A Case of Pleural Paragonimiasis Confused with Tuberculous Pleurisy / 결핵및호흡기질환

Here, we report a case of pleural paragonimiasis that was confused with tuberculous pleurisy. A 38-year-old man complained of a mild febrile sensation and pleuritic chest pain. Radiologic findings showed right pleural effusion with pleural thickening and subpleural consolidation. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity in the pleural effusion was elevated (85.3 IU/L), whereas other examinations for tuberculosis were negative. At this time, the patient started empirical anti-tuberculous treatment. Despite 2 months of treatment, the pleural effusion persisted, and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with pleural paragonimiasis based on the pathologic findings of chronic granulomatous inflammation containing Paragonimus eggs. This case suggested that pleural paragonimiasis should be considered when pleural effusion and elevated ADA levels are observed.

Airway Obstruction and Respiratory Failure Due to Aspergillus Tracheobronchitis / 대한구급학회지

Invasive aspergillosis is a serious threat and a leading cause of death in immunocompromised patients. Aspergillus tracheobronchitis is an infrequent but severe form of invasive pulmonary aspergillos in which the fungal infection is entirely or predominantly confined to the tracheobronchial tree. We report an extraordinary case of acute airway obstruction and respiratory failure due to Aspergillus tracheobronchitis in an immunocompromised patient. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed extensive obstruction of both the main and lobar bronchus with yellowish nodules strongly adhered to the bronchial wall; both histologic examination and culture of these nodules revealed Aspergillus fumigatus. Even with early detection of an intraluminal growth of Aspergillus and prompt institution of antifungal therapy, the patient died of refractory hypoxemia a few days later. This report shows that Aspergillus tracheobronchitis should be considered in immunocompromised patients with suspected lung infection even when the main radiographic finding is atelectasis.

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Disease Caused by Mycobacterium lentiflavum in a Patient with Bronchiectasis / 결핵및호흡기질환

We report a rare case of lung disease caused by Mycobacterium lentiflavum in a previously healthy woman. A 54-year-old woman was referred to our hospital due to chronic cough and sputum. A computed tomography scan of the chest revealed bilateral bronchiectasis with bronchiolitis in the right middle lobe and the lingular division of the left upper lobe. Nontuberculous mycobacteria were isolated twice from three expectorated sputum specimens. All isolates were identified as M. lentiflavum by multilocus sequence analysis based on rpoB, hsp65, and 16S rRNA fragments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case of M. lentiflavum lung disease in an immunocompetent adult in Korea.

Normalization of Elevated CA 19-9 Level after Treatment in a Patient with the Nodular Bronchiectatic Form of Mycobacterium abscessus Lung Disease / 결핵및호흡기질환

Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a widely-used tumor marker in patients with pancreatic cancer. However, some patients with respiratory disease also exhibit elevated serum CA 19-9 levels. We report a case of normalization of elevated serum CA 19-9 levels after treatment of the nodular bronchiectatic form of Mycobacterium ab scessus lung disease. A 40-year-old man visited our hospital because of chronic cough and sputum. A computed tomography scan revealed severe bronchiectasis in the right upper and right middle lobes. Nontuberculous mycobacteria were repeatedly isolated and identified as M. abscessus. The serum CA 19-9 level was elevated to 142.35 U/mL (normal range, <37 U/mL). Surgical resection was performed because of failure of sputum conversion after antibiotic treatment. The serum CA 19-9 level returned to the normal range after surgery. This case suggested that serum CA 19-9 levels could be elevated in patients with the nodular bronchiectatic form of M. abscessus lung disease.

A Case of Successful Treatment of Stomal Variceal Bleeding with Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt and Coil Embolization

Variceal bleeding from enterostomy site is an unusual complication of portal hypertension. The bleeding, however, is often recurrent and may be fatal. The hemorrhage can be managed with local measures in most patients, but when these fail, surgical interventions or portosystemic shunt may be required. Herein, we report a case in which recurrent bleeding from stomal varices, developed after a colectomy for rectal cancer, was successfully treated by placement of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) with coil embolization. Although several treatment options are available for this entity, we consider that TIPS with coil embolization offers minimally invasive and definitive treatment.

