Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction as an Initial Manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction (IPO) is an uncommon, severe complication that occurs in a small subgroup of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To our knowledge, approximately 30 cases of IPO in SLE have been reported in the literature. Moreover, IPO is rare as an initial manifestation of SLE. We report a case of a 43-year-old woman with SLE who initially presented with IPO.

Survey of Endoscope Reprocessing in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There is a growing emphasis on quality management in endoscope reprocessing. Previous surveys conducted in 2002 and 2004 were not practitioner-oriented. Therefore, this survey is significant for being the first to target actual participants in endoscope reprocessing in Korea. METHODS: This survey comprised 33 self-filled questions, and was personally delivered to nurses and nursing auxiliaries in the endoscopy departments of eight hospitals belonging to the society. The anonymous responses were collected after 1 week either by post or in person by committee members. RESULTS: The survey included 100 participants. In the questionnaire addressing compliance rates with the reprocessing guideline, the majority (98.9%) had a high compliance rate compared to 27% of respondents in 2002 and 50% in 2004. The lowest rate of compliance with a reprocessing procedure was reported for transporting the contaminated endoscope in a sealed container. Automated endoscope reprocessors were available in all hospitals. Regarding reprocessing time, more than half of the subjects replied that reprocessing took more than 15 minutes (63.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The quality management of endoscope reprocessing has improved as since the previous survey. A national survey expanded to include primary clinics is required to determine the true current status of endoscope reprocessing.

A Case of Podostroma Cornu-Damae Intoxication Similar to Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome / 대한내과학회지

The clinical aspects of intoxication can be similar to those of drug hypersensitivity syndrome, including desquamation, hematologic abnormalities, multiple organ failure, and even death. Many people consume mushrooms that they collect in the mountains, and consequently, the incidence of poisonous mushroom intoxication is increasing. Podostroma cornu-damae is a poisonous mushroom not well-known to the public that contains trichothecene, a deadly poison. It is difficult to differentiate P. cornu-damae from other edible mushrooms, especially young Ganoderma lucidum. Therefore, the general public should be aware of the dangers of indiscreet ingestion of mushrooms. When physicians treat patients presenting clinical symptoms similar to those of drug hypersensitivity reaction following the intake of mushrooms, poisonous mushroom intoxication must be taken into consideration. We report this case together with a literature review, as we experienced one P. cornu-damae intoxication case showing similar clinical aspects to drug hypersensitivity syndrome.

Intramural Hematoma of the Esophagus after Endoscopic Pinch Biopsy and Endoscopic Band Ligation / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Esophageal intramural hematoma (EIH) is an uncommon clinical entity among the acute esophageal injuries, and EIH predominantly occurs in middle-aged women. The pathogenesis of EIH has not been clarified, yet this. Seems to occur within the submucosal layer of the esophagus after dissection of the mucosa. EIH may occur spontaneously or secondary to trauma. Patients usually complain of a sudden onset of severe retrosternal chest pain, hematemesis, back pain or dysphagia. Most EIHs show improvement through conservative management, including fasting and intravenous hydration, and this usually completely recovers within a period of 2~3 weeks. We report here on a case that EIH occurred after endoscopic pinch biopsy and endoscopic band ligation and this EIH was exacerbated in a patient who was taking long-term aspirin medication.