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Background/Aims@#Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with acute respiratory syndrome. The mechanisms underlying the different degrees of pneumonia severity in patients with COVID-19 remain elusive. This study provides evidence that COVID-19 is associated with eosinophil-mediated inflammation. @*Methods@#We performed a retrospective case series of three patients with laboratory and radiologically confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to Chosun University Hospital. Demographic and clinical data on inflammatory cell lung infiltration and cytokine levels in patients with COVID-19 were collected. @*Results@#Cytological analysis of sputum, tracheal aspirates, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples from all three patients revealed massive infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs), such as eosinophils and neutrophils. All sputum and BALF specimens contained high levels of eosinophil cationic proteins. The infiltration of PMNs into the lungs, together with elevated levels of natural killer T (NKT) cells in BALF and peripheral blood samples from patients with severe pneumonia in the acute phase was confirmed by flow cytometry. @*Conclusions@#These results suggest that the lungs of COVID-19 patients can exhibit eosinophil-mediated inflammation, together with an elevated NKT cell response, which is associated with COVID-19 pneumonia.
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Background@#Intermaxillary fixation (IMF) is a technique that allows for the reduction and stabilization of mandibular fractures. Several methods of IMF, such as self-tapping screws or arch bars, have been developed. This study aimed to validate the usefulness of IMF with a self-tapping screw compared to IMF with arch bars with focus on the patients’ perspective. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who were treated for mandibular fractures at our hospital between August 2014 and February 2021. A total of 57 patients were enrolled in this study. Thirteen patients were excluded from the analysis: three patients were lost to follow-up, and 10 patients did not undergo IMF. Finally, 44 patients were analyzed, of which 31 belonged to the arch bar group, and 13 belonged to the screw group. Patient discomfort and pain during IMF application and removal were analyzed using a patient self-assessment questionnaire. The surgeon also assessed oral hygiene, IMF stability, and occlusion. @*Results@#We applied IMF to 34 men (77%) and 10 women (23%). The mean age of the patients was 37.3 years. The most common fracture site was the angle (30%), followed by the parasymphysis (25%), the body (23%), the condyle (11%), and the ramus (11%). Patient discomfort and oral hygiene were statistically favorable in the screw group. The IMF application time was statistically shorter in the screw group (p< 0.001). IMF stability was not statistically different between the two groups. The pain score during IMF removal was lower in the screw group (p< 0.001). @*Conclusion@#Compared to arch bars, IMF screws provide more comfort during the IMF period, help maintain favorable oral hygiene, and have a shorter application time. From the patient’s perspective, IMF screws are an excellent alternative to conventional arch bars when applicable.
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Background@#Xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) is a benign periorbital lesion. The relationship between xanthelasma lesion size and serum cholesterol levels has been poorly studied. In this study, we investigated this relationship in the context of the clinical etiology of XP. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records and pathology reports of all patients treated for XP at our hospital between June 2014 and June 2021; the data were used to analyze lesion size, underlying disease, serum cholesterol, and disease recurrence. @*Results@#The mean values for patient age, serum cholesterol, and lesion size were 53.0 years, 235.0 mg/dL, and 69.2 mm2, respectively. XP mainly occurred in women (64.7%); furthermore, the incidence of XP and lesion size was greatest among patients in their 5th decade of life (41.2%). There was no statistically significant relationship between xanthelasma lesion size and serum cholesterol level. @*Conclusion@#This study compared lesion size with various clinical features in XP patients. In patients who underwent surgery for XP, serum cholesterol levels tended to be higher than those in the general population. However, the trend between the size of XP and serum cholesterol level was unclear. Therefore, if a patient with XP visits the hospital for surgery, it is recommended to check the lipid profile to confirm underlying dyslipidemia regardless of the size.
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Background@#Nasal septal cartilage is used to obtain favorable aesthetic and functional outcomes in rhinoplasty, but is often difficult to harvest or the harvested amount is insufficient. Therefore, the objective of this study is to introduce how to harvest septal cartilage optimally without losing and use harvested cartilage efficiently. @*Methods@#From March 2015 to January 2020, we tried to harvest as much septal cartilage as possible while maintaining the L-strut in 30 patients. A spreader flap and septal rotation suture were used instead of a spreader graft. Also in patients who needed a spreader graft and septal extension graft, a spreader graft was used on one side and a one-piece spreader graft combined with a septal extension graft was performed on the other side. For tip plasty, a columella septal suture was performed first. Postoperative patient satisfaction was assessed using the Rhinoplasty Outcome Examination questionnaire. @*Results@#No serious complications were observed. The patient satisfaction score was 50% or above in 27 patients (90%) and less than 50% in only three patients (10%). The average score was 81.5 points. @*Conclusion@#For septal cartilage deficiency, a spreader flap, the septal rotation suture, or onepiece spreader graft combined with a septal extension graft was used. The nasal tip was sufficiently rotated using the columellar septal suture technique first. These techniques made it possible to obtain good aesthetic outcomes using only septal cartilage, without harvesting other cartilage.
