Open-heart surgery using Del-Nido cardioplegia in two dogs: partial atrioventricular septal defect and mitral repair

Del-Nido cardioplegia (DNc) is a single-dose cardioplegia that is widely used in human medicine because of its long duration. In this report, we describe two cases of open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) using DNc. One dog was diagnosed with partial atrioventricular septal defect, and the other dog was diagnosed with myxomatous mitral valve disease stage D. Both dogs were treated with open-heart surgery with DNc to induce temporary cardiac arrest. No complications from DNc were observed, and the patients were discharged. Veterinary heart surgeons should consider DNc as an option for temporary cardiac arrest during open-heart surgery with CPB.

Surgical Outcomes of Congenital Superior Oblique Muscle Palsy Operated in Adulthood

Purpose@#To investigate the outcomes of patients who underwent surgical correction of congenital superior oblique muscle paralysis in adulthood. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 35 patients who underwent surgical correction of congenital superior oblique muscle paralysis after the age of 18 years. At the final follow-up, success was defined as residual hypertropia < 4 prism diopters (PD), whereas failure was defined as residual hypertropia ≥ 5 PD or overcorrection. Clinical features were compared between the success and failure groups to identify factors affecting the surgical outcome. At the final follow-up, the resolution of symptoms, such as head tilt and diplopia, was also recorded. @*Results@#Of the 35 patients, 24 (68.6%) and 11 (31.4%) were classified into the success and failure groups, respectively. Preoperative vertical deviation was larger in the failure group compared to the success group (23.1 vs. 15.2 PD, respectively; p < 0.05). Of the 31 patients with preoperative head tilt, head tilt resolved in 29 (93.5%). Of the 19 patients with diplopia, it resolved in all except 1 who was overcorrected. @*Conclusions@#The preoperative vertical angle of the superior oblique muscle may affect the outcome of surgery performed in adulthood for correcting congenital superior oblique paralysis. Head tilt, diplopia, and subjective symptoms are typically resolved postoperatively.

Safety and Efficacy of Intravenous Thrombolysis in the 3- to 4.5-hour Window in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Who Have Both Diabetes Mellitus and History of Prior Stroke

Background@#For acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with history of prior stroke (PS) and diabetes mellitus (DM), intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) therapy in the 3- to 4.5-hour window is off-label in Korea. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of IV-tPA in these patients. @*Methods@#Using data from a prospective multicenter stroke registry between January 2009 and March 2021, we identified AIS patients who received IV-tPA in the 3- to 4.5-hour window, and compared the outcomes of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH), 3-month mortality, 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0-1 and 3-month mRS distribution between patients with both PS and DM (PS/DM, n=56) versus those with neither PS nor DM, or with only one (non-PS/DM, n=927). @*Results@#The PS/DM group versus the non-PS/DM group was more likely to have a prior disability, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease and less likely to have atrial fibrillation. The PS/DM and the non-PS/DM groups had comparable rates of SICH (0% vs. 1.7%; p>0.999) and 3-month mortality (10.7% vs. 10.2%; p=0.9112). The rate of 3-month mRS 0-1 was non-significantly lower in the PS/DM group than in the non-PS/DM group (30.4% vs. 40.7%; adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.81 [0.41-1.59]). @*Conclusions@#In the 3- to 4.5-hour window, AIS patients with PS/DM, as compared to those with non-PS/DM, might benefit less from IV-tPA. However, given the similar risks of SICH and mortality, IV-tPA in the late time window could be considered in patients with both PS and DM.

