TNM-Based Head-to-Head Comparison of Urachal Carcinoma and Urothelial Bladder Cancer: Stage-Matched Analysis of a Large Multicenter National Cohort / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#Outcome analysis of urachal cancer (UraC) is limited due to the scarcity of cases and different staging methods compared to urothelial bladder cancer (UroBC). We attempted to assess survival outcomes of UraC and compare to UroBC after stage-matched analyses. @*Materials and Methods@#Total 203 UraC patients from a multicenter database and 373 UroBC patients in single institution from 2000 to 2018 were enrolled (median follow-up, 32 months). Sheldon stage conversion to corresponding TNM staging for UraC was conducted for head-to-head comparison to UroBC. Perioperative clinical variables and pathological results were recorded. Stage-matched analyses for survival by stage were conducted. @*Results@#UraC patients were younger (mean age, 54 vs. 67 years; p < 0.001), with 163 patients (80.3%) receiving partial cystectomy and 23 patients (11.3%) radical cystectomy. UraC was more likely to harbor ≥ pT3a tumors (78.8% vs. 41.8%). While 5-year recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival were comparable between two groups (63.4%, 67%, and 62.1% in UraC and 61.5%, 75.9%, and 67.8% in UroBC, respectively), generally favorable prognosis for UraC in lower stages (pT1-2) but unfavorable outcomes in higher stages (pT4) compared to UroBC was observed, although only 5-year CSS in ≥ pT4 showed statistical significance (p=0.028). Body mass index (hazard ratio [HR], 0.929), diabetes mellitus (HR, 1.921), pathologic T category (HR, 3.846), and lymphovascular invasion (HR, 1.993) were predictors of CSS for all patients. @*Conclusion@#Despite differing histology, UraC has comparable prognosis to UroBC with relatively favorable outcome in low stages but worse prognosis in higher stages. The presented system may be useful for future grading and risk stratification of UraC.

Management strategies for congenital isolated hydronephrosis and the natural course of the disease

Congenital isolated hydronephrosis encompasses a spectrum of physiologic states that spontaneously resolve and pathologic obstruction that necessitates surgical intervention. Distinguishing patients whose condition will resolve, those who will require stringent follow-up, and those who will eventually need surgical intervention present a challenge to clinicians, particularly because no unified guidelines for assessment and follow-up have been established. The recognition of the natural course and prognosis of hydronephrosis and a comprehensive understanding of the currently proposed consensus guidelines may aid in multidisciplinary treatment and in providing proper counseling to caregivers. In this review, we aimed to summarize the literature on the grading systems and management strategies for congenital isolated hydronephrosis.

A Novel Mobile Acoustic Uroflowmetry: Comparison With Contemporary Uroflowmetry / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

Purpose@#This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of a new smartphone-based acoustic uroflowmetry compared to conventional uroflowmetry. @*Methods@#This was a prospective validation study enrolling 128 subjects from September 2017 to April 2018 comparing a novel acoustic uroflowmetry to conventional uroflowmetry in an outpatient urologic clinic at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. Visual comparison of flow patterns and uroflow parameters such as maximum flow rate (Qmax), average flow rate (Qavg), and voided volume were compared between the 2 techniques. Reliability and accuracy of the uroflowmetry results were compared using Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) and Student t-test, respectively. @*Results@#One hundred twelve participants were included in the study. Of these, 77 had baseline urologic comorbidities while 35 were normal participants. Flow patterns between the 2 uroflowmetry techniques demonstrated strong visual correlation. When compared to conventional uroflowmetry, all 3 parameters of voiding in male participants showed a very robust correlation with PCC of 0.88, 0.91, and 0.95 for Qmax, Qavg, and voided volume, respectively. Among female participants, we observed a PCC of 0.78, 0.93, and 0.96 for Qmax, Qavg, and voided volume, respectively. The Qmax showed a statistically significant difference in both sexes between the 2 methods, although the absolute value was small. @*Conclusions@#Uroflowmetry using acoustic analysis demonstrates comparable findings to conventional uroflowmetry. This provides an opportunity to perform uroflowmetry in the clinic or at home in a reliable, inexpensive manner. Future large-scale prospective studies are required to further validate our results.

