Association of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Diabetes Mellitus in Korean Patients

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with diabetes. The aim of this study was to establish a potential relationship between chronic HCV infection and diabetes mellitus in Korean patients. METHODS: We performed a prospective analysis of 404 patients with chronic viral hepatitis or liver cirrhosis who visited our hospital and analyzed whether age, sex, body mass index, alcohol consumption, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, HCV infection and cirrhosis were associated with diabetes. We also enrolled 627 diabetic patients and the seroprevalence of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV was determined. RESULTS: Diabetes was observed more frequently in individuals with HCV infected chronic liver disease (24.0%) than in those with HBV infected (10.4%) (p<0.05). Univariate analyses revealed that age, alcohol consumption and HCV infection were significant independent predictors for diabetes. The mean age of the patients with HCV infected chronic liver disease was higher than that of HBV infected (56+/-16 vs 44+/-13, p<0.05). The prevalence of diabetes in HCV infected group was higher than that in HBV infected group in the age of 41~60 (p<0.05). In diabetic group, the seroprevalence of HBsAg positivity was 4.5% and that of anti-HCV was 2.1%. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates an association between diabetes and chronic HCV infection in Korean patients. The prevalence of diabetes in patients with HCV infected chronic liver disease is higher than that in those with HBV infected. Age and alcohol consumption are another risk factor for diabetes in patients with chronic viral liver disease.

Biliary Tract & Pancreas; Usefulness of Intraductal Endoscopy for Pancreaticobiliary Disease / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of intraductal endoscopy in pancreaticobiliary tract disease by means of percutaneous cholangioscopy(PCS), peroral cholangioscopy(POCS) and peroral pancteatoscopy(POPS). METHODS: PCS was performed in 33 patients, including 24 patients with biliary tract stones, and 8 patients with malignant biliary tract disease, and one with villous adenoma of common bile duct(CBD), POCS was performed in 5 patients, including two with cholangiocarcinoma, two with icteric hepatoma and one with benign stenosis of bile duct. POPS performed in 6 patients, ineluding 3 patients with chronic pancreatitis, two with pancreatic cancer and one with mucinous ductal ectasia. RESULTS: 1. Complete removal of the stones was achieved in 22 of 24 patie~nts(91.7%). 2. Accuracy rate of forceps biopsy in PCS was achieved 13 fo 14 patients(92.9%). 3. Success rate of therapeutic PCS was 100%. 4. Accuracy rate of forceps biopsy in POCS was achieved 3 of 5 patients(60%). 5. Diagnostic gain of POPS was achieved 5 of 6 patients(83.3%). 6. There was no serious complications with only mild complications in 3 patients, including mild bleeding in 2 patients and cholangitis in only one. CONCLUSIONS: Intraductal endoscopy of biliary tract, including PCS and POCS were useful diagnostic and therapeutic methods with advantages of direct visualization of intraductal disease and POPS using ultrathin pancreatoscope could provide direct assessment of the pancreatic duct.

Esophagus, Stomach & Intestine; Hemostatic Effect of Histoacryl for Band: induced Esophageal Ulcer Bleeding / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic variceal ligation(EVL) is a method to manage esophageal varices bleeding and induces mechanical ligation and strangulation of varices by using elastic O-rings. The lower complication rate seen with EVL compared to sclerotherapy can be explained by the more limited degree of local tissue injury induced by EVL. Only the mucosal and submucosal layers are aspirated into cylinder attachment of the ligating devices, thus limiting injury to these layers. But, sometimes band induced ulcer shows massive bleeding. In these cases, endoscopic therapy is very difficult. This study was performed in order to find out the effectiveness of Histoacryl ingection for band-induced esophageal ulcer bleeding, METHODS: We tried to control band-induced bleeding by injecting Histoacryl in 8 cases of band-induced ulcer bleeding. RESULTS: This therapeutic trials show exellent control of bleeding in all cases without rebleeding. CONCLUSIONS: The cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive Histoacryl(N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate) is a remarkable substance that transforms from its original liquid state into a solid state when mixed with a physiologic medium such as blood. Histoacryl undergoes an instantaneous polymerization reaction and hardens, thereby plugging the varix or bleeding vessel lumen. Rapid hemostasis of an active bleeding occurs and rebleeding of the treated lesion is prevented. We found out that Histoacryl injection is a safe and effective treatment for band-induced ulcer bleeding.

