were compared with each national diagnostic reference level (DRL). The NND and NNP, which depends on the test positive rate (TPR), were calculated, given a CT sensitivity of 94% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 91%-96%) and specificity of 37% (95% CI: 26%-50%), and applied to the early outbreak in Wuhan, New York, and Italy.From 86 studies, the CT protocol and radiation dose were reported in 81 (94.2%) and 17 studies (19.8%), respectively. Low-dose chest CT was used more than twice as often as standard-dose chest CT (39.5% vs.18.6%), while the remaining studies (44.2%) did not provide relevant information. The radiation doses were lower than the national DRLs in 15 of the 17 studies (88.2%) that reported doses. The NND was 3.2 scans (95% CI: 2.2-6.0). The NNPs at TPRs of 50%, 25%, 10%, and 5% were 2.2, 3.6, 8.0, 15.5 scans, respectively. In Wuhan, 35418 (TPR, 58%; 95% CI: 27710-56755) to 44840 (TPR, 38%; 95% CI: 35161-68164) individuals were estimated to have undergone CT examinations to diagnose 17365 patients. During the early surge in New York and Italy, daily NNDs changed up to 5.4 and 10.9 times, respectively, within 10 weeks.Low-dose CT protocols were described in less than half of COVID-19 publications, and radiation doses were frequently lacking. The number of populations involved in a first-line diagnostic CT test could vary dynamically according to daily TPR; therefore, caution is required in future planning.Coronavirus disease 2019 (이하 COVID-19) 폐렴에서 CT를 일차 진단 검사로 사용하고자 하는 논의가 있지만, 대규모 인구에게 CT 검사를 적용했을 때의 상황을 고찰한 연구는 없었다. 본 연구에서는 COVID-19 폐렴을 다룬 연구들에서 CT 프로토콜과 방사선량을 분석하고, CT 검사가 일차 진단 검사법으로 사용될 때 필요한 CT 검사량에 대해 알아보고자 한다.본 연구는 9개의 인용도가 높은 영상의학과 저널에서 COVID-19 폐렴의 CT 기반 진단을 다룬 문헌들을 검색하였다. 먼저, 연구에서 제시된 CT 프로토콜, 방사선량을 조사하여, 이를 해당 국가의 diagnostic reference level과 비교하였다. 추가로, COVID-19에 대한 CT 민감도 94%, 특이도 37%를 적용하여, 우한시와 뉴욕, 이탈리아의 초기 COVID-19 outbreak에서 polymerase chain reaction (이하 PCR) 검사 양성률에 기반한 number needed to diagnose (이하 NND)와 number needed to predict (이하 NNP)를 계산하였다.총 86개의 연구가 검색되었고, 그중 CT 프로토콜은 81개의 연구에서(94.2%), 방사선량은 17개의 연구에서(19.8%) 보고되었다. 저선량 흉부 CT는 표준선량 흉부 CT보다 2배 많은 연구에서 활용되었다(39.5% vs. 18.6%). 방사선량을 보고한 17개의 연구들 중, 15개의 연구에서 방사선량은 해당 국가의 diagnostic reference level 수치보다 낮았다(88.2%). COVID-19에 대한 CT 민감도 94%, 특이도 37%를 적용하였을 때, NND는 3.2회 CT scans으로 나타났다. 한편, PCR 검사 양성률 50%, 25%, 10%, 5%에서의 한 명의 COVID-19 환자를 진단 위한 CT 검사량을 나타내는 NNP는 각각 2.2, 3.6, 8.0, 15.5회의 CT scans로 나타났다. 우한시에서는 최종 17365명의 COVID-19 환자를 진단하기 위하여 약 35418명에서(PCR 검사 양성률 58%) 44840명(PCR 검사 양성률 38%)의 사람들이 CT 검사를 받은 것으로 나타났다. 뉴욕시와 이탈리아의 초기 COVID-19 유행 10주간, PCR 검사 양성률에 따라 일 CT 검사량이 최대 5.4, 10.9배까지 변화하였다.CT를 COVID-19에 대한 일차적인 진단검사로 사용할 경우, PCR 검사 양성률에 따라 CT 검사량은 변동량이 크고, 이는 추후 판데믹 상황에서 고려되어야 할 것이다.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the experience of implementing a deep learning-based computer-aided detection (CAD) system for the interpretation of chest X-ray radiographs (CXR) of suspected coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients and investigate the diagnostic performance of CXR interpretation with CAD assistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study, initial CXR of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 were investigated. A commercialized deep learning-based CAD system that can identify various abnormalities on CXR was implemented for the interpretation of CXR in daily practice. The diagnostic performance of radiologists with CAD assistance were evaluated based on two different reference standards: 1) real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) results for COVID-19 and 2) pulmonary abnormality suggesting pneumonia on chest CT. The turnaround times (TATs) of radiology reports for CXR and rRT-PCR results were also evaluated. RESULTS: Among 332 patients (male:female, 173:159; mean age, 57 years) with available rRT-PCR results, 16 patients (4.8%) were diagnosed with COVID-19. Using CXR, radiologists with CAD assistance identified rRT-PCR positive COVID-19 patients with sensitivity and specificity of 68.8% and 66.7%, respectively. Among 119 patients (male:female, 75:44; mean age, 69 years) with available chest CTs, radiologists assisted by CAD reported pneumonia on CXR with a sensitivity of 81.5% and a specificity of 72.3%. The TATs of CXR reports were significantly shorter than those of rRT-PCR results (median 51 vs. 507 minutes; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Radiologists with CAD assistance could identify patients with rRT-PCR-positive COVID-19 or pneumonia on CXR with a reasonably acceptable performance. In patients suspected with COVID-19, CXR had much faster TATs than rRT-PCRs.

