Rapidly Aggravated Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease: Autopsy-Proven Case

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is one of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, which is mediated by what has been known as "prion". It is a rare and fatal progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the middle and old aged. There are a number of subtypes of CJD, one of which is the sporadic type characterized by rapidly progressing clinical symptoms, including progressive dementia, myoclonic jerk, and pyramidal or extrapyramidal syndrome. Patients usually end up dying within 1 to 2 years of contacting the disease. We report an autopsy-proven case of sporadic CJD with clinical symptoms that progressed within several days, along with dramatic changes on diffusion weighted magnetic resonance images.

Clinical Evaluation of Diagnostic Criteria for Early Prediction of Bacterial Infection in Febrile Neonates

PURPOSE: A retrospective study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that febrile neonates, who have bacterial infections, can be accurately predicted early by diagnostic criteria. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 152 infants, 28 days or less of age, whose rectal temperature was at least 38degrees C. Past history, family history, finding on physical examinations and results of CBC, urinalysis, lumbar puncture, CRP, and cultures of blood, urine and CSF were recorded. The diagnostic criteria for bacterial infection were : presence of identifiable fever focus(skin, soft tissue, bone, joint, eyes, ears), presence of maternal risk factors(malnutrition, fever, infection, premature rupture of membrane) & neonatal risk factors(prematurity, SGA), unhealthy condition at physical examinations, neutrophil index(immature neutrophil count/total neutrophil count ratio)> OR =0.15 and CRP> OR =2.0mg/dL, urinalysis-> OR =5 WBC/high-power field, absence of upper respiratory tract illness in parent and contact people. Febrile neonates who meet any of the diagnostic criteria were considered as high risk for bacterial infection. RESULTS: The overall incidence of bacterial infections in the 152 febrile neonates was 13.8%(21 neonates) with urinary tract infections in 8 neonates, bacteremia in 8 neonates and meningitis in 5 neonates. Only 1 neonate, who was classified as low risk for bacterial infection, was identified with a bacterial urinary tract infection. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the diagnostic criteria were 95.2, 92.4, 66.7 and 99.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: These data show the ability of diagnostic criteria to identify neonates with bacterial infection. Febrile neonates who meet the diagnostic criteria must be treated intensively and those who do not meet the diagnostic criteria can be carefully managed as inpatients or outpatients without administering antimicrobial agents, avoiding iatrogenic complications.

Clinical Evaluation of Diagnostic Criteria for Early Prediction of Bacterial Infection in Febrile Neonates

PURPOSE: A retrospective study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that febrile neonates, who have bacterial infections, can be accurately predicted early by diagnostic criteria. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 152 infants, 28 days or less of age, whose rectal temperature was at least 38degrees C. Past history, family history, finding on physical examinations and results of CBC, urinalysis, lumbar puncture, CRP, and cultures of blood, urine and CSF were recorded. The diagnostic criteria for bacterial infection were : presence of identifiable fever focus(skin, soft tissue, bone, joint, eyes, ears), presence of maternal risk factors(malnutrition, fever, infection, premature rupture of membrane) & neonatal risk factors(prematurity, SGA), unhealthy condition at physical examinations, neutrophil index(immature neutrophil count/total neutrophil count ratio)> OR =0.15 and CRP> OR =2.0mg/dL, urinalysis-> OR =5 WBC/high-power field, absence of upper respiratory tract illness in parent and contact people. Febrile neonates who meet any of the diagnostic criteria were considered as high risk for bacterial infection. RESULTS: The overall incidence of bacterial infections in the 152 febrile neonates was 13.8%(21 neonates) with urinary tract infections in 8 neonates, bacteremia in 8 neonates and meningitis in 5 neonates. Only 1 neonate, who was classified as low risk for bacterial infection, was identified with a bacterial urinary tract infection. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the diagnostic criteria were 95.2, 92.4, 66.7 and 99.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: These data show the ability of diagnostic criteria to identify neonates with bacterial infection. Febrile neonates who meet the diagnostic criteria must be treated intensively and those who do not meet the diagnostic criteria can be carefully managed as inpatients or outpatients without administering antimicrobial agents, avoiding iatrogenic complications.