Clinical value of the biochemical and nutritional parameters of intensive-care unit patients on mechanical ventilation / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: The nutritional status of critical-ill patients is important for recovering from the disease itself. Therefore, this present study was designed to assess the biochemical and nutritional parameters of Intensive-Care Unit (ICU) patients on mechanical ventilation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medicial records of 126 patients (male/female=72/54) who were on mechanical ventilationin the ICU. The nutritional parameters such as serum total protein, albumin, hemoglobin, hematocrit, calcium, phosphorus, total cholesterol, % lymphocytes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) were measured at the beginning of mechanical ventilation. We also measured the outcome variables such as the duration of mechanical ventilation, the ICU length of stay and the hospitalization period. We analyzed the relationship between the nutritional parameters and the outcome variables of ICU patients on mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: The level of hemoglobin was negatively correlated with the outcome variables; the ICU length of stay (p<0.05), the hospitalized period (p<0.01), and the duration of mechanical ventilation (p<0.01). The creatinine level was positively correlated with the outcome variables; the ICU length of stay (p<0.01), the hospitalized period (p<0.01) and the duration of mechanical ventilation (p<0.05). On the multiple regression analysis, the serum total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, BUN and creatinine were independent factors affecting the duration of mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that ICU patients with mechanical ventilation have a risk for malnutrition and anemia. So, an adequate nutritional intervention is required for these patients in order to decrease the prevalence of malnutrition and anemia.

Delayed Rupture of Mycotic Hepatic Artery Aneurysm in a Patient with Infective Mitral Endocarditis-First Case in Korea

Mycotic aneurysms of the hepatic artery are usually caused by mycotic infection in patients suffering with bacterial endocarditis. Mycotic aneurysms have become very rare recently due to early intensive antibiotic treatment for infective endocarditis. Despite of the non-specific symptoms, these aneurysms show a high possibility of sudden death if thye ruptured. Therefore, early detection and surgical repair of aneurysms are very important. We report here on a case of hepatic artery mycotic aneurysm that presented as sudden shock and rupture.

A Case of Rhizobium radiobacter Primary Bacteremia in a Patient with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / 감염과화학요법

Rhizobium radiobacter, which has been previously discribed as Agrobacterium radiobacter, is a group of phytopathogenic organisms widely distributed in soil. Over the past decade, increasing number of infections due to Rhizobium radiobacter has been reported. Rhizobium radiobacter is now recognized as rare human pathogens affecting mostly immunocompromised hosts and is an opportunistic pathogen often associated with indwelling catheters. We report a case of bacteremia due to Rhizobium radiobacter in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient. The patient was admitted for fever. In the blood culture, Rhizobium radiobacter was isolated. These symptoms and signs were successfully resolved with antibiotics.

A Case of Rhizobium radiobacter Primary Bacteremia in a Patient with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / 감염과화학요법

Rhizobium radiobacter, which has been previously discribed as Agrobacterium radiobacter, is a group of phytopathogenic organisms widely distributed in soil. Over the past decade, increasing number of infections due to Rhizobium radiobacter has been reported. Rhizobium radiobacter is now recognized as rare human pathogens affecting mostly immunocompromised hosts and is an opportunistic pathogen often associated with indwelling catheters. We report a case of bacteremia due to Rhizobium radiobacter in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient. The patient was admitted for fever. In the blood culture, Rhizobium radiobacter was isolated. These symptoms and signs were successfully resolved with antibiotics.

