Apolipoprotein A1 Inhibits TGF-β1-Induced Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition of Alveolar Epithelial Cells / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and lethal lung disease characterized by the accumulation of excessive fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the extracellular matrix. The transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is thought to be a possible source of fibroblasts/myofibroblasts in IPF lungs. We have previously reported that apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) has anti-fibrotic activity in experimental lung fibrosis. In this study, we determine whether ApoA1 modulates TGF-β1-induced EMT in experimental lung fibrosis and clarify its mechanism of action. METHODS: The A549 alveolar epithelial cell line was treated with TGF-β1 with or without ApoA1. Morphological changes and expression of EMT-related markers, including E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and α-smooth muscle actin were evaluated. Expressions of Smad and non-Smad mediators and TGF-β1 receptor type 1 (TβRI) and type 2 (TβRII) were measured. The silica-induced lung fibrosis model was established using ApoA1 overexpressing transgenic mice. RESULTS: TGF-β1-treated A549 cells were changed to the mesenchymal morphology with less E-cadherin and more N-cadherin expression. The addition of ApoA1 inhibited the TGF-β1-induced change of the EMT phenotype. ApoA1 inhibited the TGF-β1-induced increase in the phosphorylation of Smad2 and 3 as well as that of ERK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase mediators. In addition, ApoA1 reduced the TGF-β1-induced increase in TβRI and TβRII expression. In a mouse model of silica-induced lung fibrosis, ApoA1 overexpression reduced the silica-mediated effects, which were increased N-cadherin and decreased E-cadherin expression in the alveolar epithelium. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that ApoA1 inhibits TGF-β1-induced EMT in experimental lung fibrosis.

Sclerosing Stromal Tumor in an Elderly Postmenopausal Woman

Sclerosing stromal tumor (SST) of the ovary is a rare tumor derived from the sex cord stroma. This tumor was first described by Chalvaridjian and Scully in 1973. SST of the ovary is prevalence of 1.5% to 6% of ovarian stromal tumors. Patients are most commonly diagnosed in their 20s and 30s. There have been reports of SST postmenopausal women aged 65-, 67-, and 71 in the Republic of Korea; however, no report of this disease has been reported in women older than 80. In this study, we would like to report an 80-year-old postmenopausal woman who did not previously complain of any symptoms, and was finally diagnosed with SST. She was involved in a traffic accident, and huge pelvic mass was found during the evaluation of intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed ; a final pathologic diagnosis reported SST.

Acute eosinophilic pneumonia related to a mesalazine suppository

It has been well known that mesalazine can cause the interstitial lung disease, such as Bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia (BOOP), Non-Specific Interstitial Pneumonia (NSIP), or eosinophilic pneumonia. 5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), mesalazine, and sulfasalazine are important drugs for treating inflammatory bowel disease. Topical products of these limited systemic absorption and have less frequent side effects, therefore suppository form of these drugs have been used more than systemic drug. Most cases of measalzine-induced lung toxicity develop from systemic use of the drug. A 30-year-old woman had an interstitial lung disease after using mesalazine suppository because of ulcerative colitis. The lung biopsy demonstrated eosinophilic pneumonia combined with BOOP. She was recovered after stopping of mesalazine suppository and treatment with systemic steroid.

A Case of Glomangiopericytoma of the Ethmoid Sinus / 대한이비인후과학회지

Glomangiopericytoma, a new term referring to the sinonasal type hemangiopericytoma, is a rare sinonasal tumor arising from modified perivascular glomus-like myoid cells. It is a borderline, low grade malignancy tumor, which has good prognosis following a complete surgical resection. Recently, we experienced a case of a glomangiopericytoma in a 68-year-old woman who presented with epistaxis and unilateral nasal obstruction. Endoscopic examinations revealed polypoid mass with bleeding tendency in the left middle meatus. The tumor was located mainly in the left ethmoid sinus and we removed it successfully by endoscopic approach. Histological examination and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of glomangiopericytoma. We present the clinical and histological characteristics, therapeutic principles, and prognosis of this rare disease entity with a literature review.

A Case of Skin Sclerosis Associated with Docetaxel Chemotherapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

A 64-year-old woman was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer. Her disease was stage 4 (T2N2M1) with squamous cell carcinoma. She had been treated with docetaxel and carboplatin. After a completion of 11 cycle of chemotherapy, edema appeared on both feet and had spread rapidly up to the pretibial area without response to diuretics. Sclerotic changes and pigmentation followed but both knees and other parts of the body were spared. There was no evidence of vascular occlusions. On serologic tests, antinuclear, anti-centromere, and anti-topoisomerase I antibodies were all negative. A skin biopsy revealed diffuse infiltration of lymphocytes and discretely thickened collagen bundles in the superficial dermis. After discontinuing docetaxel chemotherapy, she was treated with prednisolone and D-penicillamine and sclerotic changes on the lower legs were improved.

