A Case of Double Primary Cancer Associated with a Low Junction of the Cystic Duct / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Recently it has been discovered that anomalous union of pancreaticobiliary duct (AUPBD) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of bile duct cancer. Similar to this fact, there were a few reports on the clinical significance of the low junction of the cystic duct (LJCD). LJCD refers to the situation whereby the cystic duct enters the common duct at a low position between the upper margin of the pancreas and the duodenal opening of the bile duct. The pathogenetic mechanism in LJCD is similar to AUPBD in that the pancreatic juice refluxes to the bile duct, mixes with biles, and then generates the mutagens, which act as inflammatory substances and carcinogens on the epithelium of the bile duct. A 51-year-old male who experienced dyspepsia was hospitalized due to his abnormally functioning liver and dilated common bile duct. We confirmed primary cholangiocarcinoma on the common hepatic duct and gallbladder carcinoma associated with LJCD by ERCP and pathologic review of surgical specimen. We report a case of synchronous type double primary cancer associated with LJCD with a brief review of the literatures.

A Case of Calciphylaxis in a Patient with Diabetic End Stage Renal Disease / 대한신장학회잡지

Calciphylaxis is a rare but life-threatening complication in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Clinical presentation consists of violaceous skin lesions that progress to nonhealing ulcers and gangrene. Secondary infection of skin lesions is common, often leading to sepsis and death. We report a case presenting in 15months after maintenance hemodialysis for diabetic ESRD with painful violaceous skin discoloration on distal fingers of both hands and toes of left foot. X-ray of both hands and left foot showed vascular calcification along the course of the arteries. Despite symptomatic treatement, skin lesions progressed to nonhealing ulcers and became necrotic, and amputation of the second and fifth fingers of right hand was required. The surgical biopsy specimen revealed circumferential calcium deposition in the intima and media of the arteries by von Kossa stain. Two months after the operation, the patient died of cachexia.