Apparatus for analyzing complex regional pain syndrome using brain image and method for controlling the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for analyzing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome using brain imaging, wherein the device for analyzing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome may include: an image acquisition unit for acquiring a brain image of a subject’s brain region; a determination unit for determining whether a lesion exists in a first reference region including the subject’s postcentral gyrus based on the acquired brain image; and an analysis unit for generating analysis information that determines the subject as a subject at risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) if a lesion exists in the first reference region.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for analyzing complex regional pain syndrome using brain imaging and a method for controlling the same. Background Technology

[0002] Stroke is a disease characterized by brain damage and subsequent physical disability caused by the blockage or rupture of blood vessels supplying the brain. It is the leading cause of death worldwide and is classified as a high-risk condition that causes permanent disability even if it does not result in death. While stroke was traditionally perceived as a disease primarily affecting the elderly, it is now commonly occurring in people in their 30s and 40s. Consequently, it is recognized as a highly dangerous disease that affects a wide range of young and middle-aged adults as well as the elderly. Stroke can be classified into two types: 'ischemic stroke,' which occurs when blood vessels supplying the brain are blocked, and 'cerebral hemorrhage,' which occurs when blood vessels leading to the brain rupture, causing bleeding. Ischemic stroke accounts for approximately 80% of all strokes, and the majority of ischemic strokes occur when a thrombus—a clot of clotted blood—blocks the blood vessels supplying oxygen and nutrients to the brain.

[0003] Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a type of chronic intractable pain disease that is a clinical syndrome generally characterized by severe pain in one or more limbs accompanied by vasomotor, sensory, motor, and trophic changes, and is classified as the most severe chronic pain in terms of pain intensity.

[0004] Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a common complication that can occur after a stroke. However, the neurological matrix associated with CRPS remains unclear. Most cases of post-stroke CRPS are considered Type I, formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, which involves severe pain and disability without clear evidence of peripheral nerve damage in the affected limbs. Since post-stroke CRPS typically develops 1 to 6 months after diagnosis—which is also the period with the highest potential for rehabilitation—early diagnosis and treatment are essential for successful post-stroke rehabilitation.

[0005] Previous studies analyzing brain MRIs of patients suffering from CRPS after a stroke only reported damage to the basal ganglia or primary motor cortex.

[0006] The cerebral cortex is composed of motor, sensory, and higher functional areas, and among the sensory areas, the postcentral gyrus of the parietal lobe is responsible for the primary somatosensory area, and the postcentral gyrus performs the function of receiving general sensation, proprioception, deep sensation, and visceral sensation in detail.

[0007] The technology forming the background of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2177296. The problem to be solved

[0008] The present invention aims to solve the problems of the aforementioned conventional technology by providing a complex regional pain syndrome analysis device using brain imaging and a control method thereof that can help in the early detection of complex regional pain syndrome after a stroke.

[0009] However, the technical problems that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve are not limited to the technical problems described above, and other technical problems may exist. means of solving the problem

[0010] As a technical means for achieving the above-mentioned technical task, a complex regional pain syndrome analysis device using a brain image according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: an image acquisition unit for acquiring a brain image of a subject's brain region; a determination unit for determining whether a lesion exists in a first reference region including the subject's postcentral gyrus region based on the brain image; and an analysis unit for generating analysis information that determines the subject as a subject at risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) if a lesion exists in the first reference region.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first reference region may further include a caudate nucleus, a putamen, and a white matter complex region.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the complex regional pain syndrome analysis device may further include an evaluation information unit that generates evaluation information including results obtained by the subject performing at least one of the following: Manual Function Test (MFT), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Fugl-Meyer Assessment, MRC scale for shoulder flexion and wrist extension on the hemiplegic side, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the analysis unit may generate analysis information determining that the subject is at high risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) if a lesion exists in the first reference area and the evaluation information is less than a preset threshold.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the complex regional pain syndrome analysis device may further include a measuring unit for measuring the frequency of somatosensory evoked potential absence in the upper limb of the subject.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the analysis unit can generate analysis information determining that a subject is at high risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) if a lesion exists in the first reference area and the frequency of absence of somatosensory evoked potentials for the upper limb of the subject exceeds a preset threshold.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the judgment unit may further determine whether a lesion exists in a second reference region including the basal ganglia region and the primary motor cortex region of the subject based on the brain image.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the analysis unit can generate analysis information determining that the subject is a high-risk subject for developing complex regional pain syndrome if a lesion exists in the first reference area and the second reference area.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the complex regional pain syndrome analysis device may further include a symptom collection unit that receives whether there is at least one symptom among hemiplegia, shoulder subluxation, upper limb immobilization, movement deficit, severe joint trauma, and rotator cuff tear with respect to the subject.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the analysis unit may generate analysis information determining that a subject is a high-risk subject for developing complex regional pain syndrome if a lesion exists in the first reference area and the subject has at least one of the symptoms.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the judgment unit can further determine the volume of the gray matter region of the subject based on the brain image.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the analysis unit can generate analysis information determining that the subject is at high risk of developing complex regional pain syndrome if a lesion exists in the first reference area and the volume of the subject's gray matter area is less than a preset value.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the brain image of the subject may be a magnetic resonance image.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the complex regional pain syndrome analysis device may further include a transmitter that transmits the analysis information to at least one of the subject's terminal, the subject's guardian's terminal, and the terminal of the hospital designated by the subject.

