Impact of preoperative ultrasonography for predicting the prognosis of deceased donor kidney transplantation

Purpose@#This study evaluated the role of donor kidney ultrasonography (US) for predicting functional kidney volume and identifying ideal kidney grafts in deceased donor kidney transplantation. @*Methods@#In total, 272 patients who underwent deceased donor kidney transplantation from 2000 to 2020 at Samsung Medical Center were enrolled. Donor kidney information (i.e., right or left) was provided to the radiologist who performed US image re-analysis. To binarize each kidney’s ultrasound parameters, an optimal cutoff value for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 within 1 year after kidney transplantation was selected using the receiver operating characteristic curve with a specificity >60%. Cox regression analysis was performed for an eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 within 1 year after kidney transplantation and graft failure within 2 years after kidney transplantation. @*Results@#The product of renal length and cortical thickness was a statistically significant predictor of graft function. The odds ratios of an eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 within a year after kidney transplantation and the hazard ratio of graft failure within 2 years after kidney transplantation were 5.91 (P=0.003) and 5.76 (P=0.022), respectively. @*Conclusion@#Preoperative US of the donor kidney can be used to evaluate donor kidney function and can predict short-term graft survival. An imaging modality such as US should be included in the donor selection criteria as an additional recommendation. However, the purpose of this study was not to narrow the expanded criteria but to avoid catastrophic consequences by identifying ideal donor kidneys using preoperative US.

Risk Factors and Patterns of Locoregional Recurrence after Radical Nephrectomy for Locally Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#We aimed to investigate the risk factors and patterns of locoregional recurrence (LRR) after radical nephrectomy (RN) in patients with locally advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed 245 patients who underwent RN for non-metastatic pT3-4 RCC from January 2006 to January 2016. We analyzed the risk factors associated with poor locoregional control using Cox regression. Anatomical mapping was performed on reference computed tomography scans showing intact kidneys. @*Results@#The median follow-up duration was 56 months (range, 1 to 128 months). Tumor extension to renal vessels or the inferior vena cava (IVC) and Fuhrman’s nuclear grade IV were identified as independent risk factors of LRR. The 5-year actuarial LRR rates in groups with no risk factor, one risk factor, and two risk factors were 2.3%, 19.8%, and 30.8%, respectively (p < 0.001). The locations of LRR were distributed as follows: aortocaval area (n=2), paraaortic area (n=4), retrocaval area (n=5), and tumor bed (n=11). No LRR was observed above the celiac axis (CA) or under the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). @*Conclusion@#Tumor extension to renal vessels or the IVC and Fuhrman’s nuclear grade IV were the independent risk factors associated with LRR after RN for pT3-4 RCC. The locations of LRR after RN for RCC were distributed in the tumor bed and regional lymphatic area from the bifurcation of the CA to that of the IMA.

Why Is a b-value Range of 1500–2000 s/mm2 Optimal for Evaluating Prostatic Index Lesions on Synthetic Diffusion-Weighted Imaging?

Objective@#It is uncertain why a b-value range of 1500–2000 s/mm2 is optimal. This study was aimed at qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing the optimal b-value range of synthetic diffusion-weighted imaging (sDWI) for evaluating prostatic index lesions. @*Materials and Methods@#This retrospective study included 92 patients who underwent DWI and targeted biopsy for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-suggested index lesions. We generated sDWI at a b-value range of 1000–3000 s/mm2 using dedicated software and true DWI data at b-values of 0, 100, and 1000 s/mm2 . We hypothesized that lesion conspicuity would be best when the background (i.e., MRI-suggested benign prostatic [bP] and periprostatic [pP] regions) signal intensity (SI) is suppressed and becomes homogeneous. To prove this hypothesis, we performed both qualitative and quantitative analyses.For qualitative analysis, two independent readers analyzed the b-value showing the best visual conspicuity of an MRIsuggested index lesion. For quantitative analysis, the readers assessed the b-value showing the same bP and pP region SI.The 95% confidence interval (CI) or interquartile range of qualitatively and quantitatively selected optimal b-values was assessed, and the mean difference between qualitatively and quantitatively selected b-values was investigated. @*Results@#The 95% CIs of optimal b-values from qualitative and quantitative analyses were 1761–1805 s/mm2 and 1640– 1771 s/mm2 (median, 1790 s/mm2 vs. 1705 s/mm2 ; p = 0.003) for reader 1, and 1835–1895 s/mm2 and 1705–1841 s/mm2 (median, 1872 s/mm2 vs. 1763 s/mm2 ; p = 0.022) for reader 2, respectively. Interquartile ranges of qualitatively and quantitatively selected optimal b-values were 1735–1873 s/mm2 and 1573–1867 s/mm2 for reader 1, and 1775–1945 s/mm2 and 1591–1955 s/mm2 for reader 2, respectively. Bland-Altman plots consistently demonstrated a mean difference of less than 100 s/mm2 between qualitatively and quantitatively selected optimal b-values. @*Conclusion@#b-value range showing a homogeneous background signal may be optimal for evaluating prostatic index lesions on sDWI. Our qualitative and quantitative data consistently recommend b-values of 1500–2000 s/mm2 .

Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System: Comparison of the Diagnostic Performance between Version 2.0 and 2.1 for Prostatic Peripheral Zone

Objective@#To compare the diagnostic performance between Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System version 2.0 (PIRADSv2.0) and version 2.1 (PI-RADSv2.1) for clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in the peripheral zone (PZ). @*Materials and Methods@#This retrospective study included 317 patients who underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and targeted biopsy for PZ lesions. Definition of csPCa was International Society of Urologic Pathology grade ≥ 2 cancer. Area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy for csPCa were analyzed by two readers. The cancer detection rate (CDR) for csPCa was investigated according to the PI-RADS categories. @*Results@#AUC of PI-RADSv2.1 (0.856 and 0.858 for reader 1 and 2 respectively) was higher than that of PI-RADSv2.0 (0.795 and 0.747 for reader 1 and 2 respectively) (both p < 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy for PI-RADSv2.0 vs. PI-RADSv2.1 were 93.2% vs. 88.3% (p = 0.023), 52.8% vs. 76.6% (p < 0.001), 48.7% vs. 64.5% (p < 0.001), 94.2% vs. 93.2% (p = 0.504), and 65.9% vs. 80.4% (p < 0.001) for reader 1, and 96.1% vs. 92.2% (p = 0.046), 34.1% vs. 72.4% (p < 0.001), 41.3% vs. 61.7% (p < 0.001), 94.8% vs. 95.1% (p = 0.869), and 54.3% vs. 78.9% (p < 0.001) for reader 2, respectively. CDRs of PI-RADS categories 1–2, 3, 4, and 5 for PI-RADSv2.0 vs. PI-RADSv2.1 were 5.9% vs. 5.9%, 5.8% vs. 12.5%, 39.8% vs. 56.2%, and 88.9% vs. 88.9% for reader 1; and 4.5% vs. 4.1%, 6.1% vs. 11.1%, 32.5% vs. 53.4%, and 85.0% vs. 86.8% for reader 2, respectively. @*Conclusion@#Our data demonstrated improved AUC, specificity, PPV, accuracy, and CDRs of category 3 or 4 of PI-RADSv2.1, but decreased sensitivity, compared with PI-RADSv2.0, for csPCa in PZ.

Why Is a b-value Range of 1500–2000 s/mm2 Optimal for Evaluating Prostatic Index Lesions on Synthetic Diffusion-Weighted Imaging?

