Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Is Associated with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

Background@#Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with a wide spectrum of metabolic abnormalities. This study aimed to evaluate whether NAFLD is associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) independent of other risk factors. @*Methods@#A total of 3,508 subjects who underwent prostate and hepatic ultrasonography were enrolled. NAFLD was diagnosed and graded by ultrasonographic findings. BPH was defined by total prostate volume. @*Results@#The prevalence of BPH was significantly increased according to NAFLD severity (P < 0.001). The multivariate analysis showed that NAFLD was associated with a 22% increase in the risk of BPH (odds ratio [OR], 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.45). In non-obese subjects, NAFLD was associated with a 41% increase in the risk of BPH (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.14–1.73), and an incremental increase in the risk of BPH according to NAFLD severity was pronounced (adjusted OR [95% CI], 1.32 [1.05–1.68] for mild NAFLD, 1.55 [1.15–2.10] for moderate to severe NAFLD vs. no NAFLD, P for trend = 0.004). However, in the obese population, the association of NAFLD in the risk of BPH was insignificant (P = 0.208). @*Conclusion@#NAFLD is associated with an increased risk of BPH regardless of metabolic syndrome, especially in non-obese subjects. An incrementally increased risk of BPH according to NAFLD severity is prominent in non-obese subjects with NAFLD. Thus, physicians caring for non-obese patients with NAFLD may consider assessing the risk of BPH and associated urologic conditions.

Genetic Polymorphisms of PNPLA3 and SAMM50 Are Associated with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in a Korean Population

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with multiple genetic and environmental factors. METHODS: We performed a genome-wide association study to identify the genetic factors related to NAFLD in a Korean population-based sample of 1,593 subjects with NAFLD and 2,816 controls. We replicated the data in another sample that included 744 NAFLD patients and 1,137 controls. We investigated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were related to NAFLD. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, sex and body mass index, rs738409, rs12483959 and rs2281135, located in the PNPLA3 gene, were validated in our population (p < 8.56×10⁻⁸) in the same linkage disequilibrium block. Additionally, rs2143571, rs3761472, and rs2073080 in the SAMM50 gene showed significant associations with NAFLD (p < 8.56×10⁻⁸). Furthermore, these six SNPs showed significant associations with the severity of fatty liver (all p < 2.0×10⁻¹⁰ in the discovery set and p < 2.0×10⁻⁶ in the validation set) and NAFLD, with elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (all p < 2.0×10⁻¹⁰ in the discovery set and p < 2.0×10⁻⁶ in the validation set). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that the PNPLA3 and SAMM50 genes are significantly associated with the presence and severity of NAFLD in a Korean population. These findings confirm the important roles of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.

The serum vitamin D level is inversely correlated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A low vitamin D level has been associated with metabolic syndrome and diabetes. However, an association between a low vitamin D level and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has not yet been definitively established. This study aimed to characterize the relationship between a vitamin D level and NAFLD in Korea. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 6,055 health check-up subjects was conducted. NAFLD was diagnosed on the basis of typical ultrasonographic findings and a history of alcohol consumption. RESULTS: The subjects were aged 51.7±10.3 years (mean±SD) and 54.7% were female. NAFLD showed a significant inverse correlation with the vitamin D level after adjusting for age and sex [odds ratio (OR)=0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.75-0.96]. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of NAFLD decreased steadily with increasing vitamin D level [OR=0.74, 95% CI=0.60-0.90, lowest quintile (≤14.4 ng/mL) vs highest quintile (≥28.9 ng/mL), p for trend 20 ng/mL) [OR=0.86, 95% CI=0.75-0.99] and the quintiles of the vitamin D level in a dose-dependent manner (p for trend=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The serum level of vitamin D, even when within the normal range, was found to be inversely correlated with NAFLD in a dose-dependent manner. Vitamin D was found to be inversely correlated with NAFLD independent of known metabolic risk factors. These findings suggest that vitamin D exerts protective effects against NAFLD.