Feasibility of Establishing a Stroke Care System through the Acute Stroke Hotline in Busan Metropolitan Area

Background@#The importance of establishing a regional stroke safety net for the treatment of acute stroke is increasingly emphasized. In this study, we analyzed effectiveness of transferring the suspected acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients through the 1899-0215 hotline system from 119 ambulances and nearby hospitals. @*Methods@#From July 2015 to July 2022, we analyzed data from 632 suspected acute stroke patients through the hotline. Furthermore, we investigated the proportion of patients in the target population who were eligible for reperfusion therapy and compared cases transferred by 119 emergency services (EMS) with those transferred from nearby hospitals. @*Results@#Six hundred thirty-two suspected acute stroke patients were transferred to our stroke center through the 1899-0215 hotline system. The accuracy of diagnosing acute stroke among transferred patients is 81.0% for 119 EMS and 80.5% for cases transferred from nearby hospitals. Of the 200 patients transferred from hospitals, they were transferred from 47 nearby hospitals with an average transfer distance of 38.2 km and an average transfer time of 65 minutes. Among 291 patients diagnosed with AIS, The onset-to-door time was significantly shorter (p<0.01) for patients transferred by 119 EMS. The proportion of patients who received reperfusion therapy was significantly higher (p<0.01) for those transferred by 119 EMS. @*Conclusions@#The hotline service will become a useful tool for establishing a regional stroke network in the Busan area, and its effectiveness will be particularly useful for 119 EMS. Measures are needed in the Busan metropolitan region to ensure the speediness of transferring acute stroke patients between hospitals.

Post-recovery Stress, Anxiety, Depression in early and late COVID-19Pandemic / 의료커뮤니케이션

Purpose@#: People who recovered from the COVID-19 complain of psychological symptoms such as stress, anxiety, and depression by psycho-social stress due to social labelling in the early stage of the epidemic. Stress, depression, anxiety, and degree of stress were compared between those recovered from early infection and those recovered from late infection. @*Methods@#: The ‘Perceived Stress Scale’ and ‘Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale’ was compared for patients recovering from early (February-May 2020) infection (n=20) and patients recovering from two years later (March-April 2022) infection (n=21). @*Results@#: The median age of patients recovering from early/late illness was 51.3/46.1 years. The average score of the perceived stress scale was higher in the early period(19.6±6.52), compare to late period(15.3±6.49), and severe stress was more common in early period(40%) compare to late period(14%). The average score of hospital anxiety and depression were significantly higher in early period(15.4±5.45), compare to late period(9.6±5.44). The average score of the anxiety domain was significantly higher in the early period(6.6±3.25) than late period(4.7±2.96), and severe anxiety(8point~) was more common in early period(45%) compare to late period(9.5%). The average score in depression domain was higher in the early period(8.4±3.86) than late period(6.1±3.21), and the severe depression(8point~) was more common in early period(70%) compare to late period(19%). @*Conclusion@#: Those who recovered after early stages of the COVID-19 epidemic showed significantly higher levels of stress perception, anxiety, and depression than patients in the late stages of the epidemic two years later.

Successful mitral repair in dogs by mitral annuloplasty using Hegar dilator: two case reports

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the most common heart disease in small-breed dogs. Mitral repair, which comprise artificial chorda tendineae implantation and mitral annuloplasty, has become the mainstay of treatment in the veterinary field. We report on two small dogs who underwent mitral repair surgery for MR. A Hegar dilator was used during mitral annuloplasty for accurate and reproducible surgery. In both cases, mitral regurgitant flow almost disappeared after surgery, and clinical signs improved. The treatment regimen was terminated 3 months after the surgery. We concluded that using a Hegar dilator may facilitate mitral valve repair surgery.

2022 Update of the Korean Clinical Practice Guidelines for Stroke: Antithrombotic Therapy for Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack / 대한뇌졸중학회지

Antithrombotic therapy is a cornerstone of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) management and secondary stroke prevention. Since the first version of the Korean Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for stroke was issued in 2009, significant progress has been made in antithrombotic therapy for patients with AIS, including dual antiplatelet therapy in acute minor ischemic stroke or high-risk transient ischemic stroke and early oral anticoagulation in AIS with atrial fibrillation. The evidence is widely accepted by stroke experts and has changed clinical practice. Accordingly, the CPG Committee of the Korean Stroke Society (KSS) decided to update the Korean Stroke CPG for antithrombotic therapy for AIS. The writing members of the CPG committee of the KSS reviewed recent evidence, including clinical trials and relevant literature, and revised recommendations. A total of 35 experts were invited from the KSS to reach a consensus on the revised recommendations. The current guideline update aims to assist healthcare providers in making well-informed decisions and improving the quality of acute stroke care. However, the ultimate treatment decision should be made using a holistic approach, considering the specific medical conditions of individual patients.

