A Case of Recurrent Glucocorticoid-Induced Pheochromocytoma Crisisb during the Treatment of Urticaria / 대한내과학회지

Pheochromocytoma crisis is a life-threatening endocrine emergency. Stimuli that can elicit a pheochromocytoma crisis include anesthesia, tumor manipulation, and several drugs. Rarely, glucocorticoids can induce a pheochromocytoma crisis. Here, we describe the case of a 65-year-old female who developed an adrenergic crisis with blood pressure fluctuations, dizziness, and seizures after receiving glucocorticoids for the treatment of urticaria. The symptoms led us to speculate that a pheochromocytoma was present. We confirmed the diagnosis based on abdominal imaging and biochemical studies. The patient's symptoms improved after surgical removal of the pheochromocytoma.

Symmetric Interdigital Hyperkeratosis of the Hands / 대한피부과학회지

Symmetrical interdigital hyperkeratosis is a rare clinical entity first described by Frei in 1923. It is characterized by localized hyperkeratosis of the interdigital spaces of the hands and feet. No occupational, traumatic or irritant factors have been discovered, and only a few cases have been reported to date. We herein report a case of symmetrical interdigital hyperkeratosis in a 26-year-old Korean man.

Clinical Features of Basal Cell Carcinoma according to Histological Subtype / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a slow-growing, locally invasive malignant epidermal skin tumor. Several studies of differences in age, site distribution and male to female ratio have been conducted among different histological subtypes of BCC. OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the five major subtypes of BCC with regard to gender, age, and anatomical distribution. METHODS: We retrospectively included 246 cases of BCC diagnosed from January 2000 to March 2011. The diagnoses and classifications of histopathological subtypes (nodular, superficial, micronodular, infiltrative, or morphemic) of BCC were confirmed by three dermatologists. Gender, age at diagnosis, and location were recorded and analyzed by histopathological subtypes. RESULTS: We recorded 246 cases (M : F=11.08) with a mean age of 64.0 years. Of the BCCs, 61.0% were nodular, 15.4% were superficial, 11.4% were micronodular, 10.2% were infiltrative, and 2.0% were morpheic. The nodular subtype was diagnosed at a mean age of 64.9 years, whereas the superficial subtype was diagnosed at an earlier age (60.3 years) and more frequently occurred in women (M : F=1 : 1.5) than the nodular subtype. Compared with the nodular subtype (4%), the superficial subtype (26.3%) occurred more frequently in the trunk (p-value<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The results showed differences in anatomical distribution, gender, and mean age according to histological subtypes. Superficial BCC occurred more commonly on the trunk, more often in women, and was seen in younger patients than that of the nodular subtype.

Linear Atrophoderma of Moulin Developed on the Neck / 대한피부과학회지

Linear atrophoderma of Moulin (LAM) is a distinct clinical entity characterized by acquired atrophic band-like skin lesions that often show hyperpigmentation and always follow the lines of Blaschko. In general, no preceding inflammation is noted, and there is no induration of scleroderma. Usually the condition begins in childhood or adolescence, and there is no evidence of any long-term progression. There are only about 30 reported cases and most of them are located in trunk and extremities. LAM that developed on the neck have been reported only once in the English literature. We report an uncommon case of LAM, which developed on the neck of a 57-year old woman.

A Case of Successful Non-surgical Management of Iatrogenic Gastric Perforation with Fluid Collection after Endoscopic Mucosal Resection / 대한소화기내시경학회지

An endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is considered to be a potential alternative to surgery for a gastrointestinal tumor on account of it being an improved technique. Since its introduction in Japan in the early 1980s, it is now an accepted modality for removing precancerous lesions or early gastric cancer from the GI tract because it is minimally invasive and preserves the patient's quality of life. The major complications of EMR is bleeding and perforation. The treatment guidelines for iatrogenic perforation after EMR have not been established. Herein, we report a successful case of EMR induced gastric perforation with fluid collection that was successfully treated with non-surgical management.