Detailed Distribution of Liver Enzymes according to Gender, Age, and Body Mass Index in Health Check-up Subjects / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine the distribution of range of liver enzymes according to age and BMI in each gender using large-scale data. METHODS: Data were gathered from 65,715 subjects who underwent a routine health check-up and did not have HBsAg and anti-HCV. Boxplot analysis was used to examine the distribution of range of liver enzymes according to age and BMI in each gender. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed for assessment of the association of liver enzymes with age and BMI, and to determine whether the range of liver enzymes was affected by risk factors for metabolic syndrome in each gender. RESULTS: ALT, AST, and GGT levels showed significant association with BMI in both male and female after adjusting for age. The range of ALT, AST, and GGT levels varied more widely according to the increase in BMI in males than in females, and this finding was more prominent in younger subjects than in older subjects. All risk factors for metabolic syndrome were shown to affect liver enzyme levels in male subjects. However, although most risk factors for metabolic syndrome affected liver enzyme levels, there might be weak or no effect of fasting hyperglycemia on AST, and low serum HDL-cholesterol level on GGT in female subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Age, BMI, and other risk factors for metabolic syndrome had a significant effect on the distribution of range of liver enzymes in each gender, even in this study conducted from Korean health checkup subjects.

Status of Primary Liver Cancer Found through Routine Health Check-up

This study aimed to investigate the status of primary liver cancers found through a routine health check-up. The data of subjects who were diagnosed with primary liver cancer for the first time through a routine health check-up during a period of 8-yr were analyzed. Primary liver cancers were detected for the first time in 34 subjects among 91,219 routine health check-up subjects. Only 11.8% of primary liver cancer subjects had been under previous surveillance. Of them, 55.8% were positive for HBsAg, 17.7% were positive for anti-HCV, and 8.8% were heavy alcohol comsumers. However, 17.7% of the subjects were neither heavy alcohol consumers nor positive for both HBsAg and anti-HCV. Of the subjects, 50.0% had a single nodular tumor, 23.5% had multi-nodular tumors, and 26.5% had an infiltrative tumor. A routine health check-up may provide beneficial opportunities to detect a liver cancer in a very early stage. It is beneficial to start surveillance in high-risk subjects for liver cancer or to detect any liver cancer in subjects without risk factors of chronic viral hepatitis or heavy alcohol consumption.

Dietary Risk Factors in Relation to Colorectal Adenoma / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The role of dietary risk factors in colorectal carcinogenesis remains unclear. We investigated the association between dietary intakes and colorectal adenomas who visited a health promotion center for a routine health check-up colonoscopy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case-control study using data from individuals who had colonoscopy at Seoul National University Hospital Healthcare System Gangnam Center from October 2003 to December 2007. The subjects were 242 patients (162 males and 80 females) with histopathologically confirmed colorectal adenoma, and 464 (272 males and 192 females) controls. Dietary data were obtained via 24 hour dietary recall, assisted by a registered dietitian. The student's t-test and the chi-square test were performed for the statistical comparison of means and proportions among groups. Multivariate analyses using logistic regression were performed to assess the relation between dietary intake and colorectal adenoma. RESULTS: The total average energy intake of the patients (male: 2,407.5+/-429.2 kcal, female: 1,901.3+/-316.9 kcal) was higher than the controls (male: 2,249.6+/-430.4 kcal, female: 1,752.4+/-275.0 kcal; p=0.001). High energy intake (male: OR=4.13, 95% CI=1.70-10.05, p=0.002; female: OR=4.00, 95% CI=1.51-10.61, p=0.005) and animal protein intake (male: OR=3.97, 95% CI=1.66-9.49, p=0.002; female: OR=5.76, 95% CI=1.99-16.169, p=0.001) were found to be associated with the risk of colorectal adenoma after adjusting for confounders such as age, BMI, waist circumference, metabolic syndrome and smoking. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, high energy intake and animal protein were associated with colorectal adenoma.