Objective@#It is uncertain why a b-value range of 1500–2000 s/mm2 is optimal. This study was aimed at qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing the optimal b-value range of synthetic diffusion-weighted imaging (sDWI) for evaluating prostatic index lesions. @*Materials and Methods@#This retrospective study included 92 patients who underwent DWI and targeted biopsy for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-suggested index lesions. We generated sDWI at a b-value range of 1000–3000 s/mm2 using dedicated software and true DWI data at b-values of 0, 100, and 1000 s/mm2 . We hypothesized that lesion conspicuity would be best when the background (i.e., MRI-suggested benign prostatic [bP] and periprostatic [pP] regions) signal intensity (SI) is suppressed and becomes homogeneous. To prove this hypothesis, we performed both qualitative and quantitative analyses.For qualitative analysis, two independent readers analyzed the b-value showing the best visual conspicuity of an MRIsuggested index lesion. For quantitative analysis, the readers assessed the b-value showing the same bP and pP region SI.The 95% confidence interval (CI) or interquartile range of qualitatively and quantitatively selected optimal b-values was assessed, and the mean difference between qualitatively and quantitatively selected b-values was investigated. @*Results@#The 95% CIs of optimal b-values from qualitative and quantitative analyses were 1761–1805 s/mm2 and 1640– 1771 s/mm2 (median, 1790 s/mm2 vs. 1705 s/mm2 ; p = 0.003) for reader 1, and 1835–1895 s/mm2 and 1705–1841 s/mm2 (median, 1872 s/mm2 vs. 1763 s/mm2 ; p = 0.022) for reader 2, respectively. Interquartile ranges of qualitatively and quantitatively selected optimal b-values were 1735–1873 s/mm2 and 1573–1867 s/mm2 for reader 1, and 1775–1945 s/mm2 and 1591–1955 s/mm2 for reader 2, respectively. Bland-Altman plots consistently demonstrated a mean difference of less than 100 s/mm2 between qualitatively and quantitatively selected optimal b-values. @*Conclusion@#b-value range showing a homogeneous background signal may be optimal for evaluating prostatic index lesions on sDWI. Our qualitative and quantitative data consistently recommend b-values of 1500–2000 s/mm2 .

Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System: Comparison of the Diagnostic Performance between Version 2.0 and 2.1 for Prostatic Peripheral Zone

Objective@#To compare the diagnostic performance between Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System version 2.0 (PIRADSv2.0) and version 2.1 (PI-RADSv2.1) for clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in the peripheral zone (PZ). @*Materials and Methods@#This retrospective study included 317 patients who underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and targeted biopsy for PZ lesions. Definition of csPCa was International Society of Urologic Pathology grade ≥ 2 cancer. Area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy for csPCa were analyzed by two readers. The cancer detection rate (CDR) for csPCa was investigated according to the PI-RADS categories. @*Results@#AUC of PI-RADSv2.1 (0.856 and 0.858 for reader 1 and 2 respectively) was higher than that of PI-RADSv2.0 (0.795 and 0.747 for reader 1 and 2 respectively) (both p < 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy for PI-RADSv2.0 vs. PI-RADSv2.1 were 93.2% vs. 88.3% (p = 0.023), 52.8% vs. 76.6% (p < 0.001), 48.7% vs. 64.5% (p < 0.001), 94.2% vs. 93.2% (p = 0.504), and 65.9% vs. 80.4% (p < 0.001) for reader 1, and 96.1% vs. 92.2% (p = 0.046), 34.1% vs. 72.4% (p < 0.001), 41.3% vs. 61.7% (p < 0.001), 94.8% vs. 95.1% (p = 0.869), and 54.3% vs. 78.9% (p < 0.001) for reader 2, respectively. CDRs of PI-RADS categories 1–2, 3, 4, and 5 for PI-RADSv2.0 vs. PI-RADSv2.1 were 5.9% vs. 5.9%, 5.8% vs. 12.5%, 39.8% vs. 56.2%, and 88.9% vs. 88.9% for reader 1; and 4.5% vs. 4.1%, 6.1% vs. 11.1%, 32.5% vs. 53.4%, and 85.0% vs. 86.8% for reader 2, respectively. @*Conclusion@#Our data demonstrated improved AUC, specificity, PPV, accuracy, and CDRs of category 3 or 4 of PI-RADSv2.1, but decreased sensitivity, compared with PI-RADSv2.0, for csPCa in PZ.

Guidelines for Transrectal Ultrasonography-Guided Prostate Biopsy: Korean Society of Urogenital Radiology Consensus Statement for Patient Preparation, Standard Technique, and Biopsy-Related Pain Management