[0024] A method for calculating reference information for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome analysis performed by a Complex Regional Pain Syndrome analysis device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a step of collecting brain images of a plurality of patients with a history of stroke; a step of setting a patient group including patients among the plurality of patients who have developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome as a target group, and a step of setting a patient group including patients among the plurality of patients who have not developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome as a control group; a step of determining a difference area of ​​brain damage by performing a statistical image analysis technique (Voxel-based lesion symptom mapping) on ​​the brain images of the target group and the brain images of the control group; and a step of generating reference information for determining the risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) based on the determination result, wherein the brain region corresponding to the difference area of ​​brain damage may include the precentral gyrus.

[0025] A method for analyzing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome using brain images, performed by a Complex Regional Pain Syndrome analysis device according to one embodiment of the present invention, may include: a step in which an image acquisition unit acquires a brain image of a subject’s brain region; a step in which a judgment unit determines whether a lesion exists in a first reference region including the subject’s postcentral gyrus based on the brain image; and a step in which an analysis unit determines that the subject is at risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) if a lesion exists in the first reference region.

[0026] The means for solving the problem described above are merely exemplary and should not be interpreted as intended to limit the present invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments described above, additional embodiments may exist in the drawings and the detailed description of the invention. Effects of the invention

[0027] According to the aforementioned means for solving the problem of the present institution, by analyzing the risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in subjects using brain imaging, it is possible to facilitate the understanding of the pathophysiology of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after stroke in subjects and to aid in the prevention and early treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after stroke in subjects.

[0028] However, the effects obtainable from this invention are not limited to those described above, and other effects may exist. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) analysis device using brain imaging according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a complex regional pain syndrome analysis device using brain imaging according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing an expanded configuration of a complex regional pain syndrome analysis device using brain imaging according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a brain image in which the lesion area of ​​a target group is superimposed according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a table comparing data of a target group and a control group according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a brain image in which the lesion regions of the target group and the control group are superimposed according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the spatial relationship between a lesion and the corticospinal tract according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a non-parametric voxel unit comparison map according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the operation of a method for calculating complex regional pain syndrome analysis reference information performed by a complex regional pain syndrome analysis device using brain imaging according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the selection process for a target group and a control group according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the operation of a control method for a complex regional pain syndrome analysis device using brain imaging according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the attached drawings to enable those skilled in the art to easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0031] Throughout this specification, when a part is described as being "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected," but also cases where they are "electrically connected" or "indirectly connected" with other elements interposed between them.

[0032] Throughout the entire specification, when a component is described as being located "on," "on top," "on top," "under," "on bottom," or "on bottom" of another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0033] Throughout this specification, when a part is described as "comprising" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a complex regional pain syndrome analysis device using brain imaging according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, a complex regional pain syndrome analysis device (100) using brain images according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the 'analysis device (100)') receives a brain image of a subject whose risk of developing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is to be analyzed from a medical image scanner (200) connected via a network (10), analyzes the risk of developing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) of the subject based on the received brain image of the subject, and transmits the results of the analysis to at least one terminal (300) including the subject's user terminal, the guardian's user terminal, the hospital terminal, and the medical staff's user terminal, which are connected to the analysis device (100) and the network (10).

[0036] The analysis device (100), the medical image scanner (200), and the terminal (300) can communicate with each other through a network (10). The network (10) refers to a connection structure capable of exchanging information between each node, such as terminals and servers. Examples of such a network (10) may include, but are not limited to, a 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) network, an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network, a 5G network, a WIMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access) network, a wired / wireless Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a Wireless LAN (Wireless Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a PAN (Personal Area Network), a Bluetooth network, a Wi-Fi network, a NFC (Near Field Communication) network, a satellite broadcasting network, an analog broadcasting network, a DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) network, etc.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, the medical imaging scanner (200) may be a device for capturing images of a subject's brain region. More specifically, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the medical imaging scanner (200) may be an MRI scanner for acquiring brain images, which are three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but is not limited thereto.

