Associations of Serum Lipid Level with Gastric Cancer Risk, Pathology, and Prognosis / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#The association of serum lipids with gastric cancer is controversial. We clarified the role of serum lipids in the development, progression, and prognosis of gastric cancer. @*Materials and Methods@#In total, 412 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer were prospectively recruited, and 2,934 control subjects who underwent screening endoscopy were enrolled from December 2013 to March 2017 to conduct a case-control study in a tertiary center. Serum lipid profiles, including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), and apolipoprotein B, and clinicopathologic characteristics were analyzed. @*Results@#The gastric cancer group showed significantly lower HDL-C, higher LDL-C, and lower apoA-I level than the control group. In multivariate analysis, old age (odds ratio [OR], 1.051; p < 0.001), smoking (OR, 1.337; p < 0.001), a family history of gastric cancer (OR, 2.038; p < 0.001), Helicobacter pylori seropositivity (OR, 4.240; p < 0.001), lower HDL-C (OR, 0.712; p=0.020), and higher LDL-C (p=0.002) were significant risk factors for gastric cancer. Lower HDL-C and higher LDL-C remained significant after adjustments for covariates, including age and sex. In a subgroup analysis of the gastric cancer group, lower TG levels were associated with undifferentiated histology. No serum lipids were associated with overall survival. @*Conclusion@#Lower HDL-C and higher LDL-C were associated with the risk of gastric cancer, even after adjusting for age, sex, and other factors. In the gastric cancer group, undifferentiated histology was associated with lower TG levels.

Associations of Serum Lipid Level with Gastric Cancer Risk, Pathology, and Prognosis / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#The association of serum lipids with gastric cancer is controversial. We clarified the role of serum lipids in the development, progression, and prognosis of gastric cancer. @*Materials and Methods@#In total, 412 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer were prospectively recruited, and 2,934 control subjects who underwent screening endoscopy were enrolled from December 2013 to March 2017 to conduct a case-control study in a tertiary center. Serum lipid profiles, including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), and apolipoprotein B, and clinicopathologic characteristics were analyzed. @*Results@#The gastric cancer group showed significantly lower HDL-C, higher LDL-C, and lower apoA-I level than the control group. In multivariate analysis, old age (odds ratio [OR], 1.051; p < 0.001), smoking (OR, 1.337; p < 0.001), a family history of gastric cancer (OR, 2.038; p < 0.001), Helicobacter pylori seropositivity (OR, 4.240; p < 0.001), lower HDL-C (OR, 0.712; p=0.020), and higher LDL-C (p=0.002) were significant risk factors for gastric cancer. Lower HDL-C and higher LDL-C remained significant after adjustments for covariates, including age and sex. In a subgroup analysis of the gastric cancer group, lower TG levels were associated with undifferentiated histology. No serum lipids were associated with overall survival. @*Conclusion@#Lower HDL-C and higher LDL-C were associated with the risk of gastric cancer, even after adjusting for age, sex, and other factors. In the gastric cancer group, undifferentiated histology was associated with lower TG levels.

Novel Endoscopic Criteria for Predicting Tumor Invasion Depth in Superficial Esophageal Squamous Carcinoma

Background@#Accurate prediction of tumor invasion depth in superficial esophageal squamous carcinoma (SESC) is essential for deciding the appropriate treatment strategy.We proposed novel endoscopic criteria to differentiate between mucosal and submucosal esophageal cancers and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and usefulness of the criteria. @*Methods@#A total of 352 patients who underwent endoscopic or surgical resection for SESC between 1991 and 2010 were included. First, the novel endoscopic criteria were created based on the endoscopic features of 60 randomly selected patients as follows: for T1m cancers, I.flat or slightly elevated or depressed lesion with smooth/even surface of any size, II. slightly elevated lesion of ≤ 1 cm with granular or uneven surface, III. hyperemic flat lesion of ≤ 3 cm with granular or uneven surface, IV. slightly depressed lesion of ≤ 2 cm with uneven surface and for T1sm cancers, I. irregularly (unevenly) nodular or protruded lesion of any size, II. slightly elevated lesion of > 1 cm with granular or uneven surface, III. hyperemic flat lesion of > 3 cm with granular or uneven surface, IV. irregularly (unevenly) depressed lesion of > 2 cm, and V. ulcerative lesion of any size. Next, the endoscopic findings of the remaining 292 patients were reviewed according to the criteria. @*Results@#The accuracy of novel endoscopic criteria was 79.5% (232/292). The sensitivity and specificity of mucosal cancers were 78.4% and 81.0%, respectively, whereas those for submucosal cancers were 81.0% and 78.4%, respectively. The accuracy for mucosal cancers was high (97.3%, 72/74) when the lesions were flat or slightly elevated/depressed with smooth/even surface regardless of size, whereas that for submucosal cancers was high (85.7%, 18/21) when the lesions were irregularodular protrusions regardless of size. In multivariate analysis, macroscopic type IIb lesion was identified as an independent factor affecting accuracy (P < 0.05). The difference in recurrence-free survival rates between endoscopically mucosal and submucosal cancers was significant (P = 0.026). @*Conclusion@#The novel endoscopic criteria appear to be accurate and useful in predicting invasion depth in SESC. Our criteria might help not only to decide the treatment strategy between surgery and endoscopic resection but also to predict the outcomes of SESC.