The Distribution of Endoscopic Gastritis in 25,536 Heath Check-up Subjects in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic gastritis is a common finding during endoscopy and it is very important to describe it correctly. This study was designed to evaluate the distribution of endoscopic gastritis and the differences according to age, sex or area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical analysis was conducted on 25,536 subjects who had undergone an upper endoscopy for routine health check-up. Endoscopic gastritis was classified into four types, superficial gastritis, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. The distribution of the four types of gastritis was evaluated according to sex, age and area. RESULTS: 51.6% of the patients had experienced at least one of the symptoms (epigastric pain or discomfort, soarness, dyspepsia, abdominal pain) on at least a few occasions during the previous year. The incidence of normal gastric finding was 3,593 (14.1%). 21,943 (85.9%) subjects have at least more than one of endoscopic gastritis. The number of cases with superficial gastritis was 7,983 (31.3%), erosive gastritis 6,054 (23.7%), atrophic gastritis 6,918 (27.1%), and intestinal metaplasia 1,181 (7.1%). Erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men than women (P or =60 years) than younger age group (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of endoscopic gastritis was very common, 85.9%. In addition, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men and in the older age group, which is similar to gastric cancer or peptic ulcer. Cautious regular endoscopic follow-up might be necessary regardless of gastrointestinal symptoms in Korea.

The Distribution of Endoscopic Gastritis in 25,536 Heath Check-up Subjects in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic gastritis is a common finding during endoscopy and it is very important to describe it correctly. This study was designed to evaluate the distribution of endoscopic gastritis and the differences according to age, sex or area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical analysis was conducted on 25,536 subjects who had undergone an upper endoscopy for routine health check-up. Endoscopic gastritis was classified into four types, superficial gastritis, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. The distribution of the four types of gastritis was evaluated according to sex, age and area. RESULTS: 51.6% of the patients had experienced at least one of the symptoms (epigastric pain or discomfort, soarness, dyspepsia, abdominal pain) on at least a few occasions during the previous year. The incidence of normal gastric finding was 3,593 (14.1%). 21,943 (85.9%) subjects have at least more than one of endoscopic gastritis. The number of cases with superficial gastritis was 7,983 (31.3%), erosive gastritis 6,054 (23.7%), atrophic gastritis 6,918 (27.1%), and intestinal metaplasia 1,181 (7.1%). Erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men than women (P or =60 years) than younger age group (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of endoscopic gastritis was very common, 85.9%. In addition, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men and in the older age group, which is similar to gastric cancer or peptic ulcer. Cautious regular endoscopic follow-up might be necessary regardless of gastrointestinal symptoms in Korea.

The Clinical Significance of Specialized Intestinal Metaplasia in the Diagnosis of Barrett's Esophagus: Nationwide Prospective Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The meaning of specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) in the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus (BE) is not clear. This study was designed to determine the clinical significance of SIM in the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biopsies were taken from 601 subjects with endoscopically suspected columnar-lined esophagus. Under light microscopy with Alcian-blue stain, SIM was identified. Demographic characteristics, gastroesophageal (GE) reflux symptoms and endoscopic findings were compared between the SIM-present group and the SIM-absent group. RESULTS: Among 601 subjects, 184 (30.6%) were confirmed by pathology to have SIM. Age over 40 years (P<0.001) and a medication history of proton pump inhibitor or H2 blocker were found more frequently in the SIM-present group (P=0.01) than in the SIM-absent group. Any of 7 GE reflux symptoms (heartburn, acid regurgitation, chest pain, hoarseness, globus sensation, cough and epigastric soreness) were more frequent in the SIM-present group than SIM-absent group (P<0.001). Specifically, heartburn, chest pain and cough were significantly more common in the SIM-present group. There was no clinically significant difference associated with endoscopic findings or other clinical characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: When subjects with endoscopically suspected BE are analyzed based on the presence or absence of SIM, the SIM-present group was significantly associated with GE reflux symptoms suggestive of frequent GE reflux. However, the presence of SIM did not correlate with endoscopic findings.