A case of pericardial actinomycosis with acute myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction: mimicking pericardial tuberculosis / 대한내과학회지

Actinomycosis infection can involve most part of the human body including mouth, cervicoface, chest, abdomen and pelvis. Cardiac involvement occurs in less than 2 percent of the infection of actinomyces israelii and pericardial involvement is rare. 34 year male was admitted because of chest pain and general weakness for several months. Echocardiography revealed akinesia of apex suggesting myocardial infarction and large pericardial effusion. Under the impression of pericardial effusion from tuberculosis infection, the patient was started on anti-tuberculosis medicine. Pericardial window operation with pericardial biopsy was performed 7 days later when the patient failed to show a significant improvement. Pericardial biopsy confirmed actinomycosis infection. During admission, the patient had a cerebral infarction with left hemiparesis. The patient was treated with high dose penicillin and improved symptomatically. Echocardiography showed resolution of pericardial effusion.

Trans-radial Coronary Stenting in two hospital : Comparison with Trans-femoral Approach

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The transradial approach for coronary intervention has a lower incidence of access site complications and can increase patient comfort after percutaneus tansluminal coronary angioplasty(PTCA). The purpose of this study is to compare procedural success and complication rates of percutaneous transradial coronary stenting which was performed by four operators in two hospitals with those using transfemoral approach. MATERIALS AND METHOD: From September 1998 to July 1999, one hundred seventy five consecutive patients(201 lesions) treated with coronary stent implantation were enrolled for this study : 84 patients underwent transradial coronary stenting(Radial Group), and 91 patients transfemoral coronary stenting(Femoral Group). RESULTS: Seven patients who failed coronary cannulation via radial artery were crossed over to the Femoral Group. The measurements of the radial artery were not done. Patient demographics were similar in both groups. Procedural success was similar in both group(95.2% in Radial Group vs. 97.8% in Femoral Group, p=S). All transradial coronary stenting were possible using conventional guiding catheters which are used in transfemoral intervention. Local vascular complication rates showed a trend toward a reduction in the Radial Group(2.4% vs. 8.8%, p=.06). CONCLUSION: This study showed the similarity in the safety and efficacy of transradial coronary stenting compared to those of transfemoral approach.

Clinical and Echocardiographic Outcome of Aortic Intramural Hemorrhage Compared with Acute Aortic Dissection

BACKGROUND: Aortic intramural hemorrhage (IMH), which presents clinical manifestations identical to acute aortic dissection, is suggested to have different pathology and pathophysiology. The purposes of this study were to diagnose IMH by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) prospectively and to compare clinical and echocardiographic outcome of IMH with those of aortic dissection. METHODS: Between August 1991 and November 1996, 27 IMH and 73 acute aortic dissection were diagnosed using TEE in 202 consecutive patients with suspected aortic dissection. TEE diagnoses of IMH and aortic dissection were initially compared with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging and later confirmed by operative findings (n=39) or follow-up changes (n=12). RESULTS: In the 49 patients whose diagnosis was confirmed by operation or follow-up changes, the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of IMH were 27 of 27 (100%) and 20 of 22 (91%), respectively. There were 11 deaths (15%) in acute aortic dissection and 1 death (4%) in IMH during follow-up of 1.7+/-1.5 years (p=NS). Stanford classification and types of treatment were not related to death in both groups. Complications were less frequently noted in IMH (3/27) than in acute aortic dissection (24/73) (p<0.001) and no death occurred in uncomplicated IMH who were medically treated. Follow-up study of 12 IMH patients showed 8 complete resolution, 3 regression, 1 progression. CONCLUSION: TEE is very useful in diagnosis of IMH and IMH has better outcome than the aortic dissection due to absence of communication and intimal tear.

