Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection for Gastric Subepithelial Lesions Arising from the Muscularis Propria

Most cases of gastric subepithelial lesions follow a good clinical course; however, some lesions progress to malignant tumors, and treatment of tumors with a high risk of malignancy is essential. Surgical excision has been the primary treatment for tumors originating from the propria muscle layer, but it has the disadvantages of being invasive and causing postoperative functional abnormalities. With the development of endoscopic techniques and instruments, the role of endoscopic resection, which is a less invasive method for the removal of gastric subepithelial lesions, has been attracting attention. We performed an endoscopic full-thickness resection for 8 patients with gastric subepithelial lesions originating from the muscularis propria. No fatal complications occurred. Our findings suggest the need to develop various devices for resection and closure and to accumulate further experience through additional studies to prevent complications and specimen loss.

Efficacy and Safety of Radiofrequency Ablation Performed by an Endocrinologist for Benign Thyroid Nodules

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Radiofrequency ablation has recently been used for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules, with outstanding results. However, in most studies, the procedure was usually performed by a radiologist or surgeon. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation for nodules >2 cm performed by an endocrinologist with several years of experience performing fine-needle aspiration cytology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 111 patients who received radiofrequency ablation between April 2010 and July 2013. A total of 73 patients with 75 nodules >2 cm in diameter with at least 6 months of follow-up examinations were included. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 11.5 months. The mean nodule volume decreased from 17.0+/-15.3 mL preoperatively to 6.0+/-8.5 mL postoperatively, with a mean volume reduction of 69.7%. There were no major complications, and only 1 patient (1.3%) presented with a minor complication (hemorrhaging of the thyroid parenchyma). CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency ablation is a safe method for reducing benign thyroid nodules, and is not associated with any major complications.

Single Nodular Pulmonary Amyloidosis: Case Report / 결핵및호흡기질환

Amyloidosis is defined as the presence of extra-cellular deposits of an insoluble fibrillar protein, amyloid. The pulmonary involvement of amyloidosis is usually classified as tracheobronchial, parenchymal nodular, or diffuse alveolar septal. A single nodular lesion can mimic various conditions, including malignancy, pulmonary tuberculosis, and fungal infection. To date, only one case of nodular pulmonary amyloidosis has been reported in Korea, a case involving multiple nodular lesions. Here, we report and discuss the case of a patient having single nodular amyloidosis.