Association between Helicobacter pylori Seropositivity and the Coronary Artery Calcium Score in a Screening Population

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Helicobacter pylori causes numerous extragastric manifestations, including coronary heart disease. The coronary artery calcification (CAC) score, measured using computed tomography (CT) has been used as a screening test for coronary atherosclerosis. This study investigated the association between H. pylori seropositivity and CAC scores in a screening population. METHODS: Patients who underwent a health checkup between October 2003 and July 2007 and who did not have a history of ischemic heart disease were enrolled in the study. Subjects were screened with a multidetector CT scan to determine the CAC score and for anti-H. pylori antibody immunoglobulin G; traditional risks for coronary heart disease were evaluated using a structured questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory tests. RESULTS: Of the 2,029 subjects enrolled (1,295 males), 1,214 (59.8%) subjects were H. pylori positive and 815 were H. pylori negative. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics of the seropositive and seronegative patients. When the CAC presence or absence scores were considered, multivariate analysis revealed that H. pylori seropositivity was statistically associated with the presence of CAC and that this association was stronger in the mild CAC score category. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori seropositive patients are at a higher risk for coronary atherosclerosis regardless of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. This association is particularly applicable for early coronary atherosclerosis.

Validation of P2/MS and Other Noninvasive Fibrosis Scoring Systems in the Korean Population with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: P2/MS is a noninvasive marker for detecting hepatic fibrosis in patients with viral hepatitis. However, the applicability of P2/MS in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has not yet been validated. This study aimed to validate P2/MS and compare it to other noninvasive fibrosis scoring systems in Korean patients with NAFLD. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent liver biopsy between January 2002 and December 2009 at Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea were enrolled in this study. Fibrosis stage was determined using the METAVIR scoring system. RESULTS: A total of 235 patients were included in the study: advanced fibrosis (METAVIR F3-F4) was present in 7 patients. No patient was over-staged among 162 patients with a P2/MS score above the high cut-off (95), resulting in a high negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% (95% confidence interval, 97.1-100). There was no significant difference between the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the FIB-4 (0.964) and the AUROC of the NAFLD fibrosis score (0.964) or P2/MS (0.940) for detecting advanced fibrosis. If P2/MS was implemented in the Korean patients with NAFLD, 68.9% of liver biopsies might be avoided. CONCLUSIONS: P2/MS has a high NPV for excluding advanced fibrosis in Korean patients with NAFLD, and can reduce the burden of liver biopsy in the majority of cases. Since there were few patients with advanced fibrosis, further studies are warranted in a cohort including more patients with advanced fibrosis to validate the low cut-off value.

Helicobacter pylori Serology Inversely Correlated With the Risk and Severity of Reflux Esophagitis in Helicobacter pylori Endemic Area: A Matched Case-Control Study of 5,616 Health Check-Up Koreans

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The role of Helicobacter pylori in gastroesophageal reflux disease remains still controversial and the effect of the organism on severity of reflux esophagitis have been rarely issued. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between H. pylori infection and reflux esophagitis, and especially the severity of reflux esophagitis. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional case-control study of 5,616 subjects undergoing both upper endoscopy and H. pylori serology during health Check-up (2,808 cases vs age- and sex-matched controls). Smoking, alcohol, body mass index and waist circum - ference were added to a multiple regression model. RESULTS: Prevalence of H. pylori infection was lower in cases with reflux esophagitis than in controls (38.4% vs 58.2%, P < 0.001) and negative associations with H. pylori infection continued across the grade of esophagitis (46.7% in Los Angeles classification M [LA-M], 34.3% in LA-A or LA-B and 22.4% in LA-C or LA-D, P < 0.001). Positive serology for H. pylori independently reduced the risk of reflux esophagitis (adjusted OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.39-0.49). Notably, the negative associations continued across the grade of esophagitis with adjusted ORs of 0.63 in LA-M, 0.36 in LA-A or LA-B and 0.20 in LA-C or LA-D (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In a age-sex matched Korean, H. pylori seropositivity was independently and inversely associated with the risk and severity of reflux esophagitis, suggesting the organism may have a protective role against gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A and Associated Socioeconomic Factors in Young Healthy Korean Adults

