Simulating dose reduction for myocardial perfusion SPECT using a Poisson resampling method / 대한핵의학회잡지

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to determine the lowest Tl-201 dose that does not reduce the image quality of myocardial perfusion SPECT (MPS) by Poisson resampling simulation. @*Methods@#One hundred and twelve consecutive MPS data from patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease were collected retrospectively. Stress and rest MPS data were resampled using the Poisson method with 33%, 50%, 67%, and 100% count settings. Two nuclear medicine physicians assessed the image quality of reconstructed data visually by giving grades from − 2 to + 2. The summed stress score (SSS), summed rest score (SRS), and summed difference score (SDS) were obtained on the workstation. Image quality grades and semi-quantitative scores were then compared among these resampled images. @*Results@#The proportions of “adequate” image quality were 0.48, 0.75, 0.92, and 0.96 for the groups of images with 33%, 50%, 67%, and 100% data, respectively. The quality of the resampled images was significantly degraded at 50% and 33% count settings, while the image quality was not different between 67 and 100% count settings. We also found that high body mass index further decreased image quality at 33% count setting. Among the semi-quantitative parameters, SSS and SRS showed a tendency to increase with a decline in count. @*Conclusion@#Based on the simulation results, Tl-201 dose for MPS can be reduced to 74 MBq without significant loss of image quality. However, the SSS and SRS can be changed significantly, and it needs to be further verified under the different conditions.

Hilar Choledochal Cyst Mimicking Biliary Atresia on Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy: a Case Report / 대한핵의학회잡지

Hepatobiliary scintigraphy has been widely used for the differential diagnosis of neonatal cholestasis. Relatively good hepatic uptake with no evidence of excretion into the bowel for up to 24 h is a representative finding of biliary atresia. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy has very high sensitivity and moderate specificity. Here, we report a false-positive case of hepatobiliary scintigraphy in a child with a choledochal cyst, which mimicked biliary atresia.

StrokeBase: A Database of Cerebrovascular Disease-related Candidate Genes

Complex diseases such as stroke and cancer have two or more genetic loci and are affected by environmental factors that contribute to the diseases. Due to the complex characteristics of these diseases, identifying candidate genes requires a system-level analysis of the following: gene ontology, pathway, and interactions. A database and user interface, termed StrokeBase, was developed; StrokeBase provides queries that search for pathways, candidate genes, candidate SNPs, and gene networks. The database was developed by using in silico data mining of HGNC, ENSEMBL, STRING, RefSeq, UCSC, GO, HPRD, KEGG, GAD, and OMIM. Forty candidate genes that are associated with cerebrovascular disease were selected by human experts and public databases. The networked cerebrovascular disease gene maps also were developed; these maps describe genegene interactions and biological pathways. We identified 1127 genes, related indirectly to cerebrovascular disease but directly to the etiology of cerebrovascular disease. We found that a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network that was associated with cerebrovascular disease follows the power-law degree distribution that is evident in other biological networks. Not only was in silico data mining utilized, but also 250K Affymetrix SNP chips were utilized in the 320 control/disease association study to generate associated markers that were pertinent to the cerebrovascular disease as a genome- wide search. The associated genes and the genes that were retrieved from the in silico data mining system were compared and analyzed. We developed a well-curated cerebrovascular disease-associated gene network and provided bioinformatic resources to cerebrovascular disease researchers. This cerebrovascular disease network can be used as a frame of systematic genomic research, applicable to other complex diseases. Therefore, the ongoing database efficiently supports medical and genetic research in order to overcome cerebrovascular disease.