The Characteristics and Prognosis of Diffuse-Type Early Gastric Cancer Diagnosed during Health Check-Ups

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Because of the poor prognosis of diffuse-type gastric cancer, early detection is important. We investigated the clinical characteristics and prognosis of diffuse-type early gastric cancer (EGC) diagnosed in subjects during health check-ups. METHODS: Among 121,111 subjects who underwent gastroscopy during a routine health check-up, we identified 282 patients with 286 EGC lesions and reviewed their clinical and tumor-specific parameters. RESULTS: Patients with diffuse-type EGC were younger, and 48.1% of them were female. Serum anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG (Hp-IgG) was positive in 90.7% of diffuse-type EGC patients (vs 75.9% of intestinal-type EGC, p=0.002), and the proportion of diffuse-type EGC cases increased significantly with increasing Hp-IgG serum titers (p < 0.001). Diffuse-type EGC had pale discolorations on the tumor surface (26.4% vs 4.0% in intestinal-type EGC, p < 0.001) and were often located in the middle third of the stomach. Submucosal invasion or regional nodal metastasis was observed more commonly in patients with diffuse-type EGC. However, during the median follow-up period of 50 months, 5-year disease-free survival rates did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Diffuse-type EGC shows different clinical and endoscopic characteristics. Diffuse-type EGC is more closely associated with Hp-IgG seropositivity and a higher serum titer. Early detection results in excellent prognosis.

Helicobacter pylori Infection with Atrophic Gastritis Is an Independent Risk Factor for Advanced Colonic Neoplasm

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Helicobacter pylori is a major risk factor for atrophic gastritis (AG) and gastric cancer. The correlation between H. pylori, AG and colorectal neoplasm (CRN) has only been examined in a limited number of studies, and findings have been inconclusive. We aimed to investigate the association between H. pylori infection status, AG and advanced CRN. METHODS: This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between the presence of serum anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies, AG, and advanced CRN in 6,351 consecutive asymptomatic subjects who underwent a screening colonoscopy. RESULTS: A total of 316 participants (5.0%) had advanced CRN. H. pylori seropositivity was 61.3%. In a univariate analysis, the presence of H. pylori infection was associated with advanced CRN (odds ratio [OR], 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17 to 1.91; p=0.001). H. pylori infection was associated with an increased risk of advanced CRN after adjusting for clinically relevant confounders (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.72; p=0.023). H. pylori-related AG was significantly associated with the risk of advanced CRN (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.91; p=0.030), whereas H. pylori infection without AG was not. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori infection increased the risk of advanced CRN, especially when it was combined with AG. Strict colonoscopy screening and surveillance may be warranted in those with H. pylori-positive AG.

Helicobacter pylori Infection with Atrophic Gastritis Is an Independent Risk Factor for Advanced Colonic Neoplasm

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Helicobacter pylori is a major risk factor for atrophic gastritis (AG) and gastric cancer. The correlation between H. pylori, AG and colorectal neoplasm (CRN) has only been examined in a limited number of studies, and findings have been inconclusive. We aimed to investigate the association between H. pylori infection status, AG and advanced CRN. METHODS: This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between the presence of serum anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies, AG, and advanced CRN in 6,351 consecutive asymptomatic subjects who underwent a screening colonoscopy. RESULTS: A total of 316 participants (5.0%) had advanced CRN. H. pylori seropositivity was 61.3%. In a univariate analysis, the presence of H. pylori infection was associated with advanced CRN (odds ratio [OR], 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17 to 1.91; p=0.001). H. pylori infection was associated with an increased risk of advanced CRN after adjusting for clinically relevant confounders (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.72; p=0.023). H. pylori-related AG was significantly associated with the risk of advanced CRN (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.91; p=0.030), whereas H. pylori infection without AG was not. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori infection increased the risk of advanced CRN, especially when it was combined with AG. Strict colonoscopy screening and surveillance may be warranted in those with H. pylori-positive AG.