Diagnosis of Fatty Liver Complicated by Simple Obesity in Children: Serum ALT and Its Correlation with Abdominal CT and Liver Biopsy / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study is to provide useful information for diagnostic methods of fatty liver by childhood simple obesity and to provide correlation between serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) for screening test and abdominal computerized tomography (CT) and liver biopsy for confirmative diagnostic methods of fatty liver. METHODS: Among 78 obese childrens who visited our hospital, CT was carried out in 26 childrens. Of these, liver biopsy was carried out in 15 childrens who had high obesity index or severe elevated ALT. Based on the level of serum ALT, 26 cases were classified into 3 groups, and compared with physical measurements and degree of fatty infiltration on CT and liver biopsy. RESULTS: 1) Correlation between ALT and physical measurements: Of 26 obese children, ALT was abnormally elevated (>30 IU/L) in 17 cases (67.4%) but there was no significant correlation between ALT and physical measurements (p>0.05). 2) Correlation between degree of fatty infiltration on CT and ALT: Of 26 cases, 13 cases (50%) revealed fatty liver on CT. The degree of fatty liver on CT had significant correlation with elevation of ALT (p0.05), but significant correlation with ALT (p<0.05). 4) Correlation between CT and liver biopsy finding: Both CT and liver biopsy were performed in 15 cases of which 6 cases revealed normal finding on CT and 9 cases manifested fatty liver. There was significant correlation between CT and liver biopsy findings (r=0.6094). CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that abdominal CT and liver biopsy are useful and accurate methods of estimating fatty liver in the childhood obesity. But biochemical abnormalities of routine liver function tests dot not correlate well with severity of the fatty liver and liver injury.

Double Uncture fo Single Common Femoral Artery for CT Hepatic Arteriography and CT Arterial Portography

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of double puncture of a single common femoral artery for CThepatic arteriography(CTHA) and CT arterial portography(CTAP) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between October and December 1995, 35 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma underwent doublepuncture of a single common femoral artery for combined CTHA and CTAP. Preangiographic laboratory data were asfollows : platelet count from 28,000 to 250,000/mm3 (average, 124,500/mm3) ; prothrombin time from 45.8% to100%(average, 85.3%). In the inguinal area, a pair of 21G puncture needles were used unilaterally for the firsttwo femoral punctures, at a distance of 5-7mm ; a 0.018" guidewire for the insertion of a 4-F sheath in a coaxialmicropuncure introducer set ; and a 0.035" guidewire and 4 F check-flo sheath for the insertion of 4-F catheters.After being moved to the CT room, patients then underwent spiral CTHA and CTAP for further detection ofhepatocellular carcinoma nodules. Transarterial chemoembolization followed, and the punctured site was thencompressed by the usual finger compression method. After initial compression and one day later, we observed thepuncture site for complications such as hematoma formation, thromboembolization or arteriovenous fistula ; ect. RESULTS: Except for the formation of two mild hematomas, no remarkable severe complications were noted. Fifteenpatients who had previously undergone combined spiral CTHA and CTAP using the bilateral femoral puncture method(with a 5-F check-flo sheath) felt more comfortable than when an earlier method was used. CONCLUSION: For combinedCTHA and CTAP, double puncture of a single common femoral artery is safer and more comfortable than the bilateralfemoral puncture method.

