A Case of Diphyllobothrium latum Infection in a Patient with Abdominal Pain / 대한소화기학회지

The growing popularity of eating raw fish has resulted in increase of certain human parasitic infection, such as diphyllobothriasis. Even though, upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy reveal no specific abnormality, if a patient complains of persistent abdominal pain, we should consider the possibility of parasitic infection. Careful history taking and stool examination can avoid further invasive study. We report a case of Diphyllobothrium latum infection in a patient with vague abdominal pain who showed normal finding on endoscopy.

A Case of Lymphoepithelial Cyst of the Pancreas Showing Characteristic Findings on Endoscopic Ultrasonography / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas is a rare benign cystic tumor which is histologically characterized by cyst containing keratin, lined by mature squamous epithelium surrounded by lymphoid tissue, often with prominent follicles. Cystic lesions of the pancreas are more often detected because sensitive abdominal imaging tests are used for multiple indications, but preoperative differential diagnosis is difficult despite the advancements of imaging technologies. We herein report a case of lymphoepithelial cyst incidentally found on routine abdominal ultrasonography which showed characteristic findings on endoscopic ultrasonography preoperatively and discuss the radiologic features of lymphoepithelial cyst.

ReVersible Changes of Clinical Chemical Tests in Severe Hypothyroid Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Who Were Admitted for Radioiodine Therapy

PURPOSE: Severe hypothyroidism can cause abnormalities in numerous clinical chemical test results. We observed various reVersible changes of clinical chemical test results in patients with severe hypothyroidism who were admitted for radioiodine ablation therapy after total thyroidectomy. The purpose of this study was to describe and discuss the findings. METHODS: The study comprised 168 patients (24 males, 144 females, mean age 49+/-14 years) who underwent total thyroidectomy due to differentiated thyroid cancer and who were admitted for I-131 ablation therapy. Patients who had hepatic or renal dysfunction were excluded. RESULTS: Serum mean levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, lactic dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, and creatinine were significantly increased to the upper normal range during severe hypothyroid state (serum thyroid stimulating hormone >30 uIU/ml). While serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triglyceride (TG) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) remained unchanged. Six patients who showed abnormal serum creatinine level during hypothyroid condition returned to normal after recovery of thyroid function. CONCLUSION: Results of clinical chemical tests for hepatic, lipid and renal function are often increased reversibly in severely hypothyroid patients. Reversible, abnormal serum creatinine levels may develop in some cases. Follow-up study is necessary in induced severely hypothyroid patients for radioiodine therapy to differentiate the reversibility of chemical tests.