Establishment of particulate matterinduced lung injury model in mouse / 한국실험동물학회지

Background@#Particulate matter (PM) is one of the principal causes of human respiratory disabilities resulting from air pollution. Animal models have been applied to discover preventive and therapeutic drugs for lung diseases caused by PM. However, the induced severity of lung injury in animal models using PM varies from study to study due to disparities in the preparation of PM, and the route and number of PM administrations. In this study, we established an in vivo model to evaluate PM-induced lung injury in mice. @*Results@#PM dispersion was prepared using SRM2975. Reactive oxygen species were increased in MLE 12 cells exposed to this PM dispersion. In vivo studies were conducted in the PM single challenge model, PM multiple challenge model, and PM challenge with ovalbumin-induced asthma using the PM dispersion. No histopathological changes were observed in lung tissues after a single injection of PM, whereas mild to moderate lung inflammation was obtained in the lungs of mice exposed to PM three times. However, fibrotic changes were barely seen, even though transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies revealed the presence of PM particles in the alveolar macrophages and alveolar capillaries. In the OVA-PM model, peribronchial inflammation and mucous hypersecretion were more severe in the OVA+PM group than the OVA group. Serum IgE levels tended to increase in OVA+PM group than in OVA group. @*Conclusions@#In this study, we established a PM-induced lung injury model to examine the lung damage induced by PM. Based on our results, repeated exposures of PM are necessary to induce lung inflammation by PM alone. PM challenge, in the presence of underlying diseases such as asthma, can also be an appropriate model for studying the health effect of PM.

Establishment of particulate matterinduced lung injury model in mouse / 한국실험동물학회지

Background@#Particulate matter (PM) is one of the principal causes of human respiratory disabilities resulting from air pollution. Animal models have been applied to discover preventive and therapeutic drugs for lung diseases caused by PM. However, the induced severity of lung injury in animal models using PM varies from study to study due to disparities in the preparation of PM, and the route and number of PM administrations. In this study, we established an in vivo model to evaluate PM-induced lung injury in mice. @*Results@#PM dispersion was prepared using SRM2975. Reactive oxygen species were increased in MLE 12 cells exposed to this PM dispersion. In vivo studies were conducted in the PM single challenge model, PM multiple challenge model, and PM challenge with ovalbumin-induced asthma using the PM dispersion. No histopathological changes were observed in lung tissues after a single injection of PM, whereas mild to moderate lung inflammation was obtained in the lungs of mice exposed to PM three times. However, fibrotic changes were barely seen, even though transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies revealed the presence of PM particles in the alveolar macrophages and alveolar capillaries. In the OVA-PM model, peribronchial inflammation and mucous hypersecretion were more severe in the OVA+PM group than the OVA group. Serum IgE levels tended to increase in OVA+PM group than in OVA group. @*Conclusions@#In this study, we established a PM-induced lung injury model to examine the lung damage induced by PM. Based on our results, repeated exposures of PM are necessary to induce lung inflammation by PM alone. PM challenge, in the presence of underlying diseases such as asthma, can also be an appropriate model for studying the health effect of PM.

Evaluation of the color stability of light cured composite resins according to the resin matrices / 대한치과재료학회지

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the color stability of light cured composite resins according to the resin matrices. Three kinds of resin matrices such as Bis-GMA (Venus® Diamond; VD), Silorane (FiltekTM P90; P90), and Ormocer (Admira; Ad) were selected. Each of them were used to prepare 30 specimens. The initial CIE L*a*b* values were measured by means of a Spectrophotometer (NF999, Nippon Denshoku, Japan). For accelerated aging process, the specimens were immersed in a circulating water bath with distilled water at 60℃. Spectrophotometric analyses were made after immersion of 8, 16, 24, 41 days and the color difference (ΔE*) was calculated. The L* value increased compared with initial L* value. VD had the greatest L* value change and Ad had the smallest L* value change (p<0.05). Ad had the greatest a* value change and VD had the smallest a* value change (p<0.05). The b* value of P90 increased steadily in positive value (+)(p<0.05). ΔE* of Ad had the smallest value and that of P90 had the greatest change with time. According to this study, the value of light cured composite resins was increased with water sorption and color of those changed into greenish and yellowish. And according to the evaluation of color stability, Ad with Ormocer as resin matrices had the best color stability with time in oral environment and P90 with Silorane as resin matrices had the lowest color stability with time. And VD had the greatest initial ΔE*.