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Epidermoid cysts are benign tumors that account for approximately 1% of intracranial tumors. Invery rare cases, temporally located extradural intradiploic epidermoid cysts can cause neurologicalsymptoms and skull perforation. Herein, we report the case of a 34-year-old woman who underwentsuccessful treatment of an epidermoid cyst in the temporal region accompanied by neurologicalsymptoms. Accurate radiological evaluation and complete removal of the tumor and capsuleplay a vital role in ensuring favorable long-term outcomes. Computed tomography and magneticresonance imaging scans can provide an accurate assessment of the extent of intracranialexpansion and invasion of the cerebral parenchyma, as well as enabling the precise localizationand characterization of the bone defect and mass. In addition, collaborative surgery with a neurosurgeonis required for cases involving intracranial expansion and dural invasion.
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Background and Objectives@#Nasal surgery is known to improve the quality of life in patients with obstructive sleep apnea; however, its effect on the airway structure is little known. This study attempted to identify the impact of nasal surgery on the pharyngeal airway structure.Subjects and Method We enrolled in the study patients who underwent nasal surgery from July 2015 to March 2018 due to nasal obstruction with severe snoring or sleep apnea. Patients with palate surgery or previous history of airway surgery were excluded. Demographic factors, symptoms regarding nasal obstruction, sleep study, preoperative cephalometry, and postoperative 3-month cephalometry were taken into account and analyzed. We also performed a subgroup analysis according to the severity of sleep apnea. @*Results@#Sixty-three patients were enrolled in this study. Soft palate thickness showed no significant change. Pre and postoperative soft palate thickness were 10.82±3.00 and 11.11±3.35 (p=0.261), respectively. However, the pharyngeal airway space was enlarged via nasal surgery from 12.05±3.35 to 13.04±3.35 (p=0.006), respectively. The subgroup analysis showed that the pharyngeal airway was mainly enlarged in the patients with lower Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). @*Conclusion@#Although nasal surgery does not reduce soft palate thickness, it can enlarge the pharyngeal airway space. The effect of surgery would be more prominent in patients with AHI of lower than 15 event/hour (p=0.005) as nasal surgery alone does not affect the pharyngeal airway of patients with AHI greater than 15.
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Schwannomas, which originate from Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system, are slowgrowing and uncommon benign tumors. Most schwannomas (90%) occur in isolation, and multiple occurrences are a characteristic feature of neurofibromas. Schwannomas of the nose and nasal tip are particularly unusual. Although a few cases of schwannomas of the sinusoidal tract and nasal septum have been reported, schwannomas arising from the nasal dorsum area and tip are extremely rare. Sensory abnormalities are also a very rare symptom. We excised a schwannoma on the nasal dorsum through direct incision and a schwannoma on the nasal tip through open rhinoplasty. No postoperative complications involving recurrence, hematoma, or infection occurred. The possibility of neurological changes should be considered in cases of an abnormality in the peripheral nervous system. Schwannoma must be kept in mind as a possible cause of neurological changes localized to a specific dermatome, and should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of a mass on the nose.
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Schwannomas, which originate from Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system, are slowgrowing and uncommon benign tumors. Most schwannomas (90%) occur in isolation, and multiple occurrences are a characteristic feature of neurofibromas. Schwannomas of the nose and nasal tip are particularly unusual. Although a few cases of schwannomas of the sinusoidal tract and nasal septum have been reported, schwannomas arising from the nasal dorsum area and tip are extremely rare. Sensory abnormalities are also a very rare symptom. We excised a schwannoma on the nasal dorsum through direct incision and a schwannoma on the nasal tip through open rhinoplasty. No postoperative complications involving recurrence, hematoma, or infection occurred. The possibility of neurological changes should be considered in cases of an abnormality in the peripheral nervous system. Schwannoma must be kept in mind as a possible cause of neurological changes localized to a specific dermatome, and should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of a mass on the nose.
