Treatment of advanced stage cholangiocarcinoma: Systemic therapy may be the starting step for radical surgery

Cholangiocarcinoma is the most common biliary malignancy and the second most common hepatic malignancy following hepatocellular carcinoma. It can be classified anatomically as intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), perihilar CCA, or distal CCA. The treatment of choice for iCCA is surgical resection, but only those with potentially resectable tumors can undergo surgery. The standard regimen for advanced stage iCCA is gemcitabine and cisplatin. We encountered two unusual cases of iCCA patients who were initially diagnosed as unresectable cases and underwent systemic chemotherapy, which showed great response and therefore enabled radical operation. The patients show that even though iCCA is a challenging disease, patients with good response to chemotherapy may have a chance to undergo radical surgery.

Clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of remnant gastric cancer

PURPOSE: Remnant gastric cancer is defined as a malignant tumor developing on the remnant side of stomach after partial gastrectomy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of remnant gastric cancer according to the cause and the reconstruction method of previous surgery.METHODS: Between January 2007 and February 2016, we analyzed 39 patients with their medical records who were diagnosed as remnant gastric cancer and underwent gastrectomy at Inje University Busan Paik Hospital.RESULTS: In the comparison of malignant disease (MD) and benign diseases (BD) group, the Billroth I:Billroth II ratio was 52.2% and 12.5%. The time interval from the previous operation to the diagnosis of remnant gastric cancer (RGC) was shorter in the MD group than in the BD group (6.6±6.04 vs. 34.7±10.12 years). Comparing B1 and B2 group, the proportion of patients previously undergone surgery due to MD was 85.7% and 44%. The time interval was higher in the B1 group than in the B2 group (8.0±8.78 vs. 23.8±16.48 years). Analyzing prognostic factors of survival, age and the presence of symptoms at the time of RGC diagnosis, and curability of surgery had a significant effect on the survival of the patients (P=0.032, hazard ratio [HR]=5.241, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.158–23.723; P=0.005, HR=5.086, 95% CI, 1.642–15.750; P=0.034, HR=3.165, 95% CI, 1.088–9.208).CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent partial gastrectomy for benign or MD require regular endoscopic follow-up and appropriate surgical approach is essential for the treatment of RGC.

Relationship between 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase and gastric adenocarcinoma

PURPOSE: Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a contributory carcinogen in gastric adenocarcinoma. 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) catabolizes PGE2 by oxidizing its 15(s)-hydroxy group. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of 15-PGDH in gastric adenocarcinoma tissue and the relationship between 15-PGDH expression and clinicopathologic features of gastric adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Ninety-nine patients who underwent surgical resection for gastric adenocarcinoma between January 2007 and December 2007 were enrolled and evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: In 62 patients (62.6%), 15-PGDH expression was lower in gastric adenocarcinoma tissue than in nonneoplastic tissue. Regarding the relationship between 15-PGDH expression and clinicopathological features, 15-PGDH expression was significantly lower in tissues with poor differentiation (P = 0.002), advanced T stage (P = 0.0319), a higher number of lymph node metastases (P = 0.045), lymphatic invasion (P = 0.031), and vascular invasion (P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: 15-PGDH expression was associated with a subset of clinicopathologic features such as differentiation grade, T stage, lymphatic invasion, and vascular invasion.

Clinical features and outcomes of gastric variceal bleeding: retrospective Korean multicenter data