Significance of Intratumoral Fibrosis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Intratumoral fibrosis (ITF) is a frequent histologic finding in solid organ tumors. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a highly vascularized tumor with different shapes and degrees of ITF and inflammation. ITF is a poor prognostic factor, especially in breast cancer, and is related to intratumoral necrosis (ITN) and intratumoral inflammation (ITI). However, the significance of ITF in RCC has not been fully studied. In this study, we evaluate the relationships between ITF and other clinicopathologic parameters associated with RCC prognosis. METHODS: ITF was evaluated in 204 clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) specimens according to presence and grade of fibrosis, degree of ITI, and presence of ITN. Lysyl oxidase (LOX) expression in tumor cells was also evaluated with clinicopathologic parameters. RESULTS: Among 204 CCRCC cases, 167 (81.7%) showed ITF, 71 (34.8%) showed ITI, 35 (17.2%) showed ITN, and 111 (54.4%) showed LOX expression. ITF correlated with Fuhrman nuclear grade (p = .046), lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (p = .027), and ITN (p = .036). Patients with ITF had a poor five-year overall survival rate (p = .104). CONCLUSIONS: ITF is related to other poor prognostic factors in CCRCC, such as Fuhrman nuclear grade, ITN, and LVI, but ITF itself had no significant correlation with prognosis of CCRCC.

Collecting Duct Carcinoma (Bellini Duct Carcinoma) Presented as a Renal Cyst

Renal cysts are frequently seen in the general population. Most small simple renal cysts are managed by conservative treatment. A renal cell carcinoma (RCC) presenting as a renal cyst is extremely uncommon, and collecting duct carcinoma is a rare type of RCC. This report describes a collecting duct carcinoma initially presnted as a renal cyst. The patient was a 52-year-old man who had been diagnosed with a renal cyst in the left lower pole 8 years earlier but was not regularly follow-up. He presented with left flank pain and gross hematuria. Computed tomography revealed a heterogeneous enhanced mass in the left lower pole and multiple para-aortic lymph nodes. He underwent radical nephrectomy and lymph nodes dissection which confirmed collecting duct carcinoma with sarcomatoid differentiation.

Effect of Testosterone Replacement Therapy on Cognitive Performance and Depression in Men with Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the effect of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on cognitive function and depression in men with testosterone deficiency syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out a prospective, placebo-controlled trial involving 106 men with total testosterone levels 0.05). At baseline, no significant differences between the TRT and control groups were noted regarding serum testosterone or prostate-specific antigen levels, or regarding the scores for aging symptoms (Aging Males' Symptoms scale), erectile function (5-item International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire), cognitive function (Korean Mini-Mental State Examination), and depression (Beck Depression Inventory). At 8 months after intervention total serum testosterone levels and erectile function scores had significantly increased (p<0.05), whereas the scores for aging symptoms and depression had significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the TRT group; no significant improvement in any parameters was noted for the control group. Notably, significant improvement in cognitive function was noted among patients with cognitive impairment at baseline (cognitive function score <25) who received TRT. CONCLUSIONS: TRT may be considered in men with testosterone deficiency syndrome if low testosterone levels are associated with depression or cognitive impairment.

Is the Expression of p53, c-erb-B2 and Ki-67 Influence the Prognosis of the Non-muscle Invasive Urothelial Bladder Cancer?

