Pediatric Adenocarcinoma in Korea: A Multicenter Study / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#Adenocarcinoma is an extremely rare malignancy in the pediatric population. Research regarding pediatric adenocarcinoma is very rare in Korea. This study aimed to investigate the clinical features of pediatric adenocarcinomas of various primary organ sites in Korea. @*Materials and Methods@#Pediatric patients under 18 years, diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of various sites between January 1995 and December 2016, were included. We retrospectively reviewed patient and tumor characteristics and calculated survival estimates, reported as 5-year survival rate and 95% confidence interval. @*Results@#Of 80 patients (median age, 15 years; range, 10 to 17 years), 37 (46.3%) were men, and 24 (30%) had a family history of cancer or underlying disease relevant to malignancy. The cancer locations were the colon and rectum (n=32), ovaries (n=18), stomach (n=15), lung (n=4), small bowel (n=1), and other sites (n=10). Totally, 54.8% patients (42/77) had stage 3 or 4 disease. The median follow-up period was 2.0 years (range, 0 to 20.4). The 5-year overall survival estimate for all patients, and for those with stomach, colorectal, ovarian, and other cancer sites were 57.9%±11.5%, 58.2%±25.7%, 41.5%±18.2%, 87.5%±16.2%, and 64.0%±34.4%, respectively. The 5-year survival rate differed significantly between categories of adenocarcinomas into gastrointestinal (GI) (44.7%) and non-GI adenocarcinomas (78.8%) (p=0.007). The 5-year survival rate also differed significantly according to carcinoembryonic antigen level (69.3% in 3 ng/mL; p < 0.001). @*Conclusion@#In pediatric patients, adenocarcinomas arise from various organs and are often diagnosed at advanced stages. Large, prospective studies for their accurate clinical characteristics and prognostic factors are needed.

Usefulness of Percutaneous Puncture in Insertion of Totally Implantable Venous Access Devices in Pediatric Patients

PURPOSE: Totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) are commonly used in pediatrics for the administration of chemotherapy, antibiotics, or parenteral nutrition. TIVADs can be implanted using various techniques, including surgical cutdown (SC) and percutaneous puncture (PP). Recently, percutaneous TIVAD became popular in adults, but studies comparing between PP and SC group in pediatric patients are rare. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected and analyzed retrospectively from 23 patients who underwent TIVAD at a single institution between January 2013 and December 2015. We examined the clinical characteristics, insertion techniques, and clinical outcome. We divided the patients into 2 groups and compared PP with ultrasonography and SC using the insertion technique. We compared success rate, procedural time, and the patency rate between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Eleven TIVADS were inserted using PP, and 12 TIVADs were inserted using SC. No statistically significant difference in characteristics was found between the 2 groups. The procedural time in the PP group was shorter than that in the SC group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.685). During follow-up, 1 patient in the SC group had an occlusion, and 1 patient in the PP group had an infection. CONCLUSION: PP of the internal jugular vein with ultrasonography appears to be the method of choice for TIVAD insertion owing to its similar success rate in terms of implantation and complication rate to that in SC, with shorter procedural times in pediatric patients.

Can Pre-Retrieval Computed Tomography Predict the Difficult Removal of an Implementing an Inferior Vena Cava Filter?

PURPOSE: Implementing an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is a relatively safe procedure but potential negative long-term effects. The complications for filter retrieval have been noted. We examined filter characteristics on pre-retrieval computed tomography (CT) that were associated with complicated retrieval (CR) of IVC filters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of IVC filter retrievals between January 2008 and June 2014 was performed to identify patients who had undergone a pre-retrieval CT for IVC filter retrieval. CR was defined as the use of nonstandard techniques, procedural time over 30 min, filter fractures, filter tip incorporation into the IVC wall, and retrieval failure. Pre-retrieval CT images were evaluated for tilt angle in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions, tip embedding into the IVC wall, degree of filter strut perforation, and distance of the filter tip from the nearest renal vein. RESULTS: Of seventy-six patients, twenty-four patients (31.6%) with CRs and 56 patients (73.7%) with non-CR were evaluated for pre-retrieval CT. For IVC filter retrieval with a dwelling time of over 45 days, a tilt of over 15 degrees, the appearance of tip embedding and grade 2 perforation were associated with CR on multivariate analysis. However, for IVC filter retrievals with a dwelling time of less than 45 days, there were no factors associated with CR. CONCLUSION: Pre-retrieval CTs may be more effective for IVC filters with a dwelling time of over 45 days. Therefore, a pre-retrieval CT may be helpful in predicting CR of IVC filters with long dwelling times.