FESD II: A Revised Functional Element SNP Database of Human Ethnicities

The Functional Element SNPs Database (FESD) categorizes functional elements in human genic regions and provides a set of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within each area. Users may select a set of SNPs in specific functional elements with haplotype information and obtain flanking sequences for genotyping. Our previous version of FESD has been improved in several ways. We regenerated all the data in FESD II from recently updated source data such as HapMap, UCSC GoldenPath, dbSNP, OMIM, and TRANSFAC(R). Users can obtain information about tagSNPs and simulate LD blocks for each gene from four ethnicities in the HapMap project on the fly. FESD II employs a Java/JSP web interface for better platform portability and higher speed than PHP in the previous version. As a result, FESD II provides its users with more powerful information about functional element SNPs of human ethnicities.

A Study for The Nature of Pigmentation Adjacent to Titanium Miniplate Osteosynthesis

The titanium miniplate osteosynthesis system has been used for fixation of bone fragments in the maxillofacial areas due to easy manipulation and even has been proposed for unnecessity of miniplate removal because of the biocompatibility and the corrosion resistance. But recently, there have been some suggestions for its removal, on the basis of findings that there have been pigmentations around the adjacent tissues during miniplate removal procedure and they are the depositions of metal particles. Purposes of this study are to ascertain the presence and nature of pigmentation observed within tissues adjacent to titanium miniplate, and to suggest possible causes of it. We could observe the black pigmentation during miniplate removal procedure for recent about 1.5 year. Pigmented tissues were stained with hematoxylin-eosin(H-E) for light microscophic(LM) examination to investigate the black pigmentations and the histomorphology around them. The scanning electron microscopy(SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray(EDX) analysis was used to examine the ultrastructural nature of pigmentations. Many metal particles with variable sizes and shapes were seen in the connective tissue by SEM and were identified as titanium by EDX.

Unusual peripheral osteomas: Report of 2 cases

Osteoma is defined as a benign neoplasm of bony tissue. Osteomas are divided into two groups: central and peripheral by origin, compact and cancellous by histopathologic findings. Solitary osteoma of jaw bone, not related with Gardner syndrom, is relatively uncommon. We present two cases of huge solitary peripheral osteomas: compact type exophyting osteoma on the inferolingual side of mandibular angle and cancellous type on the residual ridge of posterior maxilla, which is extremely rare.

A clinicostatistical analysis of mandibular fractures in the west of gyeongsangnamdo

A Clinico-Statistical Analysis On The Fascial Space Infections Of Oral And Maxillofacial EGION

We have conducted a retrospective study of 224 patients with the diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial infection who had been treated between 1988 and 1999 at Gyeong-Sang National University Hospital. This study was aimed to furnish the data of oral and maxillofacial infection and to aid diagnosis and treatment. The most common fascial space involved, as determined by clinical, radiologic, and operative findings, were the submandibular space(39.4%). The most frequent cause of oral and maxillofacial infection was odontogenic 68.8%. In the odontogenic cause, dental caries was the most common cause. Two-hundred three patients required surgical drainage of the abscess. Seventeen patients needed tracheostomy for airway control. The overall mortality was 0.9% despite aggressive anti-microbial therapy and early surgical intervention. All other patients had an uneventful recovery without major complication except osteomyelitis case(6.0%). The combination of early radiologic diagnosis, effective antimicrobial therapy, and intensive surgical management contributed to the good prognosis.

Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Under Epidural Anesthesia -in High-Risk Group / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has become a standard therapy for several diseases such as pneumothorax, hyperhidrosis, mediastinal mass, and so on. These methods usually required single-lung ventilation with double-lumen endobronchial tube to collapse the lung under general anesthesia. However, risks of general anesthesia itself and single-lung ventilation must be considered in high-risk patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between December 1997 and July 1998, eight high-risk patients (6: empyema, 1: intractable pleural effusion, 1: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) with underlying pulmonary disease and poor general condition were treated by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgerys under epidural anesthesia and spontaneous breathing. RESULT: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgerys were successfully per formed in 7 patients. Conversion to general anesthesia was required in 1 patient because of decrease in spontaneous breathing. But, conversion to open decortication was not required. In two patients with chronic empyema, one patient required thoracoplasty as a second procedure and one patient required re-video-assisted thoracoscopic procedure due to a recurrence. The mean operative time was 31.8+/-15.2 minutes. No significant postoperative respiratory com plication was encountered. CONCLUSION: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgerys can be per formed safely under epidural anesthesia for the treatment of empyema and diagnosis of pulmonary abnormalities in high-risk patients.

