Effects of Ocular Parameters on Diameter of Well-fitted Rigid Gas Permeable Lens in Koreans

PURPOSE: To compare the differences of parameters of 9.3 mm and 8.8 mm rigid gas permeable lenses (RGP lenses) that were prescribed by trial lens fitting. METHODS: Ninety-three eyes of 49 patients were prescribed RGP contact lenses (YK spherical lens, Lucid Korea, Bonghwa, Korea) by a single ophthalmologist at the same hospital. We analyzed the differences of parameters of 9.3 mm and 8.8 mm rigid gas permeable lenses (RGP lenses) that were prescribed by trial lens fitting. Steep keratometric value (Ks), flat keratometric value (Kf), and corneal astigmatism (Kast) were measured by keratometer. Simulated steep keratometric value (Sim Ks), simulated flat keratometric value (Sim Kf), simulated corneal astigmatism (Sim Kast), white to white corneal diameter (WTW), and eccentricity were measured by corneal topography. We also analyzed the differences of back optic zone radius (BOZR) and lens power between the two groups. RESULTS: In this study, 40 eyes wearing 8.8 mm lenses and 53 eyes wearing 9.3 mm lenses were included. Keratometric value and eccentricity were significantly higher in the 8.8 mm lens group, while WTW and BOZR were significantly lower. Corneal astigmatism (Kast, Sim Kast) and lens power were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: RGP lenses with a smaller diameter were likely to be prescribed to patients with higher keratometric value, higher eccentricity, and shorter WTW, and the average BOZR of the prescribed RGP lenses with a smaller diameter was likely to be steeper.

Pigmented Mass in the Anterior Chamber Suspected of Granuloma Caused by a Metallic Foreign Body

PURPOSE: To report on a patient with a brown pigmented mass in the anterior chamber suspected of a granuloma caused by a metallic foreign body and to review the relevant literature. CASE SUMMARY: A 63-year-old man presented with blurring in his right eye, which had initially began several years prior. Concentric corneoscleral brown pigmentation about 2 mm in diameter was found in the superonasal limbal area. A rectangular parallelepiped mass was observed in the superonasal anterior chamber, which was an even brown color with a small white portion, smooth-surfaced, and non-vascularized. The pupil was oval and dragged superonasally, possibly due to mild compression of the iris caused by the mass. In pre-enhanced orbital computed tomography, a round high signal intensity with a diameter of 3.0 mm was found in the superonasal anterior segment. Though excisional biopsy using the lamellar scleral flap was considered for exact diagnosis, this was not performed considering the clinical features are more indicative of granuloma than iris melanoma. Neither changes in the size of the mass nor the shape of the pupil were observed during the follow up period until 19 months after the first visit. CONCLUSIONS: When a pigmented mass in the anterior chamber is detected, benign and malignant iris tumors and granulomas should be considered for a differential diagnosis. The patient's exact past medical history and clinical features differentiating malignant and benign masses are important for proper diagnosis due to the difficulty in obtaining tissue diagnoses in some cases.

Three Cases of Periorbital Nodular Fasciitis

PURPOSE: Herein, we report 3 cases of nodular fasciitis presenting with periorbital mass. CASE SUMMARY: An 18-year-old male presented with a mass in his left lateral temple area 3 months in duration. On physical examination, a subcutaneous mass approximately 20 mm in size was palpable with upper eyelid swelling. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed T1 isointensity and T2 hyper intensity and a well-circumscribed enhancing lesion. A 36-year-old male presented with a 6-month history of a bump under his right upper eyelid. External examination revealed a 15 mm-sized subcutaneous mass in the right central sub-brow area. Orbital computed tomography showed a homogenous, well-circumscribed mass with moderate enhancement. A 3-year-old boy presented with a mass in his right upper eyelid 4 months in duration. A subcutaneous mass approximately 10 mm in size was palpated at the medial superior orbital rim. Orbital MRI revealed an enhanced mass of irregular shape. Surgical excision was performed for all cases. Histopathological examination showed pathognomonic proliferation of spindle cells and immunohistochemical stains showed the spindle cells were positive for smooth muscle actin, negative for S-100 and negative for CD34, consistent with nodular fasciitis. Recurrence of the tumors after excision in the 3 cases was not observed after 4 months, 3 months and 48 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Nodular fasciitis is rare but can occur at the periorbital region. In particular, nodular fasciitis should be considered as a differential diagnosis of a subcutaneous mass short in duration in children or young adults.

