Study on the Degree of Oxygen Saturation during Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Using Propofol/Fentanyl with Oxygenation / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Propofol is usually used for anesthesia in the case of day surgery. We studied the effects of propofol plus fentanyl for sedation and the effect of oxygenation during gastroscopy. METHODS: 154 patients who asked conscious sedation during gastroscopy were randomly divided into three groups. The first group (PF-O group, 50 patients) and the second group (PF group, 48 patients) were received an initial bolus dose of propofol (40 mg) plus fentanyl (50 microgram) intravenously, followed by additional doses of propofol at one minute interval until conscious sedation. PF-O group was received preoxygenation (3 L/min) via nasal canula, and PF group was not. The third group (56 patients) received an initial bolus dose of midazolam (3 mg) intravenously, followed by additional doses of midazolam at two minutes interval (M group). RESULTS: In PF-O group, time to achieve sedation, regain orientation, and recover walking ability were 118.0 85.2 sec, 67.5 91.2 sec and 11.1 5.3 min. Gag reflex during the procedure was absent or nearly absent in 96% of patients. Despite the changes of blood pressure and heart rate compared to the values taken prior to the procedures were observed, all values were not clinically significant. In PF-O group, transient oxygen desaturation (SaO2<90%) was observed in four (8.0%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol plus fentanyl with oxygenation seems to be more acceptable and suitable method for sedation during outpatient gastroscopic examination.

Clinical Characteristics of Non-B, Non-C Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Detection of HBV, HCV and TTV Viremia / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: About 15% of Korean hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are negative both of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) in their sera. They can be classified as a non-B, non-C hepatocellular carcinoma group (NBNC group). The aims of our study were, firstly, to describe the clinical characteristics of Korean NBNC HCC and compare them with those of HBsAg-positive HCC (HBV group) and anti-HCV-positive HCC (HCV group). Secondly we wanted to assess the frequency of viremia of HBV, HCV and transfusion-transmitted virus (TTV) in NBNC HCC patients. METHODS: We prospectively collected clinical data and sera from 113 NBNC HCC patients and performed PCR for HBV DNA, HCV RNA and TTV DNA. We also collected clinical data from 125 HBsAg-positive HCC patients and 61 anti-HCV-positive HCC patients during a similar period. RESULTS: The mean age of the NBNC HCC group was 59 years, in-between that of the HBV and the HCV groups. A History of heavy alcohol drinking was found in 48% of the NBNC HCC group. This was significantly higher than that of the HBV group, but similar to that of the HCV group. Serum alphaFP level in the NBNC HCC group was more frequently in the normal range compared to that in the HBV and HCV groups. The detection rates of HBV DNA, HCV RNA and TTV DNA in the NBNC HCC group were 17%, 13%, and 67% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The NBNC HCC patients seemed to comprise a heterogeneous group of various etiologies and clinical presentations. About one third of these patients displayed evidence of viremia of HBV or HCV.

Effectiveness of Flumazenil against Midazolam as Premedication for Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Midazolam is utilized as a premedication for uppoer gastrointestinal endoscopy. Midazolam has a more rapid onset of reaction than that of diazepam and its duration is shorter. But the Consciousness of premedicated patients has not been regained sooner. The Purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of flumazenil against midazolam as premedication for upper gastrointesinal endoscopy. METHODS: Sixty patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. These patients were divided to three groups: Group I included twenty patients without premedication; Group II Included twenty patients with premedication of midazolam and then were not given an antisedative agent excluign of normal saline; and Group III included the others with midazolam and flumazenil as an antisedative agent. RESULTS: There was no change in vital signs after midazolam and flumazenil as an antisedative agent. RESULTS: There was no change in vital signs after midazolam injection, compared with presedation value. Modified Steward Coma Scale showed a significant increase after flumazenil injection as an antagonist of midazolam. The assessment of the endoscopist and the comfort of patients were satisfactory. When the 40 patients were asked about their willingness to undergo the same procedure in the future, thirty-four patients responded favorably. CONCLUSION: Midazolam was safe and effective for sedation for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. There was rapid regaining of consciousness with flumazenil indection after midazolam, so the use of flumazenil against midazolam injection also appeared to be effective.

A Case of a Gastric Submucosal Lymphatic Cyst Associated with Early Gastric Cancer / 대한소화기내시경학회지

A lymphatic cyst of the stomach is rare benign tumor which is composed of thin-walled lymphatic space lined by benign-appearing endothelial cells. It rarely manifests clinical symptoms, so it is found incidentally in most cases. Recently, a case of submucosal lymphatic cyst associated with early gastric cancer was experienced. An endoscopy revealed a slightly elevated, edematous lesion adjacent to the malignant ulcer. This case is herein reported with a brief review of related literature.

Plaque Morphology in Acute Coronary Syndrome: An Intravascular Ultrasound Study

BACKGROUND: Plaque rupture of the atherosclerotic plaque is an important pathophysiologic mechanism of acute coronary syndrorne(acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina). Plaque rupture and resulting thrombus formation could be identified by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), even though the sensitivity was variable in previous reports. We sought to know the morphologic characteristics, incidence of plaque rupture and thrombus formation by ultrasound in patients with acute coronary syndrome. METHOD: Between April and Septernber 1997, 23 admitted patients who was diagnosed as unstable angina or acute rnyocardial infarction was included. We performed coronary angiography with IVUS examination within 2 weeks. Atherosclerotic plaque was classified into soft, fibrous, calcific, and mixed plaque, and plaque rupture was defined as rupture of fibrous cap with discontinuity and / or backflow into plaque. Thrombus was defined as a scintillating, movable mass or layering materials that could be distinguished from underlying plaque. RESULTS: Most of the plaques were soft and mixed types(14 and 6, out of 23 cases). Plaque rupture could be identified only in small portion(6 cases, 26%) of the cases. Thrombus was noted in 12 cases(52%). 4 cases showed both plaque rupture and thrombus. CONCLUSION: Soft plaque is the most frequent plaque pye in acute coronary syndrome. IVUS is a useful tool to identify the morphologic features of the plaque such as rupture and thrombus formation.

A Case of Hypertension Secondary to Paraganglioma of the Posterior Mediastinum

The familial form in primary pulmonary hypertension is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait and is associated with a pattern of "genetic anticipation", a worsening of disease in subsequent generation, manifestated by greater severity or earlier onset. Familial primary pulmonary hypertension acounted for 6 percent of the 187 cases in the NIH registry. But, there is no reported case on Korea. We report on 25 years old woman who had PPH presenting with exertional dyspnea and dry coughing during second baby pregnancy and whose brother dies of PPH in other Hospital. Her simple chest X ray, 2-D Echocardiography, pulmonary angiogram and cardiac catheterization findings were compatible with typical primary pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary function test was normal and perfuion lung scan had no evidence of pulmonary thromboembolism. There was no evidence of connective tissue diseases including SLE, RA, polymyositis and dermatomyositis and so on in the laboratory findings. Her younger brother had been admitted to other hospital due to aggravation of dyspnea, progressing slowly for 3 years and his case diagnosed as PPH through echocardiography, cardiac catheterrization, open lung biopsy and so on.