Respiratory Arrest Induced by Presbyesophagus: A Case Report / 대한연하장애학회지

Presbyesophagus is a unique cause of dysphagia in the elderly, which features incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, dilatation of the esophagus, decreased esophageal peristaltic pressures, abnormal esophageal contractions, and delayed emptying of the esophagus. An 88-year-old woman underwent surgery for a femur fracture.The day after surgery, respiratory arrest occurred during a meal. Breathing resumed after oxygen supply with airway opening. She complained of dysphagia and nausea during a meal, and the videofluoroscopic swallowing study and esophagography showed delayed emptying of the esophagus, abnormal esophageal contraction, and dilatation of the esophagus. This case shows that esophageal dysfunction in the elderly with poor general medical conditions can worsen abruptly.

Late-Onset Spinal Subdural Hematoma after Acupuncture

Acupuncture is generally regarded as a safe procedure and as a popular treatment for patients with musculoskeletal disorders. We report a case of a 47-year-old male patient with late-onset tetraplegia, developed after acupuncture. He had no trauma, medical, and social history relevant to tetraplegia. Right after the acupuncture, he felt discomfort in his right arm. After 6 days, all 4 extremity weakness developed. Whole-spine magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of spinal subdural hematoma extending from the C5 vertebra to the coccyx level. Hand coordination dysfunction, neurogenic bladder, and neuropathic pain were other symptoms. After the management, he recovered muscle strength, but incomplete bladder control and neuralgia were sustained. It is important to be aware of the possibilities of severe complications after acupuncture.

Late-Onset Post-radiation Lymphedema Provoked by Bee Venom Therapy: A Case Report

Lymphedema is a common complication associated with cancer itself or with cancer treatment. Lymphedema infrequently occurs after drug therapy. Bee venom is one of the materials used in acupuncture, and it has been used in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory diseases including arthritis. We report a 74-year-old male patient with late-onset post-radiation lymphedema provoked by bee venom therapy. He was free of lymphedema for 5 years after the complete remission of prostate cancer which had been treated with transurethral resection and radiation therapy. The patient developed left leg swelling after undergoing bee venom therapy for left hip pain. Computed tomography and lymphoscintigraphy showed lymphedema without tumor recurrence or infection. The lymphatic system was suspected to be injured by bee venom therapy and lymphedema was provoked. Bee venom therapy should be used cautiously in patients prone to lymphedema.