Biliary Tract & Pancreas; Bronchobiliary Fistula Secondary to Hepatic Resection: Treatment by endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is a rare disorder, defined as opening of a passage between the bronchial tree and the biliary tract and presence of bile in the sputum (biloptysis). BBF usually occurs either in the congenital form or following multiple causes, including mainly thoracoabdominal trauma, liver abscess, parasitic liver disease, choledocholithiasis, and post operative biliary stenosis. The cardinal clinical features were respiratory symptoms, jaundice, and cholangitis. Management of fistula is often very difficult and can be associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Early recognition and proper management are essential to avoid a fatal outcome. To date, surgery has been favored as the most efficient therapeutic option, although percutmeous approaches, and more recently, endoscopic sphincterotomy and stent insertion, have succeeded in resolving certain kind of BBF. We are reporting a case of BBF secondary to hepatic resection of hepatocelluar carcinoma which was managed by endoscopic retrograde biliary stenting for keeping optimal bile drainage and surgical operation for resection of recurred tumor and removal of subphrenic abscess,

Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Obstructive Jaundice Confirmed by Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangioscopy (PTCS) and Peroral Cholangioscopy (POCS) / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Jaundice associated with hepatocellular carcinoma usually occurs in the later stages due to the advanced underlying liver cirrhosis or tumor infiltration of the liver parenchyme. In the rare cases, obstructive jaundice presents as the ininitial manifestation of hepatocellular carcinoma. The possible mechanisms of bile duct obstruction associated with hepatocellular carcinoma include extrinsic compression of bile duct by extensive tumor infiltration of the liver or enlarged lymph node, direct tumor invasion of the biliary duct system, and bile duct obstruction by tumor thrombus, necrotic debris, or blood clots. We experienced three cases with hepatocellular carcinoma in whom obstructive jaundice were caused by intraductal involvement of the tumor, which were confirmed by percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy(PTCS) and peroral cholangioscopy(POCS). PTCS and POCS finding showed multiple, irreguarly shaped, yellowish soft tissue(chicken fat) and blood clots and, round protruded mass in the ble duct. Biopsy specimens revealed pathologically hepatocelluar carcinoma.

Endoscopic Biliary Lithotripsy in a Patient with Gallstones of Gallbladder, Cystic Duct, and Common Bile Duct / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Endoseopic sphincterotomy(EST) has been an accepted procedure in patients with current or recurrent common bile duct stones. The success rate of sphineterotomy and of subaequent stone extraction were reported upto 90%. Percutaneous transhepatic cholecystoscopy-lithotripsy(PTCCS-L) could be one of the non-surgical treatment modalities for gallbladder stones, and has been considered as a safe, reliable and technically easy therapeutic procedure through improvement in PTCCS-L manipuiatian and through the development of new devices for this technique. PTCCS-L could be usually performed in the sgrgically high risk groups with gallbladder stones. In this report, we presented successful endoscopic biliary lithotripsy in a 60-year-old male with gallstones of gall bladder, cystic duct, and common bile duct, who was highly risk for surgery, because he has been suffered from advanced liver disease. Endoseopic sphincterotomy and stone removal with basket were done for the removal of common bile duct stones. PTCCS was performed and complete removal of gallbladder stones was achieved. Cystic duict stone was successfully removed after bougie dilation of cystic duct. There has been no recurrence of gallstones until 1 year of follow-up.