An Evaluation of Chronic Disease Risk Based on the Percentage of Energy from Carbohydrates and the Frequency of Vegetable Intake in the Korean Elderly: Using the 2007-2009 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: Korean elderly people are known to consume diets high in carbohydrates low in vegetables compared to other age groups. This study evaluated the chronic disease risks and nutritional status in this group based on the percentage of energy from carbohydrates and the frequency of vegetable intake. METHODS: Using the 2007~2009 Korean National Health Nutrition Examination Survey data, except those who were undergoing treatment for chronic disease, final 1,487 subjects aged 65 and older were divided into 4 groups: moderate carbohydrate energy ratio of 55~70% and low frequency of vegetable intake defined as less than 5 times per day (MCLV), moderate carbohydrate ratio and high frequency of vegetable intake more than 5 times (MCHV), high carbohydrate energy ratio above 70% and low frequency of vegetable intake less than 5 times (HCLV), and high carbohydrate ratio and high frequency of vegetable intake more than 5 times (HCHV). All data were analyzed after the application of weighted value, using a general linear model or logistic regression. RESULTS: More than half of Korean elderly consumed diets with HCLV, and this group showed poor nutritional status and lower frequency of intake of most food items, but with no risk of chronic disease such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease or anemia probably due to low intake of energy. On the contrary, MCHV group with a high percentage of energy from fat and protein showed the highest intake of energy and most nutrients, the highest frequency of intake of most of food items and a tendency of high risk of abdominal obesity, being followed by the MCLV group. Meanwhile, HCHV group showed a tendency of high risk of hypertension, followed by HCLV group with low frequency of intake of vegetables compared with the two moderate carbohydrate groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that the percentage of energy from carbohydrate and the frequency of vegetable intake affected the nutritional status, but not significantly affected the risk of chronic disease in Korean elderly. Further studies using more detailed category of % energy from carbohydrates and of type and amount of vegetables with consideration of individual energy intake level, excessive or deficient, are needed to confirm the results.

Caroli's disease misdiagnosed as intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct

Caroli's disease is a rare autosomal-recessive disorder caused by malformation of the ductal plate during embryonic development. Although it is present at birth, Caroli's disease is typically not diagnosed until between the second and fourth decades of life, as it was in the present patient. Here we report a rare case of Caroli's disease limited to one liver segment, which was initially misdiagnosed as an intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct. The asymptomatic patient was treated with liver segmentectomy.

Two Cases of Diagnosis and Removal of Endobronchial Hamartoma by Cryotherapy via Flexible Bronchoscopy / 결핵및호흡기질환

Although endobronchial hamartoma is a rare benign tumor, most patients with endobronchial hamartoma have respiratory symptoms such as obstructive pneumonia, hemoptysis, cough, or dyspnea due to bronchial obstruction. It can cause irreversible post-obstructive pulmonary destruction, thus early diagnosis and treatment is very important. Recently, there have been cases of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and electrocautery procedures for bronchoscopic treatment of malignant or benign central airway obstruction with comparable therapeutic efficacy and few complications. Bronchoscopic cryotherapy is a newly developed technique for management of central airway obstruction. Moreover, it provides diagnostic methods with improving diagnostic yield and safety. We report two cases of endobronchial hamartoma, each diagnosed and definitively treated with bronchoscopic techniques. Endobronchial biopsy and removal was successfully performed by cryotherapy via flexible bronchoscopy without notable complications. Follow-up bronchoscopic examinations excluded residual or recurrent disease.

A Rare Cause of Peripheral Vascular Thrombosis: Hypereosinophilia Caused by Toxocara canis Infection / 대한내과학회지

Hypereosinophilia is often associated with eosinphilic infiltration of tissue, which can lead to severe and irreversible organ damage. One of the most characteristic and critical complications is development of thrombosis in cardiac ventricles, and occasionally in deep veins. We report a rare case of hypereosinophilia, with peripheral vascular thrombosis, caused by Toxocara canis infection.