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Orocutaneous fistulas, or cutaneous sinuses of odontogenic origin, are uncommon but often misdiagnosed as skin lesions unrelated to dental origin by physicians. Accurate diagnosis and use of correct investigative modalities are important because orocutaneous fistulas are easily confused for skin or bone tumors, osteomyelitis, infected cysts, salivary gland fistulas, and other pathologies. The aim of this study is to present our experience with a patient with orocutaneous fistulas of odontogenic origin presenting as recurrent pyogenic granuloma of the cheek, and to discuss their successful treatment.
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Humans , Cheek , Cutaneous Fistula , Diagnosis , Fistula , Granuloma, Pyogenic , Osteomyelitis , Pathology , Recurrence , Salivary Gland Fistula , SkinABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study compared two types of skin graft reconstruction for the defect of the radial forearm free flap. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Ten cases of split-thickness skin graft (STSG) harvested from the thigh were analyzed. Also, ten cases of full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) harvest from the inguinal area applied with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system were analyzed. RESULTS: The defect size of the radial forearm was increased more in the STSG group than in the FTSG group (p<0.05). Skin grafts were recovered completely sooner in the FTSG group than in the STSG group although it was not statistically significant (p=0.082). Five complications (pruritus, hypertrophic scar) were found in the donor site in the STSG group (p<0.05). FTSG gave better scores according to the Vancouver Scar Scale in terms of pigmentation, pliability, and height (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: FTSG harvested from the inguinal area with the application of VAC system has many advantages for the defect of the radial forearm free flap although it is usually used for smaller size defects than for STSGs.
Subject(s)
Humans , Cicatrix , Forearm , Free Tissue Flaps , Methods , Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy , Pigmentation , Pliability , Plastic Surgery Procedures , Skin Transplantation , Skin , Thigh , Tissue Donors , TransplantsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to review the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of benign and malignant nasal septal tumors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 34 patients who underwent the treatment for nasal septal tumor between 2004 and 2015 were included in this study. Demographic characteristics, sinonasal chief complaints, size and localization of nasal septal tumor, imaging findings, surgical method, histopathologic results, treatment outcomes, and postoperative complications were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 34 patients with nasal septal tumor used in this study, 22 (64.7%) had benign tumors and 12 (35.3%) had malignant tumors. The most common sinonasal complaint of both benign and malignant nasal septal tumors was nasal obstruction. The most common benign tumor was inverted papilloma (n=7), whereas the most common malignant tumors were malignant melanoma (n=2), plasmacytoma (n=2), and metastatic carcinoma (n=2). All patients except two cases underwent endoscopic tumor removal. There were 4 recurrences in malignant nasal septal tumors. There was no recurrence in benign tumors. No major complications resulting from surgical intervention were found. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic surgery with complete excision is a safe and effective procedure for benign nasal septal tumors. Recurrence is more common in malignant nasal septal tumor. Therefore, long term follow-ups with regular radiologic and endoscopic examinations are necessary for patients with malignant nasal septal tumor.
Subject(s)
Humans , Follow-Up Studies , Melanoma , Methods , Nasal Obstruction , Nasal Septum , Papilloma, Inverted , Plasmacytoma , Postoperative Complications , Radiotherapy , RecurrenceABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES@#This study compared two types of skin graft reconstruction for the defect of the radial forearm free flap. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Ten cases of split-thickness skin graft (STSG) harvested from the thigh were analyzed. Also, ten cases of full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) harvest from the inguinal area applied with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system were analyzed. @*RESULTS@#The defect size of the radial forearm was increased more in the STSG group than in the FTSG group (p<0.05). Skin grafts were recovered completely sooner in the FTSG group than in the STSG group although it was not statistically significant (p=0.082). Five complications (pruritus, hypertrophic scar) were found in the donor site in the STSG group (p<0.05). FTSG gave better scores according to the Vancouver Scar Scale in terms of pigmentation, pliability, and height (p<0.05). @*CONCLUSION@#FTSG harvested from the inguinal area with the application of VAC system has many advantages for the defect of the radial forearm free flap although it is usually used for smaller size defects than for STSGs.