Clinical and Echocardiographic Outcome of Aortic Intramural Hemorrhage Compared with Acute Aortic Dissection

BACKGROUND: Aortic intramural hemorrhage (IMH), which presents clinical manifestations identical to acute aortic dissection, is suggested to have different pathology and pathophysiology. The purposes of this study were to diagnose IMH by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) prospectively and to compare clinical and echocardiographic outcome of IMH with those of aortic dissection. METHODS: Between August 1991 and November 1996, 27 IMH and 73 acute aortic dissection were diagnosed using TEE in 202 consecutive patients with suspected aortic dissection. TEE diagnoses of IMH and aortic dissection were initially compared with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging and later confirmed by operative findings (n=39) or follow-up changes (n=12). RESULTS: In the 49 patients whose diagnosis was confirmed by operation or follow-up changes, the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of IMH were 27 of 27 (100%) and 20 of 22 (91%), respectively. There were 11 deaths (15%) in acute aortic dissection and 1 death (4%) in IMH during follow-up of 1.7+/-1.5 years (p=NS). Stanford classification and types of treatment were not related to death in both groups. Complications were less frequently noted in IMH (3/27) than in acute aortic dissection (24/73) (p<0.001) and no death occurred in uncomplicated IMH who were medically treated. Follow-up study of 12 IMH patients showed 8 complete resolution, 3 regression, 1 progression. CONCLUSION: TEE is very useful in diagnosis of IMH and IMH has better outcome than the aortic dissection due to absence of communication and intimal tear.

Long Stent Implantation in Long Coronary Lesions: Immediate and Follow-up Results

BACKGROUND: The results of new devices for long coronary stenotic lesion is disappointing. We evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of single long coronary stenting for long coronary stenosis, we implanted two types of long stents, newly developed less shortening Wall stent and Gianturco-Roubin II stent. METHODS: This study reports on the use of stents in 106 patients with 109 lesions with long lesion. Long coronary disease was defined as a lesion length longer than 20 mm. After the implantation of the stent, the stented coronary segment was dilated further with high pressure balloon inflation to achieve angiographic optimization. RESULTS: The mean age was 59+/-9 years. Mean stent length was 35+/-11 mm. Vessel distribution was 2 (2%) left main, 66 (61%) LAD, 10 (9%) LCX and 31 (28%) RCA. Implanted stents were 57 (52%) Gianturco-Roubin II stents and 52 (48%) Wall stents. Procedural success was achieved in 109 (100%) lesions. The MLD at lesion site increased from 0.8+/-0.4 mm to 3.2+/-0.5 mm. Procedure associated complications included 4 non-Q myocardial infarction. Angiographic follow up at 6 months was performed on 78 (72%) eligible lesions. There was one myocardial infarction and no death during follow up period. Restenosis by 50% diameter stenosis criteria was present in 39 (50%) of lesions. The target lesion revascularization was performed in 21 (19%) lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Stent implantation for long coronary disease is associated with excellent procedural success rates and low complication rates in the majority of patients. However, the restenosis rate is high regardless of the stent used. Further study needs to be done to improve the long-term clinical outcome.

Comparison of Slotted Tube versus Coil Stent Implantation for Ostial Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Stenosis: Initial and Late Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND: Balloon angioplasty of ostial left anterior descending coronary artery lesions has been associated with high rate of acute complications and late restenosis. Recently, coronary stenting has been proposed as one of effective treatment modalites of ostial left anterior descending artery lesions. METHODS: To evaluate the effects of stent design on the development of late restenosis, we retrospectively analyzed the efficacy of slotted tube stent implantation (40 patients, Palmaz-Schatz stent) and coil stent implantation (15 patients, tantalum Cordis stent) of ostial left anterior descending artery stenosis. Six-month angiographic follow-up data were obtained in 31 patients (82%) with slotted tube stent implantation and 12 patients (86%) with coil stent implantation. Angiographic restenosis was defined as > or = 50% diameter stenosis. RESULTS: Angiographic resten-osis rate was significantly lower in slotted tube stent implantation (32%) than in coil stent implantation (67%) (p<0.05). Target lesion revascularization rate of slotted tube stent implantation was significantly lower (26%) than that of coil stent implantation (57%) (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Coil stent implantation of ostial left anterior descending artery lesions was associated with higher late restenosis compared with slotted tube stent impla-ntation. In conclusion, slotted tube stent implantation might be considered for ostial left anterior descending artery lesions to improve late clinical outcomes.