[0038] As another example, the medical imaging scanner (200) may be an ultrasound imaging device, a computed tomography (CT) device, a radiation imaging device such as an X-ray. In addition, the brain image to be analyzed by the analysis device (100) may include an X-ray image, an MRI image, an ultrasound image, a CT image, etc. For convenience of explanation, the following description will mainly focus on an embodiment in which the brain image is of the three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging type.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the analysis device (100) can provide analysis information regarding a subject's brain image to a terminal (300). For example, the terminal (300) may download and install an application program provided by the analysis device (100), and the subject's analysis information may be provided through the installed application.

[0040] The analysis device (100) may include all types of servers, terminals, or devices that transmit and receive data, content, and various communication signals to and from a terminal (300) through a network (10) and have the function of storing and processing data.

[0041] That is, in the description of the embodiment of the present invention, the terminal (300) is a device that is linked with the analysis device (100) through the network (10), and may be, for example, a smartphone, smart pad, tablet PC, wearable device, etc., and any type of wireless communication device such as a PCS (Personal Communication System), GSM (Global System for Mobile communication), PDC (Personal Digital Cellular), PHS (Personal Handyphone System), PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), IMT (International Mobile Telecommunication)-2000, CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)-2000, W-CDMA (W-Code Division Multiple Access), Wibro (Wireless Broadband Internet) terminal.

[0042] The analysis device (100) can acquire a brain image of a subject's brain region. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, the brain image may be a three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image of a subject's brain region. More specifically, the brain image may be a three-dimensional T1-weighted MRI image of a brain region.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a complex regional pain syndrome analysis device (100) using brain imaging according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 2, the analysis device (100) may include an image acquisition unit (110), a judgment unit (120), and an analysis unit (130).

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the image acquisition unit (110) can acquire a brain image of a subject's brain region.

[0046] For example, the subject may be someone who has had or is currently suffering from a stroke. The brain imaging may be an image that allows the brain to be viewed in three dimensions.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the judgment unit (120) can determine whether there is a lesion in a first reference area including the posterior centrosome region, which is the sensory cortex of the subject, based on a brain image.

[0048] For example, the first reference area may include not only the retrocentral gyrus region but also the corticospinal tract (CST) and the adjacent lenticular nucleus (or lenticular nucleus) region. The judgment unit (120) can determine, based on brain images, whether there is a lesion in the regions included in the first reference area, namely the retrocentral gyrus, the corticospinal tract (CST), and the adjacent lenticular nucleus (or lenticular nucleus). The analysis unit (130) can generate analysis information determining that the subject is at risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) if there is a lesion in the region including the retrocentral gyrus region, which is the first reference area, as well as in the region including the corticospinal tract (CST) and the adjacent lenticular nucleus (or lenticular nucleus).

[0049] For example, a complex regional pain syndrome analysis device (100) receives functional information of the subject's basal ganglia region, and if a lesion exists in the region including the first reference region, the posterior centrocentric gyrus, and the degree of function of the subject's basal ganglia region is below a preset standard, the analysis unit (130) can generate analysis information determining that the subject is at risk of developing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the analysis unit (130) can generate analysis information determining that a subject is at risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) if a lesion exists in the first reference area.

[0051] For example, the first reference area includes not only the retrocentral gyrus but also the corticospinal tract (CST) and the adjacent lenticular nucleus, and after the judgment unit (120) determines whether there is a lesion in the first reference area based on brain images, if there is a lesion in the retrocentral gyrus but also in the corticospinal tract (CST) and the adjacent lenticular nucleus, the analysis unit (130) can generate analysis information determining that the subject is at risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first reference region may include at least one of the caudate nucleus, the putamen, and the white matter complex region.

[0053] For example, the region including the caudate nucleus, putamen, and white matter complex included in the first reference region may be included in the region including the corticospinal tract (CST).

[0054] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing an expanded configuration of a complex regional pain syndrome analysis device (100) using brain imaging according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 3, the analysis device (100) may include an evaluation information unit (140), a measurement unit (150), a symptom collection unit (160), and a transmission unit (170).