Two Cases of Gallbladder Diseases Diagnosed with Double Contrast Study of the Gallbladder / 대한소화기내시경학회지

With the developement of the conventional abdominal ultrasound, many asymptomatic gallbladder diseases are noted. The combined diagnostic modalities using abdominal ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopanereatography are useful for the diagnosis of gallbladder diseases, especially polypoid lesions. But, diagnostic accuracy or ability is not satisfactory for the detection of early gallbladder cancer, among which there are increasing trends of flat or superficial type. Many efforts were tried to diagnose these lesions through the variable methods by direct access to the gallbladder, such as percutaneous transhepatic cholecystoscopy(PTCCS). With the advent of cystic duct cannulation method, endoscopic cholecystoduodenal stenting or nasocholecystic drainage come to be available for the treatment of acute suppurative cholecystitis. Via this route, double contrast study with barium sulfate and CO2 showed fine reticular mucosal structures of the gallbladder and increased diagnostic accuracy af the flat type cancer. We report 2 cases of gallbladder diseases with early cancer confined to the mucosa and adenomyomatous hyperplasia. They were diagnosed by the double contrast method of gallbladder that was firstly introduced domestically by us after endoscopic cannulation of cystic duct and pla~eement of the catheter to the gallbladder.

Two Cases of Gallbladder Diseases Diagnosed with Double Contrast Study of the Gallbladder / 대한소화기내시경학회지

With the developement of the conventional abdominal ultrasound, many asymptomatic gallbladder diseases are noted. The combined diagnostic modalities using abdominal ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopanereatography are useful for the diagnosis of gallbladder diseases, especially polypoid lesions. But, diagnostic accuracy or ability is not satisfactory for the detection of early gallbladder cancer, among which there are increasing trends of flat or superficial type. Many efforts were tried to diagnose these lesions through the variable methods by direct access to the gallbladder, such as percutaneous transhepatic cholecystoscopy(PTCCS). With the advent of cystic duct cannulation method, endoscopic cholecystoduodenal stenting or nasocholecystic drainage come to be available for the treatment of acute suppurative cholecystitis. Via this route, double contrast study with barium sulfate and CO2 showed fine reticular mucosal structures of the gallbladder and increased diagnostic accuracy af the flat type cancer. We report 2 cases of gallbladder diseases with early cancer confined to the mucosa and adenomyomatous hyperplasia. They were diagnosed by the double contrast method of gallbladder that was firstly introduced domestically by us after endoscopic cannulation of cystic duct and pla~eement of the catheter to the gallbladder.

Endoscopic Treatment with a Cuffed Prosthesis for Esophago - tracheal Fistula without Esophageal Stricture in a Patient with Malignant Lymphoma / 대한소화기내시경학회지

An esophago-tracheal fistula is a distressing and rapidly fatal complication of cancer infiltrating the mediastinum. The passage of swallowed saliva and solid or liquid food into the bronchial tree causes coughing and frequent episodes of putmonary infection and collapse. Curative resection is generally impossible due to the extent of the malignant leision and respiratory disability. In principle, peroral endoscopic intubatian provides the best available palliative therapy. Peroral intubation with a standard prosthesis fails to occlude inoperable malignant esopbago-tracheal fistulas located above the narrowed segment or when there is little or no stricture at all. To overcome these problems, the fistula is iniubated perorally with a prosthesis surrounded by a foam rubber cuff contained in silicone sheath, in which a vacuum can be created. The cuffed esophageal prosthesis can improve the quality of life in patients with malignant esophago-tracheal fistulas that do not respond to conventional intubation. We experieneed a case of the endoscopic treatment with a cuffed prosthesis for esophago-tracheal fistula without esophageal stricture in a patient with malignant lymphoma. After treatment, there were no symptoms related to the fistula and good transit of food was achieved. So we report this case with a brief review of the previous literatures.