BACKGROUND/AIMS: While gastric variceal bleeding (GVB) is not as prevalent as esophageal variceal bleeding, it is reportedly more serious, with high failure rates of the initial hemostasis (>30%), and has a worse prognosis than esophageal variceal bleeding. However, there is limited information regarding hemostasis and the prognosis for GVB. The aim of this study was to determine retrospectively the clinical outcomes of GVB in a multicenter study in Korea. METHODS: The data of 1,308 episodes of GVB (males:females=1062:246, age=55.0+/-11.0 years, mean+/-SD) were collected from 24 referral hospital centers in South Korea between March 2003 and December 2008. The rates of initial hemostasis failure, rebleeding, and mortality within 5 days and 6 weeks of the index bleed were evaluated. RESULTS: The initial hemostasis failed in 6.1% of the patients, and this was associated with the Child-Pugh score [odds ratio (OR)=1.619; P<0.001] and the treatment modality: endoscopic variceal ligation, endoscopic variceal obturation, and balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration vs. endoscopic sclerotherapy, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, and balloon tamponade (OR=0.221, P<0.001). Rebleeding developed in 11.5% of the patients, and was significantly associated with Child-Pugh score (OR=1.159, P<0.001) and treatment modality (OR=0.619, P=0.026). The GVB-associated mortality was 10.3%; mortality in these cases was associated with Child-Pugh score (OR=1.795, P<0.001) and the treatment modality for the initial hemostasis (OR=0.467, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical outcome for GVB was better for the present cohort than in previous reports. Initial hemostasis failure, rebleeding, and mortality due to GVB were universally associated with the severity of liver cirrhosis.

Clinicopathologic Features of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Coexisting with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is an important cause of hypothyroidism caused by autoimmune chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. In order to attain a better understanding for use in treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) coexisting with HT, we conducted an analysis of the clinicopathologic features, as well as the importance of HT as a prognostic factor. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we analyzed 341 patients who were histopathologically diagnosed with PTC following surgery. RESULTS: PTC coexisting with HT was observed in 19.6% (67 patients) of all PTC patients. A statistically significant gender difference was observed in the group with HT (two male vs. 65 female), with a higher positive rate of anti-thyroglobulin antibody and smaller tumor size, compared to the PTC group without HT. When tumor size increased, a lower coexistence rate of HT was observed. No significant differences were observed in multifocality, cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis, coexistence of benign nodule, and extent of LN dissection. However, frequency of extrathyroidal extension was significantly lower and total thyroidectomy rate was higher in the group with HT. TNM stage and AMES stage were similar in both groups; frequency of high MACIS score showed a significant decrease in the group with HT. The recurrence rate and disease- free survival in patients with PTC were not significantly affected by coexistence of HT. CONCLUSION: We found a significant relationship with gender, extrathyroidal extension, and tumor size in PTC coexisting with HT. However, no significant differences in recurrence rate and disease-free survival were observed between groups. Therefore, coexistence in PTC could not be applicable as a prognostic factor of PTC.

Prognostic Significance of the Decreased Rate of Perioperative Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen Level in the Patients With Colon Cancer After a Curative Resection

PURPOSE: The serum level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a clinical prognostic factor in the follow-up evaluation of patients with colon cancer. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of the rate of decrease of the perioperative serum CEA level in patients with colon cancer after a curative resection. METHODS: A total of 605 patients who underwent a curative resection for colon cancer between January 2000 and December 2007 were enrolled retrospectively. The rate of decrease was calculated using the following equation: ([preoperative CEA - postoperative CEA]/[preoperative CEA] x100). RESULTS: In the group with a preoperative serum CEA level of >5 ng/mL, the normalized group with a postoperative serum CEA level of 5 ng/mL, the prognostic factors for the OS and the DFS were the cutoff value (P < 0.0001) and the pN stage (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: A rate of decrease of more than 50% in the perioperative serum CEA level, as well as the normalization of the postoperative serum CEA level, may be useful factors for determining a prognosis for colon cancer patients with high preoperative CEA levels.