Thoracoscopic T-3 Sympathicotomy for Palmar Hyperhidrosis / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of T3 sympathicotomy in treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: During the period of June to December 1998, 50 patients (24 females and 26 males) suffering from palmar hyperhidrosis either in isolation (n=37) or in combination with axillary hyperhidrosis (n=13) were operated. The mean age of the patients was 20 years. The bilateral sympathetic trunks were severed on the 3rd rib (2nd and 3rd ganglia) for the isolated palmar hyperhidrosis and on the 3rd and 4th ribs for the combined type using electrocoagulation scissors. A linear analogue scale was used to assess the degree of sweating on the palms, face, trunk, and feet (ranged 0 to 10:0 = anhidrosis: 10 = excessive sweating) as well as the patient's satisfaction with the surgery (ranged 0 to 10:0 = regret; 10 = completely satisfied). RESULT: All of the patients were relieved from palmar hyperhidrosis. A mean palmar sweat production score after T3 sympathicotomy was 1.5+/-0.8. Some degree of compensatory sweating had occurred in 39 patients (78%) with a mean score of 3.4+/-1.6. Gustatory sweating occurred in 2 patients (4%). The mean score of the patient's satisfaction after the surgery was 8.5+/-1.2. CONCLUSION: Palmar hyperhidrosis can be successfully relieved by the T3 sympathicotomy. When considering the advantages of T3 sympathicotomy with respects to a better preservation of facial sympathetic function, less occurrence of severe compensatory sweating, and lower incidence of gustatory sweating. We recommend T3 sympathicotomy as a treatment of choice for palmar hyperhidrosis.

Comparison of the Reconstruction Routes after Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Selection of reconstruction route in esophageal cancer surgery is based on the patient's status, characteristics of tumor, surgeon's preference and experience. Of the various routes, it has been documented that subcutaneous or substernal route may prolong operation time and may be vulnerable to postoperative respiratory complications. This study was designed to evaluate whether the selection of reconstruction route affects the surgical outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Of 131 patients who have undergone resection and reconstruction for esophageal cancer, posterior mediastinal route(Group I, n=34), substernal route (Group II, n=31), and subcutaneous route(Group III, n=21) were retrospectively reviewed in 86 patients. Results of early operations and morbidities were compared between the groups. RESULT: There was a male prevalence(79 of males vs. 7 of females). There were 81 squamous cell cancers and 5 adenocarcinomas. There were no differences between groups in weight, height, age, cancer staging and location, and in the preoperative anesthetic risk evaluation and pulmonary function test(p=NS). Postoperative mechanical ventilation time was longer in Group I(20.6 hours) than in Group II(7.8 hours) or III(3.4 hours)(p=0.005). Duration of stay in the intensive care unit was prolonged in Group III(6.4 days) compared to Group I (3.9 days) or II(3.1 days)(p=0.043). No differences were noted in the duration of hospital stay between the groups(p=NS). Blood transfusion was needed in 30 out of 34 patients in Group I compared to 14/31 in Group II or 15/21 in Group III(p=0.001). The mean amount of transfusion for each patient was also higher in Group I(3,833 mL) than in Group II(1535 mL) or Group III(1419 mL)(p=0.04), but there was no difference in the inreoperation due to bleeding. Ea ly mortality rate was substantially higher in Group I(17.6%) but the differences between the groups were insignificant(p=NS). Although sepsis was a more prevalent cause of death in Group I, it was not related to anastomotic leak. Other morbidities did not differ between the groups(p=NS). CONCLUSION: In above results show that the reconstruction route does not affect the outcome of esophageal cancer surgery. We believe that the selection of reconstruction route can be based on the surgeon's preference and experience.

