Ipsilateral Hyperhidrosis: Atypical Symptom of Small Lung Adenocarcinoma Evaluated by ¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT / 대한핵의학회잡지

A 45-year-old male visited our clinic due to right palmar anhidrosis and contralateral hyperhidrosis. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed a solitary pulmonary nodule with mediastinal lymph node enlargement, but a cause for atypical palmar anhidrosis was not identified. Subsequent fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed (PET/CT) revealed a localized pleural metastasis at the right apex with direct invasion of the paravertebral sympathetic chain. The pleural metastasis, which was not seen on chest CT, evoked ipsilateral anhidrosis independent of a mass effect or direct invasion by the primary lung tumor. 18F-FDG PET/CT can be helpful in identifying the cause of atypical symptoms in patient with small sized lung cancer.

Ipsilateral Hyperhidrosis: Atypical Symptom of Small Lung Adenocarcinoma Evaluated by ¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT / 대한핵의학회잡지

A 45-year-old male visited our clinic due to right palmar anhidrosis and contralateral hyperhidrosis. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed a solitary pulmonary nodule with mediastinal lymph node enlargement, but a cause for atypical palmar anhidrosis was not identified. Subsequent fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed (PET/CT) revealed a localized pleural metastasis at the right apex with direct invasion of the paravertebral sympathetic chain. The pleural metastasis, which was not seen on chest CT, evoked ipsilateral anhidrosis independent of a mass effect or direct invasion by the primary lung tumor. 18F-FDG PET/CT can be helpful in identifying the cause of atypical symptoms in patient with small sized lung cancer.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of preoperative ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography for colorectal cancer: comparison with conventional computed tomography

BACKGROUND/AIMS: ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) has been used for preoperative staging of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the diagnostic accuracy of FDG-PET/CT for detection of lymph node or distant metastasis and its prognostic role have not been well established. We therefore evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic value of FDG-PET/CT in comparison with conventional CT for CRC. METHODS: We investigated 220 patients who underwent preoperative FDG-PET/CT and CT, followed by curative surgery for CRC. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of FDG-PET/CT and CT for detection of lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis were evaluated. In addition, we assessed the findings of FDG-PET/CT and CT according to outcomes, including cancer recurrence and cancer-related death, for evaluation of prognostic value. RESULTS: For detection of lymph node metastasis, FDG-PET/CT had a sensitivity of 44%, a specificity of 84%, and an accuracy of 67%, compared with 59%, 65%, and 62%, respectively, for CT (P=0.029, P=0.000, and P=0.022). For distant metastasis, FDG-PET/CT had a sensitivity of 79%, a specificity of 94%, and an accuracy of 93%, compared with 79%, 87%, and 86%, respectively, for CT (P=1.000, P=0.004, and P=0.037). In addition, positive findings of lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis on FDG-PET/CT were associated significantly with cancer recurrence or cancer-related death (P=0.009, P=0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative FDG-PET/CT had a higher specificity and accuracy compared to CT for detection of lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis of CRC. In addition, FDG-PET/CT could be a valuable prognostic tool for CRC.

Association between Bsm1 Polymorphism in Vitamin D Receptor Gene and Diabetic Retinopathy of Type 2 Diabetes in Korean Population

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common diseases with devastating complications. However, genetic susceptibility of diabetic complications has not been clarified. The vitamin D endocrine system is related with calcification and lipolysis, insulin secretion, and may be associated with many complicated disease including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Recent studies reported that single nucleotide polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene were associated with diabetic complications. METHODS: In present study, we evaluated the association of BsmI polymorphism of VDR with diabetic complications in Korean diabetes patients. Total of 537 type 2 diabetic subjects from the Endocrinology Clinic of Chungbuk National University Hospital were investigated. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to test the genotype and allele frequency of BsmI (rs1544410; BB, Bb, bb) polymorphisms. RESULTS: Mean age was 62.44+/-10.64 years and mean disease duration was 13.65+/-7.39 years. Patients with B allele (BB or Bb) was significantly associated with lower risk of diabetic retinopathy (severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy or proliferative retinopathy; 7.4%, 5/68) compared with patients without B allele (bb; 17.3%, 81/469; P=0.035). This association was also significant after adjusting for hemoglobin A1c level, body mass index, age, sex, and diabetes mellitus duration, concurrent dyslipidemia and hypertension (odds ratio, 2.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.08 to 8.29; P=0.035) in logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that B allele of Bsm1 polymorphism in VDR gene is associated with lower risk of diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetic patients. Bsm1 genotype could be used as a susceptibility marker to predict the risk of diabetes complication.