Objective To evaluate quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters for differentiation of cysts from and solid masses in the anterior mediastinum. Materials and Methods The development dataset included 18 patients from two institutions with pathologically-proven cysts (n = 6) and solid masses (n = 12) in the anterior mediastinum. We measured the maximum diameter, normalized T1 and T2 signal intensity (nT1 and nT2), normalized apparent diffusion coefficient (nADC), and relative enhancement ratio (RER) of each lesion. RERs were obtained by non-rigid registration and subtraction of precontrast and postcontrast T1-weighted images. Differentiation criteria between cysts and solid masses were identified based on receiver operating characteristics analysis. For validation, two separate datasets were utilized: 15 patients with 8 cysts and 7 solid masses from another institution (validation dataset 1); and 11 patients with clinically diagnosed cysts stable for more than two years (validation dataset 2). Sensitivity and specificity were calculated from the validation datasets. Results nT2, nADC, and RER significantly differed between cysts and solid masses (p = 0.032, 0.013, and < 0.001, respectively). The following criteria differentiated cysts from solid masses: RER < 26.1%; nADC > 0.63; nT2 > 0.39. In validation dataset 1, the sensitivity of the RER, nADC, and nT2 criteria was 87.5%, 100%, and 75.0%, and the specificity was 100%, 40.0%, and 57.4%, respectively. In validation dataset 2, the sensitivity of the RER, nADC, and nT2 criteria was 90.9%, 90.9%, and 72.7%, respectively. Conclusion Quantitative MRI criteria using nT2, nADC, and particularly RER can assist differentiation of cysts from solid masses in the anterior mediastinum.

The recent introduction of various high-dimensional modeling methods, such as radiomics and deep learning, has created a much greater diversity in modeling approaches for survival prediction (or, more generally, time-to-event prediction). The newness of the recent modeling approaches and unfamiliarity with the model outputs may confuse some researchers and practitioners about the evaluation of the performance of such models. Methodological literacy to critically appraise the performance evaluation of the models and, ideally, the ability to conduct such an evaluation would be needed for those who want to develop models or apply them in practice. This article intends to provide intuitive, conceptual, and practical explanations of the statistical methods for evaluating the performance of survival prediction models with minimal usage of mathematical descriptions. It covers from conventional to deep learning methods, and emphasis has been placed on recent modeling approaches. This review article includes straightforward explanations of C indices (Harrell's C index, etc.), time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, calibration plot, other methods for evaluating the calibration performance, and Brier score.

Percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) is one of the essential diagnostic procedures for pulmonary lesions. Its role is increasing in the era of CT screening for lung cancer and precision medicine. The Korean Society of Thoracic Radiology developed the first evidence-based clinical guideline for PTNB in Korea by adapting pre-existing guidelines. The guideline provides 39 recommendations for the following four main domains of 12 key questions: the indications for PTNB, pre-procedural evaluation, procedural technique of PTNB and its accuracy, and management of post-biopsy complications. We hope that these recommendations can improve the diagnostic accuracy and safety of PTNB in clinical practice and promote standardization of the procedure nationwide.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the tumor doubling time of invasive lung adenocarcinoma according to the International Association of the Study for Lung Cancer (IASLC)/American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) histologic classification. Materials and methods Among the 2905 patients with surgically resected lung adenocarcinoma, we retrospectively included 172 patients (mean age, 65.6 ± 9.0 years) who had paired thin-section non-contrast chest computed tomography (CT) scans at least 84 days apart with the same CT parameters, along with 10 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (mean age, 70.9 ± 7.4 years) for comparison. Three-dimensional semiautomatic segmentation of nodules was performed to calculate the volume doubling time (VDT), mass doubling time (MDT), and specific growth rate (SGR) of volume and mass. Multivariate linear regression, one-way analysis of variance, and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed. Results The median VDT and MDT of lung cancers were as follows: acinar, 603.2 and 639.5 days; lepidic, 1140.6 and 970.1 days; solid/micropapillary, 232.7 and 221.8 days; papillary, 599.0 and 624.3 days; invasive mucinous, 440.7 and 438.2 days; and squamous cell carcinoma, 149.1 and 146.1 days, respectively. The adjusted SGR of volume and mass of the solid-/micropapillary-predominant subtypes were significantly shorter than those of the acinar-, lepidic-, and papillary-predominant subtypes. The histologic subtype was independently associated with tumor doubling time. A VDT of 465.2 days and an MDT of 437.5 days yielded areas under the curve of 0.791 and 0.795, respectively, for distinguishing solid-/micropapillary-predominant subtypes from other subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma. Conclusion The tumor doubling time of invasive lung adenocarcinoma differed according to the IASCL/ATS/ERS histologic classification.