Facters Affecting Recurrence after Video-assisted Thoracic Surgery for the Treatment of Spontaneous Pneumothotax / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Recent developments in techniques of video-assisted thoracic surgery(VATS) and endoscopic equipment has expanded the application of video-assisted surgical procedures in the field of thoracic surgery. Especially, it will probably become the treatment of choice of spontaneous pneumothorax(SP). There is, however, a high recurrence rate, high cost, and paucity of long-term results. We report the results of postoperative follow-up and analyze perioperative parameters affected to recurrence, retrospectively. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From march 1992 to march 1997, 276 patients with spontaneous pneumothorax underwent 292 VATS procedures. Conversion to open thoracotomy was necessitated in eight patients, and this patients excluded from the study. RESULT: The sex distribution was 249 males and 31 females. The mean age was 28.1 12.2 years(range, 15 to 69 years). Primary SP was 237cases(83.5%) and secondary SP was 47cases(16.5%). The major underlying lung diseases associated with secondary SP were tuberculosis 27cases(57.4%) and emphysema 8cases (38.3%). Operative indications included Ipsilateral recurrence 123(43.9%), persistent air-leak 53(18.9%), x-ray visible bleb 40(14.3%), tension 30(10.7%), contralateral recurrence 21(7.5%), uncomplicated first episode 8(2.9%), bilateral 3(1.1%), complicated episode 2(0.7%). Blebs were visualized in 247cases(87%) and 244cases(85.9%) performed stapled blebectomy. Early postoperative complications occurred in 33 cases(11.6%): 16 prolonged air-leak more than 5 days(four of them were required a second operation and found missed blebs); 5 bleeding; 5 empyema; 2 atelectasis; 1 wound infection. No deaths occured. The mean operative time was 52.8 23.1 minutes(range, 20 to 165 minutes). The mean d ration of chest tube drainage was 5.0 4.5 days(range, 2 to 37 days). The mean duration ofhospital stay was 8.2 5.5 days (range, 3 to 43days). At a mean follow-up 22.3 18.4 months(range, 1 to 65 months), 12 patients(4.2%) were lost to follow-up. There were 24 recurrences and seven patients underwent second operation and 6 patients(85.7%) were found the missed blebs. 12 perioperative parameters(age, sex, site, underlying disease, extent of collapse, operative indication, size of bleb, number of bleb, location of bleb, bleb management, pleural procedure, prolonged postoperative air-leak) were analyzed statistically to identify significant predictors of recurrence. The significant predictors of recurrence was the underlying disease[17.0%(8/47): 6.8%(16/237), p=0.038], prolonged postoperative air-leakage[37.5%(6/16): 6.7%(18/268), p=0.001], and pleural procedure [11.4%(19/167): 4.3%(5/117), p=0.034]. Blebectomy has less recurrence rate then non-blebectomy [8.2%(20/244) : 10.0%(4/40), p>0. 5]. However, this difference was not statistically significant(p=0.758). CONCLUSION: We conclude that it is important that we shoud careful finding of bleb during VATS due to reducing of recurrnece, and cases of no bleb identified and secondary spontaneous pneumothorax were indicated of pleurodectomy. VATS is a valid alternative to open procedure for the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax with less pain, shorter hospital stay, more rapid return to work, high patient acceptance, less scar and exellent cosmetics. But, there is high recurrence rate and high cost, and than it is necessary to evaluate of long-term results for recurrence and to observate carefully during VATS.