PURPOSE: The immunohistochemial markers can be used to predict prognosis more accurately for several cancers. In non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma, p53, c-erb-B2 and Ki-67 are applicable. We investigated a retrospective analysis of the relation between the markers and clinical prognostic factors of urothelial bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 268 non-muscle invasive urothelial bladder cancer (Ta, T1) patients from one single center were collected. Immunohistochemical evaluation was carried out on 268 (p53, c-erb-B2, Ki-67) cases. Clinical prognostic factors are as follows; number of tumor, tumor invasiveness, tumor grade and recurrence. The sum of all positivity of 3 markers was made as a new factor and evaluation of correlation between this factor and prognostic factors was also done. Statistical analysis was done by chi-squares test and Pearson's correlation test. RESULTS: Through chi-square test, there were significant relations between all markers and tumor invasiveness (p<0.001), tumor grade (p<0.001). Number of tumor is significantly related with Ki-67 (p=0.043). Recurrence is related with c-erb-B2 (p=0.010) and Ki-67 (p=0.043). There was also significant correlations between the sum of the markers and prognostic factors-tumor invasiveness (p<0,001), tumor grade (p<0.001) and recurrence (p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, evaluated markers were closely related with clinical prognostic factors and may contribute to decision making on risk-assessment and management strategy for non-muscle invasive urothelial bladder cancer.

Dissociative Identity Disorders in Korea: Two Recent Cases

Although dissociative identity disorder (DID), the most severe of the dissociative disorders, has retained its own diagnostic entity since its introduction in the DSM-III, cases of DID are rarely seen in South and East Asia, likely due to the higher prevalence of possession disorder. We report two patients with DID who were recently admitted to our inpatient psychiatric unit and demonstrated distinct transitions to several identities. Their diagnoses were confirmed through a structured interview for dissociative disorders and possible differential diagnoses were ruled out by psychological, neuroimaging, and laboratory tests. The rapid transition to a Westernized, individualized society along with an increase in child abuse, might contribute to an increase in DID, previously under-diagnosed in this region.

Symptomatic Conceptualization of Disorganized Speech in Patients with Schizophrenia / 대한정신분열병학회지

OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to present the distinctive correlates of disorganized speech in patients with schizophrenia, using the Scale for the Assessment of Thought, Language and Communication (TLC scale). METHODS: We compared the formal thought and other clinical characteristics between schizophrenia inpatients with (n=82) and without (n=80) disorganized speech. Psychometric scales including the TLC scale, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Calgery Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) and Word Fluency Test (WFT) were used. The presence or absence of disorganized speech was established using transformed dummy variable of score on the Clinician-Rated Dimension of Psychosis Symptom Severity (CRDPSS). RESULTS: After adjusting the effects of age, sex and total scores on the BPRS, YMRS and WFT, the subjects with disorganized speech presented significantly higher score on the poverty of contents of speech (p=0.001), distractible speech (p<0.0001), tangentiality (p<0.0001), derailment (p<0.0001), incoherence (p<0.0001), ilogicality (p<0.0001), word approximations (p=0.003), loss of goal (p<0.0001), blocking (p=0.006) and self-reference (p=0.002) items than those without disorganized speech. With defining the mentioned item scores as covariates, binary logistic regression model predicted that derailment (p=0.0001) and poverty of contents of speech (p<0.0001) were significant independent-correlates of disorganized speech in patients with schizophrenia. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that derailment and poverty of contents of speech are significant correlates of disorganized speech in patients with schizophrenia. Our findings might be used to evaluate disorganized speech in patients with schizophrenia efficiently.

Is a secondary procedure necessary in every case of failed endoscopic treatment for vesicoureteral reflux?

PURPOSE: Endoscopic treatment (ET) has become a widely accepted procedure for treating vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). However, patients followed up after ET over long periods have reported persistent or recurrent VUR. We evaluated the natural course of failed ET in patients who required further treatments to help physicians in making decisions on the treatment of VUR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with VUR and underwent ET from January 2006 to December 2009. A total of 165 patients with 260 ureters underwent ET. We compared the parameters of the patients according to ET success or failure and evaluated the natural course of the patients after ET failure. RESULTS: Mean VUR grade and positive photon defect were higher in the failed ET group than in the successful ET group. Six months after the operation, persistent or recurrent VUR was observed in 76 ureters (29.2%), and by 16.3 months after the operation, VUR resolution was observed in 18 ureters (23.7%). Twenty-five ureters (32.9%) without complications were observed conservatively. Involuntary detrusor contraction was found in 1 of 9 (11.1%) among the secondary ET success group, whereas in the secondary ET failure group, 4 of 6 (66.7%) had accompanying involuntary detrusor contraction. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in whom ET fails can be observed for spontaneous resolution of VUR unless they have febrile urinary tract infection or decreased renal function. Urodynamic study may be helpful in deciding whether a secondary procedure after ET failure is necessary.

