A Case of Duodenal Anisakiasis with Duodenal Ulcer / 전남의대학술지

Humans can be incidentally parasitized by third-stage larvae of Anisakis species following the ingestion of raw or undercooked seafood. Acute gastric anisakiasis is one of the most frequently encountered complaints in Korea. However, duodenal anisakiasis with duodenal ulcer had not been reported in Korea, despite the habit of eating raw fish. In this case, a 47-year-old man was hospitalized because of sharp epigastric pain and repeated vomiting after eating raw fish 3 days previously. On admission, esophagogastroduodenoscopic examination revealed an active duodenal bulb ulcer. At 5 mm away from the ulcer margin, a whitish linear worm was found with half of its body penetrating the duodenal mucosa. Herein, we report this case of duodenal anisakiasis accompanied by duodenal ulcer.

A Case of Duodenal Anisakiasis with Duodenal Ulcer / 전남의대학술지

Humans can be incidentally parasitized by third-stage larvae of Anisakis species following the ingestion of raw or undercooked seafood. Acute gastric anisakiasis is one of the most frequently encountered complaints in Korea. However, duodenal anisakiasis with duodenal ulcer had not been reported in Korea, despite the habit of eating raw fish. In this case, a 47-year-old man was hospitalized because of sharp epigastric pain and repeated vomiting after eating raw fish 3 days previously. On admission, esophagogastroduodenoscopic examination revealed an active duodenal bulb ulcer. At 5 mm away from the ulcer margin, a whitish linear worm was found with half of its body penetrating the duodenal mucosa. Herein, we report this case of duodenal anisakiasis accompanied by duodenal ulcer.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Geriatric Patients in Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

BACKGROUND: The incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding has decreased in the general population but has increased in geriatric patients worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of geriatric patients (aged 65 or older) with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and to compare them with non-geriatric patients (less than 65 years old). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 288 patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding from January 2007 to August 2010. We compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes of geriatric patients (n=148, 51.4%) with those of non-geriatric patients (n=140, 48.6%). RESULTS: Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and cerebrovascular accidents were more prevalent in the geriatric group, compared with those in the non-geriatric group (p<0.05). Vital signs were more unstable in the geriatric group than those in the non-geriatric group (p<0.05). The geriatric group had taken more ulcerogenic drugs than those in the non-geriatric group (p<0.05). The most common cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding was peptic ulcer (72.3%) in the geriatric group, whereas it was variceal bleeding (41.4%) in the non-geriatric group. Treatment methods, transfusion volume, operation rate, and mortality were not different between the two groups. The length of hospital stay and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay were significantly longer in geriatric patients than those in the non-geriatric group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Geriatric patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding had longer ICU and hospital stays than those of non-geriatric patients. Important emerging etiologies such as ulcerogenic drugs and associated chronic illness should be monitored and treated early in these patients.

Inhibitors of Apoptosis Proteins Expression and Their Prognostic Significance in Colorectal Carcinoma

BACKGROUND: The expression of the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) family has not been fully investigated in colorectal carcinomas. This study investigated IAP expression in colorectal carcinomas and assessed their prognostic significance. METHODS: Livin, XIAP, and SMAC/DIABLO expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 159 colorectal carcinomas. Correlations between protein expression and clinicopathological features were evaluated. The survival data analysis was estimated according to the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Increased expression of IAPs in cancer tissues compared to surrounding nonneoplastic counterparts was observed in 67 cases (42.1%) for Livin, 50 cases (31.4%) for XIAP, and 68 cases (42.8%) for SMAC. A significant correlation was found between Livin expression and tumor differentiation, and SMAC expression and tumor location. The recurrence-free and overall survival of patients with low Livin expression were inferior to those of patients with high Livin expression (p=0.054 and 0.095, respectively). High XIAP expression was significantly associated with shorter progression-free survival (p= 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that altered expression of IAP family members, including Livin, XIAP, and SMAC, is frequent in colorectal carcinoma. This result suggests that high Livin expression and low XIAP expression may be a favorable prognostic implication related to patient survival.