Colonic Chicken Skin Mucosa is an Independent Endoscopic Predictor of Advanced Colorectal Adenoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chicken skin mucosa (CSM), surrounding colorectal adenoma, is an endoscopic finding with pale yellow-speckled mucosa; however, its clinical significance is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of CSM, and the association between colorectal carcinogenesis and CSM. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed in 733 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic polypectomy for colorectal adenoma after the screening of colonoscopy at the Asan Health Promotion Center between June 2009 and December 2011. The colonoscopic and pathological findings of colorectal adenoma including number, size, location, dysplasia, morphology, and clinical parameters were reviewed. RESULTS: The prevalence of CSM was 30.7% (225 of 733 patients), and most CSM-related adenomas were located in the distal colon (93.3%). Histological analysis revealed lipid-laden macrophages in the lamina propria of the mucosa. Multivariate analyses showed that CSM was significantly associated with advanced pathology, including villous adenoma and high-grade dysplasia (odds ratio [OR], 2.078; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.191-3.627; P=0.010), multiple adenomas (i.e., > or =2 adenomas; OR, 1.692; 95% CI, 1.143-2.507; P=0.009), and a protruding morphology (OR, 1.493; 95% CI, 1.027-2.170; P=0.036). There were no significant differences in polyp size or clinical parameters between patients with and without CSM. CONCLUSIONS: CSM-related adenoma was mainly found in the distal colon, and was associated with advanced pathology and multiple adenomas. CSM could be a potential predictive marker of the carcinogenetic progression of distally located colorectal adenomas.

The Effects of Flumazenil on the Recovery Time and Satisfaction of the Use of Sedative Endoscopy with Midazolam / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Treatment with flumazenil results in rapid reversal from sedation. In addition, the use of flumazenil can prevent accidents or memory loss after endoscopy. This study was conducted to evaluate the role of flumazenil according to dose. METHODS: A total of 150 consecutive outpatients were randomly allocated into three groups: patients given normal saline (control group), patients given 0.25 mg flumazenil (0.25 mg flumazenil group) and patients given 0.5 mg flumazenil (0.5 mg flumazenil group). Flumazenil or normal saline was injected 10 minutes after the completion of endoscopy. We evaluated the recovery time, time to discharge, patient satisfaction, and memory loss after discharge. RESULTS: The control group consisted of 44 subjects, the 0.25 mg flumazenil group consisted of 46 subjects and the 0.5 mg flumazenil group consisted of 45 subjects. The recovery time was significantly shorter in the two flumazenil groups as compared to the control group (28.5+/-15.0 min, 13.8+/-3.7 min, 12.4+/-1.7 min for the control group, 0.25 mg flumazenil group and 0.5 mg flumazenil group, respectively)(p<0.001). The time to discharge after an examination was shorter in the flumazenil groups and showed dose-dependency (41.2+/-20.5 min, 22.1+/-10.9 min, 16.4+/-2.2 min for the control group, 0.25 mg flumazenil group and 0.5 mg flumazenil group, respectively) (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in patient satisfaction among the three groups. The degree of memory recall was better in the 0.5 mg flumazenil group than in the other two groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Flumazenil reversal of midazolam sedative endoscopy results in fast recovery and is helpful to minimize memory loss after an examination without interference of satisfaction.

Correlation of pit pattern by magnifying colonoscopy with histologic features and COX-2 expression in colonic polyps / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Magnifying colonoscopy (MC) was introduced for prediction of pathologic findings. However, cyclooxgenase-2 (COX-2) expression in colonic polyps according to pit pattern has not been reported before. The aims of this study were to evaluate the usefulness of MC for differentiating polyps and to analyze COX-2 mRNA expression in colon polyps according to pit patterns. METHODS: We studied 36 patients (M:F=26:10; median age 55 years) who received endoscopic polypectomy at Asan Medical Center. The pit patterns were classified into six types (type I, II, IIIL, IIIS, IV, and V). The expression of COX-2 mRNA was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Among 41 polyps from 36 patients, 38 polyps were diagnosed as benign colon polyps, and 3 polyps were diagnosed as early colon cancer. In assessing the histologic findings according to pit patterns, non-adenomatous polyps were detected in 50% of type I and II patterns, and pre-malignant polyps were detected in 94.5% of type IIIL, IIIS, IV, and V patterns. COX-2 mRNA expression rate increased in parallel with histologic grade (p=0.022). However, this was not correlated with pit pattern. CONCLUSIONS: MC pit patterns provide detailed gross morphologic features. COX-2 mRNA expression rate, while related to histologic progression, is not related directly to pit pattern, but further study is needed.