A Case of Capillary Hemangioma of Lingular Segmental Bronchus in Adult / 결핵및호흡기질환

Capillary hemangioma of the tracheobronchial tree is an extremely rare benign tumor in adults, especially those located in the bronchus. Characteristics and treatment of capillary hemangiomas of adult tracheobronchial trees have not been well known. We present a 61-year-old man with hemoptysis, which was caused by a small tiny nodule in the left lingular segmental bronchus. The nodule was removed by a forcep biopsy, via flexible bronchoscopy, and it was revealed to be capillary hemangioma. A small isolated endobronchial capillary hemangioma can be treated with excisional forcep biopsy, but a risk of massive bleeding should not be overlooked.

A Case of Pulmonary Siderosis Mimicking Metastatic Lung Cancer / 결핵및호흡기질환

Pulmonary siderosis is a pneumoconiosis caused by chronic iron inhalation. A diagnosis of pulmonary siderosis is based on a patient history of iron inhalation, on chest radiographic findings, and on accumulation of iron oxide in macrophages within the lung. A typical radiographic finding of pulmonary siderosis includes ill-defined micronodules that are diffusely distributed in the lung. We experienced a 52-year-woman with a 1.3x1.5-cm mass in the left upper lobe with multiple nodules in both lungs. Because the radiographic findings were atypical, we conducted a video-assisted thorascopic lung biopsy procedure to exclude the diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer. After confirming iron deposition in the lung tissue and knowing the patient's occupational history of welding iron, we concluded that this was a case of pulmonary siderosis.

A Case of Pulmonary Siderosis Mimicking Metastatic Lung Cancer / 결핵및호흡기질환

Pulmonary siderosis is a pneumoconiosis caused by chronic iron inhalation. A diagnosis of pulmonary siderosis is based on a patient history of iron inhalation, on chest radiographic findings, and on accumulation of iron oxide in macrophages within the lung. A typical radiographic finding of pulmonary siderosis includes ill-defined micronodules that are diffusely distributed in the lung. We experienced a 52-year-woman with a 1.3x1.5-cm mass in the left upper lobe with multiple nodules in both lungs. Because the radiographic findings were atypical, we conducted a video-assisted thorascopic lung biopsy procedure to exclude the diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer. After confirming iron deposition in the lung tissue and knowing the patient's occupational history of welding iron, we concluded that this was a case of pulmonary siderosis.

Infective Endocarditis with Cerebral Infarction in a Hemodialysis Patient with Failed Renal Allograft / 대한신장학회지

Infective endocarditis is a dreaded complication in dialysis or kidney transplantation patients, with high morbidity and mortality. Despite the improved early survival of the transplanted kidney with new immunosuppressive agents, the number of patients returning to dialysis after a failed renal allograft is increasing. There is no consensus on the optimal management of immunosuppression in patients with a failed allograft. Continued immunosuppression is associated with infection, and the rapid discontinuation of immunosuppression may lead to acute rejection. Therefore, it is important to taper the immunosuppression properly in patients with a failed renal allograft. We report on a hemodialysis patient with a failed renal allograft who had a cerebral infarction following infective endocarditis. The patient was treated successfully with antibiotics and valve replacement.

Primary Pulmonary T-Cell Lymphoma: a Case Report

Primary pulmonary T-cell lymphoma is an extremely rare malady, and we diagnosed this in a 52-year-old male who was admitted to our hospital with cough for the previous two weeks. The chest CT demonstrated multiple variable sized mass-like consolidations with low density central necrosis in the peripheral portion of both the upper and lower lobes. Positron emission tomography (PET) showed multiple areas of hypermetabolic fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in both lungs with central metabolic defects, which correlated with central necrosis seen on CT. The histological sample showed peripheral T-cell lymphoma of the not otherwise specified form. The follow-up CT scan showed an increased extent of the multifocal consolidative lesions despite that the patient had undergone chemotherapy.