The Korean Society of Urogenital Radiology (KSUR) aimed to present a consensus statement for patient preparation, standard technique, and pain management in relation to transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx) to reduce the variability in TRUS-Bx methodologies and suggest a nationwide guideline. The KSUR guideline development subcommittee constructed questionnaires assessing prebiopsy anticoagulation, the cleansing enema, antimicrobial prophylaxis, local anesthesia methods such as periprostatic neurovascular bundle block (PNB) or intrarectal lidocaine gel application (IRLA), opioid usage, and the number of biopsy cores and length and diameter of the biopsy needle. The survey was conducted using an Internet-based platform, and responses were solicited from the 90 members registered on the KSUR mailing list as of 2018. A comprehensive search of relevant literature from Medline database was conducted. The strength of each recommendation was graded on the basis of the level of evidence. Among the 90 registered members, 29 doctors (32.2%) responded to this online survey. Most KSUR members stopped anticoagulants (100%) and antiplatelets (76%) one week before the procedure. All respondents performed a cleansing enema before TRUS-Bx. Approximately 86% of respondents administered prophylactic antibiotics before TRUS-Bx. The most frequently used antibiotics were third-generation cephalosporins. PNB was the most widely used pain control method, followed by a combination of PNB plus IRLA. Opioids were rarely used (6.8%), and they were used only as an adjunctive pain management approach during TRUS-Bx. The KSUR members mainly chose the 12-core biopsy method (89.7%) and 18G 16-mm or 22-mm (96.5%) needles. The KSUR recommends the 12-core biopsy scheme with PNB with or without IRLA as the standard protocol for TRUS-Bx. Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents should be discontinued at least 5 days prior to the procedure, and antibiotic prophylaxis is highly recommended to prevent infectious complications. Glycerin cleansing enemas and administration of opioid analogues before the procedure could be helpful in some situations. The choice of biopsy needle is dependent on the practitioners' situation and preferences.

Transrectal or transvaginal ultrasoundguided biopsy for pelvic masses: external validation and usefulness in oncologic patients

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to externally validate the diagnostic usefulness of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) or transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS)-guided biopsy for pelvic masses, and to analyze the diagnostic performance of these methods in oncologic patients. METHODS: A consecutive series of 30 patients who underwent TRUS- or TVUS-guided biopsy for pelvic masses was included. Tissue samples were obtained using an 18-gauge core biopsy needle under local anesthesia for lesions detected on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. We analyzed the rates of diagnostic biopsies upon pathologic examination and biopsy-related major complications requiring treatment. In diagnostic biopsy cases, the performance was also investigated for all patients and patients with underlying malignancy. RESULTS: The diagnostic biopsy rate was 93.3% (28 of 30) for all patients and 95.0% (19 of 20) for oncologic patients. No patients had major complications. In diagnostic biopsies, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and accuracy for identifying malignancy were 100% (17 of 17), 72.7% (8 of 11), 85.0% (17 of 20), 100% (8 of 8), and 89.3% (25 of 28) for all patients and 100% (14 of 14), 60.0% (3 of 5), 87.5% (14 of 16), 100% (3 of 3), and 89.5% (17 of 19) for oncologic patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study externally validated the feasibility and safety of TRUS- or TVUS-guided biopsy. In addition, these techniques appear to enable accurate pathologic diagnoses of pelvic masses in oncologic patients to be made safely and relatively noninvasively.

Incidental Ovarian Lesions

Incidental ovarian lesions are diagnostic challenges owing to their wide disease spectrum, ranging from normal findings to malignant ovarian tumors. There are several physiologic ovarian lesions that may not require any follow-up or treatment. While some lesions demonstrate their benign nature on imaging, some significant radiologic features may suggest malignant potential. Therefore, precise interpretation of imaging findings and proper recommendations for clinicians by radiologists are essential for managing incidental ovarian lesions to avoid unnecessary examinations or invasive treatments. The aim of this review is to describe the radiologic findings of commonly encountered incidental ovarian lesions on ultrasonography or computed tomography and to explain the management plan according to the stratified risk for malignancy in each ovarian lesion.

Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System Version 2: Beyond Prostate Cancer Detection

The main purpose of Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System Version 2 (PI-RADSv2) is to effectively detect clinically significant prostate cancers (csPCa) using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. Since the first introduction of PI-RADSv2, researchers have validated its diagnostic performance in identifying csPCa, and these promising data have influenced biopsy and treatment schemes. However, in this article, we focused on the potential of PI-RADSv2 in relation to various aspects of PCa such as Gleason score, tumor volume, extraprostatic extension, lymph node metastasis, and postoperative biochemical recurrence, beyond prostate cancer detection.