Adolescent Varicocele: Are Somatometric Parameters a Cause?

PURPOSE: It has been reported that varicocele is found less frequently in obese men. Accordingly, we evaluated varicocele patients and statistically analyzed the correlation between varicocele and somatometric parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 211 patients underwent surgery for varicoceles. All patients underwent history taking, physical examination, and scrotal ultrasound to determine the presence and severity of varicocele. An age-matched control group consisted of 102 patients who were found not to have varicocele according to physical examinations and scrotal ultrasound. The age, weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) of the two groups were compared. The statistical analyses were performed by use of PASW Statistics ver. 18.0. A p-value of less than 0.05 was used for statistical significance. RESULTS: In the varicocele group, the mean age, height, weight, and BMI were 29.42+/-14.01 years, 168.53+/-9.97 cm, 62.14+/-13.17 kg, and 21.66+/-3.21 kg/m2, respectively. The distribution of varicocele grade was as follows: 103 (48.8%) grade III, 72 (34.1%) grade II, and 36 (17.1%) grade I. In the control group, the mean age, height, weight, and BMI were 30.83+/-17.31 years, 161.93+/-19.83 cm, 64.69+/-17.86 kg, and 24.04+/-3.64 kg/m2, respectively. Analyzing these data specifically in adolescents, they showed significant differences in age, height, and BMI (p=0.000, p=0.000, and p=0.004, respectively) between two groups. There were no significant differences in somatometric parameters between patients with different grades of varicocele. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that patients with varicoceles were significantly taller and had a lower BMI than did patients without varicoceles, especially among adolescents. Carefully designed future studies may be needed.

Patterns of Delusions and Hallucinations in Schizophrenia : Comparison between the 1990s and the 2000s

OBJECTIVES: Research suggests that content of delusion and hallucination in schizophrenia is influenced by culture and social environment. However, few studies investigated chronological change of delusions and hallucinations within a society. To investigate changes in delusions and hallucinations of schizophrenia according to time, we compared contents of symptoms between inpatients with schizophrenia at two different time frames. METHODS: All admissions to a psychiatric unit of Hanyang University Guri Hospital with discharge diagnoses of schizophrenia at two different five-year time frames (1996-2000 and 2006-2010) were reviewed. Using a checklist, adapted from the Scale for Assessment of Positive Symptoms, we investigated delusions and hallucinations of 247 patients (104 in the 1990s and 143 in the 2000s). RESULTS: Delusions and hallucinations of patients did not differ at two time frames. In women, however, auditory and somato-tactile hallucinations were significantly more frequent in the 1990s (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the literature emphasizing that content and frequency of hallucination may differ according to cultural environment. We speculate that attitude toward sex and defensiveness toward disclosure of symptoms may have contributed to interval difference.

Renal Function Following Curative Surgery for Renal Cell Carcinoma: Who Is at Risk for Renal Insufficiency?

PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence and predictive factors associated with the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients undergoing curative surgery for renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2003 to 2010, we retrospectively investigated 108 patients undergoing partial nephrectomy or radical nephrectomy (RN) for renal tumors with a preoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR)> or =60. The GFR was calculated by use of the four-variable modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) formula. CKD was defined as an estimated GFR (eGFR) less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Demographic and clinicopathologic parameters were evaluated by using the chi-square and Student t-tests and multivariate regression analysis to determine the variables independently associated with the development of postoperative CKD. RESULTS: Of the 108 patients without preoperative CKD, CKD developed in 43 patients (39.8%). In the analysis of clinical factors between patients with and those without CKD development, gender, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and tumor size were not significant clinical factors. Statistical significance for CKD development was found for age of 60 years or greater (p=0.013), decreased preoperative eGFR (p<0.001), and RN group (p<0.001). In the multivariate analysis, decreased preoperative eGFR (p=0.001) and RN group (p=0.002) were significant independent predictors. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study show that decreased preoperative renal function and RN were significant independent predictors of postoperative CKD. In patients who had a relatively decreased preoperative eGFR, especially when estimated by use of the MDRD formula, nephron-sparing surgery should be considered for the treatment of small renal tumors.

