The Characteristics and Prognosis of Diffuse-Type Early Gastric Cancer Diagnosed during Health Check-Ups

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Because of the poor prognosis of diffuse-type gastric cancer, early detection is important. We investigated the clinical characteristics and prognosis of diffuse-type early gastric cancer (EGC) diagnosed in subjects during health check-ups. METHODS: Among 121,111 subjects who underwent gastroscopy during a routine health check-up, we identified 282 patients with 286 EGC lesions and reviewed their clinical and tumor-specific parameters. RESULTS: Patients with diffuse-type EGC were younger, and 48.1% of them were female. Serum anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG (Hp-IgG) was positive in 90.7% of diffuse-type EGC patients (vs 75.9% of intestinal-type EGC, p=0.002), and the proportion of diffuse-type EGC cases increased significantly with increasing Hp-IgG serum titers (p < 0.001). Diffuse-type EGC had pale discolorations on the tumor surface (26.4% vs 4.0% in intestinal-type EGC, p < 0.001) and were often located in the middle third of the stomach. Submucosal invasion or regional nodal metastasis was observed more commonly in patients with diffuse-type EGC. However, during the median follow-up period of 50 months, 5-year disease-free survival rates did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Diffuse-type EGC shows different clinical and endoscopic characteristics. Diffuse-type EGC is more closely associated with Hp-IgG seropositivity and a higher serum titer. Early detection results in excellent prognosis.

Anterior Diabetic Retinopathy Studied by Ultra-widefield Angiography

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of anterior type diabetic retinopathy (DR) using ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography and to identify the factors associated with anterior type DR incidence. METHODS: A retrospective case review was used in this study. Patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) underwent examination by ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography, and were classified into anterior, posterior, or diffuse DR groups. Anterior DR was defined if diabetic retinal changes were noted only at the location anterior to the imaginary circle bordered by the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study seven-standard fields. Correlations between demographic data, as well as systemic and ocular factors, and the incidence of NPDR types were evaluated. RESULTS: Among the 234 eyes of 234 patients with NPDR, 25 eyes (10.7%) demonstrated anterior DR. Anterior DR was observed in 10 eyes (30.3%) of patients having mild NPDR, three eyes (4.8%) of moderate NPDR patients, and in 12 eyes (7.1%) of severe NPDR patients (p < 0.001). The incidence of anterior DR positively correlated with lower hemoglobin A1c levels and with greater high-density lipoprotein levels following multiple logistic regression analysis (p < 0.001). The mean hemoglobin A1c level was 7.03 ± 0.99% in anterior DR, 7.99 ± 1.74% in posterior DR, and 7.94 ± 1.39% in diffuse DR patients (p = 0.003). The mean high-density lipoprotein level was 51.2 ± 12.5 mg/dL in anterior, 49.7 ± 15.2 mg/dL in posterior, and 45.2 ± 13.1 mg/dL in diffuse DR patients (p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic retinal changes confined to an anterior location were more frequently noted in earlier stages of NPDR. The incidence of DR sparing posterior retinal involvement was related to favorable blood sugar and lipid profiles.

Dacryocystographic Findings in Unilateral Epiphora with Patent Lacrimal Drainage System

PURPOSE: To evaluate the morphologic change in the lacrimal drainage system using dacryocystography in patients with unilateral epiphora with patent lacrimal drainage system. METHODS: Clinical records of patients referred to our clinic for epiphora between October 2007 and August 2011 were reviewed. The study group included 38 patients who had symptoms of unilateral epiphora with patent lacrimal drainage system. The studied patients included 10 males and 28 females with ages varying between 24 and 72 years. RESULTS: Abnormal dacryocystographic findings in the tearing eye were 78.9% and abnormal dacryocystographic findings in the asymptomatic eye were 47.4%. Common abnormal findings included distal nasolacrimal duct stenosis, distal nasolacrimal duct dilatation and nasolacrimal sac dilatation. CONCLUSIONS: In many cases, morphologic change in the lacrimal drainage system was observed in patients with unilateral epiphora with patent lacrimal drainage system. Dacryocystographic findings may contribute in devising a treatment plan for these patients.