Two Cases of Uncommon Complication during Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Replacement and Treatment / 대한소화기학회지

We presented two interesting cases of gastrocolocutaneous fistula that occurred after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement, and its management. This fistula is a rare complication that occurs after PEG insertion, which is an epithelial connection between mucosa of the stomach, colon, and skin. The management of the fistula is controversial, ranging from conservative to surgical intervention. Endoscopists should be aware of the possibility of gastrocolocutaneous fistula after PEG insertion, and should evaluate the risk factors that may contribute to the development of gastrocolocutaneous fistula before the procedure. We reviewed complications of gastrostomy tube insertion, symptoms of gastrocolocutaneous fistula, and its risk factors.

Comparison of chronic disease risk by dietary carbohydrate energy ratio in Korean elderly: Using the 2007-2009 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: It is reported that most senior people consume a high carbohydrate diet, while a high carbohydrate diet could contribute to the risk of chronic disease. The aim of this study is to determine whether a high carbohydrate diet can increase the risk of chronic disease in elderly Koreans. METHODS: Using the 2007-2009 Korean National Health Nutrition Examination Survey data, out of a total of 3,917 individuals aged 65 and above, final 1,535 subjects were analyzed, divided by dietary carbohydrate energy ratio into two groups of moderate carbohydrate ratio (MCR, 55-70%) and excessive carbohydrate ratio (ECR, > 70%). All data were processed after the application of weighted value, using a general linear model or logistic regression. RESULTS: Eighty one percent of elderly Koreans consumed diets with carbohydrate energy ratio above 70%. The ECR group included more female subjects, rural residents, lower income, and lower education level. The ECR group showed lower waist circumference, lower diastolic blood pressure, and lower frequency of consumption of meat and egg, milk, and alcohol. The intake of energy and most nutrients, with the exception of fiber, potassium, vitamin A, and carotene, was lower in the ECR group compared to the MCR group. When analyzed by gender, the ECR group showed lower risk of dyslipidemia in male and obesity in female subjects, even though the ECR group showed low intake of some nutrients. No difference in the risk of hypertension, diabetes, and anemia was observed between the two groups in male or female subjects. CONCLUSION: This result suggested that a high carbohydrate diet would not be a cause to increase the risk of chronic disease in the elderly. Further study is needed in order to determine an appropriate carbohydrate energy ratio for elderly Koreans to reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Lack of Association between Self-reported Saltiness of Eating and Actual Salt Intake / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: Reducing salt intake is known to be an important factor for lowering blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular disease. Estimating amount of salt intake is a necessary step towards salt intake reduction. Self-reported saltiness of diet is a method most easily used to measure a patient's salt intake. The purpose of this study was to examine the value of self-reported saltiness of diet in measuring salt intake. METHODS: We used data from 681 participants who visited a health center at a university hospital between August 2003 and November 2005. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on self-reported saltiness of diet, other dietary habits and lifestyle factors. Salt intake was estimated on the basis of 24-hour dietary recall with a computer-aided nutritional analysis program (CAN-Pro 2.0, Korean Nutrition Society). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the mean salt intake of the self-reported salty diet group (13.7 +/- 4.8 g/d) and the self-reported unsalty diet group (13.3 +/- 4.4 g/d). If we assume calculated salt intake as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of self-reported saltiness were 39.5% and 63.6%, respectively. Salt intake was increased with higher calorie intake, frequency of eating breakfast (> or =5 times/wk) and being satiated with usual diet in men, but it was increased only with higher calorie intake in women. Regardless of actual salt intake, the group satiated with a usual diet tended to be in the group of self-reported salty diet. CONCLUSION: Self-reported saltiness of diet was not associated with actual salt intake. Further studies will be needed on the simpler and more objective tools to estimate salt intake.

