A Case of Lymphoepithelial Cyst of the Pancreas Showing Characteristic Findings on Endoscopic Ultrasonography / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas is a rare benign cystic tumor which is histologically characterized by cyst containing keratin, lined by mature squamous epithelium surrounded by lymphoid tissue, often with prominent follicles. Cystic lesions of the pancreas are more often detected because sensitive abdominal imaging tests are used for multiple indications, but preoperative differential diagnosis is difficult despite the advancements of imaging technologies. We herein report a case of lymphoepithelial cyst incidentally found on routine abdominal ultrasonography which showed characteristic findings on endoscopic ultrasonography preoperatively and discuss the radiologic features of lymphoepithelial cyst.

A Case of Acute Theophylline Intoxication Treated with Hemoperfusion / 대한신장학회잡지

Theophylline has been used for more than 50 years to treat bronchial asthma, and theophylline toxicity continues to be an encountered clinical problem. With suicidal intention, a 61-year-old depressive male patient was sent to the hospital after ingestion of overdose theophylline. He had been followed up for bronchial asthma with about 10 microgram/ mL average plasma theophylline level. On arrival, he complained of dyspnea, palpitation and the plasma theophylline level was 252 microgram/mL. After 2 hours of ingestion, hypotension and tachycardia developed (Systolic blood pressure 50 mmHg, heart rate 190/ min). Other symptoms and signs were stuporous mental state and hypoxemia. Patient's peak plasma theophylline level reached 402 microgram/mL after 3 hours. beta-blocker, dopamine and midazolam were used for control of tachycardia, hypotension and prevention of seizure respectively. After Gastric lavage and administration of charchoal, he was treated with hemoperfusion for 3.5 hours, and serum level decreased. The patient was discharged in good health after 17 days.

The Relation of Serum Adiponectin and Resistin Concentrations with Metabolic Risk Factors / 대한내분비학회지

BACKGROUND: Adiponectin is a fat cell-secreted cytokine, which has been reported to improve insulin sensitivity and have antiatherogenic properties. However, it is still unclear whether resistin plays a significant role in the development of insulin resistance in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of the adiponectin and resistin concentrations with insulin resistance, metabolic markers and adiposity in healthy and type 2 diabetic subjects. METHODS: Eighty-three type 2 diabetic and 139 healthy subjects were studied. Blood samples were drawn after fasting to determine the fasting plasma glucose, insulin, resistin, adiponectin, total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol levels. The subcutaneous and visceral fat areas were measured at the umbilical level using computed tomography. RESULTS: The serum adiponectin concentrations were significantly lower in the diabetic(6.7+/-2.3microgram/mL) than in the obese(8.2+/-2.4microgram/mL, P<0.01) and non-obese subjects(9.9+/-4.5microgram/mL, P<0.01). The serum resistin concentrations were Similar between the non-obese, obese and type 2 diabetic subjects. From a multiple regression analysis, the fasting glucose, HDL-cholesterol and HOMA-IR were found to be independent determinants of the log of the adiponectin level in the diabetes group. In healthy subjects, the gender, BMI, HOMA-IR, visceral fat area and HDL-cholesterol were associated with the log of the adiponectin level. However, the log of the resistin level was not associated with the markers of insulin resistance and obesity. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the serum adiponectin concentration was closely related to the insulin resistance marker in both healthy and type 2 diabetic subjects. However, the resistin concentration was not associated with the markers of insulin resistance and/or obesity.

What is the Clinical Significance of Transudative Malignant Pleural Effusion?

BACKGROUND: A few reports of transudative malignant effusion on a small number of patients have suggested the need to perform routine cytologic examination in all cases of transudative pleural effusion, whether encountered for malignancy or not. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether cytologic examination should be performed in all cases of transudative pleural effusion for the diagnosis of malignancy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 229 consecutive patients with malignant pleural effusion, proven either cytologically or with biopsy. In patients with transudative pleural effusion, we reviewed medical records, results of transthoracic echocardiography, fiberoptic bronchoscopy, chest X-ray, chest CT scan, and ultrasonogram of the abdomen. These data were examined with particular attention to identifying whether or not the malignancy was suggested on chest X-ray, examining the involvement of the superior vena cava, great vessels, and lymph nodes, determining the presence of pericardial effusion, and observing the endobronchial obstruction. RESULTS: Transudative malignant pleural effusion was observed in seven (3.1%) of the 229 patients, and was caused either by the malignancy itself (6 patients) or by coexisting cardiac diseases (1 patient). All the patients showed evidence suggesting the presence of malignancy at the time of initial thoracentesis, which facilitated the decision of most clinicians on whether to perform cytologic examination for the diagnosis of malignancy. CONCLUSION: Therefore, in all cases of transudative pleaural effusion, no clinical implications indicating malignancy were found on cytologic examination.