Teaching Medical Humanities through an Illness Narrative / 한국의학교육

There has been growing interest regarding the 'medical humanities' in most medical schools in Korea. Medical humanities is an interdisciplinary field of humanities, social science, and the arts that aims to have a critical or supplementary role in medical education and practice. Thus, diverse educational methods should be applied to achieve the goals of medical humanities. The illness narrative is one of the most powerful tools in this context. An illness narrative is a patient's story about his illness, including the meaning of the illness in his life. The illness narrative is widely accepted as an effective educational tool in medical humanities. But, in Korea, there has been concern about the nature, theoretical background, and usefulness of the illness narrative. Medical students and doctors can obtain empathy and clinical wisdom through telling, hearing, reading, and writing illness narratives. In this article, I will examine the nature and meaning of illness narratives in teaching medical humanities and discuss several examples of narrative training programs.

The Efficacy of Ultrasonography in Identifying Fracture Patterns of Nasal Bone

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to know whether ultrasonography is proper diagnostic tool for decision of treatment method or not, as compared the efficacy of US in allowing identifying fracture patterns of nasal bone with that of CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with nasal trauma were investigated prospectively by CT and US. According to CT and ultrasonographic findings, each case of nasal bone injury were rated as grade 1 (nasal injury but not fracture), grade 2 (simple fracture without displacement), grade 3 (unilateral simple fracture with displacement), grade 4 (bilateral simple fractures with displacement), and grade 5 (bilateral comminuted fractures with depression). Assessment for ultrasonographic method were defined as overestimations or underestimation according to whether the nasal fracture had been assigned a higher or lower grade at the review of the findings of CT. The correlation between the results of CT and ultrasonography were measured. RESULTS: In ultrasonographic estimation of grade of 50 cases of nasal bone injuries, there were correctly graded in 42 cases, overestimated in 5 cases, underestimated in 3 cases. In allowing accurate grading of nasal bone injury, images of nasal ultrasonography correlated closely with those of CT (r = 0.796). CONCLUSION: Nasal ultrasonography is a reliable method that allows appropriate grading of nasal bone injury and would be a useful first line imaging method in providing the detail necessary for proper management of patients with mild simple nasal bone injury.

A Case Report on Diffuse Sclerosing Papillary Carcinoma of the Thyroid: The Ultrasound and CT Images / 대한내분비외과학회지

We report here on a case of diffuse sclerosing papillary carcinoma (DSPC), which is a subtype of papillary carcinoma of thyroid, in a 27-year-old female. The ultrasound images showed diffuse enlargement of the thyroid lobes and this was associated with underlying diffuse scattered microcalcifications and a heterogeneous hypoechoic background parenchyma that was without any masses. The CT image showeddiffuse scattered dot-like hyperdensities with bilateral multiple metastastic lymph nodes. Because making the cytological diagnosis of DSPC is still challenging, the radiological findings that show this disease's characteristic features may be important clues for making the correct diagnosis.

Radiologic Findings of a Recurrent Thyroidal and Perithyroidal Soft Tissue Infections Associated with a Pyriform Sinus Fistula: A Case Report / 대한내분비외과학회지

We report here on a case of a recurrent left anterior neck infection and focal left suppurative thyroiditis that were associated with a congenital pyriform sinus fistula (PSF) in an 18-year-old male. Acute suppurative thyroidits is a very rare clinical condition and it is usually caused by infection that's derived from infected perithyroidal tissue or a congenital internal fistula. The PSF can lead to recurrent episodes of neck inflammation and abscess, and it is the most common cause of acute suppurative thyroiditis in young man. In this current case, the CT scan showed an air-containing tract of a PSF from the left pyriform sinus to the left thyroid gland and the perithyroidal soft tissue. The CT scan also showed a neck inflammatory infiltration or abscess along the course of the sinus tract. The focal low density of the thyroid parenchyma was seen and this was suggestive of suppurative thyroiditis. Barium esophagography demonstrated the fistulous tract in the PSF. We performed laryngoscopy, and the internal opening of the pyriform sinus fistula was successfully cauterized with AgNO3 and the post procedure course was fair. When an air-containing tract and a recurrent inflammatory infiltration or abscess are present at the left anterior neck with including the thyroid and perithyroidal soft tissue, a PSF should be strongly suspected.