The Difference of Nodule Detection Rates in the Liver According to the Pitch and Slice Thickness in Spiral CT: Experimental Study by Using Artificial Liver Phantom

PURPOSE: To determine optimal pitch and slice thickness when detecting small hepatoma by spiral CT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three types of artificial liver phantom of 45, 65, and 85 HU using agarose and three types ofartifical nodules of cheese with 95 HU of CT attenuation (5, 10 and 15mm in diameter) were prepared. After thethree types of phantom were embedded with three kinds of artificial nodules of different sizes, nine types ofphantom were made. In addition, four more 10-HU artificial liver phantoms embedded with 5-mm nodules were made.After the phantoms were scanned by spiral CT at different slice thicknesses (5, 8 and 10mm) and different pitches(1.0, 1.25, 1.5 and 2.0), nodule detection rates were determined ; these rates were, in addition, determined afteroverlapping reconstruction and changes in CT attenuation according to pitch. RESULT: Regardless of size, pitchand slice thickness, all nodules with more than 30 HU difference between the embedded nodule and artificial liverphantom were detected. The detection rate of 5mm nodules with a density difference of 10 HU decreased at a pitchof 2.0 and at 10mm slice thickness. After overlapping reconstruction, detection rates increased and there were noCT attenuation differences according to pitch. CONCLUSION: Eight-mm slice thickness is preferred and for thedetection of a nodule by spiral CT, pitch should not be greater than 1.5. After overlapping reconstruction,additional nodules were detected.

A Case of Congenital Hyperextension of the Knee

Congenital dislocation of the knee is a very rare condition and was first described by Chatelaine in 1822. The etiology of this condition is unknown. It is generally subclassified as simple hyperextension, subluxation, and dislocation, depending on the degree of the joint displacement and the severity of disease. There are a large of associated conditions that have been described, the most common of which are congenital dislocation of the hip, club foot, arthrogryposis, and Larsen's syndrome. The mainstay of treatment is early serial rnanipulation and splinting. Operative treatment was indicated whenever conservative treatment did not lead to satisfactory reduction. The authors experienced a case of congenital hyperextension of left knee associated with the calcaneovalgus deformity of both foot. Early closed treatment obtanied a successful reduction and satisfactory knee motion.

CT Findings of Peritoneal Tuberculosis and Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: Relationship between Peritoneal Change and Omental Infiltration

PURPOSE: To compare the CT findings of peritoneal tuberculosis (PT) and peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) based on the morphologic features of the peritoneum and assess the relationship between the degree of peritoneal thickness and the severity of omental infiltration in PT and PC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the CT findings of 15 patients with PT and 14 with PC. We checked the morphologic changes of the peritoneum as seen on CT, for the following points: 1) the presence of peritoneal change: 2) the pattern of any change-diffuse thickening, plaque or nodularity, combined thickening (diffuse and plaque, or nodularity); 3) the degree of thickness on the whole peritoneum - mild (grossly definite, but not more than 3 mm), moderate (more than 3mm); 4) the presence of irregularity on the peritoneal surface. We also evaluated the significance of the relationship between peritoneal thickness and omental infiltration in both disease entities. The degree of omental infiltration was described as follows : grade I (no change or focal smudge pattern); grade II ( diffuse smudge), grade III (omental cake regardless extent). RESULTS: Peritoneal change was seen in 12 of 15 PT patients and in 7 of 14 PC patients. In all 12 PT patients, the pattern of change was diffuse thickening, and among the seven PC patients, there was diffuse thickening in one, plaque or nodular thickening in four, and combined thickening in two. In PT patients, the degree of thickness on the whole peritoneum was mild in six and moderate in six, and in PC patients it was mild in two and moderate in one. An irregular peritoneum surface was seen in one patient with PT and in two with PC. The degree of omental infiltration in PT was grade I in four patients, grade II in six andgrade III in five. In PC, it was grade I in six patients, grade II in two and grade III in six. Smooth diffuse thickening of the peritoneum was seen in 11 of 15 PT cases and in one of 14 PC (P0.5). CONCLUSION: In PT and PC different CT findings based on peritoneal morphologic changes might be useful in differentiating these two entities. In addition, careful observation of relationship between the peritoneal change and the severity of omental infiltration is necessary.