Pseudohyperkalemia after total splenectomy in a dog: a case report

A 16-year-old, 7.4 kg, castrated male Cocker Spaniel presenting anorexia and weight loss was referred due to a splenic mass, and total splenectomy was performed to resolve clinical signs. Following surgery, the dog developed mild hyperkalemia (6.27 mmol/L) without any clinical symptoms. Further investigations were conducted to determine the cause of hyperkalemia. The serum-plasma potassium difference was measured (1.05 mmol/L), and pseudohyperkalemia was diagnosed. The cause of pseudohyperkalemia was considered as thrombocytosis after splenectomy. The dog did not receive any specific treatment to lower blood potassium. To our knowledge, we report the first case of post-splenectomy pseudohyperkalemia in a dog.

Hypertensive Brainstem Encephalopathy Combined with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a clinicoradiological syndrome characterized by a unique reversible pattern on imaging and total regression of clinical symptoms and signs. Hypertensive brainstem encephalopathy (HBE), a brainstem variant of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, is rare. In addition, a concomitant occurrence of acute ischemic stroke and HBE is even more rare. We here report three patients with HBE accompanied by acute cerebral infarction detected by brain magnetic resonance imaging and the importance of initial blood pressure control.

Risk of Subsequent Events in Patients With Minor Ischemic Stroke or HighRisk Transient Ischemic Attack

This study aimed to present the prognosis after minor acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA), using a definition of subsequent stroke in accordance with recent clinical trials. In total, 9,506 patients with minor AIS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≤ 5) or high-risk TIA (acute lesions or ≥ 50% cerebral artery steno-occlusion) admitted between November 2010 and October 2013 were included. The primary outcome was the composite of stroke (progression of initial event or a subsequent event) and all-cause mortality. The cumulative incidence of stroke or death was 11.2% at 1 month, 13.3% at 3 months and 16.7% at 1 year. Incidence rate of stroke or death in the first month was 12.5 per 100 person-months: highest in patients with large artery atherosclerosis (17.0). The risk of subsequent events shortly after a minor AIS or high-risk TIA was substantial, particularly in patients with large artery atherosclerosis.

Prevalence and Clinical Features of Sagging Eye Syndrome in Korean Patients

Purpose@#To retrospectively analyze the relative frequency and describe the clinical features of sagging eye syndrome in Korean patients from a single center. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients with diplopia, aged over 40 years, who visited Chosun University Hospital from January 2018 to December 2020. The relative frequency of sagging eye syndrome was examined by classifying the cause of diplopia. Clinical features, such as age, sex, strabismus type, angle of deviation, treatment method, and prognosis were evaluated. @*Results@#A total of 128 patients were identified, of which 23 (18%) were diagnosed with sagging eye syndrome, including 12 male patients (52.2%) and 11 female patients (47.9%). Their mean age was 74.6 ± 7.6 years (range, 61–89 years), and all patients were over 60 years. Among the 62 patients with diplopia and age over 60 years, the relative frequency of sagging eye syndrome was 23 (37.1%), the highest among all age groups. Among the 23 patients with sagging eye syndrome, nine patients (39.1%) had only distance esotropia, with a mean distance esotropia value of 10.1 ± 8.6 prism diopters (PD) (range, 4–25 PD) at the first visit; nine patients (39.1%) had a combination of esotropia and vertical strabismus, with a mean esotropia value of 6.2 ± 4.8 PD (range, 2–12 PD) and a vertical angle of 4.7± 3.2 PD (range, 2–10 PD); and five patients (21.7%) had only vertical strabismus, with an average vertical strabismus angle of 3.3 ± 1.6 PD (range, 4–8 PD). Furthermore, 17 out of 23 patients (73.9%) used prism glasses, in whom the symptoms of diplopia disappeared. Finally, only three patients (13.0%) underwent surgery. @*Conclusions@#Sagging eye syndrome in Korean patients was identified in those over 60 years with a similar male-to-female ratio. Moreover, nonsurgical treatments, such as prism glasses, largely helped relieve the symptoms of sagging eye syndrome.