CellprepPlus(R) Liquid-based Smear in Sono-guided Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration: A Comparison of Conventional Method and CellprepPlus(R) Liquid-based Cytology

BACKGROUND: Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the thyroid is a useful tool for the evaluation of benign or malignant thyroid nodules. The improvements in the quality of cytological preparations using the liquid-based cytology (LBC) method have been well-documented. The principal objective of this study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic adequacy, sensitivity, and specificity of the thyroid FNA comparing a conventional smear with the LBC adapted with the filtration method described herein. METHODS: One hundred ninety eight cases of FNA samples obtained from May 2009 to September 2009 were included in this study. All patients were subjected to ultrasound-guided aspiration twice at a target lesion by a radiologist and two types of slides were prepared using conventional smear and LBC. RESULTS: When compared with conventional method, the cellularity was reduced in LBC. However, the malignant tumor cells evidenced the larger and more vesicular nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and distinct nuclear membranes in LBC. Thirty two cases (16.16%) of conventional smear were inadequate, but 96 cases (48.49%) of LBC were inadequate. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the slides using CellprepPlus(R) LBC evidenced lower cellularity and clearer background. However, the conventional smears were found to generate much more applicable samples than CellprepPlus(R) LBC.

Prophylactic Central Compartment Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Complication and Outcome / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: Prophylactic central compartment node dissection is gaining acceptance in the treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, its benefits remain controversial. The aim of study was to evaluate the effects of prophylactic central compartment node dissection on the complication rate and the short-term disease-free survival rate. METHODS: Our treatment strategy for PTC without clinical evidence of lymph node metastasis has been changed from total thyroidectomy alone (group I) to total thyroidectomy with prophylactic central compartment node dissection (group II) since January 2007. Before and after 2007, 70 consecutive patients were selected in each group. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 46.3±11.8 years. Average follow-up period was 51.9±10.9 months. The average size of maximum diameters of the tumors was 1.3±0.8 cm. Lymph node metastasis was identified in 22.9% of patients in group II. Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury occurred in one patient in each group. Temporary and permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 32.9% and 2.9% in group I, 40.0% and 7.1% in group II respectively (P=0.483 and P=0.441, respectively). Locoregional recurrences developed in seven patients in group I. Fifty month disease-free survival rate was 90.0% and 100% in group I and group II, respectively (P=0.0078). CONCLUSION: Prophylactic central compartment node dissection did not seem to increase the risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, but may increase the risk of temporary and permanent hypoparathyroidism. Prophylactic central compartment node dissection decreased the risk of locoregional recurrences, especially in central compartment. However, the size of metastatic lymph nodes in central compartment in the present study was relatively small and their clinical implication remains to be evaluated.

Effect of Diabetes in Surgery / 임상당뇨병

Diabetes is a common medical condition in hospitalized patients and is associated with increased requirement for operation and increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. The stress of surgery induces catabolic changes that alter glucose and lipid levels, as well as protein metabolism. Persistent hyperglycemia can lead to ketoacidosis in type I diabetic patients or hyperosmolar syndrome in type 2 diabetic patients. Also, hyperglycemia is a risk factor for endothelial dysfunction, impaired immunity, wound healing and embolism. The ultimate goal in the management of diabetic patients is to optimize glucose control through monitoring, fluid replacement and use of insulin.

Revised Korean Thyroid Association Management Guidelines for Patients with Thyroid Nodules and Thyroid Cancer / 대한이비인후과학회지

No abstract available.

Revised Korean Thyroid Association Management Guidelines for Patients with Thyroid Nodules and Thyroid Cancer

No abstract available.

Myasthenia Gravis Associated With Vitiligo and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

No abstract available.

Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules: Sonographic Analysis and a New Scoring System

PURPOSE: To analyze the synthetically created sonographic features of thyroid nodules, we present here a new scoring system for the sonographic features that are suggestive of malignant thyroid nodules. We also evaluated the accuracy and clinical significance of this system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we included 725 thyroid nodules of 405 patients that were pathologically proven by USG-guided percutaneous fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) or surgery. Two radiologists analyzed the sonographic features according to the internal content, margin, echogenecity, shape and calcification. We scored from 0 point to 2 point for each feature, and then we calculated the total scores and classified them as three groups according to the total score such as low risk (0-3), intermediate risk (4-6) or high risk (7-10). We demonstrated the difference of the frequency and the positive predictive value among the three groups by using the Chi-square test (p<0.005). RESULTS: For 725 nodules, 654 (90.2%) were benign and 71 (9.8%) were malignant. For 589 nodules classified as low risk, 10 (1.7%) were malignant. For 102 nodules classified as intermediate risk, 32 (31.4%) were malignant. For 34 nodules classified as high risk, 29 (85.8%) were malignant. There was a statistically significant difference in the frequency and positive predictive value of malignancy among the three groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: There was a statistically significant difference in the frequency and positive predictive value of malignancy among the three groups for the new scoring system presented in this study to analyze the synthetically sonographic features of thyroid nodules. So, we think that sonography can be helpful for making the differentiation between benign and malignant nodules. When we find thyroid nodules on sonography, we can reduce the unnecessary FNAB and we can diagnose malignant nodules at an earlier stage.

Multi-country Study on the Prevalence and Clinical Features of Peripheral Arterial Disease in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Who are at High Risk for Atherosclerosis / 대한내분비학회지

BACKGROUND: PAD-SEARCH (Peripheral Arterial Disease-Screening and Evaluation of diabetic patients in Asian Regions Characterized by High risk factors) is the first international study to investigate the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in Asian type 2 diabetic patients and to demonstrate the relationships between the putative risk factors and PAD in this population. METHODS: A total of 6,625 type 2 diabetic patients (2,873 males and 3,752 females aged 50 and older) were enrolled in PAD-SEARCH in Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines from October 2003 to March 2004. The Fukuda vascular profile VS-1000(TM) was used to determine the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). RESULTS: The mean patient age was 63.7 +/- 8.2 years and the mean duration of diabetes was 10.3 +/- 8.0 years. 1,172 (17.7%) subjects were diagnosed as PAD by the ABI (< or = 0.9). Subjects with PAD had a significantly longer duration of diabetes or hypertension, a higher HbA1c level and a significantly lower mean BMI than did the non-PAD subjects. In terms of the lipid profiles, triglyceride was the only significant variable. Notably, the mean ABI and baPWV in the females were significantly poorer than the age matched males for the in subjects with a normal ABI. However, the mean ABI and baPWV in males were significantly poorer than those of the age matched females for the subjects with PAD. On the multivariate analysis, gender, age, BMI, smoking status, duration of diabetes and a previous history of cerebrovascular disease were identified as the independent risk factors of PAD. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that PAD is a common complication in Asian type 2 diabetic patients. Therefore, PAD screening and treatment should be emphasized for Asian diabetic patients with high risk factors.

Multi-country Study on the Prevalence and Clinical Features of Peripheral Arterial Disease in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Who are at High Risk for Atherosclerosis / 대한내분비학회지

BACKGROUND: PAD-SEARCH (Peripheral Arterial Disease-Screening and Evaluation of diabetic patients in Asian Regions Characterized by High risk factors) is the first international study to investigate the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in Asian type 2 diabetic patients and to demonstrate the relationships between the putative risk factors and PAD in this population. METHODS: A total of 6,625 type 2 diabetic patients (2,873 males and 3,752 females aged 50 and older) were enrolled in PAD-SEARCH in Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines from October 2003 to March 2004. The Fukuda vascular profile VS-1000(TM) was used to determine the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). RESULTS: The mean patient age was 63.7 +/- 8.2 years and the mean duration of diabetes was 10.3 +/- 8.0 years. 1,172 (17.7%) subjects were diagnosed as PAD by the ABI (< or = 0.9). Subjects with PAD had a significantly longer duration of diabetes or hypertension, a higher HbA1c level and a significantly lower mean BMI than did the non-PAD subjects. In terms of the lipid profiles, triglyceride was the only significant variable. Notably, the mean ABI and baPWV in the females were significantly poorer than the age matched males for the in subjects with a normal ABI. However, the mean ABI and baPWV in males were significantly poorer than those of the age matched females for the subjects with PAD. On the multivariate analysis, gender, age, BMI, smoking status, duration of diabetes and a previous history of cerebrovascular disease were identified as the independent risk factors of PAD. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that PAD is a common complication in Asian type 2 diabetic patients. Therefore, PAD screening and treatment should be emphasized for Asian diabetic patients with high risk factors.

Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Multiple Thyroid Nodules

PURPOSE: To standardize the number of nodules which necessitates ultrasound-guided, fine-needle, aspiration biopsy in patients who have multiple thyroid nodules with the same sonographic characteristics as each other. MATERIALS and METHODS: From February, 2002 to March, 2004, among patients whose diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasound-guided, fine-needle, aspiration biopsy, 545 nodules of 203 patients were found in sonography with more than two thyroid nodules. Each thyroid gland nodule was classified on a score from 0 to 2 points on the basis of the following 5 characteristics: internal content, margin, echogenicity, shape and calcification in sonography. When the score of all characteristics was the same, by deciding on nodules with the same sonographic char-acteristics and with the score of at least one characteristic being different, we divided the nodules with different sonographic characteristics in a patient. By methods such as given in the preceding descriptions, patients with multiple thyroid nodules were separated into two groups: one in which all nodules had the same sonographic characteristics and another in which nodules have at least one different sonographic characteristic. Then, each pathologic result was searched for the same case and different case in each patient group. RESULTS: Among the 203 patients who were diagnosed with multiple thyroid nodules in ultrasonography, 79 patients (38.9%) had nodules with the same ultrasonographic characteristics and 124 patients (61.1%) had nodules with at least one different ultrasonographic characteristic. All 79 patients' nodules with the same ultrasono-graphic characteristics in each patient showed the same pathologic result in all cases (100.0%) and there was no case showing a different pathologic result. Otherwise, among the 124 patients' nodules with different ultrasono-graphic characteristics, each patient showed the same pathologic result in 111 (89.5%) and different pathologic result in 13 (10.5%). CONCLUSION: In patients who have multiple thyroid nodules, if a patient's nodules have the same sonographic characteristics, we can perform ultrasound-guided, fine-needle, aspiration biopsy about only one nodule and if a patient's nodules have different sonographic characteristics from each other, we must perform the biopsy for all nodules.

A Case of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Presented with Central Diabetes Insipidus / 대한내분비학회지

Langerhans cell histiocytosis can cause central diabetes insipidus. Here, a case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis invading the pituitary stalk was experienced. The patient was 15 years old boy, with complaint of polydipsia and polyuria. A water deprivation test was carried out, and the urine osmolarity was increased from 165 to 469 mosm/kg following an injection of AVP to confirm the diagnosis of central diabetes insipidus. A pituitary function stimulation test gave a normal response. A sellar MRI was performed, which showed a thickened pituitary stalk mass (about 5.7mm), with an increased size, 6.9 mm, on a second MRI 2 month later. A tissue biopsy was performed, which showed aggregates of histiocytes and inflammatory cells, with prominent eosinophils (H&E), and also revealed strong reactivity to anti-CD1a antibody on the immunohistochemistry. After confirmative tissue diagnosis, the patient received radiotherapy (900 cGy). The thickened mass of the pituitary stalk disappeared on the MRI following the radiotherapy. The patient was managed with DDAVP nasal spray, after which the polyuric symptoms were completely relieved.

Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspirations of Thyroid Nodules: Assessment of Nondiagnostic Samples

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency of malignancy among the nondiagnostic specimens by ultrasound-guided, fine needle aspiration (US-FNA) and to analyze the factors which cause the nondiagnostic specimens of thyroid nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected from 425 patients (58 male, 367 female) who underwent US-FNA of the thyroid nodule between February, 2002 and October, 2003. The study included 784 nodules from 425 patients. US-FNA was performed 1 to 3 times by two radiologists using a 10MHz linear probe and a 21-gauge fine needle. The percentage of total nondiagnostic specimens was obtained and the percentage of nondiagnostic specimens according to the thyroid nodule's size and nature was analyzed. Thyroid nodules were classified according to their sizes and natures. The nodules were divided by size as either 1cm or more, or less than 1cm in diameter. Each nodule was classified as cystic (pure cystic), mixed (solid portion of nodule2/3). The percentage of malignancy among nondiagnostic specimens was determined and compared to the malignancy rate among diagnostic specimens. Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical significance. RESULTS: Among the 784 nodules, 95 (12.1%) were nondiagnostic. The percentage of nondiagnostic specimens increased as the cystic content increased (p<0.0001). The malignancy rate of the diagnostic specimens was higher than that of the nondiagnostic specimens, but the difference was not significant. CONCLUSION: The cystic content of each nodule was the only significant predictor of nondiagnostic specimens. There was no significant difference in malignancy rate between nondiagnostic and diagnostic specimens. It is suggested that when evaluating an initially nondiagnostic US-FNA, repetitive US-FNA or follow-up USG should be performed.