Midterm Outcome of Femoral Artery Stenting and Factors Affecting Patency

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the early and midterm results of superficial femoral artery (SFA) stenting with self-expanding nitinol stents and to identify the factors affecting patency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SFA stenting was performed in 165 limbs of 117 patients from January 2009 to December 2013. Patients were followed-up for the first occurrence of occlusion or stenosis based on computed tomography and duplex scan results and a decrease in ankle brachial index of >15%. RESULTS: During the follow-up period (mean, 15.3+/-3.2 months), no early thrombotic reocclusions occurred within 30 days, but in-stent restenosis developed in 78 limbs. The primary patency rates at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were 78%, 66%, 42%, and 22%, respectively, and the secondary patency rates were 85%, 72%, 58%, and 58%, respectively. TASC II C or D lesions, stent length >8 cm, number of patent tibial arteries and diabetes were significantly associated with reintervention. CONCLUSION: The midterm results of stenting for SFA occlusive disease were disappointing because the primary and secondary patency rates at two years were 22% and 58%, respectively. Reintervention after SFA stenting remains a major problem, particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus or long TASC II C or D lesions.

One Year Experience of Iliac Bifurcated Device for Aortoiliac Aneurysm in a Korean Single Center

One of the predominant methods for preserving the internal iliac artery (IIA) in aortoiliac aneurysms is to use an iliac bifurcated device (IBD). However, there are a few limitations to the use of IBD in Korea. Our study aims to present the technical aspects of these devices, and to provide a mid-term analysis of IBD. Since 2013, 4 IBDs were used in 4 patients, with a mean follow-up of 14 months (range, 6-22 months). A 100% technical success rate was achieved without mortality and morbidity in our cases. The mean procedural time was 176 min (range, 145-240 min), and the mean contrast dose used was 184 mL (range, 135-220 mL). Type I or III endoleaks and postoperative expansion of the aneurysms weren't observed. Our cases demonstrates that IBD is a relatively safe repair method of aortoiliac aneurysms with preservation of the IIAs. However, a longer follow-up is needed to review the midterm results.

Relining technique for continuous sac enlargement and modular disconnection secondary to endotension after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

Endotension is an unpredictable late complication of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). This case report will discuss the successful treatment of enlarged aneurysmal sac due to endotension using the relining technique. An 81-year-old male complained of nondecreasing huge aneurysm sac. He had undergone EVAR for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm 7 years prior and no endoleak was found through follow-up. Initially computed tomography-guided sac aspiration was tried, but in vain, Relining using the double barrel technique and tubular endograft for modular diconnection, which was unexpectedly found in the original endograft, were performed sucessfully. During follow-up after the relining procedure, the size of aneurysm sac continued to decrease in size. The relining technique is effective mothod for treating endotension.

Extended distal pancreatectomy for advanced pancreatic neck cancer

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: We investigated the clinical application of extended distal pancreatectomy in patients with pancreatic neck cancer accompanied by distal pancreatic atrophy. In this study, we have emphasized on the technical aspects of using the linear stapling device for a bulky target organ. METHODS: From March 2010 to September 2013, 46 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, who underwent pancreatic resection with radical intent at our institute, were reviewed retrospectively. Among them, three patients (6.5%) underwent extended distal pancreatectomy. A linear stapling device and vise-grip locking pliers were used for en bloc resection of the distal pancreas, first duodenal portion, and distal common bile duct. The results were compared with those after standard pancreatectomy. RESULTS: All three patients presented with jaundice, and the ratio of pancreatic duct to parenchymal thickness of the pancreatic body was greater than 0.5. Grade A pancreatic fistula developed in all of the cases, but none of these fistulae were lethal. Pathological staging was T3N1M0 in all of the patients. The postoperative daily serum glucose fluctuations and insulin requirements were comparable to those in patients who received pancreaticoduodenectomy or distal pancreatectomy. At the last follow-up, two patients were alive with liver metastasis at 4 and 10 months postoperatively, respectively, and one patient died of liver metastasis at 5 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: While the prognosis of advanced pancreatic neck adenocarcinoma is still dismal, extended distal pancreatectomy is a valid treatment option, especially when there is atrophy of the distal pancreas. Also, the procedure is technically feasible, and further refinement is necessary to improve patient survival.