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES@#The purpose of this study was to review the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of benign and malignant nasal septal tumors.@*SUBJECTS AND METHODS@#A total of 34 patients who underwent the treatment for nasal septal tumor between 2004 and 2015 were included in this study. Demographic characteristics, sinonasal chief complaints, size and localization of nasal septal tumor, imaging findings, surgical method, histopathologic results, treatment outcomes, and postoperative complications were reviewed.@*RESULTS@#Of the 34 patients with nasal septal tumor used in this study, 22 (64.7%) had benign tumors and 12 (35.3%) had malignant tumors. The most common sinonasal complaint of both benign and malignant nasal septal tumors was nasal obstruction. The most common benign tumor was inverted papilloma (n=7), whereas the most common malignant tumors were malignant melanoma (n=2), plasmacytoma (n=2), and metastatic carcinoma (n=2). All patients except two cases underwent endoscopic tumor removal. There were 4 recurrences in malignant nasal septal tumors. There was no recurrence in benign tumors. No major complications resulting from surgical intervention were found.@*CONCLUSION@#Endoscopic surgery with complete excision is a safe and effective procedure for benign nasal septal tumors. Recurrence is more common in malignant nasal septal tumor. Therefore, long term follow-ups with regular radiologic and endoscopic examinations are necessary for patients with malignant nasal septal tumor.
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BACKGROUND: Lower eyelid incisions are widely used for the orbital approach in periorbital trauma and aesthetic surgery. In general, the subciliary approach is known to cause disposition of the lower eyelid by scarring the anterior lamella in some cases. On the other hand, many surgeons believe that a transconjunctival approach usually does not result in such complications and is a reliable method. We measured positional changes in the lower eyelid in blowout fracture repair since entropion is one of the most serious complications of the transconjunctival orbital approach. METHODS: To measure the positional changes in the lower eyelids, we analyzed preoperative and postoperative photographs over various time intervals. In the analysis of the photographs, marginal reflex distance 2 (MRD2) and eyelash angle were used as an index of eyelid position. Statistical analyses were performed to identify the significance in the positional changes. All patients underwent orbital reconstruction through a transconjunctival incision by a single plastic surgeon. RESULTS: In 42 blowout fracture patients, there was no statistical significant difference in the MRD2 and eyelash angle. Furthermore, there were no clinical complications, such as infection, hematoma, bleeding, or implant protrusion, during the follow-up periods. CONCLUSION: The advantages of the transconjunctival approach for orbital access include minimal scarring and a lower risk of eyelid displacement compared with other approaches. Based on these results, we recommend the transconjunctival approach for orbital exposure as a safe and reliable method.
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Humans , Cicatrix , Conjunctiva , Ectropion , Entropion , Eyelids , Follow-Up Studies , Hand , Hematoma , Hemorrhage , Methods , Orbit , Orbital Fractures , Plastics , Reflex , SurgeonsABSTRACT
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and more than 80% of cases are of non-small cell lung cancer. Although chemotherapy and molecularly targeted therapy may provide some benefit, there is a need for newer therapies for the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC. Immunotherapy aims to augment the recognition of cancer as foreign, to stimulate immune responsiveness, and to relieve the inhibition of the immune response that allows tolerance to tumor survival and growth. Two immunotherapeutic approaches showing promise in NSCLC are immune checkpoint inhibition and cancer vaccination. Although currently immunotherapy does not have an established role in the treatment of NSCLC, these patients should be enrolled in formal clinical trials.
Subject(s)
Humans , Cancer Vaccines , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung , Drug Therapy , Immunotherapy , Lung Neoplasms , Mortality , VaccinationABSTRACT
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been widely studied for their applications in stem cell-based regeneration. During myocardial infarction (MI), infiltrated macrophages have pivotal roles in inflammation, angiogenesis and cardiac remodeling. We hypothesized that MSCs may modulate the immunologic environment to accelerate regeneration. This study was designed to assess the functional relationship between the macrophage phenotype and MSCs. MSCs isolated from bone marrow and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) underwent differentiation induced by macrophage colony-stimulating factor. To determine the macrophage phenotype, classical M1 markers and alternative M2 markers were analyzed with or without co-culturing with MSCs in a transwell system. For animal studies, MI was induced by the ligation of the rat coronary artery. MSCs were injected within the infarct myocardium, and we analyzed the phenotype of the infiltrated macrophages by immunostaining. In the MSC-injected myocardium, the macrophages adjacent to the MSCs showed strong expression of arginase-1 (Arg1), an M2 marker. In BMDMs co-cultured with MSCs, the M1 markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1beta, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were significantly reduced. In contrast, the M2 markers such as IL-10, IL-4, CD206 and Arg1 were markedly increased by co-culturing with MSCs. Specifically, the ratio of iNOS to Arg1 in BMDMs was notably downregulated by co-culturing with MSCs. These results suggest that the preferential shift of the macrophage phenotype from M1 to M2 may be related to the immune-modulating characteristics of MSCs that contribute to cardiac repair.