In this study, in order to determine the validity and accuracy of MR imaging of 3D gradient dual echo 2-point DIXON technique for measuring abdominal adipose tissue volume and distribution, the measurements obtained by CT were set as a reference for comparison and their correlations were evaluated. CT and MRI scans were performed on each subject (17 healthy male volunteers who were fully informed about this study) to measure abdominal adipose tissue volume. Two skilled investigators individually observed the images acquired by CT and MRI in an independent environment, and directly separated the total volume using region-based thresholding segmentation method, and based on this, the total adipose tissue volume, subcutaneous adipose tissue volume and visceral adipose tissue volume were respectively measured. The correlation of the adipose tissue volume measurements with respect to the observer was examined using the Spearman test and the interobserver agreement was evaluated using the intra-class correlation test. The correlation of the adipose tissue volume measurements by CT and MRI imaging methods was examined by simple regression analysis. In addition, using the Bland-Altman plot, the degree of agreement between the two imaging methods was evaluated. All of the statistical analysis results showed highly statistically significant correlation (p<0.05) respectively from the results of each adipose tissue volume measurements. In conclusion, MR abdominal adipose volumetry using the technique of 3D gradient dual echo 2-point DIXON showed a very high level of concordance even when compared with the adipose tissue measuring method using CT as reference.

In lateral projection imaging method of knee joint, a method that adjusts the incidence angle of central X-ray toward the head side to 5~7° in true lateral position which is existing recommended is called imaging method A, Method of imaging the central X-ray perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the examination table toward the knee is called imaging method B, and a method in which the central X-ray is perpendicularly applied to the joints while the lateral side of the distal tibia is compensated by radiolucent materials is called as method C. After tests each imaging method to classified study subject respectively, the joint space distance and the distance between lateral and medial condyle of femur were measured and compared as the quantitative index from the three imaging methods. In addition, the convenience of each imaging method was confirmed through questionnaires to practician. According to the result of the quantitative index, there is no statistically significant difference in imaging method A and C(p>0.05). However, imaging method B showed a significant difference in both A and C(p<0.05). As a result of evaluating the convenience of the imaging method, imaging method A was relatively assessed lower in all items than imaging methods B and C, and as a small difference, imaging method B is assessed higher than C. In this study suggested new knee joint lateral projection imaging method, by using a simple support device, could describe joint space as not much different as existing recommended method without some complex process, and could increase convenience of the practician in the process of the imaging.

In this study, For assessment of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury, we acquired images by fat suppressed 3D fast spoiled gradient recalled T1 and fat suppressed Isotropic 3D fast spin echo T1 techniques. For quantitative evaluation, measured signal to noise ratio and contrast to noise ratio and verified statistical significance between two imaging techniques by Mann-Whitney U verification. And for qualitative evaluation, marked 4-grade scoring (0: non diagnostic, 1: poor, 2: adequate, 3: good) on shape of TFCC, artifacts by partial volumes, description of the lesions by two radiologist, verified coincidence between 2 observer using Kappa-value verification. We used 3.0 Tesla MR equipment and 8-channel RF coil for imaging acquisition. As quantitative evaluation results, signal to noise ratio and contrast to noise ratio value of Isotropic 3D fast spin echo T1 technique is higher in every image sections, also between two imaging techniques by Mann-Whitney U verification was statistically significant (p < 0.05). As qualitative results, observer 1, 2 marked a higher grade on Isotropic 3D FSE T1 technique, coincidence verification of evaluation results between two observers by Kappa-value verification was statistically significant (p < 0.05). As a result, during MRI examination on TFCC injury, fat suppressed Isotropic 3D fast spin echo T1 technique is considered offering more useful information about abnormal lesion of TFCC.

In this study, for assessment of degenerative knee joint cartilage disease we acquired images by fat suppressed 3D spoiled gradient recalled (SPGR) and fat suppressed 3D T2* weighted imaging techniques. To do a quantitative evaluation, the knee joint cartilage was divided into medial femoral cartilage (MFC), medial tibial cartilage (MTC), lateral femoral cartilage (LFC), lateral femoral cartilage (LFC) and patella cartilage (Pat) to measure their respective signal intensity values, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio. As for the measured values, statistical significance between two techniques was verified by using Mann-Whitney U-Test. To do a qualitative evaluation, two radiologists have examined images by techniques after which image artifact, cartilage surface, tissue contrast, and depiction of lesion distinguishing were evaluated based on 4-point scaling (1: bad, 2: appropriate, 3: good, 4: excellent), and based on the result, statistical significance was verified by using Kappa-value Test. 3.0T MR system and HD T/R 8ch knee array coil were used to acquire images. As a result of a quantitative analysis, based on SNR values measured by using two imaging techniques, MFC, LFC, LTC, and Pat showed statistical significance (p < 0.05), but MTC did not (p > 0.05). As a result of verifying statistical significance for measured CNR value, MFC, LFC, and Pat showed statistical significance (p < 0.05), while MTC and LTC did not show statistical significance (p > 0.05). As a result of a qualitative analysis, by comparing mean values for evaluated image items, 3D T2* weighted Image has indicated a slightly higher value. As for conformance verification between the two observers by using Kappa-value test, all evaluated items have indicated statistically significant results (p < 0.05). 3D T2* weighted technique holds a clinical value equal to or superior to 3D SPGR technique with respect to evaluating images, such as distinguishing knee joint cartilages, comparing nearby tissues contrast, and distinguishing lesions.