Preliminary results of binding pancreaticojejunostomy

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: The post-operative complications and clinical course of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) largely depend on the pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ). Several methods of PJ are in clinical use. We analyzed the early results of binding pancreaticojejunostomy (BPJ), a technique reported by SY Peng. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical results of patients who received BPJ in Inha University Hospital from 2006 to 2011. 21 BPJs were performed with Peng's method. The definition of postoperative pancreatic fistula (PF) was a high amylase content (>3 times the upper normal serum value) of the drain fluid (of any measurable volume), at any time on or after the 3rd post-operative day. The pancreatic fistula was graded according to the International Study Group for Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) guidelines. RESULTS: Of the 21 patients who received BPJ, 11 were male. The median age was 61.2 years. PD surgery included 4 cases of Whipple's procedures and 17 cases of pylorus-preserving PD. According to the post-operative course, 16 patients recovered well with no evidence of PF. A total of 5 patients (23.8%), including 3 grade A PFs and 2 grade C PFs, suffered from a pancreatic fistula. 3 patients with grade A PF recovered with conservative management. CONCLUSIONS: The BPJ appears to be a relatively safe procedure based on this preliminary study, but further study is needed to validate its safety.

Significant adverse reactions to long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists for the treatment of central precocious puberty and early onset puberty

PURPOSE: Long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) are commonly used to treat central precocious puberty (CPP) in Korea. Although rare, there have been reports on the characteristic of adverse reactions of GnRHa in CPP among the Korean population. This study was intended to report on our clinical experience regarding significant adverse reactions to long-acting GnRHa in CPP and early onset puberty and to evaluate the prevalence rate of serious side effects. METHODS: This retrospective study included children with CPP and early onset puberty, who were administered monthly with long-acting GnRHa (leuprolide acetate, triptorelin acetate) at the outpatient clinic of Department of Pediatrics, at Inha University Hospital, between January 2011 and December 2013. We analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients who experienced significant adverse reactions and evaluated the prevalence rate. RESULTS: Six serious side effects (0.9%) were observed among total of 621 CPP and early onset puberty children with GnRHa therapy. The number of sterile abscess formation was four in three patients (4 events of 621). Anaphylaxis occurred in only one patient, and unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in another one patient. Anaphylaxis occurred after the 6th administration of the monthly depot triptorelin acetate. Unilateral SCFE developed in GnRHa therapy. CONCLUSION: Sterile abscess formation occurred in 0.6% of CPP and early onset puberty patients from the administration of a monthly depot GnRHa therapy. The occurrences of anaphylaxis and SCFE are extremely rare, but can have serious implications on patients. Clinicians should be aware of these potential adverse effects related to GnRHa therapy in CPP.

Intraluminal Snared-Atheroma Causing Common Femoral Artery Stenosis after Using Perclose Suture-Mediated Closure System / 대한혈관외과학회지

Mechanical closing devices were developed to shorten bed rest following percutaneous vascular intervention, and recently, the devices are replacing the conventional manual compression. Among the closing devices, the Perclose suture-mediated closure system (Perclose/Proglide) is known to be a safe and effective method that permits faster hemostasis and earlier ambulation compared with manual compression. However, with increased usage of femoral closure devices, reports of complications have emerged. Most reported complications are local bleedings, hematomas, and wound infections. Herein, we report a rare case: common femoral artery (CFA) stenosis after using Perclose suture-mediated closure system. After failure of secondary ballooning of the CFA stenotic segment, CFA was opened operatively and we found that snared atheroma by Perclose suture material was occupying the CFA lumen. Endarterectomy was performed for the lesion and the CFA stenosis was improved.