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Mice , Rats , Biomarkers/metabolism , Cell Differentiation , Cells, Cultured , Coculture Techniques , Culture Media, Conditioned/pharmacology , Macrophage Activation , Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor/pharmacology , Macrophages/drug effects , Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Myocardial Infarction/surgeryABSTRACT
The pneumonia severity index (PSI) and CURB-65 are widely used tools for the prediction of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This study was conducted to evaluate validation of severity scoring system including the PSI and CURB-65 scores of Korean CAP patients. In the prospective CAP cohort (participated in by 14 hospitals in Korea from January 2009 to September 2011), 883 patients aged over 18 yr were studied. The 30-day mortalities of all patients were calculated with their PSI index classes and CURB scores. The overall mortality rate was 4.5% (40/883). The mortality rates per CURB-65 score were as follows: score 0, 2.3% (6/260); score 1, 4.0% (12/300); score 2, 6.0% (13/216); score 3, 5.7% (5/88); score 4, 23.5% (4/17); and score 5, 0% (0/2). Mortality rate with PSI risk class were as follows: I, 2.3% (4/174); II, 2.7% (5/182); III, 2.3% (5/213); IV, 4.5% (11/245); and V, 21.7% (15/69). The subgroup mortality rate of Korean CAP patients varies based on the severity scores and CURB-65 is more valid for the lower scores, and PSI, for the higher scores. Thus, these variations must be considered when using PSI and CURB-65 for CAP in Korean patients.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Asian People , Cohort Studies , Community-Acquired Infections/mortality , Intensive Care Units , Pneumonia/mortality , Prospective Studies , Republic of Korea , Severity of Illness IndexABSTRACT
Bronchial carcinoid tumor accounts for less than 5% of all primary lung tumors in adults. Although surgical resection is the treatment of choice, here we report a case of bronchial carcinoid tumor treated with flexible bronchoscopic resection. A 19-year-old-man presented with a history of wheezing with dyspnea for six months. A simple chest x-ray showed no abnormal findings, but a pulmonary function test showed a moderate obstructive lung disease pattern without a bronchodilator response. A computed tomogram of the thorax revealed an enhanced 15x12 mm nodule in the left main bronchus. Bronchoscopic examination showed a polypoid mass with a stalk in the left main bronchus, which almost completely occluded the left main bronchus. Histopathology of the resected specimen revealed a bronchial carcinoid tumor. We treated the carcinoid tumor with a flexible bronchoscopic resection. During the follow up period of 6 months, the previous tumor didn't relapse. Initial bronchoscopic resection should be considered when bronchial carcinoid tumor can be approached by bronchoscopy.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Bronchi , Bronchoscopy , Carcinoid Tumor , Dyspnea , Follow-Up Studies , Lung , Lung Diseases, Obstructive , Recurrence , Respiratory Function Tests , Respiratory Sounds , ThoraxABSTRACT
BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) is a modern method for fluorescence imaging of a bronchogenic malignancy. Adverse effects and high costs, partly related to the general application of photosensitizers, are important limitations of the method. However, local application of a photosensitizer could help minimize these problems. 5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-induced fluorescence promotes tumor selective accumulation of protoporphyrin, so tumors can be distinguished from healthy tissue. We compared white light bronchoscopy (WLB) with PDD for the early detection and exact staging of lung cancer. METHODS: We examined 56 stage I and II lung cancer patients (age 65 years; range, 44.83) by photodynamic bronchoscopy (D-Light/AFsystem; Karl Storz GmBH, Tuttlingen, Germany) who had symptoms of cough, sputum, and hemoptysis with atypical cells in sputum cytology. Biopsies were taken from suspected lung cancer by both methods, and 181 lesions were analyzed. RESULTS: The diagnostic accuracy of WLB, using histopathologic results as the standard, was 48.6%, whereas the accuracy using ALA-PDD was 73.5%. The sensitivity of WLB for detecting dysplasia or cancer was 57.1%, and the specificity was 85.6%. When the results from ALA-PDD were considered, these values were 90.5% and 79.1%, respectively. Of 2 patients with carcinoma in situ, only ALA-PDD revealed the lesions. Three patients with initial stage I or II became stage IIIB or IV after ALA-PDD. CONCLUSIONS: Early detection and exact staging of lung cancer can be facilitated using a combination of ALA-PDD and WLB.