Language-specific Dysgraphia in Korean Patients with Right Brain Stroke: Influence of Unilateral Spatial Neglect

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between Korean language-specific dysgraphia and unilateral spatial neglect in 31 right brain stroke patients. All patients were tested for writing errors in spontaneous writing, dictation, and copying tests. The dysgraphia was classified into visuospatial omission, visuospatial destruction, syllabic tilting, stroke omission, stroke addition, and stroke tilting. Twenty-three (77.4%) of the 31 patients made dysgraphia and 18 (58.1%) demonstrated unilateral spatial neglect. The visuospatial omission was the most common dysgraphia followed by stroke addition and omission errors. The highest number of errors was made in the copying and the least was in the spontaneous writing test. Patients with unilateral spatial neglect made a significantly higher number of dysgraphia in the copying test than those without. We identified specific dysgraphia features such as a right side space omission and a vertical stroke addition in Korean right brain stroke patients. In conclusion, unilateral spatial neglect influences copy writing system of Korean language in patients with right brain stroke.

Language-specific Dysgraphia in Korean Patients with Right Brain Stroke: Influence of Unilateral Spatial Neglect

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between Korean language-specific dysgraphia and unilateral spatial neglect in 31 right brain stroke patients. All patients were tested for writing errors in spontaneous writing, dictation, and copying tests. The dysgraphia was classified into visuospatial omission, visuospatial destruction, syllabic tilting, stroke omission, stroke addition, and stroke tilting. Twenty-three (77.4%) of the 31 patients made dysgraphia and 18 (58.1%) demonstrated unilateral spatial neglect. The visuospatial omission was the most common dysgraphia followed by stroke addition and omission errors. The highest number of errors was made in the copying and the least was in the spontaneous writing test. Patients with unilateral spatial neglect made a significantly higher number of dysgraphia in the copying test than those without. We identified specific dysgraphia features such as a right side space omission and a vertical stroke addition in Korean right brain stroke patients. In conclusion, unilateral spatial neglect influences copy writing system of Korean language in patients with right brain stroke.

Endothelial Dysfunction: Clinical Implications in Cardiovascular Disease and Therapeutic Approaches

Atherosclerosis is a chronic progressive vascular disease. It starts early in life, has a long asymptomatic phase, and a progression accelerated by various cardiovascular risk factors. The endothelium is an active inner layer of the blood vessel. It generates many factors that regulate vascular tone, the adhesion of circulating blood cells, smooth muscle proliferation, and inflammation, which are the key mechanisms of atherosclerosis and can contribute to the development of cardiovascular events. There is growing evidence that functional impairment of the endothelium is one of the first recognizable signs of development of atherosclerosis and is present long before the occurrence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Therefore, understanding the endothelium's central role provides not only insights into pathophysiology, but also a possible clinical opportunity to detect early disease, stratify cardiovascular risk, and assess response to treatments. In the present review, we will discuss the clinical implications of endothelial function as well as the therapeutic issues for endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular disease as primary and secondary endothelial therapy.

Impact of Framingham Risk Score, Flow-Mediated Dilation, Pulse Wave Velocity, and Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Events in Stable Angina

Although the age-adjusted Framingham risk score (AFRS), flow-mediated dilation (FMD), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fibrinogen, homocysteine, and free fatty acid (FFA) can predict future cardiovascular events (CVEs), a comparison of these risk assessments for patients with stable angina has not been reported. We enrolled 203 patients with stable angina who had been scheduled for coronary angiography (CAG). After CAG, 134 patients showed significant coronary artery disease. During 4.2 yr follow-up, 36 patients (18%) showed CVEs, including myocardial infarction, de-novo coronary artery revascularization, in-stent restenosis, stroke, and cardiovascular death. ROC analysis showed that AFRS, FMD, baPWV, and hsCRP could predict CVEs (with AUC values of 0.752, 0.707, 0.659, and 0.702, respectively, all P<0.001 except baPWV P=0.003). A Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that AFRS and FMD were independent predictors of CVEs (HR, 2.945; 95% CI, 1.572-5.522; P=0.001 and HR, 0.914; 95% CI, 0.826-0.989; P=0.008, respectively). However, there was no difference in predictive power between combining AFRS plus FMD and AFRS alone (AUC 0.752 vs. 0.763; z=1.358, P=0.175). In patients with stable angina, AFRS and FMD are independent predictors of CVEs. However, there is no additive value of FMD on the AFRS in predicting CVEs.