Penile Doppler ultrasonography revisited

Penile Doppler ultrasonography is a high-performing, noninvasive or minimally-invasive imaging modality that allows the depiction of the normal anatomy and macroscopic pathologic changes in real time. Moreover, functional changes in penile blood flow, as seen in erectile dysfunction (ED), can be analyzed using color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS). This review article describes the normal sonographic anatomy of the penis, the sonographic technique for evaluating ED, the normal phases of erection, and the various causes of ED. Additionally, we describe the interpretation of different parameters and findings on penile CDUS for the diagnosis and classification of ED, priapism, and Peyronie disease.

Impact of Pretreatment Hydronephrosis on the Success Rate of Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Patients with Ureteral Stone

PURPOSE: To evaluate predictors of the success rate for one session of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), focusing on the relationships between pretreatment hydronephrosis grade and one-session SWL success rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 1824 consecutive patients who underwent an initial session of SWL for treatment of urinary stones between 2005 and 2013 were reviewed. After exclusion, 700 patients with a single, 4–20 mm diameter radiopaque calculus were included in the study. RESULTS: The mean maximal stone length (MSL) and skin-to-stone distance were 9.2±3.9 and 110.8±18.9 mm, respectively. The average values for mean stone density (MSD) and stone heterogeneity index (SHI) were 707.0±272.1 and 244.9±110.1, respectively. One-session success rates were 68.4, 75.0, 75.1, 54.0, and 10.5% in patients with hydronephrosis grade 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Patients were classified into success or failure groups based on SWL outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that MSL [odds ratio (OR) 0.888, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.841–0.934, p<0.001], MSD (OR 0.996, 95% CI: 0.995–0.997, p<0.001), SHI (OR 1.007, 95% CI: 1.005–1.010, p<0.001), and pretreatment hydronephrosis grade (OR 0.601, 95% CI: 0.368–0.988, p=0.043) were significantly associated with one-session success. CONCLUSION: Pretreatment grades 3 or 4 hydronephrosis were associated with failure of SWL in patients with a single ureteral stone. In the presence of severe hydronephrosis, especially hydronephrosis grade 4; physicians should proceed cautiously in choosing and offering SWL as the primary treatment for ureteral stone.

Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MR Imaging in Detecting Local Tumor Progression after HIFU Ablation of Localized Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the diagnostic performance of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging (DCE-MRI) in detecting recurrent prostate cancer after HIFU of clinically localized cancer, as compared with T2-weighted imaging (T2WI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with increased prostate-specific antigen levels after HIFU were included in this study. All MR examinations were performed using T2WI and DCE-MRI, followed by transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy. MRI and biopsy results were correlated in six prostate sectors. Residual or recurrent cancer after HIFU was defined as local tumor progression if biopsy results showed any cancer foci. Two independent readers interpreted the MR images. RESULTS: Of 156 prostate sectors, 51 (33%) were positive for cancer in 17 patients. For detecting local tumor progression, the sensitivity of DCE-MRI and T2WI was 80% and 57% for reader 1 (P 0.05). Interobserver agreement of DCE-MRI and T2WI was moderate and fair, respectively. CONCLUSION: For detecting local tumor progression of prostate cancer after HIFU, DCE-MRI was more sensitive than T2WI, with less interobserver variability.

Carotid Aneurysm Found as Middle Ear Cavity Mass / 대한이비인후과학회지

Aneurysm may be classified into intracranial and extracranial according to its location. Extracranial aneurysm is relatively uncommon compared to intracranial aneurysm and it is rare in the middle ear cavity. The causes of extracranial aneurysm include atherosclerosis, dysplasia, blunt or penetrating trauma, local radiotherapy, acute dissection and infective lesions. Among the extracranial aneurysm, it is reported that carotid aneurysm in the temporal bone may be confused with glomus body tumor, which is usually larger. A typical presentation is pulsatile mass and it may accompany neurologic symptoms. We report a case with a review of literature of an external carotid aneurysm in the jugular fossa and middle ear cavity.

Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tonsil and Their Clinical Significance

OBJECTIVES: To investigate expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil and to correlate expression profiles with clinicopathological characteristics. METHODS: Paraffin blocks were obtained from 45 tonsil squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients, who underwent surgery as an initial treatment between 1994 and 2004, and from 20 normal controls. Expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were investigated immunohistochemically. RESULTS: The expressions of MMPs (except MMP-2) and TIMPs were found to be significantly different in tonsil SCC and normal control tissues. Furthermore, MMP-13 expression was found to be correlated with tumor invasion (P=0.05), and the expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 with nodal metastasis (P=0.048, 0.031). No relation was found between MMP or TIMP expression and recurrence. However, MMP-9 expression was found to be significantly associated with 5-year survival in tonsil SCC patients by multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 3.853; P=0.013). CONCLUSION: Significant overexpressions of multiple MMPs and TIMPs were found in tonsil SCC tissues. Furthermore, our findings suggest that MMP-9 expression might be a useful prognostic factor.

Ultrasonography-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration of Incidentally Detected Nonpalpable Thyroid Nodule / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: With the availability of more sensitive ultrasonography, a larger number of nonpalpable thyroid nodule can be detected. But it is controversial that USG-FNA should be routinely used to incidentally detect nonpalpable thyroid nodule. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical significance of thyroid incidentaloma and the usefulness of the USG-FNA in the management of thyroid incidentaloma. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A retrospective study was performed on 208 patients who underwent USG-FNA for thyroid incidentaloma smaller than 1.5 cm from 2001 to 2005. The cytologic findings were compared with the ultrasonographic findings and the surgical pathology. RESULTS: Suspicious malignant sonographic findings were detected in 48 cases. And in 10 cases, more than two malignant findings were detected. Of the 208 cases, 159 cases were cytologically diagnosed as benign lesion (76.4%), 7 cases as follicular neoplasm (3.3%), 33 cases as malignancy (15.8%), and 9 cases as inadequate specimen (4.4%). Of the 40 cases with follicular neoplasm and malignant cytology, 37 cases underwent surgery and 30 cases were confirmed to malignancy on the postoperative pathologic diagnosis. In the cases diagnosed to malignancy on pathology, extracapsular extension was present in 9 cases (30%), and nodal metastasis in 8 cases (26.7%). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the USG-FNA for malignancy were 93.3%, 71.4%, and 89.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: USG-FNA is a useful diagnostic tool in the management of thyroid incidentaloma especially when more than two suspicious malignant sonographic findings need to be detected. The clinical characteristics is not significantly different between palpable and nonpalpable nodules.

Treatment Effect of Intravenous Lasix-Vitamin-Dextran and Carbogen Inhalation Therapy Accompanying Oral Drug Therapy in the Patients with Tinnitus / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tinnitus is one of the most widespread and disturbing disorders of the auditory system. However, little is known about the physiological mechanism that causes tinnitus and there is no definite treatment. The aim of this study has been to evaluate the effect of Lasix-Vitamin and Carbogen inhalation therapy for tinnitus treatment and to determine their appropriate indications. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: From May 2004 through April 2005, 178 patients with subjective tinnitus were treated in two groups. One group was treated with Lasix-Vitamin and Carbogen inhalation therapy with oral Vitamin and Ginkgo biloba extract. The other group was treated with oral Vitamin and Ginkgo biloba extract at the Chung-Ang University Hospital. We compared the effectiveness of Lasix-Vitamin and Carbogen inhalation therapy for tinnitus on audiogram, tinnitogram, questionnare with that of other group. RESULTS: There was no difference between the oral Vitamin and Ginkgo biloba extract therapy group and Lasix-Vitamin and Carbogen inhalation therapy with oral Vitamin and Ginkgo biloba extract therapy group with respect to age, sex, initial Tinnitus handicap inventory score and tinnitus characteristics. Whereas tinnitus was improved in 25 (31.3%) of 80 patients who were treated with oral Vitamin and Ginkgo biloba extract, subjective tinnitus was improved in 69 (70.4%) of 98 patients who were treated with Lasix-Vitamin and Carbogen inhalation therapy in addition to oral Vitamin and Ginkgo biloba extract. The effect of each therapy was significantly different between two groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We suggest that intravenous Lasix-Vitamin-Dextran and Carbogen inhalation therapy be used in addition to oral Vitamin and Ginkgo biloba extract as an effective treatment for subjective tinnitus.