Trends of Incidence and Survival Rates of Mucosa-associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma in the Korean Population: Analysis of the Korea Central Cancer Registry Database

Background@#Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT-lymphoma) is an extranodal lymphoma that occurs at various sites in the body. There is a limited understanding of the incidence and survival rates of MALTlymphoma. To investigate the nation-wide incidence and survival rates of MALT-lymphoma in Korea during 1999–2017, the data on MALT-lymphoma were retrieved from the Korea Central Cancer Registry. @*Methods@#During the time period of 1999–2017, 11,128 patients were diagnosed with MALTlymphoma. The age and sex of the patients and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) summary stage of the tumor were analyzed, and the relative survival rates (RSRs) were calculated. @*Results@#The age-standardized incidence rates of MALT-lymphoma in 2017 among males and females were 1.53 and 1.61 per 100,000 individuals, respectively, whereas those in 1999 among males and females were 0.21 and 0.20, respectively in Korea. The RSRs were more than 97% at 10 years post-diagnosis between 1993 and 2017. The 5-year RSRs were 87.4%, 94.8%, 97.8%, and 98.6% during 1996–2000, 2001–2005, 2006–2010, and 2013–2017, respectively. Based on SEER summary staging, the 5-year RSRs during 2013–2017 were 100.3%, 90.8%, 91.3%, and 97.9% for patients with localized, regional, distant, and unknown stages of MALT-lymphoma, respectively. @*Conclusion@#Although the incidence of MALT-lymphoma is low in Korea, it has been increasing in recent years. The prognosis of MALT-lymphoma is good even at advanced stages. These findings provide useful insights to clinicians about MALT-lymphoma and inform patients about the survival rate.

Association of a genetic polymorphism of IL1RN with risk of acute pancreatitis in a Korean ethnic group

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Several epidemiological studies have validated the association of interleukin gene polymorphisms with acute pancreatitis (AP) in different populations. However, there have been few studies in Asian ethnic groups. We aimed to investigate the relationships between inflammatory cytokine polymorphisms and AP as pilot research in a Korean ethnic group. METHODS: Patients who had been diagnosed with AP were prospectively enrolled. DNA was extracted from whole blood, and DNA sequencing was subsequently performed. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the interleukin 1β (IL1B), interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFA) genes of patients with AP were compared to those of normal controls. RESULTS: Between January 2011 and January 2013, a total of 65 subjects were enrolled (40 patients with AP vs. 25 healthy controls). One intronic SNP (IL1RN −1129T>C, rs4251961) was significantly associated with the risk of AP (odds ratio, 0.304; 95% confidence interval, 0.095 to 0.967; p = 0.043). However, in our study, AP was not found to be associated with polymorphisms in the promoter regions of inflammatory cytokine genes, including IL1B (−118C>T, c47+242C>T, +3954C/T, and −598T>C) and TNFA (−1211T>C, −1043C>A, −1037C>T, −488G>A, and −418G>A). CONCLUSIONS: IL1RN −1129T>C (rs4251961) genotypes might be associated with a significant increase of AP risk in a Korean ethnic group.

The Feasibility of Retrieving Retained Hemostatic Clips in the Stomach: Case Series

Hemostatic clips are widely used to treat gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and closure of defects in the GI tract. Few data on retrieving hemostatic clips retained in the GI tract are available. Patients who had hemostatic clips retained in the stomach for more than 2 weeks after placement were enrolled. Clips were removed with grasping forceps during endoscopy. In 15 patients, a total of 45 clips were placed, and 31 clips (68.9%) were retained. The median periods of clip retention was 105 days (range, 39~1,383 days). Twenty-seven clips (87.1%) were successfully retrieved with grasping forceps, and four clips (12.9%) were not removed because they were fixed on the stomach wall. Adverse events occurred in two patients (13.3%): both involved immediate bleeding at the retrieval site; however, the bleeding was completely treated by replacing the clips. In conclusion, retrieving clips retained long-term was relatively safe and feasible. Complications were easily controlled by re-placement of clips.

Chronic Hemorrhage from a Fistula between a Gastroduodenal Artery Aneurysm and the Duodenum / 대한내과학회지

Gastroduodenal artery (GDA) aneurysm is a very rare event, but it induces life-threatening clinical manifestations upon rupture or bleeding. The causes of GDA aneurysm are atherosclerosis, infection, trauma, surgery, iatrogenic lesions, mycotic or tuberculous disease, and autoimmune disease. We report the case of a 77-year-old female who presented with melena and vomiting. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a 4 cm pulsatile extrinsic mass with a duodenal fistula at the duodenal bulb. Abdominal computed tomography showed a large aneurysm of the GDA. We successfully conducted transcatheter embolization of the aneurysm. After the procedure, the patient did not present with melena, and her hemoglobin level was stable. Follow-up endoscopy showed that the GDA aneurysm-duodenal fistula had decreased in size and was leaking a small amount of blood. An arteriography was performed and showed no evidence of contrast filling in the aneurysmal sac.