A Novel Mobile Acoustic Uroflowmetry: Comparison With Contemporary Uroflowmetry / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

Purpose@#This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of a new smartphone-based acoustic uroflowmetry compared to conventional uroflowmetry. @*Methods@#This was a prospective validation study enrolling 128 subjects from September 2017 to April 2018 comparing a novel acoustic uroflowmetry to conventional uroflowmetry in an outpatient urologic clinic at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. Visual comparison of flow patterns and uroflow parameters such as maximum flow rate (Qmax), average flow rate (Qavg), and voided volume were compared between the 2 techniques. Reliability and accuracy of the uroflowmetry results were compared using Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) and Student t-test, respectively. @*Results@#One hundred twelve participants were included in the study. Of these, 77 had baseline urologic comorbidities while 35 were normal participants. Flow patterns between the 2 uroflowmetry techniques demonstrated strong visual correlation. When compared to conventional uroflowmetry, all 3 parameters of voiding in male participants showed a very robust correlation with PCC of 0.88, 0.91, and 0.95 for Qmax, Qavg, and voided volume, respectively. Among female participants, we observed a PCC of 0.78, 0.93, and 0.96 for Qmax, Qavg, and voided volume, respectively. The Qmax showed a statistically significant difference in both sexes between the 2 methods, although the absolute value was small. @*Conclusions@#Uroflowmetry using acoustic analysis demonstrates comparable findings to conventional uroflowmetry. This provides an opportunity to perform uroflowmetry in the clinic or at home in a reliable, inexpensive manner. Future large-scale prospective studies are required to further validate our results.

Effect of Body Mass Index and Hypertension on the Prognosis of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma After Radical Nephroureterectomy

Purpose@#To investigate the impact of preoperative underlying hypertension (HTN) and body mass index (BMI) on oncologic outcomes in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) who underwent radical nephroureterectomy (RNUx). @*Materials and Methods@#From May 2003 to December 2018, 453 UTUC patients who underwent RNUx at a single institution were enrolled in the study. All patients were divided into 2 groups according to preoperative HTN and BMI (cutoff 24 kg/m2) and perioperative parameters and recurrence outcomes were compared. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed to identify the significance of HTN and BMI regarding UTUC recurrence. @*Results@#Among a total 453 UTUC patients, 233 (51.4%) had HTN, and 222 (49.0%) had BMI ≥24 kg/m2. The HTN versus no-HTN group had similar perioperative outcomes, except for the rate of diabetes (p<0.001). The high-BMI versus low-BMI group had similar outcomes, except for the prevalence of HTN (p=0.026). During median follow-up of 23 months, 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were 76.2% in the HTN group and 79.9% in the non-HTN group (p=0.002), and 77.3% in the low-BMI group and 79.0% in the high-BMI group (p=0.007). Multivariate analysis showed that BMI (hazard ratio [HR], 0.740; p=0.046), and HTN (HR, 1.687; p=0.005) were significant predictors of cancer recurrence. @*Conclusions@#Among UTUC patients who underwent RNUx, patients with HTN and low-BMI showed worse prognosis regarding cancer recurrence. To validate our results, the mechanisms of association between HTN, BMI, and UTUC should be investigated in further prospective studies.

Effect of Body Mass Index and Hypertension on the Prognosis of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma After Radical Nephroureterectomy

Purpose@#To investigate the impact of preoperative underlying hypertension (HTN) and body mass index (BMI) on oncologic outcomes in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) who underwent radical nephroureterectomy (RNUx). @*Materials and Methods@#From May 2003 to December 2018, 453 UTUC patients who underwent RNUx at a single institution were enrolled in the study. All patients were divided into 2 groups according to preoperative HTN and BMI (cutoff 24 kg/m2) and perioperative parameters and recurrence outcomes were compared. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed to identify the significance of HTN and BMI regarding UTUC recurrence. @*Results@#Among a total 453 UTUC patients, 233 (51.4%) had HTN, and 222 (49.0%) had BMI ≥24 kg/m2. The HTN versus no-HTN group had similar perioperative outcomes, except for the rate of diabetes (p<0.001). The high-BMI versus low-BMI group had similar outcomes, except for the prevalence of HTN (p=0.026). During median follow-up of 23 months, 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were 76.2% in the HTN group and 79.9% in the non-HTN group (p=0.002), and 77.3% in the low-BMI group and 79.0% in the high-BMI group (p=0.007). Multivariate analysis showed that BMI (hazard ratio [HR], 0.740; p=0.046), and HTN (HR, 1.687; p=0.005) were significant predictors of cancer recurrence. @*Conclusions@#Among UTUC patients who underwent RNUx, patients with HTN and low-BMI showed worse prognosis regarding cancer recurrence. To validate our results, the mechanisms of association between HTN, BMI, and UTUC should be investigated in further prospective studies.

