Uncomplicated jejunal diverticulosis with pneumoperitoneum

Small bowel diverticulosis is a rare finding within all bowel diverticuloses and jejunal diverticulosis is even rarer. Their relative clinical rarity and varied presentation may make diagnosis both delayed and difficult. We experienced a case of jejunal diverticulosis, which was diagnosed intraoperatively. A 55-year-old woman was admitted to Emergency Department with pneumoperitoneum on plain chest and abdominal film from a local clinic. She was hemodynamically stable with minimal tenderness on the left upper quadrant of the abdomen but no rebound tenderness. At surgery, small bowel torsion and jejunal diverticulosis were confirmed. Over 30 variable sized small bowel diverticula were noted on the mesenteric side of the proximal jejunum. The affected segment of the jejunum was about 180 cm. On exploration, we could not find any perforation site. No postoperative complications were observed, and the patient made a full recovery. Jejunal diverticulosis is rare, but it should not be regarded as insignificant.

The Primary Thyroid Lymphoma Treated by Surgery without Chemotherapy: Two Cases Reports / 대한내분비외과학회지

Primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) is a relatively rare disease, accounting for less than 0.5~5% of all thyroid malignancies. We encountered two cases of a primary thyroid lymphoma with Hashimoto's thyroiditis; one in a 63-year-old man and the other in a 79-year-old woman. The first case was a mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and the other was a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Both patients underwent surgery and radiotherapy after being diagnosed using fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Both patients recovered well with no recurrence throughout the study period. The role of the surgeon in the treatment and diagnosis of thyroid lymphoma has been reduced due to the development of FNAC and combination therapy with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. On the other hand, surgery can be an effective treatment option for PTL confined to the thyroid, for achieving a definitive diagnosis, and in the treatment of patients with an airway obstruction.

A Concurrence of Adenocarcinoma with Micropapillary Features and Composite Glandular-Endocrine Cell Carcinoma in the Stomach

We report a unique case of synchronous double primary gastric cancer consisting of adenocarcinoma components with micropapillary features and composite glandular-endocrine cell carcinoma components. The patient was a 53-year-old man presenting with a 6-month history of epigastric pain and diarrhea. A subtotal gastrectomy was performed. Histologically, one tumor was composed of micropapillary carcinoma components (50%) with tight clusters of micropapillary aggregates lying in the empty spaces, admixed with moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma components. MUC-1 was expressed at the stromal edge of the micropapillary component. The other tumor was composed of atypical carcinoid-like neuroendocrine carcinoma (50%), adenocarcinoid (30%), and adenocarcinoma components (20%). The neuroendocrine components were positive for CD56, synaptophysin, chromogranin, and creatine kinase. The adenocarcinoid components were positive for both carcinoembryonic antigen and neuroendocrine markers (amphicrine differentiation). This case is unique, due to the peculiar histologic micropapillary pattern and the histologic spectrum of adenocarcinoma adenocarcinoid-neuroendocrine carcinoma of the synchronous composite tumor.

Living-donor Sequential ABO-incompatible Kidney Transplantation after Liver Transplantation in a Patient with Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis and End-stage Renal Disease / 대한이식학회지

A 47-year-old man developed chronic alcoholic liver cirrhosis and end-stage renal disease. He underwent blood-type-compatible liver transplantation with a graft from his daughter. After 8 months, sequential ABO-incompatible (ABOi) kidney transplantation was performed, with his brother as the donor (A to O). The patient had anti-A antibody titers (1:256). We performed pretransplant desensitization, including administration of rituximab, mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, and prednisolone 2 weeks before the scheduled transplantation, and plasmaphresis (PP) and administered an intravenous immunoglobulin injection. The patient underwent PP before kidney transplantation until the anti-A antibody titer was <1:8. The patient achieved normal renal function within 4 posttransplantation days. Postoperative bleeding (diffuse hemorrhage) requiring additional blood transfusions and radiological intervention (drainage procedure) occurred 9 days after transplantation. The patient was discharged on day 20 of hospitalization. Nine months after the kidney transplantation, the recipient's and donor's liver and kidney functions were normal. ABOi renal transplantation after liver transplantation can be successfully performed in patients with high baseline anti-ABO antibody titers after preconditioning with rituximab and PP, and quadruple immunosuppressive therapy. However, caution is required regarding an increased risk of bleeding complications.