Anesthetic Management during an Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT) Procedure of the Agnathic Fetus : A case report / 대한마취과학회지

We report our experience of the anesthetic management of an ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure that was performed on a fetus with a mandible anomaly (agnathia) for airway management. The EXIT procedure is a method for maintaining the feto-placental circulation during a cesarean section using deep inhalation anesthesia. In the EXIT procedure, the anesthetic goal is the profound relaxation of the uterus to maintain the feto-placental circulation. High dose inhalation agents are used maintain the level of uterine relaxation. Anesthesia was induced with rapid sequence intubation and maintained with 2 vol% isoflurane and nitrous in oxygen (50:50) combined with intermittent boluses of fentanyl and atracurium. The fetus was not given any drugs other than those as a result of placental transfer and was monitored with pulse oximeter. The mother and fetus were maintained hemodynamically stable with a preserved feto-placental circulation. After delivery, the uterine tone improved soon after discontinuing the isoflurane, and the pitocin infusion was begun. There were no signs of uterine atony in the postoperative period.

Prejunctional Phenomenon during Succinylcholine Onset in Cats / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Succinylcholine (Sch) has been generally reported not to produce tetanic stimulation fade on train of four in phase I block, except phase II block. But, the prejunctional phenomenon of Sch during onset is rarely reported these days, and so we investigated whether the prejunctional phenomenon of Sch during onset exists in cats. METHODS: We checked train of four ratios (TOF-R) and tetanic fade ratios (TF-R) by using a nerve stimulator before and after 50microgram/kg of Sch less than ED95 was administered, and during recovery in anesthetized cats. We analyzed TOF-R and TF-R before drug administration as a control and during onset and recovery time in order to estimate the statistic significance of fade. RESULTS: TOF fade and tetanic stimulation during the onset of Sch appeared like those in the partial block of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockades TOF-R and TF-R during Sch onset compared with those in control and recovery time of Sch had statistical significance (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prejunctional phenomenon appeared only during Sch onset in cats and then disappeared during recovery to the control level.

Management of Detachment of Pilot Balloon During Intraoral Repositioning of the Submental Endotracheal Tube

Submental endotracheal intubation for surgery was used as an alternative to nasotracheal intubation in patients with craniomaxillofacial injury. Generally extubation was performed in the operation room by pulling the tube through the submental incision site. When extubation is not indicated, intraoral indwelling is preferred to submental intubation. We report a case of a 35-year-old male patient with multiple facial bone fractures. At the end of the surgery, we noticed the oropharyngeal edema, and so the submental intubation was converted into a standard orotracheal intubation. During that procedure, the pilot balloon was accidentally detached from the endotracheal tube. The situation was managed by cutting a pilot tube from a new, unused endotracheal tube and connecting it to the intubated tube using a needle connector.

Prophylactic Effect of Lactobacillus GG in Animal Colitis and Its Effect on Cytokine Secretion and Mucin Gene Expressions / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) has been used in acute colitis treatment. However, it is unclear whether the LGG prevents chronic colitis. The aim of this study was to examine the prophylactic effect of LGG on animal colitis, cytokine secretion, and mucin gene expression. METHODS: BALB/c mice (n=64) were exposed to 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 7 days followed by 10 days recovery period and repeatedly exposed for 4 days. Then, the mice were devided into three group; group of oral LGG adminstration throughout the recovery and repeated colitis period; PBS group of PBS administration; control group. Colon length, histologic score, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels, mucin gene expressions were determined at each period. RESULTS: In acute colitis period, the LGG group showed higher levels of disease activity index (DAI), histologic score, TNF-alpha, IL-10, but shorter colon length, lower levels of mucin gene expressions than the control group. However, in repeated colitis period, the LGG group showed markedly lower levels of DAI and IL-10 but significantly longer colon length than PBS group (p<0.05). There was no difference in the mucin gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that LGG prevents chronic murine colitis. It may be associated with cytokine modulation and competitive inhibition of pathogenic bacteria. However, it may not be related with gene expression.