Prognostic Value of Phosphorylated Akt and Survivin Expression in Gastric Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: pAkt (the phosphorylated form of the proto-oncogene protein c-akt) and survivin (human BIRC5 protein) are candidate apoptosis-related molecules that may be responsible for cancer progression. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of pAkt and survivin in malignant stomach neoplasm, and their value as prognostic indicators of cancer. METHODS: The expression of pAkt and survivin in 144 cases of gastric cancer was detected by immunohistochemistry and compared with established clinicopathological parameters and prognosis of this disease. RESULTS: Expression of pAkt showed significant correlations with depth of invasion, lymph node and distant metastasis, as well as the stage (p < 0.05 for all three correlations), but not with the Lauren classification. Survivin expression closely correlated with histological type, Lauren classification, depth of invasion, metastasis, and stage (p < 0.05 for all). The overall survival of patients with pAkt/survivin expression was inferior to that of patients with loss of pAkt/survivin expression. Cox multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between stage (p = 0.04), survivin expression (p = 0.02), and prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with pAkt/survivin expression in gastric cancer are at increased risk of cancer-related mortality via the apoptosis resistance pathway. Expression of pAkt and survivin could be used as a prognostic indicator for gastric cancer.

A Clinical Study of Colon Diseases of Old Age Based on Colonoscopic Finding

BACKGROUND: Recently, geriatric diseases become the matter of concern, and the neoplastic lesion of colon including polyp and cancer by the western-style diet is increasing. The aims of this study were to assess the relations between colon diseases, clinical manifestations and features of colonoscopic finding in elderly. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated records of 764 patients underwent colonoscopy. Colonoscopic finding, each colon diseases and lower gastrointestinal symptoms were analyzed to compare between two groups, which are 416 elders aged over 65 and control of 348 adults aged from 25 to 65. RESULTS: Both two groups underwent colonoscopy showed lower abdominal pain is the most symptom of lower gastrointestinal symptoms. But, anaemia and bowel habit change were significantly high frequency in the elderly group while diarrhea appeared in the control group(p<0.05). Colon polyp and cancer were significantly increased frequency in the elderly group(p<0.05). Symptoms such as diarrhea and hematochezia were significantly high in case of colon polyp of elderly group(p<0.05). But in case of colon cancer, lower abdominal pain had significantly high in the control group compared with the elderly group who had various lower gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, hematochezia, bowel habit change(p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As people getting older, the incidence of colon polys and cancer is higher, and non-specific, various clinical manifestations are seen. Therefore, we think that seniors who have change in bowel habit, abdominal pain, hematochezia or constipation need colonoscopy increasingly and should pay attention to find neoplastic lesions.

Idiopathic Granulomatous Appendicitis: A case report

Crohn's disease is a chronic condition characterized by a non-specific granulomatous necrosis involving potentially any location in the alimentary tract, but a primary lesion confined to the appendix alone is very rare. It is difficult to discriminate Crohn's appendicitis from acute appendicitis preoperatively because of their clinical similarities. Because Crohn's disease confined to the appendix has a more favorable prognosis than typical Crohn's disease, it is considered a separate disease from Crohn's disease. Recently, the term idiopathic granulomatous appendicitis has gained wide acceptance as a distinct disease entity. We experienced a case of Crohn's disease giving rise to appendicitis or idiopathic granulomatous appendicitis and report a case with a review of the literature.

Clinical Analysis of Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases in Elderly Patients Underwent Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Background: Recently the elderly people have increased in Korea. So, the interest of upper gastrointestinal diseases have increased. Our aim was to determine clinical characteristics of upper gastrointestinal diseases in the elderly patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Methods: We investigated clinical characteristics of 1190 elderly patients aged 65 years or older and 952 controls aged 64 years or younger who underwent esophagogastrodu odenoscopy in Seonam University Hospital from Jan. 2000 to Dec. 2004. retrospecti vely. Only two main symptoms were included among symptoms of two or over. The endoscopic findings were in the same manner. Results: The average age were 73.9 (+/-7.25)-year-old in the elderly, and 47.2 (+/-11.32)-year-old in controls. The most common symptom was dyspepsia in the elderly and in controls. The most common endoscopic findings showed chronic atrophic gastritis in the elderly, and chronic erythematous & erosive gastritis in controls. 64% was positive in 424 cases performed rapid urease test in the elderly and 63% was positive in controls. The most common associated diseases was hypertension in both group. The history of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirins were 21% in the elderly, and 15% in controls. Conclusion: We found that dyspepsia was the most common symptom in the elderly and controls underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The most common upper intestinal disease was chronic atrophic gastritis in the elderly. We recommend esophagogastroduodenoscopy for the elderly patients in regular interval because they may have vague and atypical symptoms or asymptom.