Cervical Esophago-Enteric Anastomosis with Straight Endostapler / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The use of the stapler n esophageal reconstruction after esophageal resection for benign or malignant esophageal diseases has become popular because it has less leakage at the anastomotic site and shorter operation time than manual sutures. However, the use of classic circular stapler has some complications such as stenosis and dysphagia that requires additional treatment. Such complications are closely related to the inner diameter of the anastomotic sites. In this study, the diameter of anastomotic site was compared after the use of circular stapler(EEA) and straight endoscopic stapler(endo GIA). MATERIAL AND METHOD: The patients who received esophageal reconstruction by stapler from August 1995 to September 1997 were reviewed. The patients were divided into 2 groups. One group need the circular stapler, and the other group the straight endo GIA(14 cases with endo GIA 30mm, 24 with endo GIA 45mm). After a cervical esophago-enteric anastomosis, the stricture of anastomotic site and the incidence of dysphagia were compared between the 2 groups using an esophagography and the patient's symptoms. The follow-up period was 12months in average. RESULT: In the former group in which the circular stapler was used, 2 cases of anastomotic stenosis were reported. In comparison, none were reported in the latter group. Dysphagia were reported in 8 cases of the former group, and in 3 cases of the latter group(1 case in endo GIA 30 mm, 2 cases in endo GIA 45 mm). CONCLUSION: The use of endo GIA in esophago-enteric anastomosis resulted in a wider diameter of the anastomotic site, lesser stricture, and lesser incidence of dysphagia compared to the use of former circular stapler. Therefore, it is thought to be a better method in esophageal reconstructions.

MR Imaging of the Temporomandibular Joint in Patient with Acute Mandibular Condylar Fracture

PURPOSE: To analyze various MR imaging findings and thus evaluate the usefulness of MR imaging of the tem-poromandibular joint in patient with acute mandibular condylar fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR imaging was performed within 1week after trauma in 25 patients (total joints s-tudied=31) in whom condylar fracture had been diagnosed by simple radiographs. We analyzed the signal intensity of bone marrow and disk, displacement of bone fragment and disk, deformity. In addition, MRI findings of retrodiskal tissue, joint capsule and joint effusion were eualuated. RESULTS: No abnormal signal intensity was noted in bone marrow or disk. Displacement of a condylar fracture fragment was observed in 24 joints(77 %) (anteromedial, 63 %; medial, 25 %; anterior, 4%; anterolateral, 4 % ; and lateral, 4 %). Disk displacement occurred in 23 joints(74 %) (anteromedial, 65 %; medial, 9 %; anterior, 18%; anterolateral, 4 %; and lateral, 4 %). In 17 joints (55 %) the disk was displaced along with the fractured condylar fragment, and disk deformity was noted in five joints(16 %). MR imaging (T2WI) revealed a capsular tear(n=1), joint effusion(n=26), and high signal intensity in the retrodiskal tissue(n=6). CONCLUSION: MR imaging provided information concerning condylar fragments, disks, retrodiskal tissue, capsules, and joint effusion. In patients with acute mandibular condylar fracture, MRI is therefore useful for evaluation of the temporomandibular joint.

Thoracic Sympathetic Ganglionectomy for Primary Hyperhidrosis / 대한흉부외과학회지

From January 1996 to December 1996, we performed 137 thoracic sympathetic ganglionectomies with VATs for primary hyperhidrosis in the department of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at Anam hospital, Korea university medical center. There were 83 men and 54 women whose ages ranged from 13 to 63 years old (mean age: 25years). Of these patients, 128 patients had complained of palmar hyperhidrosis and 26 of facial hyperhidrosis. Thoracoscopic sympathetic ganglionectomies procedures included lower 1/3 Stellate ganglionectomies in 4 patients; lower 1/3 Stellate ganglionectomies and T2-sympathetic ganglionectomies in 18 patients; T2-sympathetic ganglionectomies in 86 patients; T2 and T3 sympathetic ganglionectomies in 10 patients; and T2, T3 and T4 sympathetic ganglionectomies in 19 patients. The mean operating time was 59 minutes (range: 25 to 162 minutes), and the mean hospital stay was 3.8 days (range: 2 to 8 days). Common complications were compensatory hyperhidrosis (109 patients) and causalgia (18 patients). At the end of the follow-up period (mean: 8 months) ninety-seven percent of the patients reported satisfactory results. Thoracic sympathetic ganglionectomy with VATs is an efficient, safe, and minimally invasive surgical procedure for primary hyperhidrosis.