Prognostic Significance of the Decreased Rate of Perioperative Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen Level in the Patients With Colon Cancer After a Curative Resection

PURPOSE: The serum level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a clinical prognostic factor in the follow-up evaluation of patients with colon cancer. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of the rate of decrease of the perioperative serum CEA level in patients with colon cancer after a curative resection. METHODS: A total of 605 patients who underwent a curative resection for colon cancer between January 2000 and December 2007 were enrolled retrospectively. The rate of decrease was calculated using the following equation: ([preoperative CEA - postoperative CEA]/[preoperative CEA] x100). RESULTS: In the group with a preoperative serum CEA level of >5 ng/mL, the normalized group with a postoperative serum CEA level of 5 ng/mL, the prognostic factors for the OS and the DFS were the cutoff value (P < 0.0001) and the pN stage (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: A rate of decrease of more than 50% in the perioperative serum CEA level, as well as the normalization of the postoperative serum CEA level, may be useful factors for determining a prognosis for colon cancer patients with high preoperative CEA levels.

Endogenous Gastric-Resident Mesenchymal Stem Cells Contribute to Formation of Cancer Stroma and Progression of Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND: Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to carcinogenesis and cancer progression, although their origin and role remain unclear. We recently identified and investigated the in situ identity and implications of gastric submucosa-resident mesenchymal stem cells (GS-MSCs) in the progression of gastric carcinogenesis. METHODS: We isolated GS-MSCs from gastric submucosa using hydrogel-supported organ culture and defined their identity. Isolated cells were assessed in vitro by immunophenotype and mesengenic multipotency. Reciprocal interactions between GS-MSCs and gastric cancer cells were evaluated. To determine the role of GS-MSCs, xenografts were constructed of gastric cancer cells admixed with or without GS-MSCs. RESULTS: Isolated cells fulfilled MSCs requirements in regard to plastic adherence, stromal cell immunophenotype, and multipotency. We demonstrated a paracrine loop that gastric cancer cells enhanced the migration, proliferation, and differentiation of GS-MSCs; additionally, GS-MSCs promoted the proliferation of gastric cancer cell in vitro. Xenograft experiments showed that GS-MSCs significantly promoted cancer growth and angiogenesis. GS-MSCs that integrated into gastric cancer became not only CAFs but also rarely endothelial cells which contributed to the formation of cellular and vascular cancer stroma. CONCLUSIONS: Endogenous GS-MSCs play an important role in gastric cancer progression.

Association Between a Close Distal Resection Margin and Recurrence After a Sphincter-Saving Resection for T3 Mid- or Low-Rectal Cancer Without Radiotherapy

PURPOSE: To maintain the patient's quality of life, surgeons strive to preserve the sphincter during rectal cancer surgery. This study evaluated the oncologic safety of a sphincter-saving resection with a distal resection margin (DRM) 1 cm), the 5-year cancer-specific survival rates were 81.57% and 80.03% (P = 0.8543), the 5-year local recurrence rates were 6.69% and 9.52% (P = 0.3981), and the 5-year systemic recurrence rates were 19.46% and 23.11% (P = 0.5750), respectively. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the close DRM itself should not be a contraindication for a sphincter-saving resection for T3 mid- or low-rectal cancer without radiotherapy. However, a prospective randomized controlled trial including the effect of adjuvant therapy will be needed.

Adipose-tissue-derived Stem Cells Enhance the Healing of Ischemic Colonic Anastomoses: An Experimental Study in Rats

PURPOSE: This experimental study verified the effect of adipose-tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) on the healing of ischemic colonic anastomoses in rats. METHODS: ASCs were isolated from the subcutaneous fat tissue of rats and identified as mesenchymal stem cells by identification of different potentials. An animal model of colonic ischemic anastomosis was induced by modifying Nagahata's method. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats (10-week-old, 370 +/- 50 g) were divided into two groups (n = 30 each): a control group in which the anastomosis was sutured in a single layer with 6-0 polypropylene without any treatment and an ASCtreated group (ASC group) in which the anastomosis was sutured as in the control group, but then ASCs were locally transplanted into the bowel wall around the anastomosis. The rats were sacrificed on postoperative day 7. Healing of the anastomoses was assessed by measuring loss of body weight, wound infection, anastomotic leakage, mortality, adhesion formation, ileus, anastomotic stricture, anastomotic bursting pressure, histopathological features, and microvascular density. RESULTS: No differences in wound infection, anastomotic leakage, or mortality between the two groups were observed. The ASC group had significantly more favorable anastomotic healing, including less body weight lost, less ileus, and fewer ulcers and strictures, than the control group. ASCs augmented bursting pressure and collagen deposition. The histopathological features were significantly more favorable in the ASC group, and microvascular density was significantly higher than it was in the control group. CONCLUSION: Locally-transplanted ASCs enhanced healing of ischemic colonic anastomoses by increasing angiogenesis. ASCs could be a novel strategy for accelerating healing of colonic ischemic risk anastomoses.