Expression of E-cadherin, beta-catenin, Cdx2 and MMP7 in pT2 and N1/N2 Gastric Cancer: Relationship with Tumor Recurrence within 2-Year Period

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the expression of E-cadherin, beta-catenin, Cdx2, MMP7 in gastric cancer and to evaluate the clinical significance of these molecules in tumor recurrence within 2 years of pT2 and N1/N2 gastric cancer. METHODS: In 122 patients who underwent radical resection of gastric cancer, we investigated the association between the expression of these molecules and clinicopathologic factors by immunohistochemistry. The included criteria were pT2 and N1 or N2 (6th AJCC TNM). RESULTS: The expression of MMP7 was significantly associated with N stage (N1 vs. N2) (P=0.011). The negative expression of beta-catenin was strongly correlated with tumor recurrence within a 2-year period. However, the expression of these molecules was not related with recurrent sites. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that negative expression of beta-catenin was an independent predictor for tumor recurrence within 2 years (OR 2.366; 95% CI 1.056~5.297; P=0.036). CONCLUSION: Negative expression of beta-catenin may serve as a significant indicator for predicting tumor recurrence within a 2-year period in pT2 and N1/N2 gastric cancer.

Case of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome Treated by using a Bedside Open Linea Alba Fasciotomy

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a life-threatening disorder caused by rapidly increasing intraabdominal pressure. ACS can result in multiorgan failure and carries a mortality of 60~70%. The treatment of choice in ACS is surgical decompression. There are very few reports of ACS and experience in Korea. We report 12-year-old male patient who developed an abdominal compartment syndrome due to traffic-accident-induced retroperitoneal hematomas, Which was successfully treated by performing a bedside emergency surgical decompression with open linea alba fasciotomy with intact peritoneum. When patients do not respond to medical therapy, a decompressive laparotomy is the last surgical resort. In patients with severe abdominal compartment syndrome, the use of a linea alba fasciotomy is an effective intervention to lower intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) without the morbidity of a laparotomy. Use of a linea alba fasciotomy as a first-line intervention before committing to full abdominal decompression in patients with abdominal compartment syndrome improves physiological variables without mortality. Consideration for a linea alba fasciotomy as a bridge before full abdominal decompression needs further evaluation in patients with polytrauma abdominal compartment syndrome.

A Patient with Mixed Squamous Cell and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Mixed squamous cell carcinoma and papillary carcinoma in the thyroid gland is a very rare malignant tumor. Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid may develop from squamous metaplasia of the follicular epithelium in a variety of pathologic conditions, such as other differentiated carcinomas of the thyroid. A 70-year-old man presented with a palpable mass on the right side of the thyroid gland. The patient underwent a right lobectomy without neck lymph node dissection. Histopathological findings revealed primary squamous carcinoma mixed papillary thyroid carcinoma. He underwent a completion thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine therapy. Adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy were not performed.

The Comparison between 6th and 7th UICC/AJCC N Stage for Prognostic Significance in Gastric Cancer

PURPOSE: The 7th edition UICC/AJCC TNM classification for gastric cancer has several changes from the previous edition. Especially, the classification of the number of lymph node metastases (LNM) is reorganized. According to the new TNM system, N stage was categorized to N0 (no LNM), N1 (1~2 LNM), N2 (3~6 LNM), N3 (7 or more LNM). The aim of our study was to compare the prognostic significance of the new (7th) UICC/AJCC N stage with the old (6th). METHODS: From 2000 to 2005 a total of 425 patients who underwent curative resections with D2 and with 15 or more lymph nodes retrieved were studied retrospectively. RESULTS: According to the 7th UICC/AJCC N stage, the 5-year cumulative survival rates (5YSR) of N0, N1, N2, N3 were 96.0%, 79.2%, 58.5% and 24.3%, respectively (P<0.001). Using univariate analysis, the N stage of 7th and 6th UICC/AJCC TNM classification, 7th UICC/AJCC T stage, differentiation of tumor, type of gastrectomy (subtotal and total gastrectomy), size of primary tumor (< or =5, 5<< or =10, 10<) were associated with 5YSR. However, Cox regression multivariate analysis showed the 7th UICC/AJCC N stage to bean independent factor for predicting the 5YSR instead of the 6th UICC/AJCC N stage (P<0.001, hazard ratio (HR) 1.859, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.576~2.194), including depth of tumor invasion (P<0.001, HR 1.673, 95% CI 1.351~2.073). CONCLUSION: The new (7th) UICC/AJCC N stage is a more reliable prognostic factor of gastric cancer than the old (6th) N stage.