A Case of Autosomal Dominant Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus with Renal Failure / 대한신장학회잡지

Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is a rare inherited disorder. The X-linked recessive NDI, most of congenital DI (>90%), has been known to be caused by mutation of the AVPR2 gene. Less than 10% of congenital NDI has an autosomal recessive inheritance and mutations of the AQP2 gene. Although several adult cases of congenital NDI were reported in Korea, all of them had an X-linked recessive inheritance and no azotemia. We have experienced a case of autosomal dominant NDI with renal failure. A 38-year-old man was admitted due to polyuria and polydipsia. In his family, his grandfather, father, three sisters and nieces showed similar symptoms. On admission, serum creatinine level was 4.9 mg/dL and creatinine clearance decreased to 19.9 mL/min. On ultrasonography, both kidneys showed severe hydronephrosis. We performed water deprivation and vasopressin stimulation test, and the result was consistent with NDI. On gene mutational analysis of the two different genes, AVPR2 and AQP2, no specific mutations were found except polymorphism.

Retroperitoneal Duplication Cyst

Gastrointestinal duplication is a rare congenital disorder that can occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract. The most frequent site of duplication is the mesenteric border of the small intestine. Retroperitoneal duplication cysts are extremely rare. Most duplications are diagnosed in neonates or infants, but rarely preoperatively. By the complete excision of a retroperitoneal duplication cyst, a 26 year old male patient, who had suffered from intermittent severe abdominal pain all his life, was successfully treated. Herein, a case of retroperitoneal duplication cyst is reported, with a review of literature.

Differential Diagnosis of Heel Pain in Seronegative Spondyloarthropathy from the Heel Pain Syndrome / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We attempted to differentiate the heel pain in seronegative spondyloarthropathy from that in the posterior heel pain syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty one patients who complained of heel pain were included in this study. The evaluation consisted of history taking, physical examination, roentgenogram, bone scan, and serological tests including ESR, CRP, rheumatoid factor, and HLA-B27. The patients were classified into two groups. Group A consisted of seronegative spondyloarthropathy patients and group B consisted of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and retrocalcaneal bursitis patients. RESULTS: There were 14 patients in group A, and 27 patients in group B. The characteristic clinical features were the following in group A compared with those in group B. The age of patients was younger and males predominated. Also patients complained of a combined metatarsalgia or other joint pain. On the physical examination, tenderness existed on the calcaneal body rather than the bony attachment site of Achilles tendon or plantar fascia. Serologic tests revealed an elevated ESR, and a positive HLA-B27. A bone scan showed diffuse uptake in the calcaneal body and the metatarsophalangeal joint area, and an increased SIS ratio. CONCLUSION: Seronegative spondyloarthropathy should be differentiated in a patient who complains of heel pain.

Assessment of body composition using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry in patients with liver cirrhosis: comparison with anthropometry

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes of body composition in cirrhotic patients. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and anthropometry were used, and the values obtained were compared. METHODS: Mid-arm fat and muscle areas were calculated by anthropometry in 66 cirrhotic patients and 94 healthy controls. In 37 of the cirrhotic patients and 39 of the controls, fat mass, lean soft tissue mass and bone mineral contents were measured with DEXA. RESULTS: The number of cirrhotic patients with measured values below the fifth percentile of normal controls was 21 (31.8%) by mid-arm fat area, six (9.1%) by mid-arm muscle area, 15 (40.5%) by fat mass and 0 (0%) by lean soft tissue mass. The fat mass in cirrhotic patients was less than in controls, whereas lean soft tissue mass and bone mineral content were not different. Fat depletion was severe in Child-class C patients and with severe ascites. Mid-arm fat area and fat mass showed close correlation (r = 0.85, p < 0.01), but mid-arm muscle area and lean soft tissue mass showed poor correlation (r = 0.32, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cirrhotic patients showed lower fat component, with preserved lean soft tissue mass and bone mineral content. In clinical practice, the measurement of mid-arm fat area was useful for the assessment of fat mass.