Objective To investigate the image quality (IQ) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of reduced field-of-view (FOV) di-ffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of pancreas in comparison with full FOV DWI. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, 2 readers independently performed qualitative analysis of full FOV DWI (FOV, 38 × 38 cm; b-value, 0 and 500 s/mm2) and reduced FOV DWI (FOV, 28 × 8.5 cm; b-value, 0 and 400 s/mm2). Both procedures were conducted with a two-dimensional spatially selective radiofrequency excitation pulse, in 102 patients with benign or malignant pancreatic diseases (mean size, 27.5 ± 14.4 mm). The study parameters included 1) anatomic structure visualization, 2) lesion conspicuity, 3) artifacts, 4) IQ score, and 5) subjective clinical utility for confirming or excluding initially considered differential diagnosis on conventional imaging. Another reader performed quantitative ADC measurements of focal pancreatic lesions and parenchyma. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare qualitative scores and ADCs between DWI sequences. Mann Whitney U-test was used to compare ADCs between the lesions and parenchyma. Results On qualitative analysis, reduced FOV DWI showed better anatomic structure visualization (2.76 ± 0.79 at b = 0 s/mm2 and 2.81 ± 0.64 at b = 400 s/mm2), lesion conspicuity (3.11 ± 0.99 at b = 0 s/mm2 and 3.15 ± 0.79 at b = 400 s/mm2), IQ score (8.51 ± 2.05 at b = 0 s/mm2 and 8.79 ± 1.60 at b = 400 s/mm2), and higher clinical utility (3.41 ± 0.64), as compared to full FOV DWI (anatomic structure, 2.18 ± 0.59 at b = 0 s/mm2 and 2.56 ± 0.47 at b = 500 s/mm2; lesion conspicuity, 2.55 ± 1.07 at b = 0 s/mm2 and 2.89 ± 0.86 at b = 500 s/mm2; IQ score, 7.13 ± 1.83 at b = 0 s/mm2 and 8.17 ± 1.31 at b = 500 s/mm2; clinical utility, 3.14 ± 0.70) (p < 0.05). Artifacts were significantly improved on reduced FOV DWI (2.65 ± 0.68) at b = 0 s/mm2 (full FOV DWI, 2.41 ± 0.63) (p < 0.001). On quantitative analysis, there were no significant differences between the 2 DWI sequences in ADCs of various pancreatic lesions and parenchyma (p > 0.05). ADCs of adenocarcinomas (1.061 × 10-3 mm2/s ± 0.133 at reduced FOV and 1.079 × 10-3 mm2/s ± 0.135 at full FOV) and neuroendocrine tumors (0.983 × 10-3 mm2/s ± 0.152 at reduced FOV and 1.004 × 10-3 mm2/s ± 0.153 at full FOV) were significantly lower than those of parenchyma (1.191 × 10-3 mm2/s ± 0.125 at reduced FOV and 1.218 × 10-3 mm2/s ± 0.103 at full FOV) (p < 0.05). Conclusion Reduced FOV DWI of the pancreas provides better overall IQ including better anatomic detail, lesion conspicuity and subjective clinical utility.

Objective To evaluate nodule visibility, learning curves, and reading times for digital tomosynthesis (DT). Materials and Methods We included 80 patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) and DT before pulmonary metastasectomy. One experienced chest radiologist annotated all visible nodules on thin-section CT scans using computer-aided detection software. Two radiologists used CT as the reference standard and retrospectively graded the visibility of nodules on DT. Nodule detection performance was evaluated in four sessions of 20 cases each by six readers. After each session, readers were unblinded to the DT images by revealing the true-positive markings and were instructed to self-analyze their own misreads. Receiver-operating-characteristic curves were determined. Results Among 414 nodules on CT, 53.3% (221/414) were visible on DT. The main reason for not seeing a nodule on DT was small size (93.3%, ≤ 5 mm). DT revealed a substantial number of malignant nodules (84.1%, 143/170). The proportion of malignant nodules among visible nodules on DT was significantly higher (64.7%, 143/221) than that on CT (41.1%, 170/414) (p < 0.001). Area under the curve (AUC) values at the initial session were > 0.8, and the average detection rate for malignant nodules was 85% (210/246). The inter-session analysis of the AUC showed no significant differences among the readers, and the detection rate for malignant nodules did not differ across sessions. A slight improvement in reading times was observed. Conclusion Most malignant nodules > 5 mm were visible on DT. As nodule detection performance was high from the initial session, DT may be readily applicable for radiology residents and board-certified radiologists.

Objective: To compare the segmentation capability of the 2 currently available commercial volumetry software programs with specific segmentation algorithms for pulmonary ground-glass nodules (GGNs) and to assess their measurement accuracy. Materials and Methods: In this study, 55 patients with 66 GGNs underwent unenhanced low-dose CT. GGN segmentation was performed by using 2 volumetry software programs (LungCARE, Siemens Healthcare; LungVCAR, GE Healthcare). Successful nodule segmentation was assessed visually and morphologic features of GGNs were evaluated to determine factors affecting segmentation by both types of software. In addition, the measurement accuracy of the software programs was investigated by using an anthropomorphic chest phantom containing simulated GGNs. Results: The successful nodule segmentation rate was significantly higher in LungCARE (90.9%) than in LungVCAR (72.7%) (p = 0.012). Vascular attachment was a negatively influencing morphologic feature of nodule segmentation for both software programs. As for measurement accuracy, mean relative volume measurement errors in nodules ≥ 10 mm were 14.89% with LungCARE and 19.96% with LungVCAR. The mean relative attenuation measurement errors in nodules ≥ 10 mm were 3.03% with LungCARE and 5.12% with LungVCAR. Conclusion: LungCARE shows significantly higher segmentation success rates than LungVCAR. Measurement accuracy of volume and attenuation of GGNs is acceptable in GGNs ≥ 10 mm by both software programs. Index terms: Lung neoplasms; Solitary pulmonary nodule; Multidetector computed tomography; Phantoms, imaging; Technology, radiologic