Tracheoinnominate Artery Fistula: A Case Report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Tracheoinnominate artery fistula is a rare complication that can happen after tracheostomy, the mortality rate is high and it reqiures urgent surgical management. The patient had received a left pneumonectomy 30 years ago and post-operative course was in uneventful. And tracheostomy was performed for acute respiratory failure due to trachea stenosis for 2 months in recent. She was improved in general condition and changed to a 11 mm silicone Montgomery T-tube. On the 3rd day after the tube changed, she had cardiac arrest due to the excessive hemorrhaging due to tracheoinnominate artery fistula. We report an successusful experience for control of bleeding by an innominate artery fistula division and the Utley maneuver for the tracheoinnominate artery fistula. We report the operation method of bleeding control.

Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Mediastinal Lesions / 대한흉부외과학회지

Recently, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for mediastinal lesions has been considered a new effective therapeutic method. From March, 1992 to April, 1997, 33 cases of video assisted thoracoscopic surgery for mediastinal lesions were performed. Gender distribution was 16 males and 17 females. Average age was 42 years old (ranged from 14 to 69). The locations of lesions were anterior mediastinum in 14 cases, middle mediastinum in 5 cases, posterior mediastinum in 11 cases, and superior mediastinum in 3 cases. These included 9 neurilemmomas, 5 benign cystic teratoma, 4 pericardial cysts, 2 ganglioneuroma, 2 thymus, 2 thymic cyst, 1 thymoma, 2 esophageal leiomyomas, 1 dermoid cyst, 1 lipoma, 1 malignant lymphoma, 1 bronchogenic cyst, 1 pericardial effusion, and 1 Boerhaave's disease with empyema. Working window was needed in 6 cases. We converted to open thoracotomy in 6 cases. Reasons of convertion to open thoracotomy were large sized mass (1), severe adhesion (3), and difficult location to approach (2). The average operation time was 116min (+/-56 min). The average chest tube drainage time was 4.7days. The average hospital stay was 8.7 days. Operative complications were atelectasis (2), empyema with mediastinitis (1), recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (1), and plenic nerve palsy (1). In conclusion, VATS for mediastinal lesions were performed with shorter operation time and hospital stay, and lesser complications and pain than those of conventional thoracotomy.

Thoracoscopic Stellate Ganglionectomy for Facial Hyperhidrosis / 대한흉부외과학회지

With recent advancements in the instrumentation and technique of VATS, it has become the method of choice to cure facial hyperhidrosis. From July 1996 to April 1997, we performed 43 thoracic lower stellate ganglionectomy with VATS for facial hyperhidrosis. There were 33 men and 10 women whose ages ranged from 17 to 63 years (mean age, 37 years). Of those patients, 23 complained only of facial hyperhidrosis, and 20 complained of facial hyperhidrosis along with excessive sweating of the palm or foot. Thoracoscopic sympathetic ganglionectomy procedures included lower stellate ganglionectomy in 12 patients; lower stellate ganglionectomy and T2-sympathetic ganglionectomy in 28 patients; and lower stellate, T2 and T3 sympathetic ganglionectomy in 3 patients. Common complications were compensatory hyperhidrosis (36 patients) and causalgia (8 patients). At the end of the follow-up period (minimum, 3 months) ninety-five percent of the patients reported satisfactory results. Thoracic lower stellate ganglionectomy with VATS is an efficient, safe and minimally invasive surgical procedure for facial hyperhidrosis.

A comparative study of odontogenic and non-odontogenic deep neck infections / 대한이비인후과학회지

No abstract available.

Architectural and structural craniofacial analysis of Korean adults

No abstract available.