[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the evaluation information unit (140) can generate evaluation information including results obtained by a subject performing at least one of the following: Manual Function Test (MFT), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Fugl-Meyer Assessment, MRC scale for shoulder flexion and wrist extension on the hemiplegic side, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

[0057] For example, the generated evaluation information may be generated by the transmitter (170) of the complex regional pain syndrome analysis device (100) transmitting evaluation content related to at least one of the following to the subject's terminal (300): Manual Function Test (MFT), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Fugl-Meyer Assessment, MRC scale for shoulder flexion and wrist extension on the hemiplegic side, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and by the subject performing the evaluation content received through the terminal (300). Additionally, for example, the generated evaluation information may be generated by transmitting the evaluation results of the subject for at least one of the following to a receiver (not shown) of a complex regional pain syndrome analysis device (100) from a terminal (300) of a hospital designated by the subject to the Manual Function Test (MFT), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Fugl-Meyer Assessment, MRC scale for shoulder flexion and wrist extension on the hemiplegic side, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the analysis unit (130) can generate analysis information that determines the subject as a high-risk subject for developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) if a lesion exists in the first reference area and the generated evaluation information is less than a preset threshold.

[0059] For example, the threshold criteria for evaluation information may include the mean or median value of evaluation information regarding at least one of the Manual Function Test (MFT), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Fugl-Meyer Assessment, MRC scale for shoulder flexion and wrist extension on the hemiplegic side, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for multiple patients who have not developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after stroke.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the measuring unit (150) can measure the frequency of absence of somatosensory evoked potentials for the upper limb of the subject.

[0061] The upper limb may refer to the subject's arm area (upper arm, lower arm, and hand, etc.). For example, the frequency of absence of somatosensory evoked potentials for the subject's upper limb may be received by the receiving unit (not shown) of the complex regional pain syndrome analysis device (100) from a hospital designated by the subject.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the analysis unit (130) can generate analysis information determining that the subject is at high risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) if a lesion exists in the first reference area and the frequency of absence of somatosensory evoked potentials for the subject's upper limb exceeds a preset threshold.

[0063] For example, a threshold criterion regarding the frequency of absence of somatosensory evoked potentials for the upper extremities may include the average or median value of the results of somatosensory evoked potential tests for multiple patients who have not developed complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) after a stroke.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the measurement unit (150) measures the muscle strength of the subject, and the analysis unit (130) can generate analysis information determining that the subject is at high risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) if a lesion exists in the first reference area and the subject's muscle strength is below a preset standard.

[0065] For example, the subject's muscle strength may be muscle strength data generated by the subject performing a muscle strength measurement device (not shown) connected to the complex regional pain syndrome analysis device (100) via a network (10) and received by the receiver (not shown) of the complex regional pain syndrome analysis device (100). Additionally, the threshold criterion regarding muscle strength may include the average or median value of the results of muscle strength measurement tests of multiple patients who have not developed complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) after a stroke.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the judgment unit (120) can determine whether there is a lesion in a second reference area including the basal ganglia region and the primary motor cortex region of the subject based on a brain image.

[0067] For example, the subject may be a person who has suffered from or is currently suffering from a stroke. Additionally, the judgment unit (120) may classify the distribution of lesions existing in the second standard area according to a pre-set standard. For example, the distribution of lesions may be classified into a large distribution, a medium distribution, and a small distribution. Furthermore, the classified distribution of lesions may be transmitted to the terminal (300) along with analysis information by the transmitting unit (170).

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the analysis unit (130) can generate analysis information determining that a subject is a high-risk subject for developing complex regional pain syndrome if a lesion exists in the first reference area and the second reference area.

[0069] For example, the judgment unit (120) can classify the distribution of lesions existing in the first or second standard area according to a pre-set standard. For example, the distribution of lesions can be classified into a large distribution, a medium distribution, and a small distribution. In addition, the classified distribution of lesions can be transmitted to the terminal (300) along with analysis information by the transmitting unit (170).

[0070] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the symptom collection unit (160) may receive whether there is at least one symptom among hemiplegia, shoulder subluxation, upper limb immobilization, movement deficit, severe joint trauma, and rotator cuff tear with respect to the subject.

[0071] According to research, the incidence of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in stroke patients with hemiplegic symptoms was reported to be up to 50% higher than in patients without hemiplegic symptoms during a 28-week follow-up period, and factors such as shoulder subluxation, upper limb immobilization, motor deficits, severity of joint trauma, and rotator cuff tear have been reported as factors causing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after stroke. Therefore, the symptom collection unit (160) collects whether the subject has symptoms, and the collected symptoms can serve as a basis for analyzing the subject's likelihood of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in the future.

[0072] For example, the symptom collection unit (160) receives information regarding a subject about whether at least one of the following symptoms is present: hemiplegia, shoulder subluxation, upper limb immobilization, movement deficit, severe joint trauma, and rotator cuff tear. The received symptom information may be transmitted to the symptom collection unit (160) by the subject inputting a corresponding symptom through a symptom input interface provided on the subject's terminal (300), or it may be received from a terminal (300) of a hospital designated by the subject. Additionally, the symptom collection unit (160) may assign priorities and points to the symptoms and sum the scores according to the type and number of symptoms possessed by the subject.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the analysis unit (130) can generate analysis information determining that a subject is at high risk of developing complex regional pain syndrome if a lesion exists in a first reference area and the subject has at least one of the symptoms.