Detection of distant metastasis to skeletal muscle by 18F-FDG-PET in a case of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma / 대한간학회지

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a rare malignancy that originates from the epithelial cells of the intrahepatic bile ducts. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma can metastasize in lymphatic chains, including the hepatoduodenal ligament, and it often invades adjacent organs or metastasizes to other visceral organs such as the lungs, bones, adrenal glands, and brain. However, distant skeletal muscle metastasis is very rare. Moreover, a metastatic skeletal muscle tumor rarely shows specific symptoms, making it difficult to identify in a routine examination. A 45-year-old man with a chief complaint of right upper quadrant abdominal pain was admitted to our hospital. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography with contrast enhancement showed a malignant mass in the right hepatic lobe, and 2-[18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron-emission tomography revealed distant skeletal muscle metastases in the thorax and buttock. The patient underwent an ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle biopsy for the metastatic low-echo masses in the skeletal muscle.

Interleukin-13 and Its Receptors in Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonia: Clinical Implications for Lung Function

Idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) is characterized by varying degrees of interstitial fibrosis. IL-13 and IL-4 are strong inducers of tissue fibrosis, whereas IFN-gamma has antifibrotic potential. However, the roles of these substances in IIP remain unknown. IL-13, IL-4, and IFN-gamma were measured in the BAL fluid of 16 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients, 10 nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) patients, and 8 normal controls. The expression of IL-13 and IL-13Ralpha1/alpha2 in lung tissues was analyzed using ELISA and immunohistochemistry. IL-13 levels were significantly higher in IPF patients than the others (P<0.05). IL-4 levels were higher in both IPF and NSIP patients than in normal controls (P<0.05), and IFN-gamma levels were lower in NSIP patients than in normal controls (P=0.047). IL-13 levels correlated inversely with FVC% (r=-0.47, P=0.043) and DLCO% (r=-0.58, P=0.014) in IPF and NSIP patients. IL-13 was strongly expressed in the smooth muscle, bronchial epithelium, alveolar macrophages and endothelium of IPF patients. IL-13Ralpha1, rather than IL-13Ralpha2, was strongly expressed in the smooth muscle, bronchial epithelium, and endothelium of IPF patients. IL-13 and its receptors may contribute to the pathogenesis of fibrosis in IIP and appear to be related to the severity of the disease.

Disseminated Mycobacterium avium Complex Infection in a Patient with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria, especially Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection is a common opportunistic infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In patients with AIDS, MAC infection more frequently presents as disseminated form rather than localized infection. Disseminated MAC infection is associated with a high mortality rate in patient with AIDS. We report a case of disseminated MAC infection in an AIDS patient involving bone marrow, mediastinal lymph node and lung.

Disseminated Mycobacterium avium Complex Infection in a Patient with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria, especially Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection is a common opportunistic infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In patients with AIDS, MAC infection more frequently presents as disseminated form rather than localized infection. Disseminated MAC infection is associated with a high mortality rate in patient with AIDS. We report a case of disseminated MAC infection in an AIDS patient involving bone marrow, mediastinal lymph node and lung.

Radiological Findings of Multiple Peritoneal Calcifying Fibrous Tumors: A Case Report

Peritoneal calcifying fibrous tumor is a rare tumor in the peritoneal cavity. In this case, plain radiography showed multiple conglomerated calcifications and several separate calcifications scattered in the lower abdomen and pelvic cavity. CT showed several well-circumscribed masses with a group of conglomerated nodular calcifications in their centers, and these were surrounded by three bands with different attenuation. Ultrasonography showed a well-circumscribed mass with strong posterior shadowing from its anterior surface and hyperechoic calcifications in its center. The histopathological diagnosis was calcifying fibrous tumor. The mass was well circumscribed and non-encapsulated and it was mainly composed of hyalinized fibrosclerotic tissue and dystrophic calcification with no inflammatory cells. We report here on a case of peritoneal calcifying fibrous tumor, along with a review of the relevant literature.

A Case of Cavernous Hemangioma Originating from the Posterior End of Inferior Turbinate Misdiagnosed as the Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma

Differential diagnoses of the nasopharyngeal mass in an adolescent or in a young adult include the nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, hemangioma, antrochoanal polyp, or, in rare cases, malignant disease. A twenty one-year-old male patient visited our department with aggravated symptoms of left nasal obstruction and frequent epistaxis, which originated three years ago. Endoscopic examinations revealed a dark pinkish mass with bleeding tendency in the left nasopharynx and it was also observed in the right side due to its huge size. At first, we suspected a nasopharyngeal angiofibroma and evaluations including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed. These studies showed a highly vascular mass confined in the nasopharynx. However, its origin was uncertain. After an angiography with embolization of feeding vessels, the mass was removed endoscopically. Unexpectedly, its origin was the posterior end of the left inferior turbinate, and the diagnosis of a cavernous hemangioma was confirmed with histopathological findings.