A Case of Amyloidosis Presenting with Massive Small Bowel Bleeding / 대한소화기내시경학회지

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is one of the commonly affected organs in amyloidosis. However, it is difficult to make a correct diagnosis of GI amyloidosis because of its varied clinical manifestation and nonspecific endoscopic findings. Moreover, GI bleeding as a presenting symptom is rare, but can be serious in some cases. Therefore, missed diagnosis and delayed management in GI amyloidosis may potentially lead to a critical outcome. We report a 51-year-old man with multiple myeloma whose major symptom was massive hematochezia due to GI amyloidosis. In our case, amyloid deposits could be distinctly visualized endoscopically in the stomach and the colon. They were manifested as submucosal hematomas in the small bowel resulting in massive bleeding that was successfully controlled with the aid of intraoperative endoscopy.

A Case of Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome with Characteristic Findings of Evacuation and Magnetic Resonance (MR) Defecography / 대한소화관운동학회지

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is an uncommon, chronic benign condition characterized by rectal bleeding, the passage of mucus, tenesmus and excessive straining during defecation. Occasionally, solitary rectal ulcer syndrome has been reported to be associated with defecation disorder such as pelvic floor dyssynergia, rectal intussusception and rectal prolapse. However, it is ambiguous how these associated defecation disorders contribute to make the rectal ulcer. We report a case of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome suggesting the pathophysiology of rectal ulcer by typical findings of evacuation defecography and MR defecography. A 40-year-old man presented with lower abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, passage of mucus and tenesmus intermittently for the past 4 years. Colonoscopy showed a large geographic and circumferential ulcer at the 10 cm distance from the anal verge. A biopsy revealed fibromuscular proliferation of laminar propria, hyperplasia of crypt and focal superficial ulceration. Finally, he was diagnosed as solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. Evacuation defecography showed paradoxical movement of puborectal sling and unusual invagination of rectal walls during defecation. In addition, rectum showed spastic movement and anterior rectal wall directly merged into posterior rectal wall making a kissing appearance. The invagination of the rectum at evacuation defecography proved to be the rectal wall thickening at MR defecography. After 9 sessions of biofeedback therapy, his defecation symptoms improved. However, ulcer was still observed without interval change.

A Case of Enteropathy-associated T-cell Lymphoma Presenting with Recurrent Hematochezia / 대한소화기학회지

Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) is an unusual primary gastrointestinal lymphoma, particularly associated with celiac sprue. This tumor usually affects the jejunum and grossly presents as multiple circumferential ulcers without the formation of definite tumor masses. Moreover, mesenteric lymph nodes are commonly involved. The patients have typically suffered from abdominal pain, diarrhea, or weight loss whereas some patients may manifest with nonspecific symptoms for a period of years or an acute emergency of perforation, obstruction, or hemorrhage. The clinical course of EATL is very unfavorable and the prognosis is poor. Both celiac sprue and EATL are very rare diseases in Asia, except India and Middle East. We report a 60-year-old male diagnosed as having EATL after segmental small bowel resection, who presented with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding.

Diagnosis of Cowden's Disease Based on Gastrointestinal Manifestations / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Cowden's disease is an autosomal dominant hereditary disease characterized by the various hamartomatous and neoplastic lesions of multiple organs. We analyzed gastrointestinal manifestations of 5 cases of Cowden's disease and suggest several findings which are helpful to gastroenterologists for the early diagnosis. METHODS: The clinical characteristics of 5 unrelated patients with Cowden's disease were evaluated. Four patients were male, one patient was female, and their ages at the time diagnosis ranged from 17 to 49 years. All patients had the pathognomonic mucocutaneous lesions and thyroid nodules. RESULTS: In all patients, the esophagus was affected by acanthosis. In 4 patients, the stomach was affected by numerous variable sized polyps. In 4 patients, the duodenum was involved by several polyps. In 4 patients, the entire small bowel and in one patients, only the terminal ileum was affected by numerous polyps. In all patients, the colon, especially the sigmoid colon and rectum, showed numerous variable sized polyps. Family history was positive for stomach cancer in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: Cowden's disease should be considered in patients with esophageal acanthosis among patients with colonic polyposis, although the mucocutaneous lesions, unfamiliar to gastroenterolgists, are pathognomonic criteria for the diagnosis.