The Association Between Eating Frequency and Metabolic Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Many studies have revealed that eating frequency influences the total serum cholesterol level, glucose tolerance and obesity. Hypothesizing that an increase in eating frequency decreases the prevalence of metabolic syndrome with total energy intake adjusted, we evaluated the association between eating frequency and the risk of metabolic syndrome in Koreans aged more than 20 years old. METHODS: We used the data from the 2005 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III and the Asia-Pacific regional obesity guidelines. To examine the association of metabolic syndrome with eating frequency, snack frequency and meal frequency, we performed multiple logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, physical activity, daily caloric intake, smoking and drinking. RESULTS: Meal frequency was associated with metabolic syndrome in the 20-45 years group (P=0.011). Eating frequency was significantly related with metabolic syndrome in the group aged more than 45 years (P=0.025). Within the subgroup of subjects more than 45 years who had one or two meals a day, snack frequency showed a significant association with metabolic syndrome (P=0.038). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a decreased eating frequency is associated with a risk of metabolic syndrome, although the causal relationship is not exactly known. It would be useful to pursue this question through further studies.

Association of Proteinuria with Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Adults / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: Proteinuria is a predictor of chronic kidney disease and a common risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Previous studies have reported that a urinary albumin-creatinine ratio and a glomerular filtration rate was related to the metabolic syndrome. However, there have been few studies on association between the metabolic syndrome and proteinuria by the urine dip-stick test. We examined the association between the metabolic syndrome and the proteinuria by the urine dip-stick test. METHODS: The subject of this study included 20,075 adults aged more than 18 years old who visited the Health Promotion Center of the Seoul National University Hospital from April 2001 to March 2007. The metabolic syndrome was defined according to the criteria of the American Heart Association and National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, and proteinuria was defined as a dipstick test above the '1+' level. The crude and multivariated-adjusted odds ratios of proteinuria were calculated by using logistic regression models with each component of the metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: Proteinuria was noticed in 5.7% of the subjects with metabolic syndrome, and 2.7% without metabolic syndrome. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratios of proteinuria in participants with elevated blood pressure level, elevated plasma glucose level and high triglyceride level were 2.23 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.95 to 2.55), 2.33 (95% CI, 2.06 to 2.62), 1.64 (95% CI, 1.45 to 1.84). The multivariate-adjusted odds ratio of proteinuria in participants with the metabolic syndrome compared with participants without the metabolic syndrome was 2.30 (95% CI, 1.91 to 2.76), respectively. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that proteinuria by the urine dip-stick test might be an important predictor in the metabolic syndrome.

Methodology of Korean Lifetime Health Maintenance Program / 가정의학회지

Korean Lifetime Health Maintenance Program (KLHMP) represents one of several efforts to take a more evidence-based approach to the development of recommendations on a wide range of preventive services. This paper summarizes the methods of the third KLHMP developed by Korean Academy of Family Medicine. The review process of KLHMP was mainly based on trans contextual guideline adaptation of United States preventive service Task force (USPSTF) recommendation. The method of review process was done according to categories of recommendation (adotion of USPSTF's recommendation, adatation of USPSTF's recommendation, development of new recommendation). If the recommendation done by USPSTF is up to date and acceptable in Korean context, it was translated and adopted. If the USPSTF recommendation was not up to date, nor applicable, the recommendation was drawn by adaptation process. If the condition has not been reviewed by USPSTF, the recommendation was drawn by de novo development process, forming key question, literature search (primary researchs, systematic reviews, guidelines), literature evaluation, evidence systhesis, considering of applicability and acceptability of evidence.

Physical Activity and Physical Fitness as Predictors of All-Cause Mortality in Korean Men

We examined the associations between physical activity (PA), fitness and all-cause mortality and compared their contributions, taking smoking status into consideration. A retrospective cohort study of 18,775 men was carried out between May 1995 and December 2003. Fitness was measured by maximum oxygen uptake and regular PA was defined as at least three times a week, for more than 30 min of leisure time PA. During the mean 6.4 yr of follow-up, 547 deaths were recorded. The hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of regular PA for all-cause mortality was 0.63 (0.52-0.76). The HRs (95% CIs) for men with middle and highest tertile levels of fitness were decreased by 0.58 (0.47-0.70) and 0.58 (0.45-0.75) in comparison to men with lowest one. The inverse association between fitness and mortality was significant among the men who did not engage in regular PA, but not among those who did (p for interaction=0.031). Smoking status did not influence on the associations between regular PA, fitness and mortality. Our result suggested that regular PA and fitness predicted mortality in men. The influence of fitness on mortality was pronounced in the men who did not engage in regular PA.