A Metastatic Paraganglioma presenting as Multiple Intrapulmonary Nodules

A 24-year-old man that had previously undergone a complete resection of a cervical paraganglioma presented with multiple well-defined intrapulmonary nodules on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. All of the nodules showed homogeneously intense enhancement. The largest nodule was a hot spot on F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. It was diagnosed as a paraganglioma using wedge resection via video-assisted thoracoscopic resection. Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors and are exceedingly rare in the lung parenchyma. A few reports have described one or two intrapulmonary lesions, including primary tumors and metastases. We report a unique case of a multiple metastatic paraganglioma in the parenchyma of both lungs.

A Comparative Study of Operated and Non-operated Groups in Patients with Hepatic Metastasis from Colorectal Cancer

PURPOSE: The prognosis for patients with liver metastases (LM) from colorectal cancer is significantly influenced by the clinician's decision. Recently, there have been remarkable advances in treatment of LM, so there can be some changes in therapeutic modalities. We performed a comparative study between operated and non-operated groups of patients with LM to analyze the clinical outcome. METHODS: From Feb. 2001 to Feb. 2006, 27 patients with LM underwent a hepatectomy, and 113 patients received non-surgical therapy. thirteen hepatectomized cases among the 27 patients had multiple LM. The outcomes of those 13 patients (Group A) were retrospectively compared to those of the non-operated group (Group B, n=21), which had had potentially resectable LM at the initial diagnosis or after chemotherapy, but didn't undergo hepatic resection. RESULTS: After a median follow-up duration of 31.3 months, the estimated 3-years overall survival (OS) rates were 76.9% and 14.3% in group A and B, respectively (P=0.0001). In the stepwise Cox multivariate regression analysis, factors such as the absence of hepatic resection and a greater diameter of the liver mass independently influenced the poor survival (P=0.005 and P=0.012 respectively). Additionally, two radiologists evaluated the intraoperative ultrasonographic (IOUS) results. IOUS detected new metastatic lesions in 4/13 (30%) patients. There were sub-centimeter metastatic lesions (5~7 mm) and had not been detected in SPIO-enhanced MRI. CONCLUSIONS: Our results compared to palliative chemotherapy suggest that aggressive surgical resection should be performed to increase the survival rate in patients with LM. Additionally, the treatment plan for LM patients should be discussed with the gastroenterololgist, the radiologist, the oncologist, and the surgeon.

Clinical Significance of the Survivin Expression in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma with Hepatolithiasis

PURPOSE: Hepatolithiasis has been regarded as having a potential of to invoke cholangiocarcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of survivin in hepatolithiasis and cholangiocarcinoma, and to try to predict whether hepatolithiasis plays a role in the carcinogenesis of cholangiocarcinoma. We also investigated the expression of survivin according to subcellular sites (cytoplasmic and nuclear) in the cholangiocarcinoma specimens and to correlation this with the clinical outcome. METHODS: Thirty-four surgically resected hepatolithiasis specimens and ten stone-containing cholangiocarcinoma specimens were the focus of this study. Immunohistochemical staining was done to check the expression of survivin in the hepatolithiasis and cholangiocarcinoma specimens. We classified the survivin positive group according to the subcellular sites in the cholangiocarcinoma specimens. RESULTS: The expression rate of survivin was 5.9% in the hyperplasia specimens, 47.1% in the dysplasia specimens and 90% in the adenocarcinoma specimens (p < 0.01), respectively. The over expression of nuclear and cytoplasmic survivin was seen in 3 specimens and 6 specimens, respectively, among the survivin positive specimens (9 total specimens) of the cholangiocarcinoma specimens. The median survival time of the nuclear and cytoplasmic expression groups of patients was 1.5 months and 10 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the overexpression of survivin in hepatolithiasis could be associated with cholangiocarcinoma based on the sequentially increased survivin expression. We purpose that the nuclear survivin expression predicts aggressive clinical behavior of cholangiocarcninoma.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of the Esophagus / 대한흉부외과학회지

A 46-year-old man who had been diagnosed with esophageal tumor by PET-CT was admitted to our hospital for operation. Preoperative examination and intraoperative findings showed leiomyoma-like lesion and enucleation was done, but an immunohistochemical test on the case found gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GISTs). GISTs are very rarely found in the esophagus. As GISTs differ from leiomyoma pathogenetically and clinically, different treatments and follow-up strategies are required. The patient is under continuous observation to check recurrence and metastasis.