A Case of Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica Diagnosed by Endobronchial Ultrasonography / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) is a rare benign disease of unknown etiology characterized by accumulation of calcium phosphate in the submucosa of large airways and benign proliferation of bone and cartilage resulting in nodular formation. We report a case of tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica diagnosed by Endobronchial ultrasonography in a 56-year-old man. Chest Computed Tomography revealed thickening of tracheal and bronchial wall, and multiple nodules through whole trachea. Endobronchial ultrasonography showed numerous submucosal nodules with hetero-echogenecity in the third and fourth layers. Histopathological examination revealed nonspecific bronchitis with squamous metaplasia and metaplastic ossification. We confirmed tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica. The patient's symptoms were successfully treated with antibiotics and oxygen supplyment. endobronchial ultrasonography can helpful diagnosis in tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica.

The Usefulness of Endobronchial Ultrasonogram for Peripheral Lung Lesion / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Endobronchial ultrasonogram (EBUS) has increased the diagnostic yield of a bronchoscopic biopsy of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPL). This study evaluated the diagnostic yield of EBUS-guided transbronchial biopsy (TBB) and the visibility of EBUS PPL. METHODS: Between August 2007 and November 2008, 50 patients (32 men and 18 women, median age, 61.1+/-10 yrs; range, 16 to 80 yrs) whose PPL lesions could not be detected with flexible bronchoscopy were enrolled in this study. Among the 50 patients, 40 cases were malignant lesions (adenocarcinoma 25, squamous cell carcinoma 10, small cell carcinoma 5) and 10 cases were benign lesions (tuberculoma 7, fungal ball 1, other inflammation 2). RESULTS: The mean diameter of the target lesion was 35.4+/-4.3 mm. Of the 50 patients examined, the overall diagnostic yield by EBUS-TBLB was 46.0% (23/50). The visualization yield of EBUS was 66.0% (33/50). A definitive diagnosis of PPL localized by EBUS was established using EBUS-TBLB in 69.6% (23/33) of cases. The diagnostic yields from washing cytology and brushing cytology from a bronchus identified by EBUS were 27.0% and 45.4% respectively. The diagnostic yields reached 78.7% when the three tests (washing cytology, brushing cytology and EBUS-TBLB) were combined. The visualization yield of EBUS in lesions or =20 mm (p=0.04). The presence of a bronchus leading to a lesion (open bronchus sign) on the chest CT scan was associated with a high visualization yield on EBUS (p=0.001). There were no significant complications associated with EBUS-TBLB. CONCLUSION: EBUS-TBLB is a safe and effective method for diagnosing PPL. The lesion size and open bronchus signs are significant factors for predicting the visualization of EBUS.

Comparison of Forcep-biopsy and Cryo-biopsy by a Flexible Bronchoscopy / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: A forceps-biopsy is performed to acquire tissue from patients with an endobronchial carcinoma using a flexible bronchoscope. Recently, a cryo-biopsy has also been used to acquire tissue samples. Cryo-biopsy is the diagnostic application of extreme cold for the local destruction of abnormal living tissue. This technique is safe, with no radiation danger, no risk of electrical accidents, and a little risk of bleeding. This study compared a forceps-biopsy with a cryo-biopsy using a flexible bronchoscope, and examined the chemosensitivity and level of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) in the specimens obtained from the cryo-biopsy. METHODS: We present a prospective study of 30 consecutive patients who underwent a forceps-biopsy between January 2007 and October 2007 with a mean age of 62.1 years and a male:female ratio of 5 : 1. A flexible bronchoscope was inserted to the area of the abnormal lesions, and a cryo-probe was then applied through the working channel of the flexible bronchoscope. A temperature of approximately -80 was delivered to the tumor site for 8 seconds. The cryo-biopsy was performed after destroying the tumor mass. RESULTS: The mean size of the tissue from the forceps-biopsy and cryo-biopsy were 2.0+/-1.2 mm and 6.0+/-3.0 mm. A chemosensitivity test was performed on 5 specimens obtained using cryo-biopsy and the level of VEGF was examined in 2 specimens obtained from a cryo-biopsy. There were no side effects in either group. CONCLUSION: Cryo-biopsy using a flexible bronchoscope is a safe and effective technique for acquiring tissue samples.

Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation of Inoperable Primary Lung Cancer

PURPOSE: To present the initial experience of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of inoperable primary lung cancer, and to assess the technical feasibility and potential complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with inoperable lung cancer underwent percutaneous RFA. Nineteen of 20 patients had stage III or IV non-small cell lung cancer, and the remaining one had stage I lung cancer with pulmonary dysfunction. The mean tumor size was 4.6+/-0.4 cm (range, 1.8-8.4 cm). RFA was performed with a single (n=18) or cluster (n=2) cool-tip RF electrode and a generator under CT guidance using local anesthesia and conscious sedation. Twenty tumors were treated in 28 sessions. Patients were assessed by contrast-enhanced CT in all cases at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. Eleven patients received chemotherapy (n=10) or radiotherapy (n=1) after RFA. RESULTS: RFA was technically successful and well tolerated in all patients. Complete necrosis was attained in 7 lesions (35%), near complete (90-99%) necrosis in 10 lesions (50%), and partial (50-89%) necrosis in 3 lesions (15%). During the mean follow up of 202 days (21 to 481 days), tumor size was decreased in 13 patients, unchanged in 3, and increased in 4. In the latter four, additional RFA was performed. One patient underwent surgery three months after RFA and the histopathologic findings showed a large cavity with thin fibrotic wall suggestive of complete necrosis. During or after the procedure, pneumothorax (n=10), moderate pain (n=4), blood tinged sputum (n=2), and pneumonia (n=2) were developed. Chest tube drainage was required in only 1 patient due to severe pneumothorax. Other patients were managed conservatively. Seven patients died at 61 to 398 days (mean, 230 days) after RFA. The remaining 13 patients were alive 21 to 481 days (mean, 187 days) after RFA. CONCLUSION: RFA appears to be a technically feasible and relatively safe procedure for the cytoreductive treatment of inoperable, non-small cell lung cancer and warrants further investigation as a complementary treatment to chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Rapid Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of the M. pneumoniae Isolates

The throat swabs obtained from 1,098 adults and 432 children patients with respiratory diseases were examined for Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection detected by culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial susceptibilities of the resulting 60 M. pneumoniae isolates were evaluated by testing minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of erythromycin, minocycline, tetracycline, josamycin, sparfloxacin, ofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin by a broth micro-dilution method. In a preliminary screening, the detection rate of M. pneumoniae by PCR was 29.2% (277/948) for the adults and 28.3% (90/318) for the children. In the second survey, the isolation rate of M. pneumoniae by culture was 29.3% (44/150) for the adults, and 14.0% (16/114) for the children. The PCR detection rate was 36.7% (55/150) for the adults and 23.7% (27/114) for the children. The MIC90s of the M. pneumoniae isolates were 0.015 mg/ml for erythromycin, lower than 0.03 mg/ml for josamycin, 0.06 mg/ml for sparfloxacin and minocycline, 0.12 mg/ml for tetracycline, 0.5 mg/ml for ofloxacin and CFC-222, and 1.0 mg/ml for ciprofloxacin. The isolates were susceptible to erythromycin, josamycin, sparfloxacin, minocycline, tetracycline, and ofloxacin, but the 63.3% of them was resistant to ciprofloxacin. These results indicate that the PCR method has a significant potential as a rapid and sensitive method for early detection of M. pneumoniae infection in clinical specimens as compared with the culture method, but the PCR method could not provide any information concerning the biological chracteristics of M. pneumoniae strains. Erythromycin, josamycin, sparfloxacin, minocycline, and tetracycline could be recommended as the antimicrobial agents of choice in Korea.

