PCR-RFLP patterns of four isolates of Trichinella for rDNA ITS1 region

We have studied the genetic differences among four isolates of Trichinella including a new strain of Trichinella spiralis (ISS 623) recently found from a human case who took a badger in Korea. Because they have a different host origin and came from geographically separated regions, we supposed the genetic pattern of the isolates might be different as had been previously reported. It was analysed by PCR-RFLP analysis of the rDNA repeat that can readily distinguish a species or strain from others. Isolated genomic DNA of each isolate of Trichinella larvae was amplified with ITS1 specific primers and digested with restriction endonucleases. The PCR product of ITS1 was confirmed using Southern blot analysis to be a 910 bp fragment. The restriction fragments of each isolate had variable patterns when it was digested with Rsa 1 only. According to the RFLP patterns, the estimated genetic divergence between each isolate was different. In conclusion, four isolates of Trichinella including a new strain of T. spiralis obtained from a Korean patient may have genetic differences in the ITS1 region and the Shanghai isolate was genetically more similar to the Japanese unknown isolate than others in the ITS1 region.

Tetracycline Hydrochloride Sclerotherapy: Renal, Hepatic, Ovarian, and Perivesical cysts

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and resulting complications of tetracycline sclerotherapy in renal, hepatic, ovarian, and perivesical cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 23 cases of benign cysts (16 renal, 4 hepatic, 2 ovarian, and 1 perivesical) in 22 patients in whom the condition was diagnosed or confirmed by either ultrasound, CT, or cytology, and who underwent percutaneous tetracycline sclerotherapy. Using a 21-gauge Chiba needle, the target cyst was punctured under ultrasound guidance. Prior to the injection of 1500 mg of tetracycline diluted in 5 ml of normal saline, almost all the cystic content was aspirated, and at the end of the procedure the tetra-cycline was left in the cyst. During a period of between 3 and 22 months, 18 of the 23 cases were followed up. RESULT: In six of the 18 cases followed up, the cysts either decreased in size by 10%, or collapsed completely. In seven cases a collapse of over 50% was noted, and in the remaining five the cyst recurred. In one of these, complete collapse occurred after retreatment at ten months, and the patient with a perivesical cyst underwent surgery six months after recurrence. Thus, treatment was effective (a collapse of at least 50%) in 13 of 18 cases (72.2%). This total of 13 comprised ten of 12 renal cysts (83.3%), two of two ovarian (100%), and one of three hepatic (33.3%). Percutaneous therapy was unsuccessful in five cases (two hepatic cysts, one renal, one para-pelvic and one perivesical). Complications occurring during the procedure or follow-up period included discomfort or mild pain, vomiting, and transient fever, though these subsided within 24 hours. In one patient with severe pain, this subsided after four days. CONCLUSION: As single-shot injection of tetracycline provides safe and effective treatment for renal and ovarian cysts, but for hepatic cysts is unsuccessful.

Major patterns of inflammatory sinonasal diseases on CT

Paranasal sinus CT is known as the most effective imaging modality in the evaluation of inflammatory sinonasal diseases and can depict the distribution, causative lesions obstructing main drainge route, and associated findings. Recently, functional endoscopic sinus surgery has been widely used for the evaluation and treatment. Before operation, PNS CT has been routinely used to evaluate the paranasal sinuses and mucociliary drainage route. The authors analyzed the PNS CT findings of 3156 cases in 1578 patients with chronic sinusitis symptoms. Sinonasal inflammatory diseases were categorized into 5 patterns according to the obstruction sites. They were 1) infundibular (10%, 316/3156), 2) ostimeatal unit (41%, 1294/3156), 3) sphenoethmoidal recess (12%, 379/3156), 4) sinonasal polyposis (30%, 946/3156) , and 5) unclassifiable (6%, 190/3156) patterns. The main causes for infundibular obstruction in order of frequency were inflammatory mucosa, enlarged ethmoidal bulla and Haller's cell. With respect to the middle meatus obstruction, is main causes in the order of frequency were polypoid lesion, inflammatory mucosa and medially deviated uncinate process. In particular, sinonasal polyposis showed one or more of the characteristic associated findings of infundibular enlargement, air-fluid level, ethmoidal sinus was bulging and bony deossification or sclerosis as well as sinonasal polypoid change. In conclusion, the inflammatory sinonasal diseases were classified into five patterns, and the causative lesions or anatomic variations were efficiently detected by the PNS CT. Furthermore, it could provide a guidance for proper management of the sinusitis including functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Ureteral jets in patients with unilateral ureteral calculi: Using color doppler ultrasonography

Sonographic detection of ureteral jets entering the urinary bladder is a well-known procedure. Color Doppler ultrasound was used to image the ureteral jets in 28 patients with unilateral ureteral calculi proved by intravenous urography. Three major findings of ureteral jets were obtained in the affected ureter with a stone: less frequency (26 patients), weak reflection (20 patients), and lower grade in length (27 patients) that were significantly different from the unaffected side in the same patient. No significant differences were found between the ureteral jets and the degree of hydronephrosis or the location of a stone. In conclusion, these results suggest that ureteral jets should be checked routinely during the procedure of color Doppler ultrasonogram in patients with possible unilateral ureteral obstruction. Color Doppler examination of ureteral jets may be a important adjunct in routine pelvic ultrasonogram especially in patients who have absolute or relative contraindications of intravenous urography.

Ureteral jets in patients with unilateral ureteral calculi: Using color doppler ultrasonography

Sonographic detection of ureteral jets entering the urinary bladder is a well-known procedure. Color Doppler ultrasound was used to image the ureteral jets in 28 patients with unilateral ureteral calculi proved by intravenous urography. Three major findings of ureteral jets were obtained in the affected ureter with a stone: less frequency (26 patients), weak reflection (20 patients), and lower grade in length (27 patients) that were significantly different from the unaffected side in the same patient. No significant differences were found between the ureteral jets and the degree of hydronephrosis or the location of a stone. In conclusion, these results suggest that ureteral jets should be checked routinely during the procedure of color Doppler ultrasonogram in patients with possible unilateral ureteral obstruction. Color Doppler examination of ureteral jets may be a important adjunct in routine pelvic ultrasonogram especially in patients who have absolute or relative contraindications of intravenous urography.