[0074] Symptoms may include hemiplegia, shoulder subluxation, upper limb immobilization, motor deficits, severe joint trauma, and rotator cuff tears.

[0075] For example, if a lesion exists in the first criterion area and the subject has multiple symptoms such as hemiplegia, shoulder subluxation, upper limb immobilization, motor deficit, severe joint trauma, and rotator cuff tear, the analysis unit (130) can determine the subject as a high-risk subject for developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and generate analysis information including the summed score from the symptom collection unit (160).

[0076] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the judgment unit (120) can determine the volume of the gray matter region of the subject based on the subject's brain image.

[0077] For example, the gray matter region may include at least one gray matter region among the posterior midcingulate cortex, bilateral pregenual anterior cingulate cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, and left posterior insula.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the analysis unit (130) can generate analysis information determining that the subject is at high risk of developing complex regional pain syndrome if a lesion exists in the first reference area and the volume of the subject's gray matter area is less than a preset value.

[0079] For example, a pre-established value regarding the volume of the gray matter region may include the average or median value of the gray matter region volume of multiple patients who have not developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after a stroke.

[0080] For example, a person at risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) may refer to a person whose likelihood of developing CRPS is at least a predetermined first threshold rate. Additionally, a person at high risk of developing CRPS may refer to a person whose likelihood of developing CRPS is at least a second threshold rate, which is higher than the first threshold rate.

[0081] Additionally, if a lesion is present in the first criterion area including the subject's central posterior gyrus, the analysis unit (130) can determine that the subject is at risk of developing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

[0082] Additionally, if there is a lesion in the first criterion area including the subject's posterior central gyrus, and the evaluation information including the results obtained by the subject performing at least one of the following tests is below a preset threshold, the analysis unit (130) can generate analysis information determining that the subject is at high risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

[0083] Additionally, if a lesion exists in a first reference area including the subject's posterior central gyrus and the frequency of absence of somatosensory evoked potentials in the subject's upper limb exceeds a preset threshold, the analysis unit (130) can generate analysis information determining that the subject is a high-risk subject for developing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

[0084] Additionally, if a lesion exists in a first reference area including the subject's posterior central gyrus and a lesion exists in a second reference area including the subject's basal ganglia and primary motor cortex, the analysis unit (130) can generate analysis information determining that the subject is a high-risk subject for developing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

[0085] Additionally, if a lesion is present in the first criterion area including the subject's posterior central gyrus and the subject has at least one of the symptoms of hemiplegia, shoulder subluxation, upper limb immobilization, motor deficit, severe joint trauma, and rotator cuff tear, the analysis unit (130) can generate analysis information determining that the subject is a high-risk subject for developing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

[0086] Additionally, if a lesion exists in the first reference area including the subject's posterior central gyrus and the volume of the subject's gray matter area is less than a preset value, the analysis unit (130) can generate analysis information determining that the subject is a high-risk subject for developing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

[0087] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the brain image of the subject may be a magnetic resonance image.

[0088] For example, the brain image may be received by the receiving unit (not shown) of the complex regional pain syndrome analysis device (100) from the terminal (300) of the hospital designated by the subject.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the transmitting unit (170) can transmit the derived analysis information to the terminal (300).

[0090] For example, the transmitter (170) may transmit subject brain image request information, subject 6-type test request information, subject symptom input request information, and analysis information to at least one terminal (300) among the subject, the subject's guardian, and the hospital designated by the subject. The subject brain image request information may be a request to transmit the subject's brain image to the complex regional pain syndrome analysis device (100) for analysis. The subject 6-type test request information may be a request to transmit to the complex regional pain syndrome analysis device (100) the results obtained by the subject performing at least one of the following tests for analysis: the Manual Function Test (MFT), the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, the MRC scale for shoulder flexion and wrist extension on the hemiplegic side, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The subject symptom input request information may be a request to transmit to the complex regional pain syndrome analysis device (100) whether there is at least one symptom among hemiplegia, shoulder subluxation, upper limb immobilization, movement deficit, severe joint trauma, and rotator cuff tear regarding the subject.

[0091] For example, if the subject is at risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), the transmitter (170) may transmit analysis information and first warning information to the terminal (300). For example, the first warning information may include information on available appointment times for a specialist at at least one hospital capable of treating Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) located within a predetermined distance from the hospital designated by the subject and the subject's location, as well as an interface for requesting an appointment.