Objective We hypothesized that open bronchi within target pulmonary lesions are associated with percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB)-related hemoptysis. We sought to analyze and compare patient characteristics and target features as well as biopsy-related factors between patients with and without PTNB-related hemoptysis. Materials and Methods We retrospectively analyzed 1484 patients (870 males and 614 females; median age, 66 years) who had undergone 1569 cone-beam CT (CBCT)-guided PTNBs. Patient characteristics (sex, age, and pathologic diagnosis), nodule features (nodule type, size, location, and presence of an open bronchus in target nodules), and biopsy-related factors (biopsy needle size, pleura-to-target distance, blood test results, open bronchus unavoidability [OBU] index, etc.) were investigated. OBU index, which was assessed using the pre-procedural CBCT, was a subjective scoring system for the probability of needle penetration into the open bronchus. Univariate analysis and subsequent multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to reveal the independent risk factors for PTNB-related hemoptysis. For a subgroup of nodules with open bronchi, a trend analysis between the occurrence of hemoptysis and the OBU index was performed. Results The independent risk factors for hemoptysis were sex (female; odds ratio [OR], 1.918; p < 0.001), nodule size (OR, 0.837; p < 0.001), open bronchus (OR, 2.101; p < 0.001), and pleura-to-target distance (OR, 1.135; p = 0.003). For the target nodules with open bronchi, a significant trend between hemoptysis and OBU index (p < 0.001) was observed. Conclusion An open bronchus in a biopsy target is an independent predictor of hemoptysis, and careful imaging review may potentially reduce PTNB-related hemoptysis.

Purpose: To evaluate normal postnatal development of the atlas and axis by means of CT scanning. Materials and Methods: We prospectively analyzed CT scans of the developing atlas and axis of 200 normal children aged less than 14, investigating the CT appearance of these regions with particular attention to two synchondroses related to the atlas and four synchondroses and one ossification center related to the axis. Fusion varying was categorized as either low (grade1-5) or high (grade4-5), according to the varying degrees of fusion at each synchondrosis or ossification center. Results: Neurocentral synchondrosis of the atlas was low grade in all children less than five, and high grade in all aged nine or more, while posterior synchonrosis of the atlas was low grade in 97% of children less than three and high grade in 99% aged three or more. As for the axis, neurocentral synchondrosis was low grade in all children less than three, and high grade in 97% of children aged five or more. PS of the axis was low grade in both children less than 6 months, and high grade in all aged two years or more. Dentocentral synchondrosis of the axis was low grade in 93% of children less than three and high grade in 96% of those aged at least five. Intradental axial synchondrosis was high grade in all children. Fusion of the terminal ossicle with the remainder of the dens was low in all children less than five and high in 97% of those aged nine or more. Conclusion: CT can help determine the parameters of normal postnatal development of the atlas and axis. A knowledge of normal ossification patterns of these regions may help provide an understanding of developmental anomalies and also help prevent confusion with fractures.

Sinus pericranii is a rare vascular anomaly involving abnormal communication between the intracranial and extracranial venous circulations. Although the condition can be diagnosed clinically, imaging is required to distinguish it from other entities and to identify the connection between the extracranial and intracranial dural venous sinus. We report the characteristic MR imaging and angiographic findings of a case of sinus pericranii

Purpose: To know the normal CT appearance of the anterior skull base and nasal septum after birth. Materials and Methods: Coronal CT scans with a helical mode were performed from the nasal bone to the sphenoid sinus in 99 children whose ages ranged from 27 days to 14 years. We investigated the CT appearance of the developing anterior skull base and nasal septum with particular attention to the anteroposterior length of the anterior skull base and the ossification patterns of the cribriform plate, perpendicular plate, crista galli, and vomer. Results: The anteroposterior length of the anterior skull base statistically significantly increased with age. The cribriform plate showed partial or complete ossification in at least one segment at more than 3 months of age and in all three segments at more than 6 months of age. Ossification of the cribriform plate occurred earlier in the middle segment than in the anterior and posterior segments. It began exclusively in the region of the lateral mass of the ethmoid and proceeded medially toward the crista galli. Partial ossification of the perpendicular plate was noted as early as 9 months of age, and complete ossification as early as 13 months of age. All children at 18 months and older showed at least partial ossification of the perpendicular plate. Partial ossification of the crista galli was noted as early as 27 days of age, and complete ossification as early as 3 months of age. CT showed complete ossification of the crista galli in all but two children at 6 months and older. The superior aspect of the vomer exhibited a V- or Y-shape on all CT scans in 66%(65/99) of children at any age. It appeared as an undivided single lump anteriorly and a V or Y posteriorly in 34%(34/99). Conclusion: Knowledge of the normal developing patterns of ossification of the anterior skull base and nasal septum could help prevent errors in interpreting CT scans in this region, especially in infants and young children.