Clinical Factors Associated with Response to Biofeedback Therapy for Patients with Chronic Constipation / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Biofeedback therapy has been widely used for the treatment of constipated patients. However, there are only a few reports about the clinical factors that can predict the effectiveness of biofeedback therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic factors before the initiation of biofeedback treatment in constipated patients. METHODS: Biofeedback treatment was performed in 114 patients with constipation. After classifying the patients into two groups, responder and non-responder by subjective and objective parameters, univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to evaluate the factors associated with effectiveness of biofeedback therapy. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients (74.6%) responded to biofeedback therapy. Pre-treatment balloon expulsion test, paradoxical contraction on manometry, defecation index and anal residual pressure during straining were the factors that influenced the results of biofeedback treatment. On multivariate analysis, defecation index (odds ratio=67.5, p<0.05) and paradoxical contraction on manometry (odds ratio=0.053, p<0.05) were the factors that showed significant difference between the responders and non-responders. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that several pre-treatment prognostic factors are associated with response to biofeedback for the constipated patients. Using prognostic factors, we may be able to evaluate the patterns of pelvic floor dysfunction and responsiveness of biofeedback therapy for the patients with constipation.

A proposal of landmarks for craniofacial analysis using three-dimensional CT imaging / 대한치과교정학회지

Three-dimensional CT imaging is efficient in examining specific structures in the craniofacial area by reproducing actual measurements through minimization of errors from patient movement and image magnification. Due to the rapid development of digital image technology and the expansion of treatment range a need for developing three-dimensional analysis has become urgent. Therefore the purpose of this study was to evaluate the percentage of error and magnification of three-dimensional CT using a dried skull and Vworks programTM (Cybermed Inc., Seoul, Korea) and also to obtain landmarks that are easy to designate and reproduce in three-dimensional images using the Vmorph-proto programTM (Cybermed Inc., Seoul, Korea). The following conclusions were obtained; 1. In the comparison of actual measurements from the dried skull and the three-dimensional image obtained from the Vworks program, the mean error was 0.99mm and the magnification was 1.04%. 2. Clinically useful hard tissue landmarks from three-dimensional images were Supraorbitale, Lateral orbital margin, Infraorbitale, Nasion, ANS, A point, Zygomaticomaxilla, Upper incisor, Lower incisor, B point, pogonion, Menton, PNS, Condylar inner margin, Condylar outer margin, Porion, Condylion, Gonion1, Gonion2, Gonion3, Sigmoid notch and Basion. 3. Clinically useful soft tissue landmarks from three-dimensional images were Endocanthion, Exocanthion, Soft tissue Nasion, Pronasale, Alare lateralis, Upper nostril point, Lower nostril point, Subnasale, Upper lip point, Cheilion, Stomion, Lower lip center, Soft tissue B, Pogonion, Menton and Preaurale. The Vworks program can be considered a clinically efficient tool to produce and measure three-dimensional images. Most of the hard and soft tissue landmarks proposed above are anatomically important points which are also easily reproducible and designated. These landmarks can be beneficial in three-dimensional diagnosis and the prediction of changes before and after surgery.

Electrical Stimulation Effect in Constipated Patients with Impaired Rectal Sensation / 대한소화관운동학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Among constipated patients, there is a subgroup of patients who complain about an absent or diminished sense of desire to defecate, suggesting that one of the causes of functional constipation may be impaired rectal sensation. Recently, electrical stimulation therapy (EST) has been used for the treatment of patients with urinary/fecal incontinence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of EST for a subgroup of constipated patients with impaired rectal sensation. METHODS: Of the 130 patients with functional constipation as defined by Rome II criteria, 22 patients who had impaired rectal sensation (rectal desire threshold volume = 90 ml) were selected. Twelve patients were treated with EST and 10 patients with biofeedback therapy (BFT). RESULTS: The overall symptoms of the patients significantly improved after therapy in both groups (p<0.05). Interestingly, the sense of desire to defecate improved only after EST (p<0.05). Moreover, there was significant improvement in anal residual pressure after BFT solely (p<0.05). On the other hand, rectal sensory threshold volumes improved significantly after EST exclusively (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study has revealed that the efficacy of EST can be comparable to BFT in a subgroup of constipated patients, especially with impaired rectal sensation. EST could be considered an adjunctive therapeutic modality for the management of functional constipation with impaired rectal sensation.