Coronary Artery Calcification Measured by Multi-Detector Computed Tomography in Systemic Sclerosis / 대한류마티스학회지

OBJECTIVE: There is some controversy regarding the early onset or high incidence of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Measurements of the coronary calcification score (CCS) by multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) is an accurate and non-invasive method for detecting coronary atherosclerosis, and a high level of CCS (> or =160) can predict coronary events. This study examined the CCS using MDCT and evaluated the risk of coronary events in patients with SSc. METHODS: The clinical and laboratory characteristics of 35 patients with SSc were examined. The CCS was measured by MDCT, and the risk of coronary events were evaluated by CCS and the Framingham risk score (FRS). RESULTS: In 35 patients (2 males and 33 females, 20 with limited and 15 with diffuse type), the mean age was 52+/-12 years and the disease duration was 8+/-7 years. The mean CCS was 10.1+/-30.8, the CCS of 28 patients (80%) was 0, and all patients had a CCS<160. The CCS had no significant correlation with the clinical and laboratory characteristics. The FRS was evaluated in 29 patients. Twenty eight patients were categorized into the low-risk group (FRS<10%) and only one was classified into the moderate-risk group (FRS=13%). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the risk of coronary events due to coronary atherosclerosis might not be high in patients with SSc.

Pilomatrix Carcinoma with Lung and Lymph Node

Metastases Pilomatrix carcinoma is a rare locally aggressive hair-follicle tumor. We report a 54-year-old man who presented with a tumor in the left flank that was found by skin biopsy to be pilomatrix carcinoma. A contrast-enhanced computed tomographic scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis showed multiple small nodules in both lungs and lymphadenopathy in the abdomen. Video-assisted thoracoscopic biopsy of the lung lesions was consistent with metastatic pilomatrix carcinoma. After intravenous cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil, the skin, lung, and lymph node lesions shrank

Pulmonary Nodular Lymphoid Hyperplasia Associated with Sjögren's Syndrome

@#Pulmonary nodular lymphoid hyperplasia (NLH) is a term first suggested by Kradin and Mark to describe one or more pulmonary nodules or localized lung infiltrates consisting of reactive lymphoid proliferation. To date, there have been only a few cases of pulmonary NLH reported associated with autoimmune disorders. There is no case of NLH associated with Sj?gren's syndrome from Korea in the medical literature. A 56-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with cough productive of sputum and chest tightness. The Computed tomography scans of the chest revealed multiple and well-defined peribronchiolar nodular opacities. A video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) biopsy was performed and the nodular opacity in the lung parenchyma was pathologically confirmed as NLH. Through meticulous review of patient's record, we found that she had been suffering from dry eye and dry mouth. The symptoms suggested Sj?gren's syndrome, which was confirmed by specific laboratory tests including the Schirmer test, anti-nuclear antibody and anti-Ro/La antibody. The patient is followed regularly and has no further progression of symptoms.

Association between Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Gene Polymorphism and Rheumatoid Arthritis / 대한류마티스학회지

OBJECTIVE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by the interaction of multiple mediators, especially cytokines. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine and has been shown to be involved in RA. This study explored the association of the MIF gene polymorphism with RA in Korean. METHODS: 114 patients with RA, and 114 age and gender matched healthy controls were studied. Patients and controls were genotyped for a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 5'-flanking region at position -173 of the MIF gene. RESULTS: No significant differences in MIF gene polymorphism were observed in RA compared to healthy controls. No association with disease severity was detected for the MIF gene polymorphism. CONCLUSION: MIF -173 G/C polymorphism did not appear to be associated with genetic susceptibility and disease severity in Korean RA patients.