ANCA-related crescentic glomerulonephritis in a patient with systemic sclerosis / 대한내과학회지

The renal manifestations of systemic sclerosis include proteinuria, hypertension, azotemia, and renal crisis. Two types of scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) are recognized. Typical SRC is a syndrome consisting of acute-onset malignant hypertension accompanied by rapidly progressive renal failure, hypertensive retinopathy, and elevated plasma renin activity. The other type is normotensive renal failure, which is generally accompanied by antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-positive crescentic glomerulonephritis. A 51-year-old woman with scleroderma without marked dermatological change developed ANCA-related renal failure. She had neither malignant hypertension nor an elevated plasma rennin concentration. Renal biopsy showed crescentic glomerulonephritis (pauci-immune type), and the myeloperoxidase-specific ANCA (MPO-ANCA) titer was elevated at 1015 AAU. She was cured using steroid pulse therapy, combined with an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin-II receptor blocker

Spontaneous Perforation of Pyometra Leading to Acute Abdomen

A pyometra is an accumulation of pus in the endometrial cavity mostly due to obstruction of the cervical canal. It is a rare condition, and usually affects postmenopausal women. Moreover, spontaneous rupture of the uterus is an extremely rare complication of pyometra. We present a case of spontaneous perforation of pyometra, which presented as an acute abdomen in emergency and was misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal tract perforation.

The Analysis of Clinical Characteristics of pT2a and pT2b Gastric Cancer

PURPOSE: T2 gastric cancer is tumor invading proper muscle or subserosal layer. The 2002 American Joint Committee on Cancer subdivided the pT2 gastric adenocarcinoma into a type pT2a (invasion of the proper muscle) and a type pT2b (invasion of the subserosa). The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences between pT2a and pT2b gastric cancers of the clinicopathological features and the prognostic factors. METHODS: A series of curative operations were performed on 194 patients with pT2 gastric cancer from January 1999 to February 2006. We reviewed, retrospectively, the clinicopathologic characteristics, the 3-year disease free survival and the 5-year disease specific survival rates. RESULTS: There were significant clinicopathologic differences between pT2a and pT2b gastric cancer in tumor size and the number of metastatic lymph nodes. Both of the 3-year disease free survival time and the 5-year disease specific survival time were much longer for the pT2a gastric carcinoma patients than those for the pT2b gastric carcinoma patients. CONCLUSION: It is important to consider the differences between pT2a and pT2b gastric cancers for prediction of recurrence or prognosis. Furthermore, new staging of pT2a and pT2b cancer may be necessary.

Laparoscopic versus Open Primary Repair for Perforated Peptic Ulcer / 대한내시경복강경외과학회지

PURPOSE: Simple closure, regardless of using an omental patch, continues to be the preferred option for many surgeons. It is a easy, quick and safe operation, and it can be applied to all situations by every surgeon. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of routinely using laparoscopic repair for treating perforated peptic ulcer. METHODS: A retrospective review was carried out on 68 consecutive patients who underwent patch repair for a perforated peptic ulcer; 11 underwent laparoscopic repair and 57 underwent open repair. Laparoscopic repair was performed by one surgeon at the same hospital between March, 2006 and February, 2009. Both groups were compared according to the Mann-Whitney U-test. A p value <0.05 was considered to be significant. RESULTS: Statistical significance (p<0.05) between two groups (laparoscopic vs. open) was present regarding to the postoperative morbidity (0 vs. 16 cases, respectively), the hospital stay (4.8 vs. 12.7 days, respectively), the postoperative day of resuming an oral diet (3 vs. 5.7 days, respectively). The mean operative time of laparoscopic repair (78 minutes) was shorter than that of open repair (82 minutes) but this was not statistically significant (p=0.81). We excluded using a pain scale or assessing the use of analgesics in this study because of the popularity of IV PCA (intravenous patient-controlled analgesia). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic primary repair is a safe emergency procedure for treating perforated peptic ulcer patients.