Evaluation of Sensitivity and Specificity of MAGE A1-6 RT-nested PCR as a Cancer Detection Method / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of MAGE (Melanoma Antigen Gene) A1-6 RT-nested PCR as a detection method for cancer cells. METHODS: From February 2001 and December 2002, various samples [cancer tissue, sputum, induced sputum, broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL), blood, urine and cervical brush] were obtained from 355 cancer patients. Moreover, 316 samples, including cancer adjacent normal tissue, blood, urine and sputum were collected for the negative controls. MAGE A1-6 RT-nested PCR was performed and the results were evaluated with clinical diagnosis. The sensitivity of the MAGE assay was compared with that of the telomerase assay and cytologic examination using 26 sputa of lung cancer patients. RESULTS: The average sensitivity of the MAGE assay in cancer tissues was 79% (85% in squamous carcinoma and 70% in adenocarcimona). The sensitivity in body fluids was 57% (9-27% in blood, 59% in sputum, 68% in urine, more than 70% in induced sputum and BAL, and 87% in pleural fluid and cervical brush). In the negative controls, the positive rates were less than 8.9% in normal tissues and 2% in blood, sputum and urine. The average sensitivity of the MAGE RT-PCR, telomerase assay and cytologic examination was 61.5%, 26.9% and 15.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The MAGE A1-6 RT-PCR showed excellent sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, it could be effectively utilized as a cancer detection method in the clinical laboratory.

Evaluation of Sensitivity and Specificity of MAGE A1-6 RT-nested PCR as a Cancer Detection Method / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of MAGE (Melanoma Antigen Gene) A1-6 RT-nested PCR as a detection method for cancer cells. METHODS: From February 2001 and December 2002, various samples [cancer tissue, sputum, induced sputum, broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL), blood, urine and cervical brush] were obtained from 355 cancer patients. Moreover, 316 samples, including cancer adjacent normal tissue, blood, urine and sputum were collected for the negative controls. MAGE A1-6 RT-nested PCR was performed and the results were evaluated with clinical diagnosis. The sensitivity of the MAGE assay was compared with that of the telomerase assay and cytologic examination using 26 sputa of lung cancer patients. RESULTS: The average sensitivity of the MAGE assay in cancer tissues was 79% (85% in squamous carcinoma and 70% in adenocarcimona). The sensitivity in body fluids was 57% (9-27% in blood, 59% in sputum, 68% in urine, more than 70% in induced sputum and BAL, and 87% in pleural fluid and cervical brush). In the negative controls, the positive rates were less than 8.9% in normal tissues and 2% in blood, sputum and urine. The average sensitivity of the MAGE RT-PCR, telomerase assay and cytologic examination was 61.5%, 26.9% and 15.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The MAGE A1-6 RT-PCR showed excellent sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, it could be effectively utilized as a cancer detection method in the clinical laboratory.

A Case of Primary Malignant Melanoma in the Mediastinum / 결핵

Malignant melanoma develops from the melanocyte and the most common primary site is skin, followed by mucosa and retina. Even though any other tissue where melanocytes reside could be the primary site of the malignant melanoma, the one developed in the mediastinum is rarely reported. We experienced a patients of 54 years old woman whose initial symptom was progressive dyspnea for one month, and proved to have the anterior mediastinal mass with pleural effusion and the small mass in the abdominal soft tissue. The needle aspiration biopsy from the mediastinal mass showed the consistent findings with malignant melanoma. We concluded the mediastinum was the primary site of the malignant melanoma of this patient because we couldn't find any other evidence of primary tumor in skin, oral and gastrointestinal mucosa, and retina. She has been treated with combined chemotherapy with dacarbazine, cisplatin and vinblastine. Her symptom was improved after chemotherapy and follow up chest CT after three cycles of chemotherapy showed the decreased tumor size in the mediastinum.