[0092] For example, if the subject is at high risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), the transmitter (170) may transmit analysis information and second warning information to the terminal (300). For example, the second warning information may include information on available appointment times for a specialist at at least one hospital capable of treating Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) located within a predetermined distance from the hospital designated by the subject and the location of the subject's terminal (300), as well as an appointment request interface and an emergency room access interface. The emergency room access interface may refer to an interface that allows a request to send an emergency transport vehicle to the location of the subject's terminal (300) so that the subject can be transported to the nearest emergency room capable of treating Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

[0093] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a brain image in which the lesion area of ​​a target group is superimposed according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Referring to Figure 4, it can be seen that brain images of multiple patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) developed after a stroke are classified according to whether the location of the brain lesion site is in the left hemisphere or the right hemisphere (A: right hemisphere, B: left hemisphere). The colored bars located at the bottom of Figure 4 may indicate the number of patients with lesions in the corresponding area. Referring to Figure 4, it can be seen that simply having a lesion located in the left or right hemisphere does not have a significant relationship with the development of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome after a stroke. This may be significant in the sense of eliminating candidate reference information for calculating reference information.

[0095] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a table comparing data of a target group and a control group according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Referring to Fig. 5, it can be seen that the table compares data on multiple items for multiple patients who developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after a stroke (CRPS group, sample size: 35) and multiple patients who did not develop Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after a stroke (control group, sample size: 110). Referring to Fig. 5, it can be seen that there is a significant difference between the group of multiple patients who developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after a stroke and the group of multiple patients who did not develop Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after a stroke, and the data in Fig. 5 can be used as auxiliary data for the analysis unit (130) to analyze the risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in subjects.

[0097] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a brain image in which the lesion regions of the target group and the control group are superimposed according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Referring to Figure 6, one can see the respective brain images (A: control group, B: poststroke CRPS group) showing the overlapping lesion areas of multiple patients who developed complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) after stroke (Poststroke CRPS) and multiple patients who did not develop complex regional pain syndrome after stroke (Control). The red arrow may indicate the central sulcus area. The colored bar on the right may indicate the proportion of the overlapping lesion areas. Additionally, one can see C (control group) and D (poststroke CRPS group), which show the remaining parts excluding the common lesion area between multiple patients who developed complex regional pain syndrome after stroke (Poststroke CRPS, B) and multiple patients who did not develop complex regional pain syndrome after stroke (Control, A). Referring to FIG. 6, the caudate nucleus head, putamen, and white matter complex of the corona radiator are associated with the development of complex regional pain syndrome after a stroke, and this can assist the analysis unit (130) in analyzing the risk of developing complex regional pain syndrome in the subject.

[0099] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the spatial relationship between a lesion and the corticospinal tract according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that the area of ​​the lesion in the brain images of multiple patients who developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after a stroke, excluding the lesion area in the brain images of multiple patients who did not develop Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after a stroke, is located in the Corticospinal tract (CST). This can assist the analysis unit (130) in analyzing the risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in the subject.

[0101] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a non-parametric voxel unit comparison map according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Referring to Figure 8, through two nonparametric samples adjusted for age and gender confounding factors, it can be seen that patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) after stroke suffer significant damage to the corticospinal tract (CST) of the white matter.

[0103] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the operation of a method for calculating complex regional pain syndrome analysis reference information performed by a complex regional pain syndrome analysis device (100) using brain images according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] The method for calculating complex regional pain syndrome analysis criteria information using the brain image illustrated in FIG. 9 can be performed by the analysis device (100) described above.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 9, in step S910, the complex regional pain syndrome analysis device (100) can collect brain images of multiple patients with a history of stroke.

[0106] Next, in step S920, the complex regional pain syndrome analysis device (100) may set a patient group including patients who have developed complex regional pain syndrome among a plurality of patients as the target group, and set a patient group including patients who have not developed complex regional pain syndrome among a plurality of patients as the control group.

[0107] Next, in step S930, the complex regional pain syndrome analysis device (100) can determine the difference area of ​​brain damage by performing a statistical image analysis technique (Voxel-based lesion symptom mapping) on ​​the brain images of the target group and the brain images of the control group.

[0108] Next, in step S940, the complex regional pain syndrome analysis device (100) can generate reference information for determining the risk of developing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) based on the judgment result.

[0109] The reference information for determining the risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) can be used by the analysis unit (130) to analyze the risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in the subject based on the subject's brain images.

[0110] The brain regions corresponding to the differential area of ​​brain damage may include the precentral gyrus.