Accessory Scrotum Associated with a Perineal Lipoma / 대한비뇨기과학회지

The presence of accessory scrotum is a condition characterized by additional scrotal tissue with a normally developed scrotum. The condition is extremely rare and can be associated with a perineal lipoma. Herein, a case of accessory scrotum associated with a perineal lipoma is reported in a 4-day-old boy. He presented with a perineal mass and the diagnosis was confirmed by surgical excision and subsequent histological analysis. This is the first Korean report of an accessory scrotum associated with perineal lipoma. (Korean J Urol 2007;48:1096-1098)

Neonatal Adrenal Hemorrhage Presenting as Acute Scrotum / 대한비뇨기과학회지

There has been only 23 cases of neonatal adrenal hemorrhage presenting as an acute scrotum and unnecessary surgical exploration was performed in nine of these case(39%) due to suspected testicular torsion. We report here on a case of a 2-day-old boy with neonatal adrenal hemorrhage, and he presented with an acute scrotum; this child's condition was managed conservatively.

Small Cell Carcinoma Manifesting as a Bulky Thoracic Mass in a Pregnant Woman: A Case Report

The classic presentation of small cell carcinoma is hilar or mediastinal lymph node metastases while the primary tumor remains an occult tumor. Grossly enlarged hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes can be frequently seen on the chest radiographs and CT scans. We report here on a case of small cell carcinoma that manifested as a unilateral bulky thoracic mass in a pregnant woman.

Torsion of the Testicular Appendix in Undescended Testis / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Torsion of the testicular appendix is a common cause of acute scrotum, and occurs during the prepubertal years. However, despite its high incidence, appendix torsion in undescended testis has rarely been reported. Herein, a rare case of torsion of the testicular appendix in an undescended testis is reported in a 9-year-old boy

Primary Carcinoid Tumor of the Testis: Case Report

Primary testicular carcinoid tumors are extremely rare and account for less than 1% of all testicular tumors. We recently experienced a case of primary carcinoid tumor of the testis in a 50-year-old man who presented with scrotal swelling. The ultrasonographic findings were evaluated and compared with those of previous reports.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising from SecondBranchial Cleft Cyst: Case Report

Primary branchiogenic carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor resulting from the malignant transformation of a branchial cleft cyst. In the case we describe, CT scanning and ultrasonography demonstrated the characteristic findings of a second branchial cleft cyst located in the anterior triangle of the neck, along the anterior margin of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. This lesion presented as a well-defined cystic mass with a thick irregular inner wall and central septa, and associated multiple neighboring necrotic lymph nodes. Microscopic examination revealed a transition zone from squamous epithelium to squamous cell carcinoma.

A Study of Treatise on Medicine by King Sejo / 의사학

This paper explores historical backgrounds and contents of Treatise on Medicine written by King Sejo (r.1455-1468) including his views on traditional medicine and pharmacy in the early Chosen period. The Treatise declared by King Sejo in 1463 has been considered as an important and unique manual of medicine because it was the exclusive example written by the king of Chosen. It was the King Sejo's era when the medical milieu in both social and medical aspects was highly encouraged thanks to the previous achievements by King Sejong the Great (r.1418-1450). King Sejo, in particular, who was much interested in practical learning called 'Miscellaneous Studies' emphasized on court medicine. His writing can be understood in such historical frame. Another reason why he wrote the Treatise can be said that he felt necessary for establishing the medical ethic codes for inefficient court medicine-officials. In personal background, he tried to find available remedies since he had been suffered from some chronic diseases. The contents of the Treatise can be broadly fallen to the clinical and ethical aspects, In the former one, the Treatise focuses on treatment without hesitation through the sharp and exact diagnosis by medical doctors. In the latter one, eight categories of medical doctors are discussed according to their moral degrees, sim'eui, sik'eui, yak'eui, hon'eui, kwang'eui, mang'eui, sa'eui, and sal'eui. Finally, musim'ji-eui was supplemented. Among them, sal'eui, medicine-official laking both medical ability and ethical attitude, was classified as the lowest degree, sim'eui, medicine-official sincerely making his all efforts for patients, was thought to be a paragon of medical morality. In conclusion, the Treatise on Medicine by King Sejo played an important role as a manual for the principle of medical practice and for the instruction to enhance ethical attitude among medicine-officials.