Intramural and Intraluminal Hematoma of the Small Bowel as the Lead Point of Intussusception in an Adult Patient with Warfarinization

We report a case in which an intramural and intraluminal hematoma of the jejunum served as the lead point of intussusception in a 77-year-old man with warfarinization. The patient presented with cramping abdominal pain and vomiting. Palpation of the abdomen revealed periumbilical tenderness. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a circular mass with a concentric ring, consistent with an intussuscepted jejunum. Because of warfarinization, which was due to atrial fibrillation and lacunar infarction, the patient's prothrombin time was prolonged. Laparotomy revealed reducible jejuno-jejunal intussusception, and we performed a segmental resection of the intussuscepted jejunum. We identified an intramural and intraluminal jejunal hematoma as the lead point. Upon histopathological examination, angiodysplasia of the intussuscepted jejunum was found to be the bleeding focus. No similar case was found in the literature.

Risk Factors of Local Recurrence in Phyllodes Tumor of the Breast according to the Clinicopathological Characteristics

PURPOSE: Phyllodes tumor is a rare fibroepithelial disease of the breast that is classified as benign, borderline malignant, or malignant according to the pathological characteristics. To clarify diagnostic criteria for these groups, we analyzed the clinico-pathological characteristics of phyllodes tumors and the risk factors for local recurrence after surgery. METHODS: Between January 1997 and March 2003, we included 70 cases of recurring, pathologically-confirmed phyllodes tumors after surgery. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively for clinical characteristics and pathologic findings. RESULTS: The mean follow up period was 69.3 months (range 45.4 to 119.3 months) and mean age, 39.4 years old (range 18 to 63 years old). Benign phyllodes tumors were present in 45 cases (64.3%), borderline malignant tumors in 15 cases (21.4%), and malignant tumors in 10 cases (14.3%). A local recurrence developed in 9 cases (12.9%), with three of these cases benign (33.3%), 5 cases were borderline malignant (55.6%), and 1 case was malignant (11.1%). Borderline malignant cases showed a higher local recurrent rate (6.7%, 33.3%, and 10.0%, P=0.027). The local recurrence rate between the tumor-positive or close (<1 mm) resection margins and non-involved cases was different for benign (7.7% vs. 6.3%, P=0.031) and borderline malignant cases (60.0% vs. 20.0%, ns). CONCLUSION: Pathologic classification and small resection margins are risk factors for local recurrence in phyllodes tumors. Therefore, borderline malignant phyllodes tumors require wide excision with a sufficient resection margin or a mastectomy to prevent local recurrence.

A Case of Osteomyelitis of the Clavicle as a Complication of Subclavian Vein Catheterization in Hemodialysis Patient / 대한신장학회지

Osteomyelitis (OM) of the clavicle is a rare complication of the central venous catheterization and has been reported infrequently in the literature. We report here a case of OM of the left clavicle complicating right subclavian vein catheterization performed for hemodialysis (HD). A 41-year-old male patient on HD for 3 months complained of pain and mass over the left sternoclavicular joint. Computerized tomography showed a demarcated soft tissue mass. Bone scan demonstrated increased tracer uptake in the left clavicle compatible with OM. The patient underwent surgical exploration with removal of the necrotic bone and he was treated with antibiotics including vancomycin. Afterward he remained well on HD. In conclusion, OM should be considered in any dialysis patient who develops pain and signs of inflammation in the sternoclavicular area after central venous catheterization for HD.

Clinicopathologic Study on Adults Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome in Korea / 대한신장학회잡지

PURPOSE: We examined the clinical characteristics and incidence of adults idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (NS) according to pathologic diagnosis, age, sex. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and pathological characteristics of primary glomerular lesions in adults idiopathic NS taken a renal biopsy from 1978 to 2005 at the Dongsan Medical Center. We compared the prevalence of adults idiopathic NS according to the pathologic diagnosis between two time intervals 1978 to 1990 and 1991 to 2005. RESULTS: The patients had mean age of 36.7+/-16.3 years and male to female ratio was 1.7:1 with male predominance. The frequency of histopathologic diagnoses were minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) 51.6%, membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) 21.3%, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) 12.1%, IgA nephropathy 9.1%, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) 4.2% in decreasing order of frequency. The mean age was youngest in MCNS (32.9+/-15.1) and oldest in MGN (46.2+/-16.6). Between 1978 to 1990 period and 1991 to 2005 period, the prevalence of MGN was significantly increased, whereas the prevalence of MPGN was decreased significantly. The prevalence of MCNS had a tendency to decrease and that of IgA nephropathy had a tendency to increase, however, both didn't reach statistical significance. The incidence of FSGS didn't show a significant change during the both study periods. CONCLUSION: MCNS was the most common disease among adults idiopathic NS. MGN was the most frequent etiology in patients older than 45 years. The incidence of MGN was increased over the 28-year period, and that of MPGN decreased significantly. There was no change in the frequency of FSGS.