[0111] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the selection process for a target group and a control group according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Referring to Figure 10, the registration process of subjects in the multiple patients who developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after stroke (subject group) and multiple patients who did not develop Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after stroke (control group) can be confirmed. N represents the total number of people included, and after the classification process, a total of 145 patients were finally included in the study. Of these, 35 were multiple patients who developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after stroke (subject group), and 110 were multiple patients who did not develop Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after stroke. Among the initial ischemic stroke patients, those with underlying brain diseases including intracranial hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, brain tumors, and Alzheimer's dementia; those with underlying musculoskeletal diseases including fractures and amputations; those with bilateral hemispheric and / or subtentorial cerebral infarction; and those for whom initial brain MRI or evaluation is unavailable are excluded. Subsequently, the subjects are classified into a CRPS group (subject group), consisting of multiple patient populations that developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after stroke, and a control group, consisting of multiple patient populations that did not develop CRPS after stroke. By utilizing these groups to calculate reference information for the analysis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, the resulting reference information can be relatively clear and reliable.

[0113] Below, based on the details described above, we will briefly examine the operation flow of the present invention.

[0114] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an operation for a method of analyzing complex regional pain syndrome using brain imaging according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] The complex regional pain syndrome analysis method using brain images illustrated in FIG. 11 can be performed by the complex regional pain syndrome analysis device (100) using brain images described above. Therefore, even if the content is omitted below, the description of the complex regional pain syndrome analysis device (100) using brain images can be equally applied to the description of the complex regional pain syndrome analysis method using brain images.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 11, in step S1110, the image acquisition unit (110) can acquire a brain image of the subject's brain region.

[0117] Next, in step S1120, the judgment unit (120) can determine whether there is a lesion in a first reference area including the subject's posterior central gyrus based on the acquired brain image.

[0118] Next, in step S1130, if the analysis unit (130) determines that a lesion exists in the first reference area, the subject may be determined to be at risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

[0119] In the description above, steps S1110 to S1130 may be further divided into additional steps or combined into fewer steps according to an embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, some steps may be omitted as necessary, and the order between steps may be changed.

[0120] A method for analyzing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome using brain imaging and a method for calculating reference information for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome analysis according to one embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either individually or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be those specifically designed and configured for the present invention, or they may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The above-described hardware device may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operation of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0121] In addition, the method for analyzing complex regional pain syndrome using the aforementioned brain imaging and the method for calculating criteria information for complex regional pain syndrome analysis can also be implemented in the form of a computer program or application executed by a computer stored on a recording medium.

[0122] The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that other specific forms can be easily modified without altering the technical concept or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single unit may be implemented in a distributed manner, and components described as distributed may likewise be implemented in a combined form.

[0123] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and the concept of equivalents thereof should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0124] 10: Network 100: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Analysis Device 110: Image acquisition unit 120: Judgment Department 130: Analysis Department 140: Evaluation Information Department 150: Measurement section 160: Symptom Collection Section 170: Sender 200: Medical Imaging Scanner 300: Terminal