Change of QT Dispersion Following PTCA in Angina Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: QT dispersion (QTd) represents the inhomogeneity of ventricular repolarization and has been suggested to predict ventricular arrhythmia in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This study investigates the short-term effect of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) on QTd in patients with CAD and no history of previous myocardial infarct. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 84 angina patients (65 men and 19 women, mean age of 58.3+/-9.0 yeras) who underwent successful PTCA of single coronary artery, ECG was checked in baseline, immediate, 1day and 1 month after PTCA. QTd and corrected QTd (c-QTd) were measured in these ECGs by digitizer. RESULTS: PTCA was performed at left anterior descending artery (LAD) in 56, left circumflex artery (LCx) in 12 and right coronary artery (RCA) in 16 patients. Mean and standard error of QTd (c-QTd) at baseline, immediate, 1day and 1month after PTCA was 51.3+/-4.2 (50.7+/-4.1), 54.2+/-4.5 (52.8+/-4.5), 47.7+/-4.3 (48.5+/-4.8) and 36.3+/-4.5 (37.5+/-4.6)msec, respectively. QTd and c-QTd significantly decreased at 1 month following PTCA. The difference was more prominent in pateints with LAD lesion than LCx or RCA lesion and independent of gender, severity of stenosis and use of beta-blockers. CONCLUSION: QTd decreases in CAD patients with no history of myocardial infarct at 1 month following successful PTCA. This may facilitate a favorable recovery from inhomogenous repolarization. These findings call for long-term follow-up of QTd and the incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden death following successful PTCA.

Intracoronary Stenting in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND: In elective intervention, the implantation of an intracoronary stent is an established treatment modality to reduce restenosis in comparison with balloon angioplasty. However, stenting was empirically thought to be contraindicated for acute myocardial infarction because of the propensity for thrombosis, althought the percutaneous transluminal coronary balloon angioplasty(PTCA) on infarct-related artery is associated with a high incidence of restenosis. To knowlege, there is no report comparing the longterm efficacy of coronary stenting with PTCA in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Accordingly, we investigated the effect of stent implantation on restenosis of infarct-related artery in acute myocardial infarction, comparing with conventional balloon angioplasty. METHOD: From January 1994 to December 1995, 97 patients (stenting in 45 patients : PTCA in 52 patients) underwent intracoronary stenting or PTCA on infarct-related artery successfully at 7-10 days after onset of infarction. The coronary stents were Palmaz-Schatz stent in 35 patients and Cordis stent in 10 patients. Follow-up coronary angiography was performed in all patients 6 months later after intervention. RESULTS: No death, emergency coronary artery bypass surgery or reinfarction occurred during hospitalization in 97 patients. In 45 patients with stent implantation, no stent thrombosisoccurred. The 6-months angiographic restenosis rate was 13 percent in patients assigne to stent implantation and 52 percent in patients assigned to PTCA(p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We conclude that the intracoronary stent implantation on infarct-related artery at 7-10 days after acute myocardial infarction is safe, feasible and significantly reduces the restenosis rate.