The Effect of Duodenojejunal Bypass for T2DM Patients Below BMI 25 kg/m2 in Early Postoperative Period

PURPOSE: Diabetes mellitus refers to one of several risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, renal failure and so on. Medical treatments of T2DM cannot suggest a perfect cure. But gastric bypass resulting in the exclusion of the duodenum and proximal jejunum has been shown to improve or resolve T2DM. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of duodenojejunal bypass for T2DM patients below BMI 25 kg/m2 in early postoperative period. METHODS: Duodenojejunal bypass was performed on 25 patients at Inha University Hospital from July 2009 to April 2010. We compared 75 g OGTT, insulin, C peptide to those 7 days postoperative. The definitions for improvement are serum glucose level below 200 mg/dl of 75 g OGTT at 120 min or below 200 mg/dl at every other time in spite of over 200 mg/dl at 120 min. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients (15 men and 10 women) were included. Median value BMI was 23.17 kg/m2 and the mean duration of T2DM was 8.3 years. There was a significant decrease of postoperative 75 g OGTT levels from 176, 268, 345, 373, 371 mg/dl to 125, 170, 200, 225 and 241 mg/dl, respectively (P<0.001). Only patients' age was an independent factor resolution of T2DM based on this study. CONCLUSION: Duodenojejunal bypass could be one viable treatment modality for improving or resolving of T2DM although these are early results. This study has preliminary meanings only and the results of longer follow-up and a larger number of patients are necessary, by which we should be able to determine the effect and indications for surgical treatment of T2DM.

Management of Duodenal Perforations after Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Surgery has been the mainstay of treatment for duodenal perforations after the introduction of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Yet there have recently been arguments that conservative management with or without endoscopic intervention may be possible and safe. METHODS: For the patients who received ERCP at Inha University Hospital from Jan. 2001 to Dec. 2007, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical manifestations, the treatment and the clinical outcomes of the cases with duodenal perforation. RESULTS: Among the 1708 ERCP cases, duodenal perforation occurred in eleven (0.6%) patients. There were two cases of duodenal perforations (type I), four cases of peri-Vaterian injury (type II), two cases of bile duct perforations (type III) and three cases of retroperitoneal perforations (type IV). Six patients (55%) were treated surgically while the others were managed conservatively. Except for one death (9.1%), ten patients fully recovered. Either residual diseases or fluid collections, as seen on CT, were present in the surgically managed patients. The median time interval between ERCP and surgery was 19 hours (range: 8~30 hours). CONCLUSIONS: To decide on the management of duodenal perforation after ERCP, the presence of residual disease or the leakage of intraluminal contents should be considered along with the type of the perforation.

Efficacy and feasibility of laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: For patients with acute cholecystitis, conversion from laparoscopic cholecystectomy to open surgery is not uncommon due to possibilities of serious hemorrhage at the liver bed and bile duct injury. Recent studies reported successful laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and feasibility of such an operation based on the experience of surgeons at our facility. METHODS: In this study, we enrolled 144 patients who had received either laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC), laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), or open cholecystectomy (OC) for acute cholecystitis from January 2004 to December 2009 at the Department of Surgery of our hospital. Their symptoms, signs, operative findings, pathologic results and postoperative results were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: There were 26 patients in the LSC group 80 in the LC group and 38 in the OC group. There were no differences in mean age, sex, and symptoms of acute cholecystitis. The LSC group showed higher CRP levels (p<0.001) and a higher grade according to the Tokyo criteria (p=0.001). The mean operative time was 115.6 minutes and mean blood loss was 158.9 ml without intra-operative or postoperative transfusion. There weren't any bile duct injuries during the operation. No group suffered bile leakage. Drains were removed 3.3 days after the operation in the LC group, the shortest time compared to the other groups (p<0.001). LC and LSC groups demonstrated shorter postoperative hospital days and time to diet resumption than the OC group (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: LSC appears to be a safe and effective treatment in cases of severe acute cholecystitis that require consideration of conversion to open surgery.

Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter Retrieval Rates after Catheter Directed Thrombolysis or Pharmacomechanical Thrombectomy in Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Its Characteristics

PURPOSE: Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is commonly practiced to prevent pulmonary embolism during endovascular therapy of deep vein thrombosis (EndoDVT). When the thrombus is trapped inside the filter during intervention, its removal is quite challenging. The purpose of this study is to determine retrieval rates of IVC filter after EndoDVT and its characteristics. METHODS: Patients who underwent EndoDVT in Inha Unversity Hospital from June 2004 to May 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. Retrievable IVC filter was inserted before EndoDVT. EndoDVT was done by catheter directed thrombolysis or pharmacomechanical thrombectomy using urokinase. IVC filter retrieval was decided according to computed tomography after 2 weeks. RESULTS: 126 patients were treated with EndoDVT. Optease (n=101) and Tulip (n=25) IVC filters were inserted. IVC filters were retrieved in 42.9% (54/126). There was no IVC filter related complication during its insertion and removal. IVC filter was not retrieved in 72 patients. Reasons for its failure include residual thrombosis in IVC filter (n=28), high risk for recurrent DVT (n=34), massive pulmonary embolism (n=8), and death (n=2). Residual thrombus inside IVC filter disappeared in 5 patients during 6-month follow up. CONCLUSION: IVC filters retrieval rate after EndoDVT was 42.9%. This can be improved by thorough patient follow up and extended retrievability.

Clinical Experience with Hirschsprung's Disease

The aim of this study is to review our clinical experience with patients with Hirschsprung's disease (HD) Medical records of 39 children who underwent definitive surgery for HD at Inha University Hospital from September 1996 to June 2008 were analyzed by age at presentation, sex, gestational age, birth weight, clinical presentation, diagnostic tools, level of aganglionosis, surgical procedures, postoperative complications, and postoperative bowel function. Twenty-five patients (64.1%) were males and 14 (35.9%) were females. Thirty patients (76.9%) were diagnosed and treated in the neonatal period. The transitional zone was at the rectosigmoid region in 89.7%. Twenty-seven patients (69%) were treated by preliminary colostomy or ileostomy. Twenty-four patients had the Duhamel operation, 6 patients anorectal myectomy, and 9 patients had transanal endorectal pull-through (TEP). Five of 9 patients who had the TEP procedure did laparoscopic assistance. Postoperatively, seventeen patients (83%) passed stool once or more times per day and 3 patients had stool soiling. This study demonstrated that the majority of the patients had good results. To determine which treatment is most effective comparative review by operation method would be required.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Major Vascular Diseases of Elderly Men in the Incheon Area

PURPOSE: As Korea is an aging society (WHO classification) and projected to be an aged society in 10 years, peripheral vascular diseases (PVD) in the elderly population has emerged as an important social and medical issue. But their prevalence was rarely reported in Korea. The purpose of this study is to define the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis (CAS), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) of lower limb in the Incheon area. METHODS: Elderly men (> or =65 years) were referred randomly from the Incheon Federation of Korean Senior Citizens' Association (from Nov 2008 to Sep 2009) to Inha Univeristy Hospital, Incheon, Korea for a PVD screening program. The subjects were screened for CAS and AAA by duplex. CAS was defined as > or =50% internal CAS and AAA as > or =3 cm aortic diameter in minor axis. PAOD of lower limb was screened by measurement of ankle brachial index (ABI); ABI of < or =0.9 was considered abnormal. RESULTS: 1150 subjects were screened including 103 octogenarians (9.0%). Mean age was 72.3+/-0.2 years. Combined conditions were hypertension (54.3%), diabetes mellitus (25.2%), coronary artery disease (15.6%), dyslipidemia (18.9%), obesity (31.1%) and smoking history (71.7%). CAS was detected in 7.7% (89/1,150) subjects. Thirty-three (2.9%) were diagnosed with AAA. PAOD was detected in 50 subjects (4.4%). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of PVD in Korea is not lower compared to that of western countries, especially the USA and the UK. A nationwide program for timely detection and treatment for PVD should be developed.

Predicting Factors of Nonsentinel Lymph Node Metastasis in Breast Cancer Patients with Sentinel Lymph Node Metastasis