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection with Band Ligation for Two Cases of Gastric Flat Adenoma / 대한소화기내시경학회지

The gastric adenomas could be premalignant lesions and they should be removed as possible, especially in eases with its size aver 2cm. The gastric adenomas can be removed by the various endoscopic methods. Endoscopic polypectomy has been widely used for the treatment of benign and malignant polyps with the advent of technical improvement. Polypectomy with snare and electrocautery is mainly used for pedunculated polyps, but sessile polyps pose some technical difficulties and occasionally cause serious gastrointestinal hemorrhage or perforation. We resected two cases of gastric flat adenoma using Stiegman-Goff ligator used in endoscopic variceal ligation to make flat adenoma as semipedunculated form, and also to decrease the risk of bleeding. After ligation, we successfully removed it with conventional snare polypectomy. We recognized that endoscopic mucosal resection with band ligation can be used for the removal of sessile polyps or flat adenioma with ease, safety and no bleeding.

Percutaneous Transhepatic Transtumoral Biliary Drainage in a Patient with Obstructive Jaundice Due to Klatskin Tumor / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Although the endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage(ERBD) is the preferred palliative treatment for unresectable mlignant obstructive jaundice, the failure of endaprosthesis insertion occurs in 15% of the cases. Espeeially in hilar malignancy, the failure results from the inability to pass ei~ther a guide wire or a stent due to biliary stenosis or obstruction by tumorous extension. In such caae, percutaneous transhepatic biliery drainage(PTBD) can be achieved. When the tumor extends into the hilum, isolating the right and left hepatic ducts, drainage of unilateral hepatic duct will usually provide adequate palliation. However, when patients have contralateral cholangitis or jaundice fails to resolve with unilateral biliary drainage, bilateral drainage may be necessary. Compared to ERBD, the method of prolonged external biliary drainage has unwanted disadvantages. In order to achieve internal biliary drainage in case with complete obstruction of hepatic ducts due to tumor extension, percutaneous transhepatic transtumoral biliary drainage(PTTBD) could be considered. We report a case with obstructive jaundice and cholangitis due to complete obstruction of right hepatic duct and stenosis of common hepatic duct from Klatskin tumor, which was sucessfully managed by internal biliary drainage with transtumoral biliary stenting under the guidance of computed tomography.

One Case of Mucinous Ductal Ectasia Diagnosed with Ultrathin Pancreatoscopy / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Mucinous ductal ectasia(MDE) is a newly described entity of mucinous neoplasm of pancreas with characteristic endoscopic and pancreatographic findings. It is charaeterized by a patulous duodenal papilla extruding mucus and a pancreatogram showing dilatation with amorphous filling defects, communication of the mass with the pancreatic duct. MDE is intraductal lesion consisting of dilated "cystified" ducts lined by mucin-producing columnar cells. The lesion is usually located in the head or uncinate process. When the radiographic appearance of the ERCP cannot provide sufficient information for definite diagnosis, additional endoscopic visualization is desirable. With the advent of pancreatoscopy, an endoscopic procedure is now available that has proven to enhance diagnostic accuracy. The 0.8-mm ultrathin pancreatoscope allows macroscopic diagnosis under direct vision. Endoscopic sphincterotomy is not required, and insertion into the pancreatic duct is feasible in most cases with the aid of guidewires. Major indications are unclear filling defects on ERCP, strictures of uncertain origin, and duct cut-offs. A limitation of this procedure are the lack of angulation, insufficient illumination, fragility of endoscopic equipment, and nonspecific findings. In addition, biopsy while directly viewing the lesion is impossible at present. We experienced one case of MDE who presented with the symptom of weight loss. Ultrathin pancreatoscopy was useful for the direct visualization af pancreatic duct in the differential diagnosis of filling defects of main pancreatic duct.