Left Atrial Mechanical Function and Stiffness in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND: Abnormalities in the left atrial (LA) structure and function may develop in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). We sought to determine the contribution of LA mechanical function, including LA stiffness, to AF by comparing patients with paroxysmal AF with normal control subjects, and to evaluate whether LA mechanical function and stiffness are related with the structural changes of LA. METHODS: Sixty-four paroxysmal AF patients (57 +/- 13 years, 59% male) were studied, using a speckle tracking echocardiography, and were compared with 34 age-, gender-, and left ventricular (LV) mass-matched controls (53 +/- 14 years, 61% male). LA volume indices, expansion index for reservoir function, active emptying fraction for contractile function, mitral annular velocities, and global longitudinal LA strain were measured. The ratio of E/e' to LA strain was used as an index of LA stiffness. RESULTS: Patients with paroxysmal AF had similar LV volume indices, ejection fraction, and diastolic function, when compared with that of the normal controls. However, paroxysmal AF patients showed increased LA volume indices and decreased LA reservoir function, but similar contractile function. LA stiffness was increased in patients with paroxysmal AF than in the control subjects (0.40 +/- 0.25 vs. 0.29 +/- 0.10, p = 0.002), and was related with LA volume indices and reservoir function. CONCLUSION: Patients with paroxysmal AF have decreased LA reservoir function and increased stiffness, in comparison with that of the control subjects. LA stiffness was significantly related with LA volume indices and reservoir function. LA stiffness can be used for the assessment of LA function in patients with paroxysmal AF.

Polyarteritis Nodosa Complicated by Chronic Total Occlusion Accompanying Aneurysms on All Coronary Arteries

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is characterized by inflammatory necrosis of medium sized arteries. PAN can also be associated with stenosis or aneurysm of the coronary artery. However, the involvement of PAN at a coronary artery is usually asymptomatic, which makes it difficult to diagnose. In addition, all of the three main coronary arteries involved with chronic total occlusion (CTO) is a rare finding in patients with PAN. We report a patient that presented with PAN complicated by CTO and aneurysms of three main coronary arteries, without typical symptoms of angina.

Simultaneous Total Occlusion of Multiple Distal Coronary Arteries in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Simultaneous multiple coronary artery thrombosis is a rare finding in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We report a case of myocardial infarction with multiple ST segment elevation on the electrocardiography and total occlusions of the distal left anterior descending artery (dLAD), as well as of the second and third obtuse marginal artery on emergency coronary angiography. Thrombus aspiration was performed at dLAD and systemic glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor was used successfully. In patients with STEMI, multiple coronary thromboses are unusual and associated with patient fatality. However, assertive thrombus aspiration and antiplatelet therapy could be effective in STEMI patients with multiple distal coronary artery occlusions.

Is a Metallic Microcoil Really a Permanent Embolic Agent for the Management of Distal Guidewire-Induced Coronary Artery Perforation?

Coronary artery perforation (CAP) after percutaneous coronary intervention is a rare, but serious complication. It can cause cardiac tamponade, acute myocardial infarction or death. The treatments of CAP involve prolonged balloon inflation, emergent surgery, coil embolization, and implantation of covered stent. We have successfully performed the emergent microcoil embolization in a patient with uncontrolled Ellis grade 3 guidewire-induced CAP resulting in delayed cardiac tamponade. Contrasting our usual expectation, the 1-year follow-up angiography showed a patent flow at the embolized site.

The Usefulness of 2-Dimensional Longitudinal Strain for Prediction of the Postoperative Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Patients with Valvular Heart Disease Causing Volume Overloading