A Case of Classic Polyarteritis Nodosa Presented with Acute Renal Failure / 대한신장학회잡지

Classic polyarteritis nodosa (c-PAN), first described by Kussmaul and Maier in 1866, is a systemic illness characterized by necrotizing inflammation of medium- sized arteries. Rapid progressive renal failure is very rare in c-PAN in contrast to microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). We report a case of c-PAN presented with rapidly progressive renal failure. A 58 year-old male was referred to our hospital for evaluation of asthenia and right visual loss. An increase in serum creatinine level was developed in the 6th day of hospitalization and acute renal failure was aggravated rapidly. Renal biopsy showed the transmural fibrinoid necrosis of small and medium sized arteries with few glomerular crescents. P-ANCA was detected in serum, and all clinical and laboratory findings supported the diagnosis of c-PAN. He was treated with pulse methylprednisolone, followed by oral corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide, and received temporary hemodialysis. After the treatment, he recovered and was discharged but his visual defect was irreversible despite the treatment.

A Case of Spontaneous Dissection of the Superior Mesenteric Artery Treated by Percutaneous Stent Placement / 대한소화기학회지

Acute mesenteric ischemia can result from emboli, arterial and venous thrombi or vasoconstriction secondary to low-flow states. Isolated spontaneous dissection of the superior mesenteric artery is a rare cause of acute mesenteric ischemia. The mortality rates of acute mesenteric ischemia averages 71% with a range of 59-93%. Diagnosis before the occurrence of intestinal infarction is the most important factor in improving survival rate for patients with acute mesenteric ischemia. A 68-year-old female presented with postprandial epigastric pain, and a dissection of the superior mesenteric artery and a gallbladder polyp were shown in abdominal computed tomographic scan. After the percutaneous metalic stent placement and laparoscopic cholecystectomy, her symptoms improved. We report a case of spontaneous dissection of main trunk of the superior mesenteric artery which was successfully treated by percutaneous stent placement with a review of literature.

The effects of growth hormone administration on the markers of cardiovascular disease in growth hormone deficient adults / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Subjects with growth hormone-deficiency (GHD) have increased cardiovascular mortality, and growth hormone (GH) replacement may modulate cardiovascular disease risk. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of GH administration on the markers of cardiovascular disease in subjects with GHD. METHODS: 37 subjects (12 men and 25 women) with GHD and 65 normal subjects were enrolled in this study. GH or placebo were given for 3 months at a dose adjusted for normal serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) level. Height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, lean body mass, fat mass, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, IGF-I, lipid profile, uric acid, C-reactive protein (CRP), plaminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), apolipoprotein AI, and quality of life-assessment of growth hormone deficiency in adults (QoL-AGHDA) were measured at baseline and month 3. RESULTS: Subjects with GHD showed higher levels of triglyceride, CRP, and PAI-1, but lower level of fasting glucose than normal subjects. Fat mass, CRP, and PAI-1 levels decreased in GH recipients (fat mass; 21.9+/-6.6 to 21.3+/-6.7%, p<0.05, CRP; 2.73+/-2.11 to 1.47+/-1.29 mg/L, p<0.001, PAI-1; 48.9+/-33.2 to 31.6+/-28.5 ng/mL, p<0.05). Fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol levels increased in GH recipients (fasting blood glucose; 4.58+/-0.46 to 4.81+/-0.36 mmol/L, p<0.05, total cholesterol; 5.36+/-1.31 to 6.17+/-1.12 mmol/L, p<0.01). Placebo recipients showed decrease in waist-hip ratio (0.93+/-0.05 to 0.92+/-0.04, p<0.05) and increase in fasting blood glucsoe (4.63+/-0.38 to 4.89+/-0.45 mmol/L, p<0.05) and uric acid (319.6+/-89.2 to 335.6+/-89.2 micro mol/L, p<0.05). QoL-AGHDA score improved in both groups (GH recipients; 10.0+/-6.0 to 7.4+/-5.5, p<0.01, placebo recipients; 9.8+/-4.4 to 6.7+/-3.4, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated favourable effects of GH on cardiovascular disease through modulating CRP and PAI-1 plasma level in subjects with GHD.