Self - expanding Wallstent for Palliative Treatment of Malignant Esophageal Stenosis / 대한소화기내시경학회지

The main objective of palliative treatment of malignant esophageal stenosis is rapid restoration of passage of fluid and solids. Endoscopic intubation with plastic endoprosthesis may lead to prompt relief of dysphagia and is a effective procedure for the palliative treatment of malignant esophageal stenosis. However, the insertion procedure, which necessitates prior dilatation, is traumatic and associated with considerable risk for perforation and bleeding. Tumor overgrowth, stent migration and stent blockage are frequent complications. Recently, self expanding metal stents woven in the form of tubular mesh made from surgical grade stainless steel alloy filaments(Wallstent), have been developed to offer possible advatage over conventional plastic tubes. The small diameter of introducer system carrying the compressed stent(18Fr) allows a relatively easy insertion procedure that dose not require prior dilatation. This stent is pliable. self-expanding and flexible in the longitudinal axis. We experienced a case of a 74-year-old male with malignant esophageal stenosis in whom self-expanding Wallstent was implanted with successful oral nutrition and much improvement of dysphagia.

A Case Report of Gastric Lymphangioma / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Lymphangioma of the stomach is known to be extremely rare, benign tumor, reported only 13 cases now, worldwidely, The lesions are soft, sponge like, and pinkish colored and filled with watery fluid exudates. The histologic examination reveals that lymphangiomas are composed of endothelium-lined spaces that contain a eosinophilic protein-rich fluid. They usually present as polypoid lesions because they are originated from submucosal layer. By endoscopy, they appear as smooth, soft, polypoid submucosal mass. The endoscopic ultrasonographic findings of gastric lyrnphangioma were cystic mass with multi-septation originated from submucosal layer of the stomach. Recently, We experienced a case of lymphangioma associated with early gastric cancer of the stomach. So we report this case with brief review of world literature.

Clinical Usefulness Of Performance Scale In The Assessment Clinical Activity Of Rheumatoid Arthritis / 대한류마티스학회지

OBJECTIVE: Inflammation has long been recongnized as notoriously difficult to measure both in clinical practice and in the laboratory methods. The methods used to clinical assess rheumatoid arthritis should share the following four parameters : validity, sensitivity, reliability and simplicity. Our purposes were evaluate mehtods of accurately reflecting disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: We examed 32 cases(male : 4, famale:28 and mean age : 51 years) of rheumatoid arthritis. The clinical assessment included the following : (1) performance scales including grip strength, button test, and 7.5 M walking time. (2) activity of daily living(ADL) questionnaires. (3) articular indices including Ritchie, ARA and restricted joint index. (4) Laboratory assessment, Made on at the same time with the clinical assessment, included fellwing: erythrocyte sedimentation rate and CRP. RESULTS: 1. Performance scale scores were well correlated with articular indeces but ARA index showed the most frequent and strongest correlations with performance scale. 2. Performance scale score were well correlated with ADL score but ADL pain score showed the most frequent and the strongest correlation. 3. Performance scale score were more strongly correlated with CRP than with ESR. CONCLUSION: The performance scale score appear to provide useful data for quantitatire assessment of inflammatory activity of joints in the routine care of RA.

A Case of Pulmonary Histiocytosis-X Associated with Bilateral, Recurrent, and Spontaneous Pneumothorax / 결핵

Histiocytosis-X is a term used to define three diseases with similar morphologic characteristics : Letterer-Siwe diseae, Hand-Schuller-Christian disease and Eosinophilic granuloma. In general, they differ in terms of their age of onset, severity of clinical course and site of involvement. Eosinophilic granuloma typically is seen in young adults. Eosinophilic granuloma is diagnosed in the presense of diffuse pulmonary infiltrate, bony involvement. However, the Pulmonary radiologic findings of eosinophilic granuloma are variable accordinary to stage of disease. therefore pathologic diagnosis of involving site is essential for confirmative diagnosis of eosinophilic grananuloma. Pathologically. the three disease are characterized by granulomatous infiltration of alveolar septa and bronchial walls and often involvement of bone. The hallmark of this disease is proliferation of the Langerhans' cell. The identifying feature is the X-body or Birbeck granule that is present in Langerhans' cells and histiocytic cells found in the lung of EG patient. We report a case of bilateral, recurrent and spontaneous pneumothoraces in a 21 year old man with pulmonary histiocytosis-X which is confined by eosinophilc granuloma in bone marrow biopsy and ultrastructural examination in cells obtained from BAL.