Purpose: To determine the usefulness of the functional MRI (fMRI) using motor and sensory stimuli in patients with brain tumors or focal cerebral lesions. Materials and Methods: This study involved five patients with brain tumors (n=2) or cerebral lesions [cysticercosis (n=1), arteriovenous malformation (n=1), focal infarction (n=1)] and seven normal controls. For MR examinations a 1.5T scanner was used, and during motor or sensory stimulation, the EPI BOLD technique was employed. For image postprocessing an SPM program was utilized. Results: In volunteers, contralateral sensori-motor cortices were activated by both motor and sensory stimuli, while supplementary motor cortices were activated by motor stimuli and other sensory cortices by sensory stimuli. Preoperative evaluation of the relationship between lesions and important sensory and motor areas was possible, and subsequent surgery was thus successful, involving no severe complications. Activation of ipsilateral or other areas occurred in patients with destruction of a major sensory and/or motor area, suggesting compensatory reorganization. Conclusion: fMRI could be a useful supportive method for determining the best approach to surgery treatment in patients with brain tumors or focal cerebral lesions.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy () using a 1.5T magnetic resonance (MR) imager for quantification of the contents of model solutions. Materials and Methods: We prepared model solutions of dextrose+water and dextrose+water+ethanol at dextrose concentrations of 0.01% to 50% and 0.01% to 20%, respectively. Using these solutions and a 1.5T MR imager together with a high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscope, we calculated the ratios of dextrose to water peak, (dextrose+ethanol) to water peak, and (dextrose+ethanol) to ethanol peak, as seen on MR and NMR spectra, analysing the relationships between dextrose concentration and the ratios of peaks, and between the ratios of the peaks seen on MR spectra and those seen on NMR spectra. Results: Changes in the ratios between dextrose concentration and dextrose to water peak, (dextrose+ethanol) to water peak and (dextrose+ethanol) to ethanol peak, as seen on MR spectra, were statistically significant, and there was good linear regression. There was also close correlation between the ratios of the observed on MR and NMR spectra. The results depict the quantification of dextrose concentration according to the ratios of spectral peaks obtained by proton MRS at 1.5T. Conclusion: Using proton MRS at 1.5T, and on the basis of the ratios of spectcal peaks, it was possible to quantify the concentration of dextrose in model solutions of dextrose+water and dextrose+water+ethanol. The results of this study suggest that for quantifying the contents of biofluids, the use of low-tesla is feasible.

Objective To explore the in-vivo 1H- MR spectral features of adnexal lesions and to characterize the spectral patterns of various pathologic entities. Materials and Methods Thirty-one patients with surgically and histopathologically confirmed adnexal lesions underwent short echo-time STEAM (stimulated echo acquisition method) 1H- MR spectroscopy, and the results obtained were analysed. Results The methylene present in fatty acid chains gave rise to a lipid peak of 1.3 ppm in the 1H- MR spectra of most malignant tumors and benign teratomas. This same peak was not observed, however, in the spectra of benign ovarian epithelial tumors: in a number of these, a peak of 5.2 ppm, due to the presence of the olefine group (-CH=CH-) was noted. The ratios of lipid peak at 1.3 ppm to water peak (lipid/water ratios) varied between disease groups, and in some benign teratomas was characteristically high. Conclusion An intense lipid peak at 1.3 ppm is observed in malignant ovarian tumors but not in benign epithelial tumors. 1H- MRS may therefore be helpful in the differential diagnosis of adnexal lesions.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical utility of MR imaging of the temporal bone in patients with facial and audiovestibular dysfunction with particular emphasis on the importance of contrast enhancement. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the MR images of 179 patients [72 men, 107 women; average age, 44 (range, 1 77) years] who presented with peripheral facial palsy (n=15), audiometrically proven sensorineural hearing loss (n=104), vertigo (n=109), or tinnitus (n=92). Positive MR imaging findings possibly responsible for the patients clinical manifestations were categorized according to the anatomic sites and presumed etiologies of the lesions. We also assessed the utility of contrast-enhanced MR imaging by analyzing its contribution to the demonstration of lesions which would otherwise not have been apparent. All MR images were interpreted by two neuroradiologists, who reached their conclusions by consensus. Results: MR images demonstrated positive findings, thought to account for the presenting symptoms, in 78 (44%) of 179 patients, including 15 (100%) of 15 with peripheral facial palsy, 43 (41%) of 104 with sensorineural hearing loss, 40 (37%) of 109 with vertigo, and 39 (42%) of 92 with tinnitus. Thirty (38%) of those 78 patients had lesions that could be confidently recognized only at contrastenhanced MR imaging. Conclusion: Even though its use led to positive findings in less than half of these patients, MR imaging of the temporal bone is a useful diagnostic procedure in the evaluation of those with facial and audiovestibular dysfunction. Because it was only at contrast-enhanced MR imaging that a significant number of patients showed positive imaging findings which explained their clinical manifestations, the use of contrast material is highly recommended. n daily clinical practice, otolaryngologists encounter a significant number of patients with facial and audiovestibular dysfunction. In the past, the diagnostic yields of radiological examination in these patients were low, and conventional radiography and polytomography rarely demonstrated the specific cause. While computed tomography (CT) is usually used in the investigation of diseases of the bony labyrinth and cerebellopontine angle, its contribution to the diagnosis of diseases of the membranous labyrinth and small lesions of the internal auditory canal is limited. In contrast, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, by virtue of its superior contrast resolution and multiplanar imaging capability, can demonstrate small lesions involving the membranous labyrinth and internal auditory canal, and is currently the diagnostic imaging modality of choice for the evaluation of patients with facial and au

Purpose: To compare functional MR imaging of the motor cortex during active and passive movement. Materials and Methods: Seven healthy, right-handed volunteers (M:F=6:1; age:25-30 years) were included in this study. A 1.5-T whole body scanner and the multislice EPI BOLD method were used. The motor paradigm was flexion-extension of a thumb against rest. In the active motion task, the thumb was flexed voluntarily once a second, while in the passive task, it was tied with a thread and pulled to flex and extend passively at the same interval and with the same intensity as in the active task. For image postprocessing, an SPM 96 program was used. The sites, numbers, and signal intensity of the activated pixels were determined, and the threshold for significance was set at p