A Case of Multiple Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) Lymphoma of the Colon Identified as Simple Mucosal Discoloration

Most colonic multiple mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas are confirmed with a histologic and immunohistochemical staining of the mucosal biopsy specimen obtained during colonoscopic examinations. Endoscopically, colonic MALT lymphomas frequently appear as protruding and/or ulcerative lesions, and there are not so many reports of colonic MALT lymphoma as compared to the frequent reports of MALT lymphoma of stomach. We report a unique case of colonic MALT lymphoma presenting as a simple reddish discoloration of mucosa; this presentation has never been describe before. Our patient was a 47-yr-old male who suffered from tenesmus and mucoid stool. A colonoscopy was accomplished, followed by a histologic examination and we diagnosed a colonic MALT lymphoma. Staging of the disease was done because this was necessary for choosing the modality of treatments. The patient was then treated with polychemotherapy in conjunction with radiation therapy.

Clinicopathologic Features and Clinical Significance of Small and Diminutive Colorectal Polyps

PURPOSE: Small (6 to 10 mm) and diminutive colon polyps (below 5 mm) are routinely removed at the time of colonoscopy for the prevention of colon cancer. Our aims in this study were to determine clinicopathologic features and frequency of significant synchronous neoplastic lesions of small colon polyps and diminutive colon polyps and to investigate development of colorectal carcinoma via surveillance colonoscopy. METHODS: We evaluated medical reports of all patients undergoing total colonoscopic examination over a 12-month period. Three hundred thirty nine small colorectal polyps, removed during colonoscopy, have been analyzed. We investigated the result of surveillance colonoscopy, also. Using this database, all adenomas were categorized into two groups: Group I, < or =5 mm diameter (diminutive polyp), Group 2, 6 to 10 mm diameter (small polyp). Significant synchronous adenomas were defined as adenoma over 6 mm diameter, dysplasia or cancer. RESULTS: The most common age group was the sixth decade. The male-to-female ratio was 2.1 : 1. Of the small colorectal polyps, 180 (53.1%) were adenomatous, 32 (10.0%) were hyperplastic, 119 (34.9%) were chronic nonspecific inflammation, 3 (0.9 %) were lymphoid hyperplasia, and 4 (1.1%) were cancerous. The most frequent sites of these lesions were rectum and sigmoid (60.2%). Recognizable endoscopic features of polyps were redness (35.8%) and nodule (26.3%). The prevalence of advanced proximal synchronous polyps was 20.7% among patients with distal small lesions. And we detected 2 cases (25%) had new small polyps in follow up colonoscopic examination. CONCLUSIONS: All polyps should be removed when encountered during colonoscopy due to the higher prevalence of adenoma among these lesions. Effort to find new polyps via surveillance colonoscopy is needed.

The Effect of Passive Smoking on Asthma Symptoms, Atopy, and Airway Hyperresponsiveness in Schoolchildren

Passive smoking is a major cause of respiratory morbidity, and is associated with increased bronchial responsiveness in children. To evaluate the effect of smoking by a parent on asthma symptoms, atopy, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 503 schoolchildren that involved questionnaires, spirometry, allergy testing, and a bronchial challenge test. If the PC20 methacholine was less than 16 mg/mL, the subject was considered to have AHR. The prevalence of a parent who smoked was 68.7%. The prevalence of AHR was 45.0%. The sensitization rate to common inhalant allergens was 32.6%. Nasal symptoms such as rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal itching, and nasal obstruction were present in 42.7%. Asthma symptoms such as cough and wheezing were present in 55.4%. The asthma symptoms were significantly more prevalent in children who had a parent who smoked than in those whose parents did not. The nasal symptoms, atopy, and AHR did not differ according to whether a parent smoked. In a multiple logistic regression model, the asthma symptoms and atopy were independently associated with AHR, when adjusted for confounding variables. Passive smoking contributed to asthma symptoms in schoolchildren and was not an independent risk factor of airway hyperresponsiveness in an epidemiological survey.