Bone Cement-Augmented Short Segment Fixation with Percutaneous Screws for Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures Accompanied by Severe Osteoporosis

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of bone cement-augmented short segment fixation using percutaneous screws for thoracolumbar burst fractures in a background of severe osteoporosis. METHODS: Sixteen patients with a single-level thoracolumbar burst fracture (T11-L2) accompanying severe osteoporosis treated from January 2008 to November 2009 were prospectively analyzed. Surgical procedures included postural reduction for 3 days and bone cement augmented percutaneous screw fixation at the fracture level and at adjacent levels without bone fusion. Due to the possibility of implant failure, patients underwent implant removal 12 months after screw fixation. Imaging and clinical findings, including involved vertebral levels, local kyphosis, canal encroachment, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Prior to surgery, mean pain score (visual analogue scale) was 8.2 and this decreased to a mean of 2.2 at 12 months after screw fixation. None of the patients complained of pain worsening during the 6 months following implant removal. The percentage of canal compromise at the fractured level improved from a mean of 41.0% to 18.4% at 12 months after surgery. Mean kyphotic angle was improved significantly from 19.8degrees before surgery to 7.8 at 12 months after screw fixation. Canal compromise and kyphotic angle improvements were maintained at 6 months after implant removal. No significant neurological deterioration or complications occurred after screw removal in any patient. CONCLUSION: Bone cement augmented short segment fixation using a percutaneous system can be an alternative to the traditional open technique for the management of selected thoracolumbar burst fractures accompanied by severe osteoporosis.

Is Increased Prostatic Urethral Angle Related to Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Males with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia/Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms?

PURPOSE: The prostatic urethra is a bent tube, and the clinical significance of the prostatic urethral angle (PUA) was recently reported. We investigated the statistical significance of an increased PUA on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was done of 270 men with BPH/LUTS from July 2009 to June 2011. Prostate volume, PUA, and intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) were measured by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS). The IPSS was analyzed separately as storage and voiding symptom score. In order to minimize the effect of prostate size on voiding, patients with prostate size over 40 ml were excluded. RESULTS: The mean age was 62.0+/-9.3 years. The mean prostate volume was 29.0+/-5.5 ml (range, 20 to 40 ml), and median PUA and IPP were 34degrees (range, 12 to 52degrees) and 1.7 mm (range, 0 to 5.3 mm), respectively. The mean IPSS, mean IPSS-ss, and mean IPSS-vs were 19.0+/-8.2, 7.3+/-4.0, and 11.6+/-5.5, respectively. The prostate volume had no statistically significant correlation with IPSS, IPSS-ss, or IPSS-vs. IPP had a statistically significant correlation with IPSS (p or =34degrees) with a lower PUA (<34degrees), patients with a higher PUA had a higher IPSS (p=0.001) and a higher IPSS-vs (p=0.001). There was no significant difference in IPSS-ss, prostate volume, or PSA between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: IPP showed significantly correlated with the IPSS and voiding symptom score was affected by the PUA but not by the prostate volume. As the PUA increased, the patients' voiding symptoms worsened. Further study may be needed.

