The Correlation Between Achilles Tendon Thickness and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendon thickness (ATT) has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). The aim of this study is to establish the correlation among ATT, obesity and established cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, smoking, and dyslipidemia. METHODS: In total, 19 patients (male 31.5%, mean age 60.0+/-12.5) with dyslipidemia and 96 control (male 64.6%, mean age 62.3+/-8.5) were enrolled. ATT was measured by ultrasonography. Anterioposterior diameter which represents the ATT was measured bilaterally, 4 cm above the insertion of Achilles tendon to the tuber calcite. Dyslipidemia was defined as elevated total cholesterol, triglyceride, or LDL cholesterol, or low levels of HDL cholesterol. RESULTS: There was no significant differences including ATT between the two groups (for ATT, dyslipidemia group, 0.44+/-0.04 vs control, 0.45+/-0.02 cm, p=0.783). There was no significant correlation between ATT and other cardiovascular risk factors except weight (r=0.34, p=0.007) and body mass index (r=0.63, p<0.001). Dyslipidemia was not significantly correlated with ATT (r=0.02, p=0.783). Use of statin was not significantly correlated with ATT (r=0.04, p=0.605). CONCLUSION: ATT was not significantly increased in patients with dyslipidemia. Lipid accumulation of Achilles tendon was not found in patients with dyslipidemia in this study.

Contrast Echo-A Simple Diagnostic Tool for a Coronary Artery Fistula

Coronary artery fistulas have been diagnosed with aortography, coronary angiography, and coronary computed tomography (CT). A large fistula can be occasionally found as a mass lesion on echocardiography but cannot be easily confirmed. Here, we report a new diagnostic approach to coronary artery fistulas using a contrast agent and transthoracic echocardiography. Transthoracic echocardiography of a 46-year-old female suffering from dyspnea revealed suspicious small turbulent flow in the main pulmonary artery. Following infusion of a contrast agent, we found whitish flow in the main pulmonary artery during the diastolic phase, and aortic CT revealed two huge right coronary artery fistulas in the main pulmonary artery. A simple diagnostic approach to a coronary artery fistula using contrast agent helped us confirm the diagnosis because of the typical diastolic whitish flow in the pulmonary artery.

Bacteriology of Chronic Otitis Media: Changing of Detection Rate of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic suppurative otitis media is one of the most common diseases in the otologic field. Along with development and widespread use of antibiotics, the kinds of pathogenic microorganisms and their resistance to antibiotics have been changed. It is thus significant to know the current trend of species and resistance rates of pathogens for choosing appropriate antibiotics. To investigate the current bacteriology of chronic suppurative otitis media and compare the current results with previous results. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A retrospective study about chronic otitis media patients with otorrhea was performed from Jan, 2000 to Dec, 2005. RESULTS: The most commonly identified pathogenic bacterium was methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The next frequent pathogenic organisms were Pseudomonas, Coagulase (-) Staphylococcus (CNS) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). CONCLUSION: There was difference between the results of the present study and previous results regarding pathogenic organisms and antibiotics-sensitivity. Continuous and periodic surveillance about pathogens and antibiotics resistance is necessary to guide appropriate antibacterial therapy.

Analysis of the Intraoperative Complications of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has been used worldwide since the advent of ESS by Messerklinger and Wigand. There have been many reports concerning the results of ESS on the treatment of chronic paranasal sinusitis, but few reports about the intraoperative complications of ESS in Korea. In this paper, we analyzed the intraoperative complications of ESS in Kyung Hee University Hospital and discussed about early recognition and managements. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We reviewed retrospectively the intraoperative complications of ESS of 1025 patients who underwent the ESS at Kyung Hee University Hospital from January 1998 to January 2001. Dividing the intraoperative complications into major and minor, we describe the managements and results. RESULTS: The rate of total complications was 13.27%. The major complications occurred in 0.78%, with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage (0.39%) marking the commonest complication. The ratio of minor complications was 12.49%, with the leading one being the periorbital ecchymosis (6.15%). CONCLUSION: ESS is often complicated by anatomical variations and inexperience of operator, and we must prepare for early detection and managements through preoperative survey of anatomical defects and improvement of operative skills.