A Case of IgA Nephropathy Associated with Leptospirosis / 대한신장학회지

Leptospirosis is a spirochaetal infectious disease caused by Leptospira interrogans. Multiple organ involvement may be encountered in leptospirosis. Early renal involvement is very common and characterized by tubulo-interstitial nephritis and tubular dysfunction. Rarely, diffuse mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis may be seen. Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgA nephropathy) is defined by the predominant deposition of IgA in the glomerular mesangium. The secondary IgA nephropathy is thought to be caused by hepatobiliary disease, mucosal disease, infection, malignancy, some hematologic disease and systemic autoimmune or hypersensitivity disease. However, there are few reports about IgA nephropathy associated with leptospirosis. We herein report a case of IgA nephropathy in 21-year- old leptospirosis patient.

Change of Parathyroid Hormone and Markers of Bone Metabolism after Renal Transplantation / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: The aims of this retrospective study were to evaluate the sequential changes of parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and calcium metabolism after renal transplantation (RTP) and to identify risk factors for hypertension (HPT). METHODS: Biochemical bone parameters were reviewed in 264 patients at pre-transplant, 6, 12, 36 and 60 months after RTP. RESULTS: iPTH levels fell significantly during the first six months after RTP and remained substantially stable thereafter. The mean total serum calcium level showed significant increase during the first six months and progressive and significant decline after the first year. The mean serum phosphorus level returned to the normal range during the first six months and remained normal thereafter. The serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level increased during the first year and gradually decreased after then. The prevalence of persistent HPT was 17.8%. Patients with persistent HPT had significantly elevated serum levels of iPTH at the time of RTP and had spent a longer time on dialysis. Significant positive correlations were observed between the serum iPTH levels on the one hand and the pre-transplant iPTH, serum ALP, and creatinine levels on the other hand. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of persistent HPT after RTP is not uncommon. The patients with long duration of dialysis showing high serum level of iPTH at the time of transplantation are at risk for persistent HPT.

Hemoperitoneum Caused by Hepatic Necrosis and Rupture Following a Snakebite: a Case Report with Rare CT Findings and Successful Embolization

We report the computed tomographic and angiographic findings in the case of a recently obtained successful clinical outcome after embolization of the hepatic artery in the case of a snakebite causing hemoperitoneum associated with hepatic necrosis and rupture with active bleeding.

Inguino-Femoral Hernia in Women

PURPOSE: Inguino-femoral hernias in women are less common than that in a man, and we have had limited experience for hernia repair in women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of inguino-femoral hernias in females and to establish the choice of specific treatment for inguino-femoral hernia in females. METHODS: This retrospective study was based on the medical records of 566 patients who underwent 657 cases of herniorrhaphies for treating inguino-femoral hernia in adult females from January 1998 to June 2006. We evaluated the incidence of hernia, the operative technique and the length of the operation, the complications and the postoperative recurrence rate. The operative findings and median time to reoperation for a recurrent hernia were also evaluated. RESULTS: During the 8.5-year period, we performed 2,931 herniorrhaphies in 2,274 patients. Of these, 657 herniorrhaphies were done in females (22.4%). The types of hernia in females were indirect inguinal hernia (67.3%), direct inguinal hernia (10.2%), the pantaloon type (10%) and femoral hernia (14.9%). Femoral hernia was more frequent in females (14.9%) compared to males (3.5%) (P<0.001). The overall rate of reoperation due to incarceration in the females was higher (2.5%) than that in the men (1.1%)(P<0.001). Femoral hernias in females was found at reoperation in 39.7% compared with 17.2% in the males (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The incidence of inguino-femoral hernia in females was higher than the results of most published studies and the reoperation rate was higher in females. The increased frequency of femoral hernia at reoperation in females suggests avoiding injuries to the posterior wall of the inguinal canal and the need for exploration of the femoral canal at the time of the primary operation.