A Schwannoma Originating from Median Nerve at Proximal Forearm Caused Ulnar Nerve Symptom by Compression

A schwannoma is a benign soft tissue tumor arising from the nerve sheath of a Schwann cell. Clinically, a schwannoma is an asymptomatic mass rarely causing neurologic deficits. However, it can cause discomfort as well as motor and sensory disturbances by compressing the nerve of its origin. The authors encountered a huge schwannoma arising from the median nerve at the proximal forearm, which caused symptoms mainly in the ulnar nerve. The tingling sensation along the ulnar nerve disappeared completely after enucleation of the schwannoma originating from the median nerve.

Relationship of Postoperative Recatheterization and Intraoperative Bladder Distention Volume in Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for recatheterization after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 166 consecutive patients treated with HoLEP by a single surgeon from January 2010 to June 2011 were enrolled in this study. We collected data on preoperative and intraoperative parameters, including intraoperative bladder distention volume. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 included patients who voided successfully after removal of the catheter, and group 2 included patients who required recatheterization. Analysis and comparison of the perioperative parameters of both groups was performed for identification of risk factors for recatheterization. RESULTS: Recatheterization was required in 9 of 166 (5.4%) patients. No significant differences in age or preoperative parameters, including prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume, International Prostate Symptom Score, peak flow rate, postvoid residual urine, maximal bladder capacity, and Abrahams Griffiths number, were observed between the two groups. Of the intraoperative parameters, intraoperative bladder distention volume was significantly smaller in group 1 than in group 2 (700.65 mL vs. 897.78 mL, p<0.001). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for other variables, intraoperative bladder distention volume was found to be a statistically significant risk factor for postoperative recatheterization (hazard ratio, 1.006; confidence interval, 1.002 to 1.010; p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Nine of 166 (5.4%) patients failed to void after HoLEP and required catheterization. Intraoperative bladder distention volume was found to be a statistically significant risk factor for recatheterization in this patient group.

The clinical study of maxillary sinus septa used in panorama, CT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the incidence, location and morphology of antral septa using radiographic exam.(Panorama, CT) in the dentate/non-atrophic and edentulous/atrophic maxillary segments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 232 sinuses were subdivided into two groups(group1 : 175 sinuses were classified as complete & partial dentate maxillary segments, group2 : 57 sinuses were classified as complete edentulous maxillary segments) and were investigated for the incidence, location and morphology of maxillary sinus septa. RESULTS: A total of 80 septa were observed in 232 maxillary sinuses, which corresponded to 30.65% of the sinuses(71 of 232). 67.5% of the total septa was observed in the complete & partial dentate groups, but 32.5% of the total septa was observed in the complete edentulous group. Upon analysis of the anatomical location of the septa, it was seen that 14 septa(17.5%) were located in the P1 area, 15 septa(18.7%) were located in the P2 area, 19 septa(23.8%) were located in the M1 area and 32 septa(40%) were located in the M2 area and dista area of M2. we found 45 septa in the apical lesion of teeth, Group 1. However the remaining 9 septa were found in the edentulous area. CONCLUSION: CT is a better method than panoramic radiography for detecting the presence of the maxillary sinus septa. Maxillary sinus septa are more commonly detected in complete edentulous maxillary segments than in complete and partial dentate maxillary segments. Also maxillary sinus septa are more commonly detected posteriorly than anteriorly.

The Effect of Heparin on Gene Expression of Collagen, MMP, TGF-beta Isoforms Using Cultured Fibroblast from Transverse Carpal Ligament of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

PURPOSE: Noninflammatory synovial fibrosis has been noted for main causal factor of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Recently, there are some reports that heparin have not only anti-coagulative effect but also anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic potential and have an effect on interstitial pulmonary fiborosis. Authors examined whether heparin affects pathogenesis of CTS. METHODS: First, heparin was administered to fibroblast that was cultured from patient's transverse carpal ligament. Secondly, we evaluated the expression from genes of type I, III collagen, TGF beta isoforms and MMP. Fibroblasts were isolated and cultured from transverse carpal ligaments of 5 patients with CTS. Heparin (0, 1, 10,100microgram/ml) was administered to cultured fibroblast and reverse transcription PCR for mRNA expression of type I, III collagen, TGF-beta isoforms and MMP was done. RESULTS: Heparin suppressed gene expression of type I, III collagen and TGF-beta1, beta3 but promoted gene expression of TGF-beta(2) and MMP-2. CONCLUSION: Heparin directly suppress gene expression of type I, III collagen. But, It is undetermined that heparin can present it's effect mediated by TGF beta iso forms or MMP.

