A Case of Multicentric Reticulohistiocytosis / 대한피부과학회지

Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis(MR) is a rare systemic disease of unknown etiology, characterized by destructive polyarthritis and mucocutaneous eruptions in various locations. In most cases rapidly progressive destructive polyarthritis is the presenting symptom, followed by typical skin eruptions. Skin lesions are characterized clinically by erythematous to brownish nodular lesions on the face, periungual areas and the trunk. The biopsy demonstrating the characteristic granulomatous infiltration of multinucleated giant cells and histiocytes with a ground-glass appearance is diagnostic. We report a case of multicentric reticulohistiocytosis in a 57-year-old female patient, who had skin lesions with polyarthritis and cardiac problem. To our knowledge, this is the first case report in Korea.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Gepefrin in the Treatment of Hypotension

BACKGROUND: The proper management of the patients with hypotention remains a difficult clinical problem. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of gepefrin in the treament of symptomatic hypotensive patients in outpatient clinic of university hospital. METHODS: Thirty milligrams of Gepefrin was given twice daily for 4 weeks in 30 patients with hypotension(6 males, 24 females ; 23-60 years of age). Blood pressure, heart rate, subjective symptoms and side effects were checked before medication and at the end of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th week of medication. RESULTS: 1) Grpefrin increased sitting systolic blood pressure significantly(p<0.05) by the end of 1st week and thereafter. 2) Hypotensive symptoms were improved in 76% of hypotensive patients and overall rate of usefulness was 70%. 3) Heart rate did not change significantly. 4) One patient complained of loose bowel movement and another one, of anorexia among 30 study patients and all laboratory parameters were within normal limits before and after drug treatment, thus the rate of safety was 93%. CONCLUSION: Results from this study suggests that gepefrin 60mg daily increases the blood pressure mildly and improves the symptoms moderately in symptomatic hypotensive patients.

The Evaluation of Coronary Artery Stenosis by Exercise-Induced Negative U Wave

BACKGROUND: Negative U wave is frequent maker of systemic hypertension, aortic or mitral regurgitation and myocardial ischemia. This study was undertaken to determine the diagnostic significance of exercise-induced negative U wave in coronary artery stenosis. METHOD: 72 patients(46 men and 26 women ; 24~66 years of age) with chest pain were analysed with exercised-induced negative U wave and coronary angiographic finding. RESULT: Exercise-induced negative U wave was seen in 14 patients(19%). Among 14 patients with exercise-induced negative U wave, the predictive value of significant coronary artery stenosis(> or =75% stenosis of major coronary artery) was 71%, Exercise-induced negative U wave is more prevalent in patients with significant coronary artery stenosis(p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Exercise-induced negative U wave is a good marker of significant coronary artery stenosis.