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Prediction of the postoperative left ventricular (LV) function in valvular heart disease that will cause LV volume overloading, such as chronic mitral regurgitation (MR) and aortic regurgitation (AR), remains elusive. We sought to test if 2-dimensional peak negative longitudinal strain (LS2D) was useful for prediction of the postoperative LV function in relation to this disease entity. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Newly developed speckle tracking imaging was performed preoperatively to measure the LS2D in 26 and 22 patients with MR and AR, respectively. A favorable response after the operation (FR) was defined according to the change in the LV ejection fraction (EF): 1) a LVEF > or =55% both pre- and post-operation, 2) a postoperative LVEF > or =55% with a pre-operative LVEF between or =45%, or 3) an increase in the LVEF >10% with a pre-operative LVEF <45%. RESULTS: Follow-up echocardiography was performed at an average of 6.7+/-2.3 months after the operation. FR was confirmed in 36 patients (LVEF from 55.4+/-10.1 to 58.3+/-5.0%, p=0.06), with the remaining 12 showing an unfavorable response (LVEF from 52.5+/-7.6 to 45.1+/-5.4%, p<0.01). There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics, including underlying etiologies, operation techniques, and cardiopulmonary bypass time, and LV volumes and EF between the two groups. The only difference was the LS2D, which was significantly larger in the FR group (-19.8+/-3.9 versus -16.2+/-2.9%, p<0.01). An LS2D of -18.3% could predict an unfavorable response of the LVEF following an operation, with a sensitivity and specificity of 75 and 75%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The preoperative LS2D is a useful predictor of the postoperative left ventricular function in AR and MR.

Primary Sirolimus-Eluting Stent Implantation for Patients with Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) have been shown to significantly inhibit neointimal hyperplasia, resulting in reduced restenosis compared with bare metal stents (BMS). However, the efficacy and safety of SES implantation for patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remain unclear. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Primary stenting was performed using SES in 74 patients (mean age: 58.0+/-12.7 years, 59 males) and BMS in 88 patients (mean age: 59.3+/-10.7 years, 63 males) between April 2003 and July 2004. We retrospectively compared the incidence of 6-month angiographic restenosis and the major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and target lesion revascularization (TLR), between the SES group and the BMS group. RESULTS: The SES group had smaller vessels (3.04+/-0.47 mm vs. 3.24+/-0.56 mm, respectively, p=0.02) and a longer stent length (33.7+/-14.3 mm vs. 25.0+/-9.6 mm, p=0.00). The procedural success rate (87.8% vs. 92.0%, respectively, p=0.37) and the peak creatine kinase-MB (239+/-196 ng/mL vs. 274+/-188 ng/mL, p=0.26) were similar. The 6-month angiographic restenosis rate (0.0% vs. 30.4%, respectively, p=0.00) and late loss (-0.03+/-0.55 mm vs. 1.28+/-0.58 mm, p=0.00) were significantly lower in the SES group compared with the BMS group. Stent thrombosis developed in only 1 case of the SES group (1.4% vs. 0.0%, respectively, p=0.45). At 6 months, SES implantation significantly reduced the incidence of MACE (6.9% vs. 19.5%, respectively, p=0.04), because of a reduction in the incidence of TLR (1.4% vs. 11.5%, p=0.01). Likewise, the MACE-free survival rate was significantly higher in the SES group (93.06% vs. 80.46%, respectively, p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Compared with the BMS, the SES was effective in reducing the incidence of 6-month angiographic restenosis and MACE without any increased risk of stent thrombosis in the patients with STEMI who received primary stenting.

A Villous Adenoma with Foci of Adenocarcinoma Arising in the Common Hepatic Duct / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Villous adenoma of the extrahepatic duct is a rare disease. Even though it is benign, it has malignant potential and is considered a premalignant lesion. We here report one case of villous adenoma with foci of adenocarcinoma arising in the common hepatic duct. A 60-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of epigastric pain. The cholangiogram revealed a large filling defect in the right intrahepatic and common hepatic duct with intrahepatic bile duct dilatation. The patient underwent right lobectomy. Grossly, stalked papillay tumor originated in the common hepatic duct was overriding the right intrahepatic duct. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of stratified tall columnar cells with various dysplasia and there were foci of invasive adenocarcinoma.

A Case of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Tumor Arising from the Accessory Pancreatic Duct / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Mucin-producing tumors of the pancreas were first reported by Ohhashi and Takagi in 1980. Since then, many cases of intraductal papillary mucinous tumor (IPMT) of the pancreas, which is almost homonymous to mucin-producing tumors of the pancreas, have been reported. IPMTs are generally regarded as tumors with a favorable prognosis. Some IPMTs have invasiveness and this is always associated with a poor prognosis. Most IPMTs arise from the main pancreatic duct and IPMTs arising from the accessory pancreatic duct are relatively rare. Only 6 cases have been reported in the literature so far. Our patient was a 43-year old man who was admitted to the hospital due to recurrent pancreatitis. An endoscopic retrograde pancreatography revealed a patulous minor papilla orifice extruding mucin and a cystic lesion in a branch of the accessory duct. A pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed and a pathologic examination of the resected specimen showed intraductal papaillary mucinous neoplasm, low grade malignancy, in the accessory pancreatic duct and its branch. We herein report this interesting case with a review of the literature.

