Utility of Toe-brachial Index for Diagnosis of Peripheral Artery Disease

BACKGROUND: The ankle brachial pressure index (ABI) is a simple, useful method for diagnosing peripheral artery disease (PAD). Although the ABI is an objective diagnostic method, it has limited reliability in certain scenarios. The aim of the present study was to determine the accuracy and reliability of the toe brachial index (TBI) as a diagnostic tool for detecting stenosis in PAD, associated with normal or low ABI values. METHODS: ABI and TBI values were measured in 15 patients with diabetic gangrene who were suspected of having lower extremity arterial insufficiency. The ABI and TBI values were measured using a device that allowed the simultaneous measurement of systolic blood pressure in the upper and lower extremities. In addition, the ABI and TBI values were compared pre- and post-angiography. RESULTS: Patients with an ABI of 0.9-1.3 showed almost no difference between the 2 measurements. The patients with TBI >0.6 had no arterial insufficiency. The patients with TBI <0.6 required vascular intervention with ballooning. After the angiography, the gangrenous wounds decreased in size more rapidly than they did prior to the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that TBI is the method of choice for evaluating lower limb perfusion disorders. This result requires further studies of TBI in a larger number of patients. Future long-term studies should therefore evaluate the utility of TBI as a means of screening for PAD and the present findings should be regarded as preliminary outcomes.

Three Cases of Cervical Branchial Remnants

PURPOSE: Failure of proper migration, fusion, or maturation of the branchial apparatus components results in a variety of congenital defects. Of these, cartilaginous rests are infrequent, while branchial cysts and sinuses are more common, relatively. The purpose of this study is to examine the clinical and pathological features of rare cervical branchial remnants in order to provide basis for its correct diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: We report three cases of cervical branchial remnants which were treated in our hospital from December 2004 to December 2009. These cases were examined their clinical features, histologic findings and treatments. The patients had been operated with simple excision, excision of the combined components and preoperative antiboitics. RESULTS: A retrospective review produced 2 cases of the cervical branchial remnants and 1 case of the cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnant. All cases were on the left side of the neck, and anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Histopathological examination showed that fistula & sinus were lined with stratified squamous epithelium, additionally, they were consisted of a cutaneous envelope containing sebaceous glands, hair follicles, various amounts of adipose tissue, and elastic fibers. And, One case revealed containing hyaline cartilage. No patient developed complications or reccurences. CONCLUSION: The authors recommend simple surgical excision of the remnants when discharge, infection, or cosmetic problem occur. Finally, these lesions do not have fistulous tracts or connections with important, deeper organs, and so can be safely transected at the level of the superficial musculature.

Reconstruction of the Orbital Floor Fracture using the Antral Balloon Catheter with Radiopaque Dye

PURPOSE: Blow-out fractures are reduced through transcutaneous or transconjunctival incisions. But the field of orbital surgery is difficult due to lack of visualization of fracture site, blind dissection of orbital floor, susceptibility of injury of orbital structures. In these situations, the former technique of using an antral balloon catheter has advantages over other methods for reconstruction because of its rapidity, simplicity, and inexpensiveness. Furthermore, the antral balloon catheter allows not only elevation of the orbital bone fragment but also expansion of the maxillary sinus in cases where there is a fracture of its walls. But postoperative follow-up method using computed tomography is expensive. Hence, we report a simple and inexpensive follow-up method using radiopaque dye inflation. METHODS: We performed endoscopic transantral approach in 5 cases of blow-out fracture under general anesthesia. To accomplish this technique, a rigid 4 mm, 0 or 30 degree angled endoscopy was inserted into the maxillary sinus. Inflation of the catheter started gradually, with 10 to 15 mL of saline mixed radiopaque dye (saline: dye, 5 : 1) by syringe and while observing the elevation of the fracture site with endoscope until a proper contour was reached. For the maintain of the position of fractured site, 12 French urinary balloon foley catheter were used in fracture site for 7 - 10 days. RESULTS: Postoperative assessment was performed by means of clinical and simple radiographic examination to secure the catheter under the inferior orbital wall and in the maxillary sinus. No specific complications occurred related to this procedure. Results of the surgery and follow-up in all cases were satisfactory. CONCLUSION: It may be a better alternative to the conventional follow-up method, with less cost and effectiveness of the catheter patency. The advantages of using the urinary balloon foley catheter with the radiopaque dye include the following : it is safe, efficacy, simple, and especially low cost. On drawback of this method is the discomfort to the patient caused by the catheter during the treatment.