The study of Standardization Plan and Usefulness of Moxa Combustion / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

[Objective] It makes a through study on the popularization and usefulness plan of Moxa Combustion, therefore popularizing practical use of that.<BR>[Methods] It was based on the established treatises and books, in order to studying about the literature of Moxa Combustion.<BR>[Results & Conclusions] It makes a through study on the whole of Moxa Combustion, the results as follows.<BR>1. We explained (illustrated) the origin, history, classification and mechanism (effect) of Moxa Combustion.<BR>2. The study of standardization plan of Moxa Combustion for popularization.<BR>The thermal stimulation of Moxa Combustion was decided the characteristic pattern of combustion temperature by moxa burning and that makes a measure to grasp the effective action of Moxa Combustion upon human body. Thereupon it is necessary to continue further studies by analyzing the characteristic pattern of combustion temperature by moxa burning and there clinical effects in practice.<BR>3. The usefulness of Moxa Combustion.<BR>The therapeutic effect of Moxa Combustion are hematopoiesis (increase the blood), analgesic function, increase the immunity, antioxidant activity, diuretic action, control of hormone (endocrine gland), suppression of carcinogenesis, increase the self involution (natural healing), decrease of GOT/GPT, glucose, cholesterol level.

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the elderly of Namwon county, South Korea / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Significant ethnic and geographic differences exist in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, which has increased dramatically in South Korea. But a few population-based studies were performed in South Korea. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Diabetic Association (ADA) diagnostic categories, and to investigate their associated risk factors. METHODS: Between march 22, 1999 and July 14, 1999, a random sampling of 1445 residents over 40 year of age in five villages in the Namwon county of South Korea was carried out. Among these subjects, 665 (46.0%) participants completed 75 g OGTT. WHO and ADA diagnostic criteria were used for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, IGT and IFG. Detailed questionnaire were performed and anthropometric data were collected. RESULTS: After age-adjustment for population projection for Korea (1999), the prevalence of diabetes and IGT were 13.7% and 13.8% with WHO criteria, while the prevalence of diabetes, IGT and IFG were 15.8%, 12.8% and 5.7% with ADA criteria. The age-adjusted prevalence of previously diagnosed diabetes was 5.8%. The level of agreement between WHO and ADA diagnostic criteria except IFG was high (K=0.94; p<0.001). The ROC curve analysis determined FSG of 114.5 mg/dL (6.4 mmol/L) to yield optimal sensitivity and specificity corresponding to a PP2SG 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L). The prevalence of diabetes and IGT with ADA diagnostic criteria rose with increasing age (p<0.05). The difference in the prevalence of diabetes, IGT and IFG by BMI was not significant. The prevalence of diabetes rose with increase in the waist-hip ratio. The prevalence of diabetes was increased in subjects with dyslipidemia (Odds ratio 2.29, 95% CI: 1.16-3.49). CONCLUSION: The age-adjusted prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus in populations over 40 year of age in the Namwon county was substantially higher than previously observed. Ethnic differences in obesity with BMI and in the effect on diabetes risk of obesity may exist in the Korean population. The adequate cut-off point for fasting serum glucose was lower than that by the ADA diagnostic category. These results may show that not only fasting serum glucose but also postprandial 2-h serum glucose are important for diagnosing diabetes in Korean.

Molecular typing of Helicobacter pylori by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis in patients with gastroduodenal diseases / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Genetic diversity among Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from different patients has been debated. This study was undertaken to determine molecular types and genetic diversity among 20 isolates of H. pylori obtained from various gastroduodenal diseases, and also examined the association between molecular types of H. pylori and these diseases. METHODS: Antral biopsies were taken for culture from 38 patients with chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer at the time of endoscopy. Biopsy specimens were primarily inoculated on chocolate agar and incubated microaerophilically at 37degree Cfor up to 7 days. H. pylori was identified by typical Gram stain morphology and biochemical tests. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting was performed by 4 primers (OPA-07, 5'-GAAACGGGTG-3'; OPA-10, 5'-GTGATCGCAG-3'; OPA-11, 5'-CAATCGCCGT-3'; OPA-12, 5'-TCGGCGATAG-3'; Operon Technologies, Atlanta, GA). We used the NTSYS-pc (numerical taxonomy system and multivariate analysis system, version 1.50, Applied Biostatistics Inc., CA, USA) program to compose the phenogram for the differentiation of H. pylori strains. RESULTS: Twenty strains (52.6%) of H. pylori were isolated from 38 biopsy specimens. All isolates were divided into five molecular types (I-V) at similarity (S) value of 0.63; 7 strains (35%), 4 strains (20%), 4 strains (20%), 3 strains (15%) and 2 strains (10%) belonged to type II, III, IV, V and I, respectively. The distribution of genetic S value was 0.24 to 0.91 in all isolates, thus the isolates had a wide range of S values. The mean S values of all isolates, type I, II, III, IV and V were 0.69, 0.69, 0.73, 0.75 and 0.65, respectively. There was no specific correlation between molecular types and gastroduodenal diseases. CONCLUSION: H. pylori isolates had high level of genetic diversity. The RAPD molecular types of H. pylori were not disease-specific since the types were diverse in the isolates from various gastroduodenal diseases.