Purpose: To evaluate the utility of signal intensity differences between in- and opposed-phase MRI and the lipid peak ratio in in-vivo proton MR spectroscopy of the gallbladder as diagnostic tools for measuring the lipidcontent of gallbladder bile. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six normal volunteers underwent MR imaging (FMPSPGR) and in-vivo proton MR spectroscopy of the gallbladder. In all cases the results of liver function tests were normal, as were cholesterol levels,and ultrasonography of the gaubladder revealed nothing unusual. For MRI and MRS a 1.5T unit (Signa Horizon; GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, U.S.A.) was used. In-phase and opposed-phase coronal-section MR images(FMPSPGR; TR=125 msec, TE=1.8, 4.2 msec) of the gallbladder were obtained, and differences in signal intensity thus determined. For proton MR spectroscopy of the gallbladder, a localized proton STEAM sequence was employed. A single voxel of 1-8 cm3 was placed at the center of the gallbladder cavity, peak areas at 0.8-1.6 ppm (lipid), 2.0-2.4 ppm, 3.2-3.4 ppm, 3.9-4.1 ppm, and 5.2-5.4 ppm were measured by proton MRS and the relative peak area ratios of peak 0.8-1.6 ppm/other peaks were calculated. The degree of correlation between signal intensity differences at MRI and the relative peak area ratio of lipid in proton MRS was estimated using the p-value and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: Signal intensity differences ranged from 11.3 to 43.4% (mean,268.9%), and the range of lipid peak area ratio at MRS was 0.10-0.97 (mean, 0.660.21). There was significant correlation between the two measured values (P=0.014, Pearson’s correlation coefficient=0.478). Conclusion: In normal cystic bile, signal intensity differences at in- and opposed-phase MRI and relative lipid peak area ratios at MRS varied, though both methods could be used diagnostically for measuring the lipid contents of body tissue.

Purpose: To determine the usefulness of CT for diagnosing metastases to primary and secondary echelon lymph nodes (LNs) and to investigate various CT findings of metastatic LNs in thyroid carcinomas. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the CT and histologic findings in 59 patients with thyroid carcinomas who had undergone thyroidectomy and neck dissection. Primary echelon LNs (Level VI) were removed by central neck dissection in all patients, and in 21, a total of 136 levels of secondary echelon LNs (Level II-V) were excised away by lateral neck dissection. CT criteria of metastatic LNs included large size, significant homogeneous enhancement, calcification, and cystic change. We evaluated the ability of CT to detect primary and secondary echelon LN metastasis and tried to determine which CT features were useful for the diagnosis of LN metastasis. Results: Histologically, LN metastasis was found in 31 (53%) of 59 patients, including 30 with metastasis to primary echelon LNs. Of the 136 levels of secondary echelon LNs resected in 21 patients, 44 were found at histology to harbor metastatic foci. The sensitivities, specificities, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracies of CT in the diagnosis of metastasis to primary and secondary echelon LNs, respectively, were 27% and 93%, 100% and 93%, 100% and 87%, 57% and 97%, and 63% and 93%. While all secondary echelon LNs with at least one of the following CT criteria-large size (n=19), cystic or necrotic change (n=14), or calcifications(n=8)-were histologically proven to be metastatic, six (24%) of 25 such LNs with a sole sign of significant enhancement at CT were found to be due to reactive lymphadenopathy. Conclusion: Although CT was unable to detect metastasis to primary echelon LNs, it was useful in the detection of secondary echelon LN involvement. Large size, cystic change, and calcification are considered highly reliable signs of metastatic LNs.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate change in the proton MR spectroscopic (1H-MRS) features of the liver according to changes in the severity of the chronic hepatitis spectrum (normal-chronic hepatitis-liver cirrhosis), and to determine the possibility of replacing liver biopsy by1 H-MRS. Materials and Methods: Sixty profiles of 1H-MRS features from 15 normal volunteers, 30 cases of chronic hepatitis, and 15 of liver cirrhosis were evaluated. All cases of chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis were confirmed by biopsy, and histopathologic disease severity was categorized according to Ludwig’s classification. Using the STEAM(STimulated Echo-Aquisition Mode) sequence, -MRS was performed. The ratios of peak areas of [glutamate+glutamine]/lipid, phosphomonoesters/lipid, [glycogen+glucose]/lipid, and [3.9-4.1ppm unknown peak]/lipid and their mean and standard deviation were calculated in normal, chronic hepatitis stages I and II, and early and late liver cirrhosis groups and the results were compared between these groups. One-way variable analysis was applied to the statistics. Results: Mean and standard deviation of phosphomonoesters/lipid in the normal, chronic hepatitis grades I and II, and early and late liver cirrhosis groups were , respectively, and [glycogen+ glucose]/lipid were , respectively. These results implied that the ratio of the above metabolites to lipid content increased according to increasing disease severity (p, respectively, and there was no correlation with disease severity. In the chonic hepatitis grades I and II, and early and late liver cirrhosis groups, the ratios for [3.9-4.1 ppm unknown peak]/lipid were , and these also increased according to increasing disease severity (p-MRS features of the liver. These results indicate that in cases of chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, biopsy of the liver can be replaced by -MRS.