Coronary Rotational Atherectomy : Initial Experience in 101 Complex Lesions

BACKGROUND: Rotational atherectomy(RA) uses a high speed, rotating, diamond-tipped elliptic burr to abrade atherosclerotic plaque to increase lumen size. Differential forward cutting with RA burr results in ablation of diseased plaque, leaving the nomal, uninvolved arterial wall intact. Increased lesion length, increased lesion angulation and lesion calcification were predictive of an abrupt closure after balloon coronary angioplasty(balloon PTCA). RA facilitates the treatment of distal, tortuous and difficult-to-cross lesion. We evaluated the usefulness of RA as initial treatment modality in type B2 or C lesions, comparing with the balloon PTCA. METHOD: RA with adjunctive balloon PTCA were performed in 94 patients with 101 lesion sites(M/F:68/26, age:59.5+/-10.0 years) and balloon PTCA were performed in 245 patients with 293 lesion sites(M/F:188/57, age:58.7+/-10.3 years). Lesion analysis using a modified American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association classification system(ACC/AHA) showed that type B2 lesion was 35.6% and 64.5%, type C lesion was 64.4% and 35.5% in RA/adjunctive balloon PTCA and balloon PTCA, respectively. RESULTS: According to modified ACC/AHA lesion classification, type C lesion was higher percentage(64.4% vs 35.6%) in RA with adjunctive balloon PTCA compared with balloon PTCA and B2 lesion was higher percentage(64.5% vs 35.6%) in balloon PTCA(p<0.05). Diffuse lesion(61.4% vs 23.9%), irregular lesion(81.2% vs 65.5%), and heavily calcified lesion(40.6% vs 8.9%) were more commonly noted adverse morphologic features in RA with adjunctive balloon PTCA compared with balloon PTCA(p<0.05). However, total occlusion(25.9% vs 16.9%) was more common in balloon PTCA(p<0.05). Procedural success was achieved in 84.1% of RA with balloon adjunctive PTCA and in 82.3% of balloon PTCA. Myocardial infarction occurred in 2 patients(2.1%) and 4 patients(1.6%) in RA with adjunctive balloon PTCA and balloon PTCA, respectively. There were no procedural deaths or emergency surgeries in both groups. One case of cardiogenic shokc, 3 cases of no-reflow and 3 cases of wire embolization occurred in RA with adjunctive balloon PTCA. CONCLUSION: The overall success rate of RA appears to be similar to that of balloon PTCA despite of more complex lesion morphology(long lesion segment, irregularity and heavy calcification). RA is safe method of initial treatment modality with a high success rate in type B2 or C lesion. Longterm result after RA remains to be determined.

Intravascular Ultrasound Analysis of Factors Associated with Suboptimal Stent Expansion after High Pressure Balloon Inflation

BACKGROUND: The intracoronary stent implantation is regarded as an effective treatment modality of coronary artery disease. However, inadequate stent expansion was associated with subacute stent thrombosis and late restenosis. The high-pressure inflation stenting reduced the incidence of stent thrombosis and restenosis. Therefore, we intended to evaluate factors associated with suboptimal stent expansion after high-pressure balloon inflation. METHODS: One hundred and thirty eight patients with 150 lesions were treated with 168 stents of various types. Intravascular ultrasound(IVUS) images were obtained after angiographic optimization( or =90% of the distal reference lumen CSA. Severe calcifications were defined by IVUS as are of calcium > or =180 degree. RESULTS: An optimal stent expansion was achieved in 67% of the 150 lesions. At preintervention, severe calcifications were in 10%(5/51) in optimal stent expansion and in 40%(4/10)in suboptimal stent expansion(p<0.05). At postintervention, minimal stent CSA was 8.0mm2 in optimal stnet expansion and 6.5mm2 in suboptimal stent expansion(p<0.01). Minor diameter at stented segment was 2.9mm in optimal stent expansion and 2.5mm in suboptimal stent expansion(p<0.01). The symmetrical index of stent expansion(SI, a ratio of the minor diameter divided by the major diameter) was 0.91 in optimal stent expansion and 0.85 in suboptimal stent expansion(p<0.01). The residual plaque burden at stented segment was larger in suboptimal stent expansion than in optimal stent expansion(56% vs 51%, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Severe calcifications at preintervention, larger residual plaque burden and smaller SI at postintervention may be related to suboptimal stent expansion, as assessed by IVUS, despite angiographic optimization with high-pressure inflation stenting.