The IL-1B Genetic Polymorphism Is Associated with Aspirin-Induced Peptic Ulcers in a Korean Ethnic Group

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with aspirin-induced peptic ulcers. However, SNPs of specific genes vary among races, and data regarding SNPs in the Korean population are scarce. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationships between SNPs of the COX-1, IL-1β, IL-1RN, and TNF genes and aspirin-induced peptic ulcers, as pilot research in a Korean population. METHODS: Patients who had been taking low-dose aspirin (100 mg) for at least 4 weeks were prospectively enrolled. DNA was extracted from whole blood, and DNA sequencing was subsequently performed. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients were enrolled (23 peptic ulcer patients vs 25 nonulcer controls). Three exon SNPs (IL-1β-581C/T [rs1143627], IL-1β-1061C/T [rs16944], and IL-1RN-1129 [rs4251961]) and one intron SNP (IL-1β IVS2+242C/T) were significantly different between the two groups. On the multivariate analysis after adjustments for age and sex, the CC/CT genotypes of IL-1β-581C/T, and the CT/TT genotypes of IL-1β-1061C/T were positively associated with aspirin-induced peptic ulcers (odds ratio [OR], 4.6, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.054 to 20.303, p=0.04; OR, 4.6, 95% CI, 1.054 to 20.303, p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The IL-1β-581C/T and IL-1β-1061C/T genotypes may be associated with low-dose aspirin-induced peptic ulcers in a Korean ethnic group.

A Pilot Trial of Ambulatory Monitoring of Gastric Motility Using a Modified Magnetic Capsule Endoscope

The magnetic capsule endoscope has been modified to be fixed inside the stomach and to monitor the gastric motility. This pilot trial was designed to investigate the feasibility of the magnetic capsule endoscope for monitoring gastric motility. The magnetic capsule endoscope was swallowed by the healthy volunteer and maneuvered by the external magnet on his abdomen surface inside the stomach. The magnetic capsule endoscope transmitted image of gastric peristalsis. This simple trial suggested that the real-time ambulatory monitoring of gastric motility should be feasible by using the magnetic capsule endoscope.

Portal-Splenic-Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis in a Patients with Protein S Deficiency due to Novel PROS1 Gene Mutation / 대한소화기학회지

Protein S (PS), a vitamin K-dependent glycoprotein, performs an important role in the anticoagulation cascade as a cofactor of protein C. Because of the presence of a pseudogene and two different forms of PS in the plasma, protein S deficiency (PSD) is one of the most difficult thrombophilias to study and a rare blood disorder associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. We describe a unusual case of previously healthy 37-year-old man diagnosed with portal-splenic-mesenteric vein thrombosis secondary to PSD. The patient was admitted to the hospital due to continuous nonspecific abdominal pain and nausea. Abdominal computed tomography revealed acute venous thrombosis from inferior mesenteric vein to left portal vein via splenic vein, and laboratory test revealed decreased PS antigen level and PS functional activity. Conventional polymerase chain reaction and direct DNA sequencing analysis of the PROS1 gene demonstrated duplication of the 166th base in exon 2 resulting in frame-shift mutation (p.Arg56Lysfs*10) which is the first description of the new PROS1 gene mutation to our knowledge. Results from other studies suggest that the inherited PSD due to a PROS1 gene mutation may cause venous thrombosis in a healthy young man without any known predisposing factor.

A Case of IgG4 Associated Sclerosing Cholangitis without Clinical Manifestations of Autoimmune Pancreatitis / 대한소화기학회지

IgG4-related systemic diseases are characterized by a diffuse or mass forming inflammatory reaction rich in lymphocytes and IgG4-positive plasma cells (lymphoplasmacytic infiltration), fibrosclerosis of variable organs and obliterative phlebitis. They usually involve various organs including the pancreas, bile duct, gallbladder, salivary gland, retroperitoneum, kidney, lung, and prostate. However, most of them are accompanied by autoimmune pancreatitis, and good response to steroid treatment is one of the hallmarks of this disease. We report a case of an 67-year-old man with IgG4 associated sclerosing cholangitis, who was diagnosed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and successfully treated with steroid therapy.

