Clinical Features Indicating Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic Degeneration in Drug-Induced Parkinsonism

OBJECTIVE: Patients with drug-induced parkinsonism (DIP) may have nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration. We studied the clinical features that may indicate nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration in patients with DIP. METHODS: Forty-one DIP patients were classified into normal and abnormal [¹⁸F] FP-CIT scan groups. Differences in 32 clinical features and drug withdrawal effects were studied. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients had normal (Group I) and 13 patients had abnormal (Group II) scans. Eight patients of Group I, but none of Group II, had taken calcium channel blockers (p = 0.040). Three patients of Group I and six of Group II had hyposmia (p = 0.018). After drug withdrawal, Group I showed greater improvement in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale total motor scores and subscores for bradykinesia and tremors than Group II. Only hyposmia was an independent factor associated with abnormal scans, but it had suboptimal sensitivity. CONCLUSION: None of the clinical features were practical indicators of nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration in patients with DIP.

Typical Aura without Headache Presenting Intermittent Transient Visual Symptom

No abstract available.

Anti-LGI1 Antibody Limbic Encephalitis Presented with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment

No abstract available.

Anti-LGI1 Antibody Limbic Encephalitis Presented with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment

No abstract available.

Preoperative Identification of a Perforator Using Computed Tomography Angiography and Metal Clip Marking in Perforator Flap Reconstruction

In perforator flap reconstruction, vascular mapping using preoperative computed tomography (CT) angiography is widely used to confirm the existence and location of an appropriate perforator. This study proposes a rapid, accurate, and convenient method for marking the perforator location on the skin surface. For 12 patients who underwent perforator flap reconstruction between November 2011 and November 2013, metal clips were fixed on the skin surface at the anticipated perforator locations, which were decided using a handheld Doppler. CT angiography was used to compare the location between the metal clip and the actual perforator. The metal clip was moved and repositioned, if needed, on the basis of the CT images. The locations of the appropriate perforator and the metal clip, which were observed during the surgery, were then compared. In CT angiography, the mean distance between the metal clip and the perforator was 3+/-3.9 mm, and the mean distance that was measured during surgery was 0.8+/-0.8 mm. In conclusion, we report a simple, rapid, and precise technique to indicate the accurate location of the appropriate perforator on the skin surface.

A Rabbit Model of Fat Graft Recipient Site Preconditioning Using External Negative Pressure

BACKGROUND: Fat is widely used in soft tissue augmentation. Nevertheless, it has an unpredictably high resorption rate. Clinically, external expansion with negative pressure is used to increase fat graft survival. In this study, fat graft recipient sites were preconditioned by external application of negative pressure in order to test for improvements in vascularity and fat graft survival. METHODS: Negative pressure was applied randomly to either the left or right dorsal ear of 20 New Zealand male white rabbits at a pressure of -125 mm Hg. The negative pressure was removed one week after the skin perfusion was measured. The skin flap at each ear was elevated, and 1 g of fat was grafted above the dorsal perichondrium. After one week, the fat weight, microvessel density, mature vessel density of the skin and fat, and amount of glycerol released were measured. Three months after the grafting, the same measurements were performed, with the exception of glycerol release. RESULTS: The fat survival rate of the experimental group (75.4%+/-3.9%) was higher than that of the control group (53.1%+/-4.3%) (P<0.001). Skin perfusion was higher in the experimental group. The glycerol release in the experimental group was significantly higher than in the control. The microvessel density of the skin and fat was significantly higher in the experimental group. Three months after the grafting, the skin and fat mature vessel density was significantly higher in the experimental groups. CONCLUSIONS: Negative pressure prior to fat grafting increased the vascularity of the recipient site, and, accordingly, enhanced fat graft survival.

The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Survival of the Composite Graft and the Proper Time of Injection in a Rabbit Ear Composite Graft Model

BACKGROUND: Administration of growth factors has been associated with increased viability of composite grafts greater than 1-cm in diameter. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains many of the growth factors studied. In this study, we evaluate the effect of PRP injection on composite graft viability and the proper time for injection. METHODS: A total of 24 New Zealand White rabbits were divided into four groups. Autologous PRP was injected into the recipient sites three days before grafting in group 1, on the day of grafting in group 2, and three days after grafting in group 3. Group 4 served as control without PRP administration. Auricular composite grafts of 3-cm diameter were harvested and grafted back into place after being rotated 180 degrees. Median graft viability and microvessel density were evaluated at day 21 of graft via macroscopic photographs and immunofluorescent staining, respectively. RESULTS: The median graft survival rate was 97.8% in group 1, 69.2% in group 2, 55.7% in group 3, and 40.8% in the control group. The median vessel counts were 34 (per x200 HPF) in group 1, 24.5 in group 2, 19.5 in group 3, and 10.5 in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that PRP administration is associated with increased composite graft viability. All experimental groups showed a significantly higher survival rate and microvessel density, compared with the control group. Pre-administration of PRP was followed by the highest graft survival rate and revascularization. PRP treatments are minimally invasive, fast, easily applicable, and inexpensive, and offer a potential clinical pathway to larger composite grafts.