A Case of Pancreas Divisum Associated with a Pancreatic Duct Stone and Stricture for which Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy was Effective / 대한소화기내시경학회지

A 40-year-old man was presented with recurrent abdominal pain. An ERCP (Endoscopic RETROGRADE Cho-langiopancreatography) revealed complete pancreas divisum and pancreatic duct stricture with a stone. Initially, endoscopic stone removal through the minor papilla origice was unsuccessful due to an impacted pancreatic stone associated with a dominant stricture at the dorsal pancreatic duct. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) was performed twice and the impacted pancreatic stone was fragmented. After ESWL, endoscopic stone removal became possible and pancreatic stenting was performed for the correction of the dorsal duct stricture. This case in herein reported in which ESWL was successful in treating an impacted dorsal pancreatic duct stone associated with pancreas divisum.

An Incidentally Found Emphysematous Cystitis / 대한신장학회잡지

Emphysematous cystitis is rare disease associated with gas in the bladder wall and lumen. Presentation is varied and sequelae may be minor, severe or fatal. Treatment consists of administration of appropriate antibiotics, control of blood glucose, and adequate bladder drainage. We present a case of emphysematous cystitis with diabetic woman, who did not present symptoms of cystitis but abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. In our case, it was detected incidentally on simple radiography. After administration of susceptible parenteral antibiobcs and control of blood glucose level, her symptoms were improved.

Recent trends and clinical outcomes of infective endocarditis / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: We sought to analyze the recent trends and clinical outcomes of infective endocarditis in Korea using newly proposed diagnostic criteria, Duke criteria, for this potentially life-threatening disease. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records including echocardiographic data, blood culture and operation records was done for 156 patients (male 103) with clinical diagnosis of infective endocarditis at Asan Medical Center from 1989 to January 1998. RESULTS: One hundred eighteen patients (75%) fulfilled the criteria for definite group (Group I) in Duke criteria, whereas 38 patients (25%) for possible group (Group II). Mean age was 48+/-16 years. Although valvular heart disease was the most common underlying heart disease (49/156, 31%), in more than half (84/156, 54%) infective endocarditis was the first clinical presentation without previous medical history of any cardiac disease. Surgical intervention was required in 69 patients (44%), and the frequency of surgery during hospital course did not show any difference in Group I versus Group II (44% vs. 45%). Overall mortality was 17%, and did not show any difference in Group I versus Group II. Surgical mortality was 12% (8/69), which was not significantly different form mortality with medical treatment (21%, 18/87). Among 98 survivors in Group I, 84 patients (86%) were followed for average 34+/-24 months (0.5-98 months). Five-year survival and event-free survival rate were 85+/-7 % and 57+/-8 % respectively. CONCLUSION: Recently the mean age of patients with infective endocarditis increased dramatically, and infective endocarditis could be an initial clinical presentation without any previous medical history of cardiac disease in many patients. Surgical intervention was needed in considerable numbers of patients and infective endocarditis still shows relatively high mortality. There were no significant different clinical features in Group I and II.

Sclerosing mesenteritis associated with skin panniculitis and pleural thickening / 대한내과학회지

Sclerosinng mesenteritis is a rare disease that occurs most often among middle aged man. Fewer than 200 cases have been reported in the literature. It is a benign mesenteric lesion characterized by fat necrosis, fibrosis and chronic inflammation. The pathogenesis of this disease is unclear through an autoimmune origin has been proposed. The disease is generally localized and self- limiting. Fatal case is rare but has been reported. In patients with biopsy proven sclerosing mesenteritis having a relentless downhill course, treatment with prednisolone and oral cyclophosphamide in isolated case report has lead to evident clinical and radiological responses. This is a report of a case of sclerosing mesenteritis, who presented to us with history of colicky abdominal pain and weight loss. She was treated with prednisone and intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse therapy and resulted in radiological and clinical improvement. Interestingly this case has associated with skin panniculitis and pleural thickening. The skin panniculitis also showed good response to prednisolone. Our case is the first in which sclerosing mesenteritis was associated with pleural thickening.