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the predictors of nonsentinel lymph node (NSLN) metastasis in breast cancer and to evaluate the usefulness of the scoring systems and nomograms. METHODS: In this analysis, we reviewed the clinicopathologic features of 70 patients who had undergone sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy and axillary lymph node dissection. The clinical features of patients, histologic parameters and hormonal receptor status of primary tumor and histopathologic features of SLN metastasis were noted retrospectively. Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated to assess the discriminative power of the scoring systems and nomograms. RESULTS: The metastatic tumor size in SLN (P<0.001), extracapsular invasion (P=0.002), percentage of positive SLNs among the removed SLNs (P=0.011), primary tumor size (P=0.038) were associated significantly with NSLN metastasis, statistically, in univariate analysis. Based on multivariate logistic regression, the metastatic tumor size was the only prognostic factor of NSLN metastasis (P=0.012). The AUC of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center scoring system was greater than other systems, significantly (P=0.004). CONCLUSION: We have shown in this study that it would be possible to predict NSLN status based on the metastatic tumor size in SLN. Although the significance was not achieved in multivariate analysis, the size of primary tumor, extracapsular invasion of metastasis in SLN, percentage of positive SLNs among the removed SLNs had the potential to be a predictive factor of NSLN metastasis. MSKCC scoring system appears to be more effective and accurate than other scoring systems for selecting patients for whom axillary lymph node dissection can be avoided.

Clinical Experience of Endoleak after Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

PURPOSE: Endoleak is a common complication following endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs (EVAR). The aim of this study was to discover the frequency and characteristics after EVAR with on-label use. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 25 patients who underwent EVAR in Inha University Hospital between December 2005 and February 2009. The data included in this study accounted for patient characteristics, anatomic features, operative technical details, and types of devices used. The results of EVAR were analyzed for clinical success, technical success and endoleak. RESULTS: Endoleaks were observed during 11 (47.8%) procedures. Type I endoleaks were observed in 2 (18.2%) cases. A total of 6 type II intraoperative endoleaks (54.5%) were observed. 3 type III endoleaks (27.3%) occurred. But all endoleaks were resolved without additional intervention CT scan after 6 months. CONCLUSION: Although the endovascular management of AAAs is less invasive than open surgery, many complications including endoleak were still the most common adverse event during the first postoperative month. However, observation may be a good treatment for minor endoleak after EVAR.

Clinicopathological Characteristics of Apocrine Carcinoma of the Breast

PURPOSE: Apocrine carcinoma of the breast is rare and there is confusion about the criteria of its histopathologic diagnosis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical and pathologic characteristics of the disease. METHODS: 9 patients diagnosed with apocrine carcinoma or apocrine carcinoma in situ and 1,009 patients diagnosed with non-apocrine carcinoma of the breast from April 1999 to March 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients with apocrine carcinoma was 52.3 year. 5 patients (55.6%) among 9 patients with apocrine carcinoma were postmenopausal. There were 2,1 and 6 patients with stage 0, I and II disease, respectively according the TNM stage. These demographic and clinical differences between the patients with apocrine carcinoma and non-apocrine carcinoma were not significant. Only four patients (44.4%) were preoperatively diagnosed with apocrine carcinoma or apocrine carcinoma in situ. By surgical biopsy, additional 5 patients were diagnosed as apocrine carcinoma. In the immunohistochemical study, Bcl-2 was positive in one (12.5%) of 8 patients. p53 was positive in 4 (44.4%) of 9 patients. Expressions of estrogen and progesterone receptor were positive only in two patients (22.2%) with weakly positive staining. Androgen receptor was positively expressed in all cases (100%) of apocrine carcinoma. Overexpression of c-erb-B2 was detected in four patients. CONCLUSION: Treatment modality and prognosis of apocrine carcinoma are similar as non-apocrine carcinoma. But its preoperative diagnosis is more difficult than that of non-apocrine carcinoma and it shows different expression of hormone receptor. Further study is needed for the development of new hormonal therapy using androgen.

Clinical Considerations of Intestinal Atresia

PURPOSE: The mortality of intestinal atresia has decreased remarkably owing to prenatal diagnosis, development of diagnosis method, neonatal intensive care, surgical technique, total parenteral nutrition and performing of early surgery. The clinical consideration of our experience about intestinal atresia would be helpful in the understanding of disease. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical presentation, hospital days, diagnosis method, surgical method, postoperative early complication and mortality based on medical records, retrospectively, in 32 cases of intestinal atresia encountered at Inha University Hospital between March 1997 and May 2009. RESULTS: The involved sites were; duodenum (n=11; 34.4%), jejunoileum (n=20; 62.5%), and colon (n=1; 3.1%). The mean postoperative fasting time was 6.38 days. The postoperative morbidity was 9.4% and mortality was 3.1%. CONCLUSION: Complete recovery from intestinal atresia can be insured by prompt diagnosis, early surgery and careful neonatal intensive care.