The effect of patient education on correct use of metered dose inhalers in patients with asthma / 천식및알레르기

BACKGROUND: Medications for asthma can be administered either by inhaled or systemic routes. The major advantages of delivering drugs directly into the lungs via inhalation are that higher concentrations can be delivered more effectively to the airways and that systemic side effects are avoided or minimized. Inhaled medications, or aerosols, are available in a variety of devices that differ in required technique and quantity of drugs delivered to the lung. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of patient education on correct use of metered dose inhaler in patients with asthma. METHODS: Twenty patients with asthma were instructed three times on proper inhaler usage by a physician at two-week intervals. Practical performance and theoretical knowledge were assessed (ten-item assessment). Scoring was done by one physician using a score of 1-3 for each item. RESULTS: The practical performance and theoretical knowledge scores were higher in patients after being instructed three times compared with those who were instructed once (26.2+/-2.2 vs 18.1+/-3.6, p< 0.01). The scores were higher in patients with higher education level com- pared with those with lower education level after three lessons (27.3+/-1.94 vs 24.3+/-1.80, p< 0.05). The most common errors included inadequate actuation time and breath holding, and insufficient activations. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that patients with asthma be instructed in inhaler use and that their technique be checked regularly and repeatedly depending on education level.

Choledochoduodenal Fistula after Placement of Endocoil Spiral Stent for Pancreatic Head Cancer / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Retrograde endoscopic or percutaneous transhepatic bile duct drainage is the treatment of choice for palliation of malignant biliary obstruction. An expanding metal stent, Endocoil spiral stent, with strong radial force was developed to solve the problems of other metal stents which include obstruction by tumor ingrowth, migration, and epithelial trauma from the distal hard edges of the stent. A choledochoduodenal fistula is occasionally found during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatiography (ERCP) or barium radiography. Cholelithiasis is suspected to be the leading cause in some endemic areas like Korea but duodenal ulcer is more common in Western countries. The case reported here is of a 78-year-old woman, suffering from vomiting, epigastric pain, and abdominal distension, who had a Endocoil spiral stent in the common bile duct (CBD) for pancreatic head cancer for 8 months. During barium radiograph, a fistulous connection between the proximal second part of duodeum and the CBD was identified.

Airway hyperresponsiveness among workers exposed to isocyanates at Yeocheon petrochemical plant / 천식및알레르기

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of airway hyperresponsiveness induced by isocyanate at one petrochemical industry complex in Yeochon, Korea. METHOD: Questionnaires, allergic skin prick test, toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-specific IgE, and non-specific airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) were studied in 73 exposed workers and 27 control subjects. Methacholine challenge tests were done and bronc hial responsiveness (BR index) was defined as log (% fall of FEV1)/ log (last concentration of methacholine +10). RESULTS: Twenty-three workers (31.5% ) had respiratory symptoms, 21 had nasal symptoms, and eight had skin symptoms. Exposed workers with respiratory symptoms (n=22) had significantly higher BR index than those without them (0.82+/-0.06 vs 0.60+/-0.02, p0.05). Specific IgE antibodies were found in 19.7% of exposed workers. FEV, showed a significant negative correlation with BR index (r =-0.25, p<0.05). Poor correlation was noted between BR index and atopy, smoking status, or exposure duration. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that workers exposed to isocyanates are at higher risk of airway hyperresponsiveness.