Association between Skipping Breakfast and Overweight in Korean Adolescents: Analysis of the 13th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey / 계명의대학술지

In Korea, skipping breakfast is of concern as an unhealthy dietary habit. While the relationship between skipping breakfast and overweight and obesity has been established in children and adolescents in Europe, studies on this topic in Korean adolescents are scarce. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and skipping breakfast in Korean adolescents. Data from the 13th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (2017) were analyzed. This anonymous, self-administered online questionnaire examined health behaviors including smoking, drinking, obesity, eating habits, sleep duration, and physical activity in Korean youth. Questions included those on general characteristics, such as economic status, parental education level, etc. This study included data from 56,933 adolescents aged 12–18 years. Skipping breakfast was defined as consuming breakfast fewer than five times per week. BMI, health behaviors, and general characteristics were compared between the breakfast-skipping and control groups. The skipping-breakfast and control groups comprised 25,836 (45.4%) and 31,097 (54.6%) subjects, respectively. BMI was significantly higher in the breakfast-skipping group than that in the control group (21.6 ± 3.24 kg/m2 vs. 21.4 ± 3.26 kg/m2, p < 0.001). Among the normal-weight and overweight groups, 44.9% and 47.3% skipped breakfast, respectively (p < 0.001). After adjusting for health behaviors and general characteristics, the risk of overweight was higher in those who skipped breakfast than that in the control group (odds ratio; 1.125, 95% confidence interval; 1.077–1.176).Skipping breakfast was related to overweight in Korean adolescents. Therefore, longitudinal research is needed to determine whether skipping breakfast is associated with overweight.

The Development of Evaluation Methods for Outcomes in Medical Humanities Curriculum of a Medical School / 계명의대학술지

This study was performed to select the proper assessing methods for learning outcomes in undergraduate education of medical humanities (MH), and to evaluate whether student assessments in MH curricula are related to the graduate outcomes (GO)and/or periodic phase outcomes (PO). We searched the reasonable assessing methods for GO and PO of MH curricula of Keimyung University School of Medicine (KUSM). The outcomes are composed of six competencies including patient care, communication, patient support, professionalism, problem solving and research, and self-development. Then, we analyzed whether student assessments carried out during formal MH curricula properly achieved their PO, furthermore their GO. Four competencies including communication, patient support, professionalism, self-development were lightened to be closely related to outcomes for MH. Only the component of problem solving was settled to be related to MH in the competency of problem solving and research. The competency of patient care was excluded from the relationship with MH. The assessing methods for the GO and three PO recommended from educational experts, and there were various available assessing methods based on medical situations and clinical contexts including direct observation of clinical skills, 360 degree feedback, peer review, self-assessment, project-based assessment, portfolio-based assessment, discussion & presentation-based assessment, log-based assessment. For the outcome-achieving from formal MH curricula, the MH programs of phase-1 (1st and 2nd grades) almost accomplished the PO of communication, patient supporting and professionalism, and considerably accomplished the PO of problem solving and self-development. The MH programs of phase-2 (3rd and 4th grades) accomplished considerably their PO as the competencies of professionalism and problem solving, and partially as communication, patient supporting and self-development. However, as only one program, public health law, was provided for MH program in phase-3 (5th and 6th grades), the extra methods to evaluate their MH outcomes are needed. Many assessing methods can be available for the most MH competencies consisting of the GO of KUSM, and the proper assessing methods for each MH competency should be selected based on programs and learning contexts in MH education. While formal MH curricula of the school variously accomplished the MH competencies of GO according to periodic phases of curricula, it is recommended to enhance the feasibility and effectiveness of evaluation for GO in MH curricula of the school.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine / 계명의대학술지