A Case of IgA Nephropathy with a Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis-like Pattern Presenting as Massive Ascites in a Patient with Alcoholic Liver Disease / 대한신장학회지

IgA nephropathy can occur commonly in alcoholic liver cirrhosis and is the most common form of secondary IgA nephropathy. Defective clearance of IgA-containing complexes by liver is thought to contribute to the development of IgA nephropathy in alcoholic cirrhosis. Although IgA deposition is found up to 64% in autopsy cases of alcoholic cirrhosis, most patients have mild clinical symptoms, and nephrotic range proteinuria occurs rarely in these patients. We report a case of IgA nephropathy with a membranoproliferative pattern that is detected with unusual massive ascites in a patient with alcoholic liver disease. A 60-year-old male patient was referred to our hospital for evaluation and management of abdominal distension. Abdominal ultrasonographic findings were compatible with diffuse liver cirrhosis with splenomegaly and large amount of ascites. He had nephrotic range proteinuria, azotemia, hyperlipidemia, and hematuria in dipstick. Renal biopsy performed under the impression of acute nephritis revealed mesangial and endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis with double contour of capillary loop. Immunofluorescence findings showed mesangial IgA and C3 deposit, compatible with IgA nephropathy. He was treated with high dose steroid, and steroid was tapered during 2 months. Steroid treatment induced complete remission state, and ascites was resolved.

An intrathoracic malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a neurofibromatosis type 1 patient / 대한내과학회지

A malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a rare soft tissue tumor defined as any malignant tumor arising from or differentiating toward the cells of the peripheral nerve sheath. It is one of the malignant tumors associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (von Recklinghausen's disease). They occur most commonly on the lower and upper extremities, trunk, head, and neck, while intrathoracic tumors are very rare. We report an intrathoracic MPNST in a 66-year-old female with neurofibromatosis type 1.

A case of bronchiolitis obliterans with bronchiectasis / 대한내과학회지

Bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) is a non-specific inflammatory injury that affects the small airways, resulting in progressive dyspnea and airflow limitation. The inflammatory process is characterized by granulation tissue filling the lumen of the terminal and respiratory bronchioles, extending into the distal air spaces. BO is usually described in association with bone marrow, heart-lung, or lung transplantation. Outside transplantation, it is rare. We report a 66-year-old female patient who presented with dyspnea that resulted in a diagnosis of BO with bronchiectasis.

A Case of Esophageal and Gastric Foreign Bodies Induced by Cyanoacrylate Ingestion / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Foreign bodies of the upper gastrointestinal tract are found in all age groups, and the foreign bodies can be ingested incidentally or intentionally. They are usually common in children, but they have also been discovered in adults with esophageal disease, artificial teeth, mental retardation, in patients seeking secondary gains and in alcoholics. The types of foreign bodies vary for different social and cultural conditions, and can include coins, corks, toys, fish bones, toothbrushes, needles, nails and pens. Foreign bodies of the upper gastrointestinal tract are usually passed into the intestinal tract spontaneously, but sometimes intervention is required. We report a case of an 80-year-old man with a past medical history of depressive disorder that had ingested adhesives. The adhesives present in the esophagus were removed by the use of therapeutic endoscopy. However, the adhesives in the stomach were too large to remove by the use of an endoscopic procedure, and gastrotomy was performed.

Recurrent Acute Uremic Encephalopathy Associated with Reversible Bilateral Basal Ganglia Lesion / 대한신장학회지

Uremic encephalopathy is a well-known complication in uremia and rarely occurs with involuntary movements which represent basal ganglia lesion. We experienced a cases of recurrent acute uremic encephalopathy associated with reversible bilateral basal ganglia lesion. A 49-year-old man with end stage renal disease due to diabetic nephropathy on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) treatment for the last 2 months was admitted for mental change. His blood sugar was 60 mg/dl, and his mentality was recovered after glucose solution infusion. Five days after admission, he suddenly developed dysarthria and chorea. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated low and high signals on bilateral basal ganglia in T1-weighted and T2-weighted images, respectively. After intensified CAPD treatment, his neurologic manifestations were resolved. One month after discharge, follow-up brain MRI showed decreased size of low attenuation on the basal ganglia. Two months later, he repeatedly developed dysarthria and involuntary movement of extremities. Newly developed bilateral symmetric T1 low and T2 high signal lesion on the basal ganglia was repeatedly observed on brain MRI. At that time, (his) Kt/V was 1.33. So we decided on him to switch from CAPD to hemodialysis, after then his symptoms disappeared.

A Case of Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Renal Failure Associated with Primary Hypothyroidism / 대한신장학회지

Hypothyroidism is a clinical state which results from decreased production of thyroid hormone, and its symptoms are various including lack of energy, dryness of skin and hair, dyspnea, bradycardia, hypotension, body weight gain, and constipation. Muscle disorders due to hypothyroidism may include myalgia, muscle weakness, stiffness, delayed tendon reflex, abnormality of electromyography, changes of muscle tissues and increased muscle enzymes. Hypothyroid myopathy manifests as a mild form of myopathy rather than an acute rhabdomyolysis, that is a very rare complication of hypothyroid myopathy and that can cause acute renal failure. We report a case of primary hypothyroidism presented with rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure. A 50-year-old male referred to our hospital for evaluation and management of generalized edema, muscle weakness, fatigue and myalgia. He had acute rhabdomyolysis and progressed to acute renal failure due to newly developed primary hypothyroidism. After hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine, the patients renal function and muscular symptom completely recovered.