Oncologic Outcomes and Risk Factors for Recurrence after Tumor-specific Mesorectal Excision of Rectal Cancer: 782 Cases

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the oncologic outcomes and the risk factors for recurrence after a tumor-specific mesorectal excision (TSME) of resectable rectal cancer in a single institution. METHODS: A total of 782 patients who underwent a TSME for resectable rectal cancer between February 1995 and December 2005 were enrolled retrospectively. Oncologic outcomes included 5-year cancer-specific survival and its affecting factors, as well as risk factors for local and systemic recurrence. RESULTS: The 5-year cancer-specific survival rate was 77.53% with a mean follow-up period of 61 +/- 31 months. The overall local and systemic recurrence rates were 9.2% and 21.1%, respectively. The risk factors for local recurrence were pN stage (P = 0.015), positive distal resection margin, and positive circumferential resection margin (P < 0.001). The risk factors for systemic recurrence were pN stage (P < 0.001) and preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen level (P = 0.005). The prognostic factors for cancer-specific survival were pT stage (P < 0.001), pN stage (P < 0.001), positive distal resection margin (P = 0.005), and positive circumferential resection margin (P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: The oncologic outcomes in our institution after a TSME for patients with resectable rectal cancer were similar to those reported in other recent studies, and we established the risk factors that could be crucial for the planning of treatment and follow-up.

Prognostic Significance of Minimal Extrathyroidal Extension of Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: Extrathyroidal extension (ETE) is a risk factor for the recurrence of a papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). In the TNM 6(th) classification system, an extrathyroidal invasion of a differentiated thyroid carcinoma has been classified as T3 (minimal invasion), T4a (extended invasion), and T4b (more extensive unresectable invasion) according to tumor invasion. We investigated the clinicopathologic characteristics, recurrence, and disease-free survival (DFS) of minimal ETE (mETE). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 332 patients who underwent a thyroidectomy for PTC from January 2005 to December 2006. RESULTS: Of the 332 patients, 103 (31.0%) were found to have a PTC with mETE and 229 (69.0%) patients had a PTC without mETE. In PTC, mETE was related to gender, tumor size, multifocality, Lymph node (LN) metastasis, underlying Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and surgery. But there is no significant difference in age, recurrence, and LN metastasis between the mETE and No mETE groups. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that LN metastasis (odds ratio=2.273; 95% confidence interval 1.280~4.037) was recognized as an independent factor for mETE (P=0.005). Disease-free survival was not significantly different between patients with and without mETE (P=0.153). We analyzed the effect of LN metastasis in groups with and without mETE. Based on the presence or absence of LN metastasis, disease-free survival (DFS) rates between each group showed no significant differences. CONCLUSION: Minimal ETE had no impact on DFS in patients with PTC. Therefore, an appropriate surgical approach and postoperative follow-up are required for tumors with mETE.