Eccrine Ductal Carcinoma Arising in the Eyelid

PURPOSE: Eccrine ductal carcinoma is an extremely rare tumor that arises in the eccrine sweat glands. The authors of the present study describe a case of an eyelid mass diagnosed as eccrine ductal carcinoma. CASE SUMMARY: A 74-year-old woman visited our institute with a 3-month history of a mass in the left medial canthus. The lesion appeared as a solitary nodule with central ulceration. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the orbit showed a relatively well enhanced 0.8 cm x 0.8 cm-sized ovoid soft tissue mass. A mass excision was performed under frozen section control. The tumor was completely excised with margin clearance and medial canthal reconstruction was performed. Histopathological examination revealed a tumor composed of numerous duct-like structures lined with pleomorphic cuboidal epithelium that was diagnosed as eccrine ductal carcinoma of the eyelid. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first description of eccrine ductal carcinoma in a patient in Korea. The possibility of the eccrine ductal carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis in an elderly patient with an eyelid mass.

Lattice Corneal Dystrophy, Gelsolin Type: The First Case Report in Korea

PURPOSE: To report the first case of lattice corneal dystrophy, gelsolin type in Korea. CASE SUMMARY: A 61-year-old man visited our clinic with severe dry eye symptom in both eyes. Clinical examination revealed in both eyes a visual acuity of 0.7 without correction and intraocular pressure of 18 mm Hg. On slit-lamp examination, both corneas had scattered lattice lines at various depths within the stroma with punctate epithelial erosions. The patient had characteristic features of Meretoja syndrome, including cranial neuropathy characterized by dermatochalasis and facial weakness, and was positive for the gelsolin mutation according to DNA analysis. This is the first description of a patient with lattice corneal dystrophy, gelsolin type in Korea. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first description of a patient with lattice corneal dystrophy, gelsolin type in Korea and demonstrates the importance of recognizing the systemic and ophthalmic features for appropriate management of the condition.

Optic Disc Atrophy in Patient with Posner-Schlossman Syndrome

A 32-year-old man with blurred vision in the right eye and headache presented with anterior uveitis, an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 60 mmHg, an open angle, no visual field defects, and normal optic nerve. He had a history of five previous similar attacks. In each of the previous instances, his anterior uveitis and high IOP were controlled with antiglaucoma medications and topical steroids. However, at the fifth attack, his optic disc was pale and a superior paracentral visual field defect was shown. Brain magnetic resonance image studies were normal. This case represents that a recurrent Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS)-induced optic disc atrophy likely due to ocular ischemia caused by a recurrent, high IOP. Although PSS is a self-limiting syndrome, we should manage high IOP and prevent ischemia of the optic nerve head by treating with ocular antihypertensive medications.

A case of anorexia Nervosa complicated by Pneumomediastinum and Retropneumoperitoneum / 대한내과학회지

Since anorexia nervosa is a multi-systemic disorder, as well as a psychiatric disorder, it needs a multidisciplinary approach. It causes many medical problems, including irregular menstruation, hematologic problems, decreased bone density, electrolyte imbalance, and dysrhythmias. Sometimes, this disorder also causes rare, unexpected complications, including abnormal air collections, such as pneumomediastinum, retropneumoperitoneum, or subcutaneous emphysema. The cause of these phenomena is unknown, although fragile parenchymal tissue that is disrupted easily when the local pressure is increased by coughing, vomiting, or defecation is a suggested cause. We experienced a case of anorexia nervosa complicated with abnormal air collections. After we excluded other possible causes, such as perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, and ordered the patient to undergo a short fast and inhale oxygen, the abnormal air collections resolved. We report this case because of its rarity and benign course.

Combined endoscopic sphincterotomy and large balloon sphincteroplasty for bile duct stones / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: The combined use of small endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) followed by endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) might be associated with a lower incidence of procedure-related complications such as pancreatitis, bleeding or perforation, compared to the use of EPLBD or a large EST alone. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the utility of a combined EST and EPLBD method for the removal of common bile duct (CBD) stones that could not be extracted by use of an EST and conventional techniques. METHODS: Between March 2005 and September 2006, a total of 35 patients with CBD stones were enrolled. Fourteen patients had received a previous EST, and 21 patients underwent an EST. The sphincterotomy site was then dilated with a 12~18 mm diameter balloon. RESULTS: The average number of stones was 3.6+/-2.9 (range: 110). The average maximum stone diameter was 26.11+/-8.88 mm (range: 12~50 mm). Complete stone removal was accomplished in 31 patients (88.6%). In 9 patients (25.7%), a mechanical lithotripsy was required. No episode of true pancreatitis occurred. A procedure-related perforation occurred in one patient (2.8%) and the patient was treated with NPO and antibiotics. No procedure-related bleeding or mortality was observed. The procedure was performed safely in 9 patients (25.7%) with a periampullary diverticulum and in 14 patients (40.0%) with a previous EST. CONCLUSIONS: Combined EST and EPLBD may be a safe and effective method, and may be a good alternative treatment for removing CBD stones that cannot be extracted by an EST and conventional techniques. However, prospective studies based on a large number of patients are needed.