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of contrast-enhanced MR angiography for fol-low-up examinations after metallic stent placement and to examine the effects of change of imaging parameters used for contrast-enhanced MR angiography. Materials and Methods : After four metallic stents (Passager, Ninitol, Wallstent, and Memotherm) were placed in an abdominal aorta shaped vascular phantom, efGRE (enhanced fast gradient recalled echo) 3-D MR angiography was performed, using a 1.5T unit. The four metallic stents were graded 1-3 according to the width and length of their high signal intensity. Variations in the degree of high signal intensity were evaluated according to imaging parameters. Results : The width and length of high signal intensity with the Passager stent and Nitinol stent were greater than with the Wallstent and Memotherm. The larger the field of view, the smaller the matrix number, the larger the flip angle, the greater the width and length of high signal intensity in the metallic stent. Conclusion : Contrast-enhanced MR angiography may be a useful follow-up procedure after the placement of Passager and Ninitol metallic stents. The signal intensity of stent lumen varies according to imaging parameters, and the selection of optimal parameters is therefore important.

Purpose : To evaluate the developmental patterns of the sutures and synchondroses in the central skull base. Materials and Methods : We evaluated the CT scans of 109 children(age range, 29 days to 15 years) with no skull base abnormality who had undergone axial CT of the skull base with 1-mm collimation. Using a five-tier scheme, we analyzed the developmental patterns of the 18 sutures and synchondroses related to the sphenoid and occipital bones. Results : Fusion of the sutures and synchondroses related to the sphenoid bone progressed rapidly during the first two years. Thereafter, changes in the sphenoid bone were dominated by pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus. Fusion of the synchondroses within the sphenoid body, including intersphenoidal, intrapresphenoidal, and intrapostsphenoidal synchondrosis occurred early and in most cases was graded 4. Fusion of the sphenosquamosal, sphenoethmoidal, and frontosphenoidal sutures was delayed, and residual sclerosis was a common finding. Except for Kerckring-supraoccipital synchondrosis, fusion of the six sutures and synchon-droses related to the occipital bone occurred more gradually than that of those related to the sphenoid bone. Among these, fusion of the occipitomastoidal suture and petro-occipital synchondrosis was the last to occur. Conclusion : A knowledge of the developmental patterns of sutures and synchondroses can help differentiate normal conditions from those such as fracture, osseous dysplasia, or congenital malformation, which are abnormal. Our results provide certain basic informations about skull base maturity in children.

Purpose: To evaluate the MR findings of a development of bony bridge within tunnels drilled across growth plates after injury in immature rabbits, and to correlate the MR and pathological findings. Materials and Methods: In 19 young rabbits, a growth-plate injury model was constructed in the distal femur by longitudinal drilling with a 5-mm drill. Coronal scans with T1-weighted, T2-weighted fast spin-echo, gradient echo, and gadolinium enhanced T1-weighted sequences were obtained immediately, and at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks, and 3, 6 months, postoperatively. Each group underwent pathologic examination, and the signal inten-sity, shape, and enhancement pattern of the drill holes were assessed. All results were correlated with pathologic findings. Results: During the early period, the signal intensity of the defect site varied due to hemorrhage and inflammatory reaction in the lesion, becoming isointense to that of metaphyseal marrow on all sequences during the late period (3 and 6 months). Pathologically, it corresponded to replacement of the osseous bridge with fatty marrow. The new bone formation shown by pathologic examination to be present in the periphery of the defect during the first week corresponded to the vertical dark rim seen on MR images. It appeared during that week and became more distinct, thickening gradually until the fourth week. Enhancement was absent or faint on follow-up immediately after surgery, inhomogenous and seen in half the rabbits at week 1, and maximal and homogenous at weeks 2 and 3. In had decreased by week 4, and was absent at months 3 and 6. These findings corresponded to the changes in transphyseal vascularity across the drill hole revealed by pathologic examination. Conclusion: The contrast enhancement demonstrated by defective growth plate may indicate the develop-ment of vascularity throughout the plate, a phenomenon which precedes the formation of a bony bridge after trauma.

Purpose: To compare magnetization transfer ratios (MTR) among various cerebral edemas with different pathophysiologic processes. Materials and Methods: Cerebral edemas seen on MR images in 45 patients were classified as one of three types: vasogenic (n=22; tumor[n=9], contusion[n=3], hemangioma[n=4], hemorrhage[n=4], others[2]); cytotoxic (n=18; all acute infarction), and interstitial edema (n=5). In all cases, both T2-weighted images with and without magnetization transfer were obtained using off-set pulses of 600Hz. MTRs in each cerebral edema were measured and compared. Results : The mean MTRs of vasogenic edema, cytotoxic edema and interstitial edema were 225%, 264 % and 192%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference among the three types (p>0.05). Conclusion: Mean MTR was highest in cytotoxic edema and lowest in interstitial edema, but the differences were not significant.

Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of echo-planar FLAIR imaging in various cerebral lesions as compared with fast FLAIR imaging. Materials and Methods: We obtained consecutive fast FLAIR and echo-planar FLAIR images in 33patients in whom MR imaging had revealed ischemic infarction (n=11), acute infarction (n=5), brain tumor (n=3), other conditions (n=3) or no abnormality (n=11). On both sets of images, percentage contrast and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) were calculated for white matter-gray matter and white matter-lesion. Results: White matter-gray matter percentage contrast and CNR were lower on echo-planar FLAIR imaging than on fast FLAIR imaging (percentage contrast, 19 2 % vs 28 3 %, CNR, 2.77 0. 5 vs 4.86 0.7). White matter-lesion percentage contrast on echo-planar FLAIR imaging was similar to or greater than that on fast FLAIR imaging; 75 12 % vs 45 11 % in ischemic infarction, 80 12 % vs 78 11% in acute infarc-tion, and 121 25 % vs 102 15 % for tumors. White matter-lesion CNR was similar on both sets of images: 8.3 0.9 vs 7.9 0.8 in ischemic infarction, 11 1.5 vs 9.5 1.2 in acute infarction, and 24 4 vs 27 3 for tumors. Due to high susceptibility to magnetization, echo-planar FLAIR imaging showed image degra-dation at the interface of the paranasal sinus and adjacent to the temporal bone. Conclusion: Echo-planar FLAIR imaging may be a useful pulse sequence in the diagnosis of various cerebral lesions.

Purpose : To evaluate the CT appearance of normal variations in the minute central skull base foramina in in-fants and children. Materials and Methods : One hundred and fourteen children under the age of 17 years without skull base ab-normality underwent CT scanning. A high spatial frequency algorithm was used, and contiguous axial scanning parallel to the orbitomeatal line was performed from the foramen magnum to the orbital roof, with a 1-mm slice thickness. The presence or absence of eight foramina, pseudoforamina, or ossification centers including anterior presphenoidal foramen, posterior presphenoidal foramen, rostro-orbital pseudoforamen, intralateromedial postsphenoidal pseudoforamen, intrapostsphenoidal pseudoforamen, spheno-occipital pseudo-foramen, canalis basilaris medianus and intrasynchondral ossified bodies was analysed according to age. The presence of foramina or pseudoforamina was indicated if a ring-shaped structure was seen on two or more CT scans at the location anatomically predicted, and intrasynchondral ossified bodies were indicated if linear or dot-like structures with high attenuation accompanied spheno-occipital synchondrosis. Results : CT indicated that within a certain age range, various kinds of foramina, pseudoforamina, and ossifi-cation centers were frequent. The anterior presphenoidal foramen was most commonly seen in infants aged 1-12 months (16/17, 94 %); the posterior presphenoidal foramen in children less than 2 years old(27/37, 73 % ) ; the rostro-orbital pseudoforamen in children aged 2 -5 years (9/17, 53%); intrapostsphenoidal pseudoforamen in children 6 -12 years old(20/37, 54%) and spheno-occipital pseudoforamen and intrasynchondral ossified bodies in children aged 13 -16 years. The canalis basilaris medianus was identified in about 20 % of all subjects regardless of age. Conclusion : Development of the minute central skull base foramina varied greatly according to age. Knowledge of the CT appearances of such embryologic variants of the central skull base should not only help Provide an understanding of complex skull base anatomy but also identify abnormal skull base development.

Purpose : To evaluate the usefulness of contrast-enhanced dynamic MR imaging for differentiation of benign andmalignant solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs). Materials and Methods : Twenty-three patients with histologically orradiologically provened SPNs smaller than 40mm (14 benign, 9 malignant) underwent MR examination using thebreath-hold fast multiplanar spoiled gradient echo (FMPSPGR) technique. Pre-enhancement MR examination wasfollowed by serial scans obtained at one-minute intervals, beginning one-minute after the onset of bolus injectionof paramagnetic con-trast agent for a total of five scans. Signal intensities of SPNs were measured from pre- andpost-contrast en-hanced MR images and peak percentage increase in signal intensity (p%SI) was calculated. Meanpercentage increase in signal intensity (m%SI) was also calculated and the time-m%SI curve was plotted. Theenhance-ment patterns of SPNs were classified as homogeneous, peripheral rim-like, inhomogeneous, or no (ormini-mal) enhancement. We compared differences in p%SI, the pattern of the time-m%SI curve, and the pattern ofenhancement between benign and malignant SPNs. Results : On dynamic MR images, alignant SPNs (n=9) showed asignificantly higher p%SI than benign SPNs (n=14) (malignant : mean 120.6, range 81.8-171.6; benign: mean 29.5,range 3.7-78.9) (p

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate computed tomographic(CT) findings of deep neck spaceinfection (DNSI) with particular attention to the differences in the spaces involved and in complications betweenodontogenic and nonodontogenic groups. Materials and Methods : Forty-four patients (21 odontogenic and 23nonodontogenic) were included in this study. Among odontogenic DNSIs, 15 had the dental infection in the second orthird mandibular molar. We compared the CT features between odontogenic and nonodontogenic DNSIs with specialemphasis on the differences in the spaces involved and in the rate and type of complications. Results : In allpatients, CT clearly differentiated abscess from cellulitis. The most common spaces involved in 21 patients withodontogenic DNSI were the parapharyngeal (n=18), the submandibular (n=18), the anterior visceral (n=13), themasticator (n=9), and the sublingual (n=7) spaces. In contrast, in 23 patients with nonodontogenic DNSI, theanterior visceral space (n=14) was most frequently involved. The parapharyngeal, the submandibular, and themasticator spaces were statistically more frequently involved in odontogenic than in nonodontogenic DNSI (p

On rare occasions, Obstructive jaundice may be caused by a benign tumor of the biliary tract. We describe a patient in whom the diagnosis of an adenoma of the distal common bile duct(CBD) was established. The CT showed a soft tissue density mass in the distal CBD and diffuse dilatation of the intrahepatic duct, gall bladder, and CBD. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed an irregularly marginated polypoid mass in the distal CBD. The clinical, radiological, and histological features of this neoplasm are reviewed.