Association between Hepatitis B Virus X Gene Mutations and Clinical Status in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Infection

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Few reports have described the association between mutations in the entire X gene of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the clinical status of HBV-infected patients. We studied the association between HBV X gene mutations and the disease status of patients infected with HBV genotype C. METHODS: Mutations in the HBV X genes of 194 patients were determined by direct sequencing. The subject population consisted of patients with chronic hepatitis (n=60), liver cirrhosis (n=65), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (n=69). The sequencing results of these 3 groups were compared. RESULTS: Each of the mutations G1386M, C1485T, C1653T, T1753V, A1762T, and G1764A was significantly associated with the patient's clinical status. The T1753V (p<0.001) and A1762T/G1764A (p<0.001) mutations were found more frequently in Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative than in HBeAg-positive patients. Specific X gene mutations (G1386M, C1653T, and A1762T/G1764A) were more prevalent in patients with liver cirrhosis and HCC than in chronic hepatitis patients (p<0.005 for all). In addition, the T1753V (p<0.001) and C1485T (p<0.001) mutations were significantly more prevalent in HCC patients than in chronic hepatitis patients. Only the prevalence of the T1753V mutation increased as the HBV infection progressed from liver cirrhosis to HCC (p=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show a difference in the pattern of X gene mutations that were associated with the clinical status of patients with chronic HBV infection.

Esophageal Bezoar in a Patient with Achalasia: Case Report and Literature Review

Esophageal bezoars are rare, but are recognized as a distinct clinical entity. They are known to occur in patients with esophageal structural and functional abnormalities, but only a few cases of the development of esophageal bezoars in patients with esophageal motility disorders have only been described. We report a rare case of an esophageal bezoar that developed in a patient with achalasia, and review the literature concerning esophageal bezoars associated with esophageal motility disorders.

Percutaneous Removal of Spilled Gallstones after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Gallbladder perforation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with spillage of bile and gallstones occurs frequently, but clinical sequelae caused by dropped gallstones are uncommon. We present a case of subhepatic and right-back abscess formation due to spilled gallstones occurring two years after LC, which were successfully removed using a percutaneous method as a minimally invasive technique. The patient firstly visited a primary care physician with right-back mass that was increasing in size and becoming symptomatic, then underwent incision and drainage. He was referred to our hospital and the subhepatic and right-back inflammatory mass containing spilled gallstones was revealed by computed tomography. Under fluoroscopic control, a percutaneous drainage catheter was placed within the abscess and pus was aspirated. The spilled gallstones were successfully retrieved with basket forceps, thereafter. The patient was discharged without significant complications on the 9th day after the percutaneous stone removal.

Analysis of Prognostic Factors Affecting Survival in Patients with Gallbladder Cancer

PURPOSE: Recent findings indicate that after cholecystectomy for early gallbladder cancer (GBC), outcomes are generally satisfactory. But outcomes for advanced GBC are dismal, even with recent advances in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate surgical outcomes and prognostic factors affecting survival after surgical resection in patients with GBC. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical data from 133 patients with GBC who underwent surgical resection between January 2000 and December 2008. Their clinical condition, surgical treatment, and pathologic factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 133 patients with GBC, curative resection was achieved in 95 (71.4%). The 5-year survival rate in patients who underwent curative resection (52.6%) was much better than in those who underwent palliative resection (0.0%, p<0.000). Univariate analysis revealed that the following factors were associated with patient survival: preoperative jaundice, pain at presentation, incidental GBC, serum total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels, curability, lymph node (LN) dissection, size, site, macroscopic type of tumor, histologic differentiation, the depth of tumor invasion (T stage), LN metastasis, TNM stage and microscopic perineural invasion. Multivariate analysis revealed that the following were independent, favorable prognostic factors: curative resection, no LN metastasis, low TNM stage, non-papillary macroscopic type, and low ALP levels. CONCLUSION: Complete tumor resection and no LN metastasis are important prognostic factors for GBC. Favorable survival outcomes can be achieved when curative resection is done in early stage GBC and when operative procedures are planned with the consideration of the survival benefit of surgery in advanced GBC.