Simultaneous occurrence of an odontogenic keratocyst and squamous odontogenic tumor in the mandible : a case report and immunohistochemical study

A squamous odontogenic tumor (SOT) is rare disease and it is believed to originate from epithelial rests of Malassez of the periodontal membrane. Neither sex nor site predilection in either jaw has been established. Some lesion can be shown in juxtaposition in tooth roots. Although most lesions remain smaller than 2 cm, our cases involved a half of left mandibular ramus. The exact pathogenesis is still unknown. We report a case of SOT including the results of immunohistochemical study of pancytokeratin and p53.

Emergency Free Flap Transfer for Deep Burn and Severe Crushing Injury of Dorsum of the Hand

The accepted method in treating deep burns and severe crushing injuries of dorsum of the hand is serial debridement and delayed closure. Delayed wound closure with skin graft, local flap or regional pedicle flap may produce joint stiffness, tendon adhesion, and immobility. Emergency free flap transfer suggests against these concepts by advocating radical debridement and early closure of these wounds. Early mobilization of the joints with emergency free flap transfer may produce better range of motion than delayed closure. The key to success in early coverage of these wounds is thorough debridement while sparing vital structures, such as nerves, tendons, and intact vessels. We discussed 3 cases, which were performed emergency free flap transfer using lateral arm flap in severe crushing injuries and deep burns of dorsum of the hand. All flaps survived without complications. Each joints had shown 95% range of motion of contralateral normal side on the average. Emergency free flap transfer allows early closure of acute soft tissue defect of dorsum of the hand, promoting early motion and possibly reducing the incidence of post-operative infection, flap failure and secondary operative procedures, and improving functional results.

The Results of Long Segment Posterolateral Fusion in Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Disorders / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and the validity of the long level posterolateral fusion with pedicle screw augmentation in the surgical treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal disorders in older patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A radiological evaluation such as fusion rate, the changes of lordotic angle, metal failure and junctional problem, and clinical results about a 33 patients older than 50 years of age in whom a posterolateral fusion has been performed on more than three segments were analyzed. RESULTS: Arthrodesis was obtained in 23 cases and the changes in the lordotic angle was 7.9+/-5.2degrees. Satisfactory results were obtained in 20 cases, fair in 8 and poor in 5 cases. Satisfactory results were obtained in 12 of the 16 cases in which S1 was included in the arthrodesis and 8 of the 17 cases in which S1 was not included in the arthrodesis. The post-surgical complications encountered were as follows: Wound infection in 5 cases, metal loosening or failure in 12, bone graft donor site problem in 2 and junctional problems in 8 cases. Revision surgery was performed in 9 cases. CONCLUSION: Long segment fusion in degenerative lumbar spinal disorders should be considered carefully in old age because of the high rate of post-surgical complications and unsatisfactory clinical outcomes.

A case report of langerhans cell histiocytosis

Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty Using a Tapered Femoral Component / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We investigated the results of cementless total hip arthroplasty using a tapered titanium-alloy stem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We followed 72 hips in 60 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty and received the using Mallory-Head femoral component for a mean of 9.1 years. The most common disease was avascular necrosis (56 hips; 77.7%). Their mean age was 50.1 years at the time operation. We analysed the clinical results by the Merle d'Aubigne and Postel scoring system and the radiographic outcome according to Engh's criteria. RESULTS: The mean hip score was 16.4 at the last followup. An excellent or good clinical result was obtained in 62 hips (86.1%). Thigh pain was present in 3 hips (4.1%), and femoral osteolysis was observed in 8 hips (11.1%), which did not progress to the distal part. Two femoral components were revised for loosening and for periprosthetic fracture. Thus, 69 stems survived at the last follow up. Sixty-six hips (91.7%) had fixation by bone ingrowth, and three (4.1%) showed stable fibrous fixation. CONCLUSION: These results shows that excellent fixation can be obtained by using a tapered titanium alloy femoral component by medium-term followup.