BACKGROUND/AIMS: An epidemiologic shift of hepatitis A virus (HAV) seroprevalence is expected due to an improvement in socioeconomic status in young adults in Korea. We investigated the age-specific seroprevalence and socioeconomic factors associated with HAV seropositivity in young, healthy Korean adults. METHODS: Between March 2009 and February 2010, a total of 5,051 persons from 20 to 49 years of age presenting for a health check-up were included and responded to a questionaire. The seroprevalence of HAV was investigated by measuring immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-HAV. A total of 984 pairs of cases and age- and sex-matched controls were analyzed for associated socioeconomic factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of seropositive HAV was 6.2% in the 20 to 29 age range, 33.1% in the 30 to 39 range and 82.4% in the 40 to 49 range (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in any group according to gender. A multivariate analysis for paired cases indicated that HAV seropositivity was significantly higher in the low monthly income (below five million won, approximately 4,300 dollars) group and the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-positive group (odds ratio [OR], 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27-2.14; p<0.001; OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.19-1.76; p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: HAV seropositivity in young adults presenting for a health checkup appears to be decreasing, and the prevalence was significantly higher in the low monthly income group and the H. pylori-positive group.

Metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma presenting as facial nerve palsy and facial pain / 대한간학회지

Facial nerve palsy due to temporal bone metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has rarely been reported. We experienced a rare case of temporal bone metastasis of HCC that initially presented as facial nerve palsy and was diagnosed by surgical biopsy. This patient also discovered for the first time that he had chronic hepatitis B and C infections due to this facial nerve palsy. Radiation therapy greatly relieved the facial pain and facial nerve palsy. This report suggests that hepatologists should consider metastatic HCC as a rare but possible cause of new-onset cranial neuropathy in patients with chronic viral hepatitis.

Features of Gastric Neoplasm Detected during the Screening Examination

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastric cancer is the leading malignancy in Korea and early detection through the health screening seems to be important. The aims of this study were to investigate the features of gastric neoplasms detected during screening, and to figure out the risk factors of these lesions. METHODS: From October 2003 to September 2005, subjects who visited Seoul National University Hospital Healthcare System Gangnam Center for health check-up were included in the study. The program included a questionnaire and tests including anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibody, esophagogastroduodenoscopy or double contrast upper gastrointestinal study. To figure out the risk factors, an age and gender-matched, four-fold sized control group was selected from the subjects. RESULTS: Of 25, 432 subjects, 122 cases of gastric neoplasms were detected including 61 adenocarcinoma (45 early gastric cancers), 53 adenoma, 7 mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and one metastatic cancer. There was no significant statistical difference in basal characteristics of the subjects between gastric adenocarcinoma and adenoma. When comparing with the control group those without gastric neoplasms, smoking history, family history of stomach cancer, and H. pylori seropositivity were found to be significant risk factors for gastric neoplasms. Metabolic syndrome was more prevalent in adenoma than in the control (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The health screening may be beneficial in early detection of gastric cancer. In addition, metabolic syndrome might be related with gastric adenoma.

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in health check-up subjects / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: H. pylori-associated gastrointestinal diseases have been widely recognized. The aim of this study was to investigate the seropositivity of H. pylori in health check-up subjects and to find out the relating factors. METHODS: From November 2004 through June 2005, total 7,676 health check-up subjects (age > or =20) responded to the self administered questionnaires. The prevalence of H. pylori was assessed by measuring anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies. RESULTS: The overall seropositivity was 56.7% in 7,676 and 1,137 (14.8%) has been found to have history of H. pylori eradication therapy. The seropositivity rate of H. pylori was 61.3% (2,653) in 4,328 subjects without history of H. pylori eradication and current gastrointestinal symptoms. Seroprevalence of H. pylori was significantly lower in 20~29 years old, female, high income and subjects from Seoul respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The seropositivity of H. pylori in 2004~2005 is found to be 61.3% in subjects without history of H. pylori eradication and current gastrointestinal symptoms. This seems to be lower than 66.9%, the seroprevalence rate in asymptomatic Korean population in the age of > or =16 years in 1998. This decrease might be caused by improvement of socioeconomic status.