Diagnostic Usefulness of Simultaneous Measurement ofSerum Tumor Markers in Lung Cancer Patients / 결핵

INTRODUCTION: This study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of simultaneous determination of 3 tumor markers {serum carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA), squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC Ag) and neuron specific enolase(NSE)} in lung cancer patients. METHOD: In 113 patients with primary lung cancer(70 with squamous cell carcinoma, 30 with adenocarcinoma, 13 with small cell carcinoma) and 103 patients with benign lung diseases, serum CEA and NSE were measured by enzyme immunoassay, and SCC Ag was measured by microparticle enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: 1) The mean serum levels of 3 tumor markers were significantly higher in lung cancer groups than benign lung disease groups respectively(p=0.001). 2) In squamous cell carcinoma, the SCC Ag was elevated in 67%, in adenocarcinoma CEA was elevated in 77% and in small cell carcinoma NSE was elevated in 77%, but there were no significant differences according to the stage of each cancer cell types. 3) CEA was the most sensitive marker, but nonspecific to cancer types. SCC Ag was less sensitive than other markers, but more specific toward squamous cell carcinoma, and NSE was more specific to primary lung cancer. 4) As the number of positive tumor markers was increased, the relative possibility of lung cancer was also increased. If two markers were positive, it increased to 77%, and if three markers were positive it increased to 90%. CONCLUSION: The simultaneous measurement of serum CEA, SCC Ag and NSE would provide additional information for the diagnosis of lung cancer.

Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia: A Case Report

Acute eosinophilic pneumonia is one of a recently described idiopathic eosinophilic lung disease, which differs from chronic eosinophilic pneumonia. Patients with acute eosinophilic pneumonia develop acute onset of dyspnea, hypoxemia, diffuse pulmonary infiltrates and pleural effusion on chest radiograph, and show an increase in number of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or lung biopsy specimen. Prompt and complete response to corticosteroid therapy without any recurrence is characteristically seen in patient with this disease. Although the etiology of acute eosinophilic pneumonia is not known, it has been suggested to be related to a hypersensitivity phenomenon to an unidentified inhaled antigen. We report four cases of acute eosinophilic pneumonia presented with acute onset of dyspnea, diffuse pulmonary infiltrates on chest radiograph, and eosinophilia in bronchoalveolar lavage.'luid in previously healthy adults.

Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia: A Case Report

Acute eosinophilic pneumonia is one of a recently described idiopathic eosinophilic lung disease, which differs from chronic eosinophilic pneumonia. Patients with acute eosinophilic pneumonia develop acute onset of dyspnea, hypoxemia, diffuse pulmonary infiltrates and pleural effusion on chest radiograph, and show an increase in number of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or lung biopsy specimen. Prompt and complete response to corticosteroid therapy without any recurrence is characteristically seen in patient with this disease. Although the etiology of acute eosinophilic pneumonia is not known, it has been suggested to be related to a hypersensitivity phenomenon to an unidentified inhaled antigen. We report four cases of acute eosinophilic pneumonia presented with acute onset of dyspnea, diffuse pulmonary infiltrates on chest radiograph, and eosinophilia in bronchoalveolar lavage.'luid in previously healthy adults.

A case of relapsing polychondritis / 결핵

No abstract available.