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination is necessary to prevent infection, morbidity, and mortality. In addition to the usual post-inoculation hypersensitivity reactions including headaches, muscle and joint pain, and fever, especially after the second shot, the mRNA vaccine has risk of inflammation in the heart and heart lining of some recipients, mostly younger people. And the adenovirus vector vaccine can induce rare immune thrombocytopenia. Vaccination should be encouraged according to the information about the effectiveness and safety in individual situation.

Analysis of Early Neuroimaging Results in Patients with Acute Isolated Ocular Motor Nerve Palsy

Purpose@#To evaluate the efficacy of early neuroimaging in patients with acute isolated 3rd, 4th, and 6th nerve palsy. @*Methods@#Neuroimaging tests were performed in patients >50 years old with acute isolated 3rd, 4th, and 6th nerve palsy. The frequencies and types of abnormal findings were evaluated. All patients were divided into ischemic and non-ischemic groups and differences in clinical characteristics between groups were analyzed. @*Results@#Of the 55 patients, nine (16.4%) had abnormal findings on brain imaging. Among 26 patients with 6th nerve palsy, four (15.4%) were found to have a cause including brain tumor, cerebrovascular compression, carotid cavernous fistula. Superior oblique muscle atrophy was found in two of 19 patients (10.5%) with 4th nerve palsy. Three of 10 patients (30%) with 3rd nerve palsy had abnormal findings and there were cases of pituitary apoplexy, posterior communicating, and cerebrovascular compression. @*Conclusions@#In patients with acute isolated oculomotor paralysis, early neuroimaging tests play an important role in differential diagnosis and evaluation of causes that may lead to mortality.

Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome Presenting as Cluster-Like Headache

A 48-year-old man came with a left-sided headache that was compatible with diagnostic criteria of cluster headache. Left oculomotor nerve palsy developed 2 weeks after headache onset. Magnetic resonance imaging showed wall thickening and enhancement by contrast material in the lateral aspect of the left cavernous sinus, consistent with a possible inflammatory lesion. The patient reported the almost complete remission of the pain and diplopia after steroid therapy. We speculate that Tolosa-Hunt syndrome should be included as a cause of cluster-like headaches.

Waist-to-Height Ratio as an Index for Screening Lifestyle-Related Diseases in Overweight Adults / 계명의대학술지

Central obesity carries more metabolic risks compared with total obesity assessed by Body mass index (BMI). Also, there’s paradoxical relationship between BMI and all-cause mortality in overweight group (23 kg/㎡ ≤ BMI < 25 kg/㎡). The aim of this study is to assess relationship between waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and lifestyle-related diseases such as metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes in overweight group, and to find the most predictable and useful obesity index for screening lifestyle-related diseases.A total of 3,994 overweight (23 kg/㎡ ≤ BMI < 25 kg/㎡) adults from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013-2015 (KNHANES VI) were included. We assessed the relationship between WHtR and metabolic syndrome components using multiple regression analysis, and assessed the relationship between abdominal obesity (WHtR ≥ 0.5) and lifestyle-related diseases using complex samples logistic regression analysis. Also, to find the most useful index to predict lifestyle-related diseases, we calculated the areas under the Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.WHtR was significantly related to metabolic syndrome components. Odds ratios of metabolic syndrome, hypertension and type 2 diabetes were 2.187, 1.445, 2.463 in abdominal obese group (WHtR ≥ 0.5), respectively. Area under the curve of WHtR was the most significantly highest among those of obesity indices.WHtR is a simple and useful obesity index to predict lifestyle-related diseases in overweight Korean adults. Further investigations for other obesity indices are needed to predict lifestyle-related diseases better.