Prospective Comparing the Efficacy of CT Colonography and Colonoscopy for Detecting Colorectal Adenomatous Polyp in Asymptomatic Adults / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of CT colonography (CTC) in comparison with colonoscopy for the detection of colorectal adenomatous polyp in asymptomatic adults. METHODS: A total 208 asymptomatic adults underwent successive CTC and colonoscopy, on the same day. RESULTS: On the analysis of adenomatous polyps per subject, the sensitivity of CTC was 90% (9/10) in case of polyps > or =10 mm in size, and 67.7% (21/31) in case of polyps > or =6 mm in size. Those values of colonoscopy were 100% and 93.5%, respectively. The per-patient specificity of CTC was 98.0% (194/198) in case of polyps > or =10 mm in size and 88.1% (156/177) in case of polyps > or =6 mm in size. CTC missed 4 (3 flat adenomas and, 1 sessile adenoma) out of 17 adenomatous polyps > or =10 mm in size in 2 subjects. CONCLUSIONS: In asymptomatic adults, the sensitivity of CTC for detecting adenomatous polyps was lower than that of colonoscopy, particularly for the small lesions below 10 mm in size, and also for the flat adenomas > or = 10 mm in size. However, CTC showed a high sensitivity and specificity for detecting the subjects with clinically important colorectal adenomatous polyps > or = 10 mm in size. These results suggest that CTC has potential as a screening method for colorectal neoplasm.

Viral Breakthrough in HBeAg-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Receiving Lamivudine Therapy / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Long-term efficacy and the rate of viral breakthrough in patients with HBeAg- negative chronic hepatitis B receiving lamivudine therapy is uncertain. This study was conducted to determine the rate of viral breakthrough according to the HBeAg status and the relation of viral breakthrough with YMDD mutants. METHODS: Two hundred and five patients with HBeAg-positive and 49 patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B, who had received lamivudine for at least 9 months, were included. The mean durations of the lamivudine treatment were 176 months and 155 months in HBeAg-positive and negative patients, respectively. Analysis of HBV genome for YMDD mutations was performed by restriction-fragment-length polymorphism assay and direct sequencing. RESULTS: While the cumulative rates of viral breakthrough at 12th and 24th months of the lamivudine therapy were 0% and 7% in the HBeAg-negative group, they were 12% and 39% in the HBeAg-positive group. The cumulative rate of viral breakthrough in the HBeAg-negative group was significantly lower than in the HBeAg-positive group (p<0.01). In multivariate analysis, the only significant factor related to viral breakthrough was the HBeAg status (p<0.05). The YMDD mutants were detected in all patients with viral breakthrough irrespective of HBeAg status. However, in patients without viral breakthrough, the rate of YMDD mutants was significantly higher in the HBeAg-negative group than in the HBeAg-positive group (13.3% vs 5.1%; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Lamivudine is expected to be more persistently effective in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B because of a lower viral breakthrough rate than in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B in spite of the emergence of YMDD mutants.

Unilateral Absence of Lung Perfusion Caused by Non-thromboembolic Compression in Bronchogenic Carcinoma / 대한내과학회지

Perfusion scintigraphy has proved to be an essential part for the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism. The wedge shaped perfusion defect extending to lung base is a highly probable finding of pulmonary embolism. Occasionally, great perfusion defects could be presented as a false positive finding under the circumstance of nonthromboembolic origin, such as neoplastic compression or invasion of pulmonary artery. We report an unusual case of massive perfusion defect resulting from pulmonary arterial compression by bronchogenic carcinoma. A 71-year-old man visited our hospital because of productive cough and was diagnosed as bronchogenic carcinoma. The perfusion scintigraphy showed unilateral total defect of lung, not accompanied by any clinical evidence of thromboembolism. A contrast enhanced computed tomogram showed heterogeneous mass shadow in left hilum, abutting to the descending aorta and compressing left main pulmonary artery. These findings suggested a nonembolic mechanism of perfusion defects which were produced by the neoplastic compression of pulmonary artery.

A Case of Bronchial Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma / 결핵

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma developed in tracheobronchjal tree is one of rare lung tumor. It is histologically divided into low grade malignancy of relatively benign course versus high grade malignancy of fatal course. In low grade malignancy, it can be curative with a surgical resection. We experienced a case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma in a 28-year-old woman who complained sudden dyspnea and presented right total lung collapse on chest roentgenogram. It was diagnesed as a low grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma and removed by the surgical excision.