Treatment Outcomes of Clevudine versus Lamivudine at Week 48 in Naive Patients with HBeAg Positive Chronic Hepatitis B

The authors assessed the efficacy and antiviral resistance of 48-week clevudine therapy versus lamivudine in treatment of naive patients with HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B. In this retrospective study, a total of 116 HBeAg positive patients, who received 30 mg of clevudine once daily (n=53) or 100 mg of lamivudine once daily (n=63) for 48 weeks, were included. At week 48, clevudine therapy produced a significantly greater mean reductions in serum HBV DNA levels from baseline than lamivudine therapy (-5.2 vs. -4.2 log(10)IU/mL; P=0.005). Furthermore, a significantly higher proportion of patients on clevudine achieved negative serum HBV DNA by PCR (<13 IU/mL) at week 48 (60.4% vs. 38.1%; P=0.025). The incidence of virologic breakthrough in the clevudine group was significantly lower than in the lamivudine group (9.4% vs. 25.4%; P=0.031). However, rates of alanine aminotransferase normalization and HBeAg loss or seroconversion were similar in the two groups (83.0% vs. 81.0%, 11.3% vs. 11.1%; P=0.813, 1.000, respectively). In conclusion, clevudine is more potent for viral suppression and lower for antiviral resistance at week 48 than lamivudine in treatment of naive patients with HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B.

Outcome of Hepatic Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma within the Milan Criteria in Child-Pugh Class A Patients

PURPOSE: Hepatic resection and liver transplantation are considered a curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within the Milan criteria. In this study, we examine the outcome of hepatic resection for HCC within the Milan criteria, and determine the effectiveness of hepatic resection as the primary treatment for HCC within the Milan criteria in Child-Pugh class A. METHODS: 110 patients underwent curative surgical resection for HCC in Child-Pugh class A between August 1991 and June 2008. Fifty-six patients met Milan criteria (Group M) and the remaining 54 did not (Group N). RESULTS: Overall survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 92.6%, 72.5% and 54.6% versus 70.4%, 43.1%, and 28.7% in Group M and Group N, respectively (P=0.0043). The corresponding disease-free survival rates were 81.5%, 69.7%, and 38.2% versus 46.0%, 32.9%, and 26.9% in Group M and Group N (P=0.0012). HCC recurred in 25 patients in Group M (44.6%) and 35 patients in Group N (64.8%)(P=0.034). Outcomes of hepatic resection in Group M were significantly better compared to Group N. CONCLUSION: Hepatic resection can achieve a comparable 5-year overall survival & disease-free survival to that reported for liver transplantation. Hepatic resection should be considered as the standard therapy for HCC within the Milan criteria in Child-Pugh class A patients.

Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma Arising from the Omentum Presenting as Hemoperitoneum

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is an uncommon soft-tissue sarcoma that occurs primarily in the extremities and rarely involves the retroperitoneum and abdomen. A 63-year-old man was admitted to the emergency room because of epigastric pain. Computed tomography revealed a large heterogeneous enhanced mass originating from the omentum with hemoperitoneum. The patient underwent laparoscopic omental mass excision and hematoma evacuation. Histological examination of the resected tumor revealed MFH. This case was therefore omental MFH presenting with hemoperitoneum.

Splenic Infarction Associated with Brucellosis in a Non-Endemic Area / 감염과화학요법

A 45-year-old man was referred from a local clinic with persistent fever, intermittent pain in the left upper abdomen, and weight loss of 7 kg. He quit his animal husbandry 18 months ago when his cows were found to be infected with Brucella. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan taken on admission showed splenomegaly with a wedge-shaped hypoattenuating region in the enhanced image, which was consistent with splenic infarction. Serology for Bruculla was strongly positive with the standard tube agglutination test (1/2560). After initiation of doxycycline (100 mg every 12 hrs) and rifampin (600 mg every day), the patient's condition improved, and was discharged with oral antibiotics that were to be continued for 3 months. During the 12 months' follow up at the outpatient department, the patient had no symptoms, and the last agglutination titer for Brucella in serum had decreased to 1/40. To our knowledge, this is the first report on splenic infarction associated with brucellosis in Korea, which was treated successfully with antibiotic therapy.