Waist-to-Height Ratio as an Index for Screening Lifestyle-Related Diseases in Overweight Adults / 계명의대학술지

Central obesity carries more metabolic risks compared with total obesity assessed by Body mass index (BMI). Also, there’s paradoxical relationship between BMI and all-cause mortality in overweight group (23 kg/㎡ ≤ BMI < 25 kg/㎡). The aim of this study is to assess relationship between waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and lifestyle-related diseases such as metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes in overweight group, and to find the most predictable and useful obesity index for screening lifestyle-related diseases.A total of 3,994 overweight (23 kg/㎡ ≤ BMI < 25 kg/㎡) adults from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013-2015 (KNHANES VI) were included. We assessed the relationship between WHtR and metabolic syndrome components using multiple regression analysis, and assessed the relationship between abdominal obesity (WHtR ≥ 0.5) and lifestyle-related diseases using complex samples logistic regression analysis. Also, to find the most useful index to predict lifestyle-related diseases, we calculated the areas under the Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.WHtR was significantly related to metabolic syndrome components. Odds ratios of metabolic syndrome, hypertension and type 2 diabetes were 2.187, 1.445, 2.463 in abdominal obese group (WHtR ≥ 0.5), respectively. Area under the curve of WHtR was the most significantly highest among those of obesity indices.WHtR is a simple and useful obesity index to predict lifestyle-related diseases in overweight Korean adults. Further investigations for other obesity indices are needed to predict lifestyle-related diseases better.

The Effect of Changes in Family Developmental Stage According to Child Independence on the Incidence of Depression in South Korean Middle-Aged Adults

Background@#The incidence of depression in middle-aged adults is increasing and has been affected by physiological changes and various sociodemographic factors. The present study aimed to examine the longitudinal relationship between depression and changes in the family developmental stage based on child independence in South Korean middle-aged adults living with children. @*Methods@#This study included 1,593 people in the age group of 45-64 years who participated in the first survey of the Korean longitudinal study of aging in 2006. Participants did not have depression, lived with unmarried children, and responded to Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression 10 scale and child-related questions in the 7th survey (2018). The chi-squared test, t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare differences in depression according to general characteristics and family developmental stage. The generalized estimating equation model was used to longitudinally examine the effect of changes in the family developmental stage on the incidence of depression from the 1st to the 7th survey. @*Results@#Changes in the family developmental stage based on child independence have a significant effect on the incidence of depression in middle-aged adults (P=0.000). In addition, in the generalized estimating equation model, the longitudinal association between changes in the family developmental stage and the incidence of depression was confirmed. @*Conclusions@#Therefore, confirming the independence of children as an important factor is essential in the management of depression in middle-aged adults.

Intravenous Thrombolysis and Endovascular Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke with Minor Symptom

More than 50% of all patients with ischemic stroke initially present with mild symptoms. Despite the mild clinical presentation, a high percentage of these patients develop stroke progression with consequent disability, recurrent stroke, or death at follow-up. Intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator within 4.5 hours has been proven to be an effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke, but the risk-benefit ratio of this therapeutic approach remains still unclear in patients with mild stroke. Many patients with mild stroke are frequently excluded from thrombolysis. Large artery occlusion is an important predictor of early neurological deterioration or poor outcomes in patients with mild ischemic stroke. However, current guidelines do not recommend endovascular thrombectomy in patients with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of <6 points. Some previous retrospective cohort studies have reported that endovascular thrombectomy showed promising results in cases of acute mild ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion. Treatment decisions in patients with mild ischemic stroke should be individualized depending on clinical and radiological features. In this review, we discuss the prognosis of mild strokes, efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy, and the role of neurovascular imaging in treatment decision making in this patient population.