Thickened Wall-Type GB Cancer and Complicated Cholecystitis: Comparison of CT Findings

PURPOSE: We compared CT findings of thickened wall-type gallbladder cancer with those of complicated cholecystitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed abdominal CT scans of ten patients with thickened wall-type gallbladder cancer and eight patients with complicated cholecystitis, from March 1991 to November 1995. RESULTS: CT findings of thickened wall-type gallbladder cancer showed diffuse or focal wallthickening. Wall thickness was 5.3-18.0 mm(mean value, 12.2mm ; n=10). Gallbladder wall thickness of complicatedcholecystitis was 3.0-14.0mm (mean value, 6.6mm ; n=8). Statistical significance was noted between thickened wall-type gallbladder cancer and complicated cholecytitis(p<0.0029). Irregular wall thickening was noted in 7/10cases of thickened wall-type gallbladder cancer(70%). Regular wall thickening was noted in 6/8 cases of complicated cholecystitis(75%). The luminal diameter of thickened wall-type gallbladder cancer was 3.3-5.4cm (meanvalue, 4.2cm ; n=10). The luminal diameter of complicated cholecystitis was 5.2-8.0cm (mean value, 6.5cm ; n=8).Statistical significance was noted between thickened wall-type gallbladder cancer and complicated cholecystitis(p<0.0003). The halo sign was noted in only 3/8 cases of complicated cholecystitis(38%). Secondary findings of thickened wall-type gallbladder caner was lymphadenopathy in 3/10 cases(30%), and liver invasion in 2/10 cases(20%). Secondary findings of complicated cholecystitis were liver abscess in 2/8 cases(25%), and RLQ abdominal fluid collection and pleural effusion in 4/8 cases(50%). CONCLUSION: Differential factors of thickened wall-type gallbladder cancer from complicated cholecystits are gallbladder wall thickness, regularity of wall thickness, halo sign, secondary findings and luminal distention.

CT Findings and Differential Diagnosis of Cystic Neck Masses

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the CT features of the cystic masses in the neck and to review differential diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the CT findings of 22 histopathologically proved, cystic neck masses in regard to the location in fascial plane and relationship with adjacent organ. RESULTS: Of 22 cases, ten congenital cysts two ranulas, seven inflammatory lesions, and three solid tumors were includded. Ten congenital cystic masses were located in typical locations as branchial cleft cyst(5) in mandibular angle, thyroglossal duct cyst(3) in visceral space embeded within the strap muscles, cystic hygroma(1) and cavernous hemangioma(1) in posterior cervical space with insinuating appearance. Two cases of ranula included one simple ranula localized in sublingual space and a plunging ranula extending to adjacent submandibular space. Seven cases of inflammatory lesions were characterized by multispatial locations and good contrast-enhancement of walls and adjacent tissue. Solid masses of low density mimicking cyst were two pleomorphic adenomas of submandibular gland and one neurilemmoma. CONCLUSION: It is considered that thorough analysis of the CT findings with attention to typical location, CT appearance, and the relationship with the adjacent structures usually leads to the correct diagnosis.

PNS CT in Symptomatic Patients without Mucosal Abnormality: The Relationship between Anatomic Variations and Symptomas

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to investigate the correlation between the symptoms and the incidence of anatomical variant without mucosal abnormality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of 892 patients with CT performed for the evaluation of sinus disease symptoms between March 1991 and March 1993, we observed the anatomic variations in 82 symptomatic patients without mucosal abnormality(male:female=43:39, mean age 36. 4 years). The control group included 88 patients with facial bone CT performed for the evaluation of trauma during the same period while patients with recent paranasal sinusitis were excluded. (male:female=76:12, mean age 22. 4 years). The scouis were performed with 5-ram section thickness from posterior margin of sphenoid sinus to anterior margin of posterior ethmoid and then with 3 mm thickness from anterior margin of posterior ethmoid to anterior margin of frontal sinus. The artatomic variations included nasoseptal deviation, concha bullosa, Hailer cells, Agger nasi cells, etc. RESULTS: The anatomic variations were demonstrated in 71 our of 82 symptomatic patients(86. 5%), whereas they were seen 26 of 88 patients(29. 5%) in control group. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that there is a possible causal relationship between anatomic variations and symptomas. Even though without accompaning mucosal abnormalities, anatomic variations could contribute simply to its symptomas.

Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage Using Large Needle: Complications and Usefulness

PURPOSE: To analyse complications and to review usefulness of large needle(18G) in percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 46 patients underwent PTBD in 52 occassions using large needle. 44 of 46 patients had either definite or suspicious malignant biliary obstruction, and most patients were poor in general dondition. Complications were classified as acute type if developed within 30 days and as delayed type if developed after 30 days. Acute type was subdivided into severe and mild forms. RESULTS: Severe forms of complications were death(5.8%), septicemia(3.8%), and bile peritonitis(1.9%). There were not different from the rate of complication in PTBD using fine needle but the procedure was much more simple. CONCLUSION: We PTBD using large neddie is a simple and safe procedure for prompt bile decompression.

The diagnostic value of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy in breast masses

Real-time ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy in 137 solid breast masses was performed. Sonographic findings were categorized into three group and aspirates were categorized into three cytologic groups. The cytologic result was reported benign masses (cytologic group 1) in 71 cases (52%), malignant masses (cytologic group 2 and 3) in 44 cases (32%) and insufficient specimens in 22 cases (16%). Insufficient specimens were treated as benign masses. Excisional biopsy in 44 malignant masses and 3 benigh masses according to cytologic results, clinical findings and follow up study was performed. The result was reported 41 malignant masses and 6 benign masses. Based on cytologic criteria, sensitivity for detection of malignancy was 93% and specificity was 94%. In conclusion, the high specificity provided by ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy could markedly reduce unnecessary surgical excisions for benign masses and it should be routinely performed, since it can give physical and emotional benefits to patients and lead to earlier and cost effective diagnosis of breast cancer.

Evaluation of sonographic and radiographic findings of pelvic masses

Ultrasonographic and radiographic findings in 72 cases of pelvic masses which have been provedhistopathologically were analyzed. The results were as follows; 1. Among 72 cases, 28 cases were uterine massesand 44 cases were adnexal masses. 2. Pathologic accuracies of ultrasonographic diagnosis were 64.3% in uterinemasses, 70.5% in adnexal masses, and 68.1% in all pelvic masses. 3. Plain or IVP findings were not specific indiagnosis and showed secondary mass effects or functional disturbances. 4. Because of its high accuracy ofpathologic diagnosis and safety, ultrasonography can be regared as the most valuable and preferential study. Butin cases of cystic myomas, endometrioses, cystic missed abortions and huge masses, the accurate diagnoses weredifficult.

A study on the cholecystcholangiographic and ultrasonographic findings of biliary disease

In the 88 cases of biliary disease, which was proven in Seoul Red Cross Hospital from Jan. 1980 to Dec. 1981,comparative studies were made with oral and IV cholecystocholangiographic findings and ultrasonographic findings.The resuslts were ; 1. In the 18 cases of GB stones, there are 17 cases (94.4%) of positive findings incholecysto-cholangiography with detection of stone in 7 cases (38.9%), while in sonographic study, 16 cases(88.9%) are shown positive findings with detection of stones in 11 cases (61.1%). 2. In the 17 cases of acalculouscholecystitis, the diagnostic accuracy is 88.2% in cholecystocholangiography and 64.7% in sonography. 3. In the 7cases of CBD stones, all cases are shown positive findings in cholecystocholangiography with detection of stone inonly one case (14.3%), while 6 cases (85.7%) of positive findings are shown in sonography with detection stone inall cases. 4. I.V. cholanagiography is more accurate diagnsotic procedure rather than oral GB study in the casesof poor or non-functioning GB. 5. Sonography is the choice of procedure in the diagnosis of stones, while in thecases of colecystitis, cholecystocholangiography is more useful diagnostic procedure.