Claims

Claim 1 A device for analyzing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome using brain imaging, comprising: an image acquisition unit for acquiring a brain image of a subject who has suffered a stroke or has a history of stroke; a judgment unit for determining whether a brain lesion area of ​​the subject, determined by performing a statistical image analysis technique (Voxel-based lesion symptom mapping) on ​​the brain image, exists in a first reference area derived in advance to include the precentral gyrus, using a difference area obtained by subtracting a common lesion area from a brain image in which the lesion area of ​​a subject group (a patient group including patients who developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome after a stroke) is superimposed with the lesion area of ​​a control group (a patient group including patients who did not develop Complex Regional Pain Syndrome after a stroke) is superimposed with the subject image; and a symptom collection unit for receiving whether at least one of hemiplegia, shoulder subluxation, upper limb immobilization, motor deficit, severe joint trauma, and rotator cuff tear is present in the subject, and calculating a score based on the type and number of symptoms possessed by the subject.A device for analyzing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome using brain imaging, comprising: an analysis unit that generates analysis information determining that a subject is at risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) if the brain lesion area is present in the first reference area; wherein the analysis unit generates analysis information determining that a subject is at high risk of developing CRPS if the lesion is present in the first reference area and the subject possesses at least one of the symptoms; and further generates analysis information including the score if the subject possesses multiple symptoms among hemiplegia, shoulder subluxation, upper limb immobilization, motor deficit, severe joint trauma, and rotator cuff tear; and wherein the analysis unit determines the subject as at risk of developing CRPS if the probability of developing CRPS of the subject, evaluated using the results of comparing data on multiple items between the subject group and the control group, is greater than or equal to a preset first threshold rate, and determines the subject as high risk of developing CRPS if the probability of developing CRPS is greater than or equal to a second threshold rate which is higher than the first threshold rate. Claim 2 A complex regional pain syndrome analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the first reference region further comprises at least one of the caudate nucleus, putamen, and white matter complex region. Claim 3 In claim 1, the complex regional pain syndrome analysis device further comprises an evaluation information unit that generates evaluation information including results obtained by the subject performing at least one of the following: Manual Function Test (MFT), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Fugl-Meyer Assessment, MRC scale for shoulder flexion and wrist extension on the hemiplegic side, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Claim 4 A Complex Regional Pain Syndrome analysis device according to paragraph 3, wherein the analysis unit generates analysis information determining that the subject is at high risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) when a lesion exists in the first reference area and the evaluation information is less than a preset threshold. Claim 5 In claim 1, the complex regional pain syndrome analysis device further comprises a measuring unit for measuring the frequency of absence of somatosensory evoked potentials for the upper limb of the subject. Claim 6 A Complex Regional Pain Syndrome analysis device according to claim 5, wherein the analysis unit generates analysis information determining that the subject is at high risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) when a lesion exists in the first reference area and the frequency of absence of somatosensory evoked potentials for the upper limb of the subject exceeds a preset threshold. Claim 7 Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Analysis Device according to claim 1, wherein the judgment unit further determines whether the brain lesion area of ​​the subject, determined by performing a statistical image analysis technique (Voxel-based lesion symptom mapping) on ​​the brain image, exists in a second reference area derived in advance to include the basal ganglia region and the primary motor cortex region by using a difference region obtained by subtracting the common lesion area from a brain image in which the lesion area of ​​a subject group, which is a patient group including patients who have developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome after stroke, is superimposed with a brain image in which the lesion area of ​​a control group, which is a patient group including patients who have not developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome after stroke, is superimposed with a brain image in which the common lesion area is subtracted from a brain image in which the lesion area of ​​a control group, which is a patient group including patients who have not developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome after stroke, is superimposed. Claim 8 A complex regional pain syndrome analysis device according to claim 7, wherein the analysis unit generates analysis information determining that the subject is a high-risk subject for developing complex regional pain syndrome if the brain lesion area is present in the first reference area and the second reference area. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 delete Claim 11 delete Claim 12 delete Claim 13 A complex regional pain syndrome analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the brain image of the subject is magnetic resonance imaging. Claim 14 In claim 1, the complex regional pain syndrome analysis device further comprises a transmitting unit that transmits the analysis information to at least one of the subject's terminal, the subject's guardian's terminal, and the terminal of the hospital designated by the subject. Claim 15 delete Claim 16 A method for analyzing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome using brain images performed by a Complex Regional Pain Syndrome analysis device, comprising: a step in which an image acquisition unit acquires a brain image of a subject who has suffered a stroke or has a history of stroke; a step in which a judgment unit determines whether a lesion exists in a first reference area derived in advance to include the precentral gyrus by using a difference area obtained by subtracting a common lesion area from a brain image in which the lesion area of ​​a subject group (a patient group including patients who have developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome after a stroke) is superimposed with control group (a patient group including patients who have not developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome after a stroke) is superimposed with a brain image in which the common lesion area is subtracted from the brain image in which the lesion area of ​​a control group (a patient group including patients who have not developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome after a stroke) is superimposed; and a step in which a symptom collection unit receives information regarding the subject about whether at least one of hemiplegia, shoulder subluxation, upper limb immobilization, motor deficit, severe joint trauma, and rotator cuff tear is present, and calculates a score based on the type and number of symptoms possessed by the subject.A method for analyzing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome using brain imaging, comprising the step of determining that the subject is at risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) if the brain lesion area is present in the first reference area, wherein the determining step comprises generating analysis information determining that the subject is at high risk of developing CRPS if the lesion is present in the first reference area and the subject possesses at least one of the symptoms, and generating analysis information including additional scores if the subject possesses multiple symptoms among hemiplegia, shoulder subluxation, upper limb immobilization, motor deficit, severe joint trauma, and rotator cuff tear, wherein the determining step determines the subject as at risk of developing CRPS if the probability of developing CRPS of the subject, evaluated using the results of comparing data on multiple items between the subject group and the control group, is greater than or equal to a preset first threshold rate, and determines the subject as high risk of developing CRPS if the probability of developing CRPS is greater than or equal to a second threshold rate which is higher than the first threshold rate. Claim 17 A computer-readable recording medium having a program for executing the method of paragraph 16 on a computer.

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