Factors Associated with Self-reported Fatigue: from Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is one of the common chief complaints in primary care setting. It causes disability in daily activity and lowers quality of life. This study was intended to investigate the information about fatigue useful in outpatient clinic. METHODS: The data was obtained from the Korean Health and Nutrition Survey 2001. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between self- reported fatigue and several factors including sociodemographic factors, life style factors, stress, depression, and worry about health. RESULTS: The prevalence of fatigue was low in unmarried status, more significantly in men when compared with those in married status. No significant association was found between fatigue and occupation, education level, monthly income, smoking, and alcohol consumption. The risk of fatigue in the exercising group more than 4 times per week was significantly low in women. The risk of fatigue in the group of sleeping duration less than 5 hours was significantly higher than the group of sleeping more than 9 hours. Compared with unemployed state, the daily working duration of more than 9 hours increased the risk for fatigue significantly. Stress perception, sadness or depression during the past 1 year and worry about health were strongly associated with fatigue. CONCLUSION: When evaluating and managing patients with fatigue, we should search for information about the patients' lifestyle such as exercise, daily work hours, sleeping as well as stress perception and depressive mood. Especially among the lifestyle, inquiring about regular exercise and promoting it may be important in order to manage patients with fatigue.

What are the Characteristics of Obese Adults without Metabolic Complications?

BACKGROUND: It is known that various subtypes of obesity exist and there has been a growing interest in the various subtypes of obesity, especially in the unique "metabolically healthy but obese" subtype. The purpose of this study was to analyze the features of obese adults without metabolic complications and to provide data which can be used in strategy formation for the effective treatment of obesity. METHODS: A total of 4,561 obese adults with a BMI greater than or equal to 25 kg/m2, were recruited from a health promotion center of a university hospital. Sociodemographic and life style information were gathered by self-questionnaire. We classified them into 2 groups-one having no features (metabolically healthy obese; MHO) and the other having 1~5 features (metabolically unhealthy obese; MUHO)-using the ATP III definition for metabolic syndrome, and used the multiple logistic regression analysis to examine the association between various factors and MHO. RESULTS: Age and BMI were related with MHO independently. Adjusted odds ratio for the MHO men was 2.17 compared with women (P<0.001). Adjusted odds ratio for the MHO regular exercise group was 1.66 compared with the no exercise group (P<0.007). Additionally, those who exercised more had a greater probability of being in the MHO group. Adjusted odds ratio for the MHO in the large income group was 1.88 (P=0.007) compared with those in the small income group. As was seen with exercise, there was a direct relationship between higher income and the probability of being in the MHO group. CONCLUSION: Men compared with women, large income compared with small income, and regular exercise compared with no exercise were features of obese adults which increased their probability of being categorized as "metabolically healthy but obese".

Factors of Patient Satisfaction with Pain Management in Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND: For cancer patients, pain is the most common symptom and the most important factor that seriously affects their treatment and quality of life. The purpose of the research was to determine the controllable factors for pain management in order to increase patients' satisfaction for pain management. METHOD: This study was based on the survey answers and medical records of 464 cancer patients, in 8 hospitals in Korea from March until September 2000. RESULTS: As shown by Chi-square test, according to the degree of satisfaction for cancer pain management, those patients who were "satisfied" with pain treatment showed better activity rate (P=0.007) than the "unsatisfied" group. Additionally, the frequency of using painkillers according to WHO step-ladder, Pain Management Index (PMI), or patients own knowledge and attitude toward cancer pain control was not found to be relevant to patients satisfaction (P=0.106, P=0.382, P>0.05). But, in the "satisfaction" group, more patients were informed of the importance of pain management (P=0.004) and reported less pain (P<0.05). A close relationship between higher satisfaction and lower pain interference rate was discovered, but no correlation was found for activity, mood, or gate. The average of interference rate was lower in the "satisfaction" group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: For higher satisfaction rate for pain management among cancer patients, high activity rate, patient education of importance of pain management, less severity of pain, and low interference rate in life are found to be the determinants.