Tuberculous Sacroilitis Associated with Pregnancy: A case report / 대한척추외과학회지

Low back pain and gait disturbance began at 6 months of pregnancy in a twenty-eight years old female patient. She could not walk by herself after delivery because of severe pain and limitation of motion on pelvis. Irregular bony destruction on right sacroiliac joint and rotation of pelvis demonstrated on plain radiography. Tuberculosis was confirmed by CT guided needle biopsy. Back pain developing during pregnancy and after delivery can by overlooked as osteitis condensans ilii or nonspecific back pain. Tuberculous sacroilitis should be suspected for the patient with severe pelvic pain and bony destruction on sacroiliac joint, and with rotation of pelvis after delivery. Early diagnosis and proper treatment by anti-tuberculous medication could obtain satisfactory functional outcome. We have described an unusual case of tuberculous sacroiliitis associated with pregnancy in a 28 years old female patient and her clinical presentation, radiological features and outcome of medical treatment are discussed.

The effect of Decorin, TGF-beta antagonist, on wound healing in rabbits

There have been many trials to decrease the scar formation followed by wound treatment. TGF-beta plays a important role on wound healing in adult. Therefore the repression of TGF-beta expression will be helpful to decrease scar formation. Decorin is known to competitively inhibit TGF-beta expression. Decorin were subcutaneously administered in surgical wounds in rabbits to investgate the preventing effect of scar formation for clinical application. Histologic findings of wound healing progresses is similar with control and experimental group at 2week. 2.5 microgram decorin of administrated group was similar to those of control group at 4 and 8week. In wound healing process 10 microgram decorin of administrated groupsat showed that thickness of immature collagen fibers(scar) was decreased as compared with control group at 4, 8 weeks. 20 microgram decorin of administrated group showed similar histologic features to 10 microgram administrated group. The wounds of 8week experimental group(10, 20 microgram) were completely recovered to the normal surrounding skin tissue including sweat gland and hair follicle. These results suggested that decorin can be of help to the prevention of local scar formation.

A Case of Early Aplastic Anemia due to Low Dose Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis / 대한류마티스학회지

Low dose methotrexate (MTX) is widely used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) due to prompt clinical response, relatively lack of serious side effects, tolerability and simplicity of medication. However, several serious adverse effects have been reported with the use of MTX. The prevalence of hematologic toxicity, including leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, megaloblastic anemia, and pancytopenia, is estimated to be 3% in MTX-treated RA patients. Pancytopenia, which occurs unpredictably, is one of the most serious adverse effects and the prevalence is estimated to be 1.4% and fatal pancytopenia reported to occur in 17% of these patients. Old age, impaired renal function, concurrent infection, hypoalbuminemia, increased mean corpuscular volume of red blood cell, concomitant medication such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, are the risk factors of MTX induced pancytopenia. We experienced a case of fatal MTX induced early aplastic anemia in RA patients who medicated 3 times MTX (7.5mg/weekly, 22.5mg of cumulative dose) refractory to treatment with steroid pulse, recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) and immunoglobulin.

A Case of Methimazole-Induced Cholestatic Jaundice with Steroid Therapy / 대한내분비학회지

Cholestatic jaundice caused by imidazole derivatives is a rare complication of antithyroid drug therapy. We present a case of cholestatic jaundice with systemic hypersensitivity reaction, which developed in a 27-year old male one day after exposure to methimazole. The patient showed clinical improvement and gradual resolution of jaundice after the discontinuation of methimazole and treatment with prednisolone. Histologic findings of liver revealed bile pigment, predominantly in centrilobular area, and infiltration of chronic inflammatory cells in a few portal area without evidence of degeneration or necrosis of hepatocytes. Methimazole could be presumed as etiologic agent from clear chronological relationship and the lack of other causative factors. We report this unusual case with review of literature.

A Case of Obstructive Jaundice Caused by Cavernous Transformation of the Portal Vein / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Cavernous transformation of the portal vein is a rare condition probably arising secondary to extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis or obstruction with recannalization and/or collateral veins formation to bypass the obstruction. It is believed that cavernous transformation of the portal vein is caused by a variety of diseases associated with periportal collateral development and hepatopedal flow. It is known that portal vein occlusion, which is the actual cause of cavernous transformation, has a wide variety of etiologies, such as congenital abnormalities, omphalitis, pancreatitis, various carcinoma, and liver cirrhosis. In most cases, the revealing symptom is upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Rarely, however, diagnosis is made from obstructive jaundice. Extensive collateral veins due to portal vein occlusion may compress and narrow the biliary tract. A 39-year-old man was admitted due to jaundice and abdominal discomfort for 1 month. He was confirmed to have obstructive jaundice due to collateral vessels of cavernous transformation of the portal vein. We report a case of obstructive jaundice caused by cavernous transformation of the portal vein.