Function of the Cold Receptor (TRPM8) Associated with Voiding Dysfunction in Bladder Outlet Obstruction in Rats / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) causes storage and voiding dysfunction in the lower urinary tract. We investigated the expression of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8) to evaluate the relationship between TRPM8 expression and overactive bladder (OAB) in a rat model of BOO. METHODS: Fifty female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups; normal (n=10), normal-menthol (n=10), BOO (n=15), BOO-menthol (n=15). After 3 weeks, cystometry was performed by infusing physiological saline and menthol (3 mM) into the bladder at a slow infusion rate. The histological changes and expression of TRPM8 in the bladder were investigated by Masson's trichrome staining, immunofluorescence and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Cystometry showed that the intercontraction interval (ICI; 428.2+/-23.4 vs. 880.4+/-51.2, P<0.001), micturition pressure (MP; 25.7+/-1.01 vs. 71.80+/-3.01, P<0.001), and threshold pressure (2.9+/-0.25 vs. 9.2+/-1.58, P<0.01) were significantly increased in BOO rats. The bladder wall was significantly dilated compared with the control. Detrusor muscle hypertrophy and a thick mucosa layer were observed in BOO bladder. After menthol treatment, ICIs were decreased and MPs were increased in the menthol treatment groups. TRPM8-positive cells and mRNA were predominantly increased in the bladder and dorsal root ganglia of all groups compared with the normal group. CONCLUSIONS: Increased bladder wall thickness and proportion of collagen probably affect voiding dysfunction. Furthermore, an increase of TRPM8 expression in BOO may induce entry of Ca2+ from the extracellular space or stores. The increase of Ca2+ probably causes contraction of smooth muscle in BOO. However, OAB symptoms were not observed after menthol treatment although the expression of TRPM8 was abundant in the bladder epithelium after menthol treatment. Although OAB in BOO models may be caused by complex pathways, regulation of TRPM8 presents possibilities for OAB treatment.

Nodular Fasciitis in the Finger: The Sonographic Findings and a Literature Review

A 39-year-old woman presented with a rapidly growing nodule on the right thumb. An ultrasound study demonstrated a mass located in the deep subcutaneous tissue on the ulnar side of the interphalangeal joint. Incisional biopsy yielded the diagnosis of nodular fasciitis. We discuss the ultrasound appearance of nodular fasciitis as reported in the literature and how to make the differential diagnosis of an echogenic finger mass.

A Case of Urinary Ascites with Urinoma Secondary to Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in a Neonate

Spontaneous intraperitoneal extravasation of urine is rare. Perirenal urinoma may develop when obstruction to urinary flow creates sufficient back pressure to produce extravasation of urine. Urinary ascites most commonly indicate a disruption to the integrity of the urinary tract. We report a case of urinary ascites with urinoma resulting from an ureteropelvic junction obstruction in a neonate.

Renal Abscesses Measuring 5 cm or Less: Outcome of Medical Treatment without Therapeutic Drainage

PURPOSE: Diagnosis and proper treatment of renal abscesses remains a challenge for physicians. We investigated the characteristics and comorbidity factors of renal abscesses measuring 5 cm or less and critically examined the effectiveness of conservative treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 2001 and March 2009 the records of 63 patients initially diagnosed at our hospital with renal or perirenal abscesses were retrospectively reviewed. In 63 patients with renal and perirenal abscesses, 51 abscesses measured 5 cm or less, and 49 abscesses were treated with intravenous antibiotics alone. RESULTS: Most patients were women (91.8%), and their mean age was 42.3 years. The mean size of renal abscesses was 3.6 cm. The most common predisposing condition was diabetes mellitus (DM) (46.9%). Common clinical features were fever (83.7%) and flank pain (53.1%). On urinalysis, 31 (64.6%) cases had positive bacterial cultures with Escherichia coli (50.0%) being the most common pathogen. All 49 patients were treated with broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics alone. All patients showed complete clinical regression and resolution of the renal lesions shown by CT between 3 and 14 weeks. The average hospital stay was 15.3 days (range, 5-31 days). Significant predictors of a long hospital stay were age, abscess size, and DM. CONCLUSION: Medium-sized as well as small-sized renal abscesses were treated successfully with intravenous antibiotics alone. DM was a significant predictor of prolonged hospital stay. If therapeutic drainage is believed to involve considerable risk, then intravenous antimicrobial therapy may be a good alternative treatment.

A Case of Signet-ring Cell Carcinoma of the Ampulla of Vater / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Signet-ring cell carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater is so rare that only 16 cases have been reported. Here we report a case of a 47-year-old man with signet-ring cell carcinoma in the ampulla of Vater. The patient was hospitalized for right upper quadrant abdominal pain and jaundice which had developed 10 days prior. Computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography (US) revealed dilatation of the common bile duct and the intrahepatic bile duct. On duodenoscopy, a bulging mass with an irregular margin in the major papilla was noted. Histologic findings showed a signet-ring cell carcinoma. Surgical resection was not done because lymph node metastasis was noted during the operation. Hence, conservative treatment including chemotherapy and bile drainage was done.