A Clinical Study on the Antihypertensive Effect of Arotinolol

Arotinolol, a new alpha and beta receptor antagonist, was administered in 27 essential hypertensive patients for 8 weeks in order to evaluate the antihypertensive effect and side effects. The dose were 10mg to 15mg given twice a day. The results are as follows : 1) Before medication, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in sitting, supine and erect position were 173.1+/-3.2/105.8+/-1.8, 171.1+/-3.6/86.7+/-2.0 and 169.3+/-2.6/97.2+/-2.1mmHg. 2) After 8 weeks treatment moderated to marked antihypertensive effect was observed in 74.0%(in systolic blood pressure) and 81.4%(in diastolic blood pressure) respectively in sitting position. 3) There was a significant reduction of pulse rate from 73.0+/-2.5 beats per minute on the beginning of the treatment to 63.4+/-5.2 beats per minute after 8 weeks of medication. 4) There was no significant change in hematocrit, WBC, serum lipid, GOT, GPT, BUN and creatinine. But fasting blood sugar was reduced from 95.3mg% to 81.5mg% with treatment. 5) The side effects of arotinolol were gastrointestinal symptoms(15%), fatigue(11%), dizziness(7%) and insomnia(3%). But these side effects were not severe enough to discontinue medication. In summary, arotinolol seemed to be an effective antihypertensive drug in treating mild to moderate hypertension without significant side effects.

Reverse Doming of Anterior Mitral Leaflet in Aortic Regurgitation

In 40 patients with aortic regurgitation(AR), the incidence of reverse doming of anterior mitral leaflet was studied by 2-D echocardiography. Reverse doming could be indentified in 17 of 18 patients(94.4%)with severe AR, in 6 of 15 patients(14.3%)with mild AR. And in relation to the direction of regurgitant jet, reverse doming was noticed in 9 of 11 patients(82%) toward the center of left ventricular cavity. In conclusion, the appearance of reverse doming of anterior mitral leaflet is thought to be related to the degree of AR and the direction of regurgitant jet. And reverse doming by 2-D echocardiography is a helpful parameter for the diagnosis of moderate to severe AR.

Color Doppler Assessment of Mitral Regurgitation

Color Doppler echocardiographic examination was performed to detect and evaluate semiquantitatively the severity of mitral regurgitation in 38 patients who underwent left ventriculography. The sensitivity and specificity of the technique in the detection of mitral regurgitation was 84% and 100% as compared with left ventriculography.Mitral regurgitation in the false negative cases was mostly mild. On the bases of the farthest distance reached by the regurgitation flow signal from the mitral value orifice, the severity of regurgitation was graded on a four point scale and these results were compared with those of angiography. A significant correlation(r=0.87) was found between Doppler imaging and angiography in the evaluation of the severity of mitral regurgitation.Also results was obtained for the evaluation based on the area covered by the regurgitant signals in the left atrial cavity & the regurgitant jet area(RJA) experssed as a percentage of the left atrial are(LLA) obtained in the same plane(RJA/LLA%). In conclusion, Color Doppler echocardiography is a useful noninvasvive thechique that is not only sensitive and specific in the identification of mitral regurgitation but also provides accurate estimation og its severity.

Effect of Diltiazem Hydrochloride on Ischemic Heart Disease: With Special Reference to the Effect on Angina Pectoris

Effect of diltiazem hydrochloride on cardiac performance with particular reference to the antianginal action was studied in 17 patients with ischemic heart disease, including 12 cases of effort angina, by means of clinical and mechanocardiographic evaluations. All patients were kept on the same medications from at least 2 weeks prior to diltiazem administration until the end of the study, and were prescribed no other antianginal drugs except for liberal use of sublingual nitroglycerin. Diltiazem was given 90mg a day in three divided doses for two weeks. Clinical and mechanocardiographic evaluations, including calculations of pressure rate product(PRP), triple product(TP) and tension time index(TTI), were made before and at a weekly interval after diltiazem administration. After the medication, heart rate, blood pressure and the pre-ejection period(PEP) with its ratio to the ejection time tended to decrease, and the decreases in heart rate and the PEP at the end of two weeks were significant. The PRP, TP and TTI were also significantly decreased at the end of the second week, and the decrease in the TTI was significant even a week after the medication. An antianginal effect, which appeared within few days, was excellent to good in over 90 percent of the cases. These facts suggest that diltiazem hydrochloride has no negative inotropic action and its antianginal effecti in its early stage of the drug administration is primarily due to coronary vasodilation and, as the drug is continued, is contributed to possibly by the decrease in the myocardial oxygen consumption as well.