A Case of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Transformed from a Duodenal Low Grade MALT Lymphoma / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Duodenal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a very rare neoplasm. We report here a case of a 67-year-old woman with a diffuse large B cell lymphoma arising in a low grade MALT lymphoma in the duodenal bulb. She was asymptomatic and on a general health evaluation an upper endoscopy showed an extensive erosive lesion on the duodenal bulb. The biopsy specimen showed lymphocyte infiltration with lymphoepithelial lesions suggesting a low grade MALT lymphoma. A second upper endoscopy with biopsy discovered a focal diffuse large B cell lymphoma in the background of a low grade MALT lymphoma. A meticulous staging work-up revealed that the lymphoma was confined to the duodenum and regional lymph nodes. Finally, the patient was diagnosed as having a diffuse large B cell lymphoma transformed from a duodenal low grade MALT lymphoma. The patient was undergoing combination chemotherapy including the use of an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody.

A Case of Anomalous Drainage of the Common Bile Duct into the Duodenal Bulb Presenting with Obstructive Jaundice / 대한소화기내시경학회지

The common bile duct classically enters the posteromedial aspect of the second part of the duodenum through an oblique, 1 to 2 cm long intramural tunnel. Some case reports of the common bile duct emptying into other sites including the fourth part of the duodenum, the pyloric canal, stomach and duodenal bulb have appeared in the literature. We report a case of a 40-year-old man who showed anomalous drainage of the common bile duct into the duodenal bulb presenting with obstructive jaundice and duodenal ulcer. This patient required choledochoenteric anastomosis to relieve obstructive jaundice and abdominal pain. We report the case with a review of other cases in Korean literature.

A Case of Asymptomatic, Anicteric Early-stage Intrahepatic Ductal Cholangiocarcinoma / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Asymptomatic intrahepatic early-stage bile duct carcinoma without jaundice is difficult to diagnose because it does not have any characteristic clinical signs and symptoms. The clinical implication of early-stage intrahepatic ductal cholangiocarcinoma is great, because it allows curative resection and excellent long-term survival. Recently we experienced early-stage intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma which was incidentally detected by a clue of elevated serum alkaline phosphatase and gamma-GT without jaundice and any symptoms. Abdominal US showed focal intrahepatic bile duct dilatation. ERCP could not demonstrate the lesion, while MRCP revealed the obstructed duct (S6) with proximal dilatation. For evaluation of a focal intrahepatic stricture, PTCS examination and biopsy were done. With the help of MRCP and PTCS, the lesion was diagnosed as papillary adenocarcinoma preoperatively. The patient was underwent right liver lobectomy and confirmed early-stage intrahepatic ductal adenocarcinoma and she is well-being without cancer recurrence for a follow-up period of 1 year.

A Case of Salmonella paratyphi Infection Manifested as Duodenal and Terminal Ileal Ulcers / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Infection due to Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi is called enteric fever which is manifested by fever, abdominal pain, and intermittently other gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Although Salmonella species may invade any site of the gastrointestinal tract, it usually invades terminal ileum. The pathologic manifestation of salmonellosis may vary from nonspecific mucosal change (erythema, edema, ulceration etc.) of invaded site to intestinal perforation or hemorrhage. However, the report of upper gastrointestinal invasion by Salmonella species is rare, and confirmation by tissue culture is difficult because gastric acid and the normal propulsive peristaltic flow of the small bowel help to limit the bacterial populations of the upper gastrointestinal tract. We report here a case of Salmonella paratyphi infection proven by tissue culture in a 26-year-old man who presented with fever and watery diarrhea and was found to have multiple duodenal and terminal ileal ulcers.