A Case of Intramuscular Abscess in the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle after Intramuscular Stimulation(IMS)

PURPOSE: Intramuscular stimulation(IMS) shows good results in the treatment of chronic pain patients who did not respond to other treatments such as oral analgesics, trigger point injection, nerve block and epidural steroid injection. But, IMS procedure especially, patients with diabetes mellitus(DM) has sometimes serious problem. So, we present a very rare case of intramuscular abscess in the sternocleiomastoid muscle after IMS with literature review. METHODS: A 66 year old male visited our department 7 days after IMS in the neck. His premorbid conditions and risk factors of deep neck infection was DM and old age. Computed tomographic scans of the head and neck region were performed in this patient: signs of deep neck infection, were seen enhanced abscess in the sternocleidomastoid muscle, cellulitis overlying tissue of the neck, and air bubbles involved muscle. Necrotic wound was excised serially and we treated this with the Vacuum-assisted closure(VAC, Kinetics Concepts International, San Antonio, Texas) system device. After appropriately shaping the sponge in the pockets, continuous negative pressure of 125mmHg was applied. The VAC therapy was utilized for a period of 12 days. RESULTS: We obtained satisfactory results from wide excision, drainage of the abscess with the VAC system, and then primary closure. The postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSION: We suggest that many of the infectious complications may be preventable by strict adherence to aseptic techniques and that some of the other complications may be minimized by refining the techniques with a clear understanding of the medical disorders of patients. And, the refined technique using the VAC system can provide a means of simple and effective management for the cervical intramuscular abscess, with better cosmetic and functional results.

A Case Report of Symptomatic Torus Palatinus

PURPOSE: Torus palatinus is a bony prominence at the middle of the hard palate. The size varies from barely discernible to very large, from flat to lobular. This oral exostosis is not a disease or a sign of disease, but if large, may be a problem. So, we present the clinical and histopathologic features and applied therapy and provide a comprehensive review of the rare case of the symptomatic exostoses. METHODS: A 37-year-old woman had slowly growing exophytic nodular mass of the bone that arises the midline suture of the hard palate. The patient was concerned about discomfort associated with movement of her tongue and about frequent irritation of the palatal mucosa during mastification of the hard food. The patient had a large, unilobulated torus palatinus. It extended from the area adjacent to the canine to a point beyond the junction with the soft palate. The mass was oblong in shape, measuring about 3cm long, 2cm wide, and 0.8cm in height. RESULTS: Before surgical intervention a CT was obtained for the sake of estimating the thickness of the bone between the exostoses and the maxillary antrum and floor of the nose. The surgical procedure was performed with the patient under general anesthesia. Removal of the exostosis was performed after midline mucoperiosteal incision with osteotome and diamond burr. Histologic finding revealed decalcified dense bony tissue, the presence of lacunae, and normal osteocytes. CONCLUSION: Surgical removal is recommended when one or more of the following condition exist: interference with the construction of prosthesis, interference with oral function, irritation or pathology of the overlying tissue, inability of the patient to maintain proper oral hygiene, and fear of malignancy or other psychologic trauma. We report a rare case of the torus arising in hard palate with symptoms.

Ultrasound-Guided Closed Reduction of Nasal Bone Fracture

PURPOSE: Nasal bone fracture may be the most common fracture among facial trauma. However, diagnosis and treatment tend to be overlooked while the reduction and maintenance of fragments remain complicated. Thus, the results are plagued with high rate of nasal deformity which leads cosmetic and functional discomfort. We took advantage of the fact that the nasal bone is one of the thinnest facial bone while at the same time being located close to the skin and utilized ultrasound in performing reduction of nasal bone. METHODS:This method was performed on 25 patients with nasal bone fracture. The CL 15-7 linear array transducer (10-15MHz) ultrasound which provides a total of 7 views (3 axial views and 4 transverse views) of the elevator under the bony fragments was enough for the surgeon to accurately perform the reduction. RESULTS: In our class, an accurate and precise reduction has been made possible by real time images before, during, and after the procedure with the help of ultrasound while reducing the exposure to radiation. CONCLUSION: Compared to previous methods, satisfaction of patients has increased in the nasal tip, minimal fracture of the side wall and secondary reduction cases. Therefore, the incorporation of ultrasound in the closed reduction of nasal bone may prove to be a useful method.

The Clincal Experiences of the Orbital Pseudotumor

Orbital pseudotumor, also known as idiopathic orbital inflammatory syndrome(IOIS), may have protean clinical manifestations. IOIS should be determined with a diagnosis of exclusion, with evaluation directed toward eliminating other causes of orbital disease. Orbital MRI and CT are the important diagnostic tests, but serologic studies are necessary to exclude a systemic causes. Biopsy is usually not performed currently, as the risk of producing damage to vital structures within the orbital outweighs the benefits. Patients with multiple recurrences, or those unresponsive to therapy, should be treated of biopsy sample extraction. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy and administered for several months to ensure remission. Radiotherapy may be used in patients who fail to respond to steroids or who have a rapidly progressive course. We analysed the data of two patients. There were no specific complications related to this treatment. We discussed the radiologic findings, treatment procedures, and other orbital diseases.