Importance of Accurate Diagnosis in Pyoderma Gangrenosum

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare inflammatory reactive dermatosis marked by painful cutaneous ulcers. Diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum is usually made based on past medical history and after the exclusion of other possible diseases based on the clinical manifestations of the lesion. Diseases that show rapid progression to necrosis and that should not be misdiagnosed as pyoderma gangrenosum include malignant neoplasms and necrotizing fasciitis. Immunosuppressive agents such as steroids and cyclosporine are considered first-line therapy. Surgical removal of the necrotic tissues is contraindicated, as it may further induce immune reaction and promote ulcer to enlarge. Here, we present a case to encourage plastic surgeons to consider pyodermagangrenosum in the differential diagnosis of idiopathic ulcers. Satisfactory outcomes for patients with pyodermagangrenosum may be expected when using steroids and immunosuppressive agents during the early stage of the disease.

Application of Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging (DITI) in the Monitoring of Change of Skin Temperature about Vascular Supply of Lower Abdominal Axial Flap in the Rabbit / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

OBJECTIVES: Monitoring viability of flap is important. The flap survival depends on the vascularity of the flap, on which the skin temperature depends. The authors applied digital infrared thermographic imaging (DITI) for monitoring the vascular supply of the flap and for the prediction of the prognosis of the flap survival. METHODS: Eight male New Zealand white rabbits with average weight of 3kg were used. A 10 x 10 cm unipedicled fasciocutaneous island flap was elevated based on the left superficial inferior epigastric vessel. The surface temperatures on designed flap were checked with DITI for 24 hours after the operation. On 14th day after the operation, the surviving area was measured and compared with DITI image which was taken on 24 hours after the operation using digital analysis software ImageJ. Statistical analysis was evaluated by paired T-test. RESULTS: On DITI image 24 hours after the flap elevation, distal portion of the flap showed remarkable color change. The average percentage and the standard deviation of the survival area of the flap which is predicted by DITI and the average percentage and the standard deviation of the survival area of the flap which was actually measured 2 weeks after flap elevation were 55.3 (16.6), 56.2 (18.0), respectively. This shows no significant difference between the two. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that DITI system could be used in evaluation of flap vascularity with ease, quickness and safety for patient and flap. Thus, it could be used clinically for the prediction of flap survival.

Study of Silicone Tube and Mini Monoka(R) for Reconstruction of Lacrimal Canaliculi

PURPOSE: In case of facial injury, a canalicular injury is common. Many methods and materials have been used for reconstruction of lacrimal canaliculi. Silicone tube is the most widely used material, generally with pigtail probe or stainless steel probe. But it has still many problems. The authors guess that reconstruction using Mini Monoka(R) will reduce those problems and will be more successful. METHODS: From July, 2003 to November, 2006 in 24 patients with canalicular injury, 11 cases were reconstructed with former silicone tube and 13 cases were treated with Mini Monoka(R). RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 3 months. The results of reconstruction were classified into three groups(Normal, Fair, Poor). In 13 cases with Mini Monoka(R) stent, 10 cases were normal, 3 were fair, and no poor cases. But in 11 cases with bicanaliculus silicone stent, 6 cases were normal, 3 were fair, and 2 were poor. CONCLUSION: Compared with bicanaliculus silicone stent, Mini Monoka(R) stent is fixed well, has no aesthetic problems, makes less foreign body sensation. And the results were successful.

A Case of Simultaneous Correction of Frontoethmoidal Meningoencephalocele and Hypertelorism

PURPOSE: A meningoencephalocele is a congenital malformation involving herniation of the meninges and cerebral tissue through a defect in the skull. For the patient with frontoethmoidal meningoencephalocele with hypertelorism, the removal of the meningoencephalocele without correction of the combined hypertelorism is not enough for getting a good cosmetic appearance. Correction of the hypertelorism is needed for cosmetic problem. We experienced a case of simultaneous correction of frontoethmoidal meningoencephalocele with hypertelorism. METHODS: The meningoencephalocele was removed and the hypertelorism was corrected by central segment technique. The bone defects were filled with autogenous bone dusts. And the nose was reconstructed by a calvarial bone graft. RESULTS: The patient had a good cosmetic appearance without any neurological complications without serious complications. CONCLUSION: We experienced a case of simultaneous correction of frontoethmoidal meningoencephalocele with hypertelorism. And a brief review of related literatures is given.

Clinical Experience of Malignant Transformation of Multiostotic Fronto-Orbital Fibrous Dysplasia

The malignant transformation of fibrous dysplasia is a rare condition and the incidence is estimated at 0.4% for fibrous dysplasia and 4% for Albright's syndrome. And fronto-orbital fibrous dysplasia can have a devastating outcome with high rates of recurrence and blindness, especially following incomplete resection. So a radical and extensive approach to treatment is recommended. We report the case of a multiostotic fronto-orbital fibrous dysplasia in a 54-year-old male patient which had a malignant transformation to osteosarcoma. There had been a recurrence after partial removal and no effect by chemotherapy. Although we had have a favorable outcome in functional and aesthetic aspects without any evidences of recurrence by total removal and reconstruction with titanium mesh, the patient died with lung metastasis 4 and half years later after the first operation.