Usefulness of Unenhanced Helical CT in Patients with Suspected Ureteral Colic

PURPOSE: To determine the usefulness of unenhanced helical CT in patients with suspected renal colic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fourteen patients with suspected ureteral colic, referred by physicians, underwent unenhanced helical CT. Two radiologists prospectively interpreted the results, determining the presence or absence of ureter stone and other diseases that arise outside the urinary tract. In cases of ureteral stone, we retrospectively sought secondary signs of hydronephrosis, perinephric fat stranding, thickening of renal fascia, renal enlargement, and the tissue rim sign. RESULTS: Among the 114 patients, 57 were confirmed as having ureter stones. Unenhanced helical CT depicted 57 of 58 stones in 57 patients, producing one false-negative and one false-positive result. Overall, the results showed 98% sensitivity, 95% specificity, 98% positive predictive value, 95% negative predictive value, and 97% accuracy. The frequencies of secondary signs were as follows: hydronephrosis, 95% (54/57); perinephric fat stranding, 81% (46/57); thickening of renal fascia, 77% (44/57); renal enlargement, 65% (37/57); and the tissue rim sign 72% (21/29). In 20 patients, the diagnoses were not related to stone disease and included one falsenegative diagnosis of pyonephrosis. CONCLUSION: Unenhanced helical CT provides information which is valuable in the accurate diagnosis of ureteral stone as well as other diseases that arise outside the urinary tract in patients with suspected renal colic.

Phlegmonous Enteritis in a Patient with Congestive Heart Failure and Colon Cancer

Phlegmonous enteritis is a rare infective inflammatory disease of the intestine, predominantly involving the submucosal layer. It is difficult to diagnose and often fatal. Its association with alcoholism and various liver diseases, although rarely reported, is well documented. We report a case of phlegmonous enteritis in a male patient with congestive heart failure and colon cancer, and describe the ultrasonographic and CT findings.

Heterotopic Ossification in Abdominal Incision: A Case Report

Heterotopic ossification in abdominal incision is a rare post-surgical sequala and a subtype of myositis ossificans traumatica. Recognition of this rare condition is important because it may be misinterpreted as a retained foreign body or incisional neoplastic recurrence. We report a case involving a 59-year-old man who presented with a palpable epigastric mass and pronounced fatigability.

Huge Endometrioma Mimicking Mucinous Cystadenoma on MR: A Case Report

Endometriosis is a relatively common gynecologic disease affecting women during their reproductive years. For its diagnosis, magnetic resonance imaging has been shown to have greater specificity than other modalities. Although lesions may show variable signal intensity due to numerous stages of bleeding, the characteristic finding of endometrioma which distinguishes it from other ovarian cystic masses is relatively high signal intensity on T1-weighted images and heterogeneous signal intensity with prominent shading on T2-weighted images. We report an atypical case involving a huge endometrioma. Because of varying signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images and scanty shading on T2-weighted images, the findings were misinterpreted and mucinous cystadenoma was diagnosed.

Acinic Cell Carcinoma Arising from Unusual Location: 3 Case Reports

Most acinic cell carcinomas arise within the parotid gland: extraparotid origin is rare. We encountered three cases of extraparotid acinic cell carcinoma arising in the buccal or palatal region, or the submandibular gland. All three tumors presented as a painless, slow-growing mass. CT imaging indicated that they were well defined, homogeneously enhanced, round masses. In one case, sonography demonstrated relatively homogeneous low echogenicity.

MR Imaging of Kernicterus: A Case Report

Kernicterus is a neurologic syndrome, resulting from the preferential deposition of unconjugated bilirubin in the globus pallidus, subthalamus, hippocampus, and brain stem. The characteristic finding of kernicterus revealed by T2-weighted MR imaging is irreversible, bilaterally symmetrical high signal intensities in the globus pallidus. We report an atypical case of kernicterus, in which follow-up MR imaging of the globus pallidus demonstrated reversible signal intensity.