A Case of Multiple Esophageal Ulcerations in Behcet's Disease / 대한소화기내시경학회지

The diagnostic criteria of Behcet' s disease - which requires the presence of recurrent oral ulceration plus any two of recurrent genital ulceration, typical defined eye lesions, typical defined skin lesions or a positive pathergy test - was proposed by the International Study Group for Behcet' s Disease (ISGBD). Intestinal Behcet' s disease most commonly affects the ileocecal region, but esophageal involvement of Behcet' s disease is rare, only 8 cases have previously been reported in Korea. A 23-year old female who had a 10-year history of recurrent oral and genital ulcer and recurrent erythematous skin eruption, was admitted to our hospital because of dysphagia and substernal pain. Endoscopic exami-nation showed multiple small sized ulcers on oral cavity and two diffuse deep ulcers surrounded with irregularly nodular and hyperemic edematous mucosa at distal esophagus. The pathologic finding was subepithelial accumulation of chronic inflammatory cells, especially around the vessels. So she was treated with steroid under the diagnosis of esophageal involvement of Behcet' s disease. She has been followed in improvement status without recurrence.

A Case of a Solid and Papillary Epithelial Neoplasm of the Pancreas with Local Invasion into the Duodenum / 대한소화기내시경학회지

A solid and papillary epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas is a very rare and low-grade type of malignancy, although an increasing number of cases have been reported in recent years. Patients with a solid and papillary epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas have a good prognosis and may be cured if the disease is diagnosed before metastasis and diffuse local invasion. A 23-year-old female who had a 4-year history of recurrent abdominal pain, was admitted due to lower abdominal pain. Incidentally a calcified, 6 4 cm sized ovoid mass was found in the right upper quadrant, from a simple abdominal X-ray. An ERCP, abdominal sonography, and CT were performed, as well as a pylorus preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. Gross pathologic examination revealed a well encapsulated mass with cystic degeneration and hemorrhagic necrosis. Microscopically, the tumor had papillary fronds with a fibrovascular connective tissue core. There was focal infiltration of tumor cells into the duodenal wall and heterotropic pancreatic tissue in the submucosa. Immunohistochemistry revealed positivity for neuron-specific enolase. The patient maintained a healthy status for one year since the operation.

The Prognostic Factors In Progression Of Pneumoconiosis / 결핵

BACKGROUND: Pneumoconiosis is the parenchymal lung disease that results from the inhalation and deposition of dust, usually mineral dust of occupational or environmental origin. Most of the pneumoconiosis can be categorized to coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) in Korea. No effective treatement is currently available, and the therapy for symptomatic CWP is limited to treatment of complication. Therefore authors analyzed and reviewed clinical features and radiological findings of 95 patients with pneumoconiosis for assessing the prognostic factors in disease progression. METHOD: We reviewed medical records of 95 cases with pneumoconiosis including history, chest X-ray, pulmonary function test, electrocardiography, AFB stain and culture of sputum, and routine blood examination between June 1995 and June 1997 in Seonam University Namkwang Hospital. RESULTS: All of cases are male(mean age, 57.4 years), 91 cases out of them are miners. The mean duration of exposure to dust is 18.8 years. 2) Major clinical symptoms are dyspnea (100%), sputum (71.6%), chest pain (55.8%), cough (23.2%), and hemoptysis (6.3%). 82% of cases are over Morgan-Seaton Grade 2 in the degree of dyspnea. Small opacity on chest x-ray is 82.1% and large opacity is 17.9%. Small opacity has t/t type (37.2%), q/q type (25.6%) and r/r type (11.5%). B type is 42.2% in large opacity. For the pulmonary function test, restrictive type is 40.3%, mixed type 19.5% and obstructive type 8.3%. The more increasing chest X-ray density, the more decreasing FEV1 (p<0.01). 38% of patients show tuberculosis in chest X-ray, 15.8% positive smear of acid fast bacilli in sputum. The prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis is high in patients with poor clinical condition. The cases with the active pulmonary tuberculosis have severe dyspnea. 6) Expired cases show 100% and 75% of positive pulmonary tuberculosis in chest X-ray and sputum examination, respectively. 75% of expired cases show the chronic cor pulmonale, who died of acute respiratory failure. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that tuberculosis infection has a decisive influence on the progress and prognosis of pneumoconiosis.