What Health Problems Do Korean Women Think Is Important?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the health problems which women feel important and what they want to know from their doctors in the family practice clinics. METHODS: The subjects were all female patients who visited the family practice clinics at the four hospitals in which some members of the Study Group for Women's Health in Korean Academy of Family Medicine worked from December 10 to 15, 2001. We surveyed by self-administered questionnaire on important health topic, health care services they woud like to receive, what they expected from their doctors, what topics they have difficulty in discussing with, the doctors preference of physician's gender. We analyzed the results by age groups; 19~44, 45~64, and 65 years old and over. RESULTS: A total of 437 women answered the questionnaires, whose mean age was 49.4 year. Health topics that women felt important were osteoporosis, stress, cervical cancer, arthritis, and stroke, which varied with the age groups and recent health perception. The provision of health care services which they desired were in the order of treatment, prevention and health promotion, and diagnosis, which varied with the age groups and recent health perception. What they expected from their doctors were in the order of giving accurate diagnosis, explaining the treatment plan, and answering their questions. They had difficulty undergoing physical exam undressed, gynecological exam, and discussing on their sexual problems. CONCLUSION: Women who visited the family practice clinics felt differently on important health problems according to the age groups. Overall, they wanted to receive health services on the treatment, prevention and health promotion of osteoporosis, stress, cervical cancer, and arthritis.

Standardization of Korean version of 7-Minute Screen Test

BACKGROUND: The 7-Minute screen (7MS) test consists of four individual tests (Benton orientation test, Enhanced cued recall, Clock drawing and Category fluency). It can be used in the early detection of dementia in the primary care setting. The aim of this study is to develop the Korean version of 7MS and to obtain normal values for the Korean elderly population. METHODS: The 7MS was translated into Korean and modified by a group of several neurologists, psychi-atrists and family physicians. Some pictures that were considered less familiar with Korean elderly people were replaced by familiar items. The Korean version was administered to 330 elderly people who visited one Health Promotion Center. Of these, nineteen subjects were excluded in the final analysis because they did not meet the inclu-sion criteria for normal elderly. RESULTS: The mean age and education level of the subjects were 64.2 +/-5.4 years and 1 1 . 5 +/-4.8 years, respectively. Mean K-MMSE (Korean version of minimental examination) score was 27.63 +/-1 . 7 4 . Mean scores of 4 individual tests of the Korean version of 7MS significantly correlated with education level(for each, p < 0.01), but not with age. The mean score of clock drawing test in men was significantly greater than that of women ( p < 0.00). CONCLUSIONS: We provide normal values of Benton orientation test, Enhanced cued recall and Category flu-ency according to educational level (more than 6 years and 6 years or less than it), and those of Clock drawing test according to gender and education level.

A Validation Study of a Korean Version of the 7-minute Screen Test

BACKGROUND: To assess the validity of a recently developed Korean version of the 7-minute screen (7MSK) consisting of 4 brief tests such as Benton temporal orientation, enhanced cured recall, clock drawing and category fluency to distinguish between patients with probable or possible Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and healthy control subjects. METHODS: From March 2001 to February 2002, the 7MSK and K-MMSE was administered to the 105 patients, who were diagnosed as having probable or possible AD, vascular dementia or MCI with successive referrals to two memory disorder and dementia clinics in Seoul, and to 311 healthy control subjects who were not excluded for normal elderly by health screen criteria. We determined inter-group comparison between patients with dementia and the controls on the 4 individual tests and the probability of dementia for patients with AD, VD and MCI. RESULTS: Mean scores for the patients with AD, VD and MCI and the control subjects on all 4 individual tests were significantly different (for each, P<0.001). When the 4 tests were combined in a logistic regression after adjusting for age and education level, the battery had a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 90% with an optimal cut-off point of the predicted probability of 0.15. The 7MSK was equally sensitive in patients with mild AD or VD. CONCLUSION: The 7MSK has a high validity for diagnosis of AD, VD or MCI. It may be a useful tool for early dementia screening.