The Value of PROPELLER Diffusion-Weighted Image in the Detection of Cholesteatoma / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study was to done to determine the value of PROPELLER diffusion-weighted imaging in detecting cholesteatoma. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Sixty-five patients were evaluated by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with PROPELLER diffusion-weighted imaging. Of 65 patients, 16 patients had chronic otitis media without cholesteatoma and 49 patients with cholesteatoma. Surgical and pathologic findings were compared with the preoperative findings by PROPELLER diffusion-weighted imaging to assess the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values. RESULTS: In 49 patients with cholesteatoma, high signal intensity compatible with cholesteatoma was found in 46 patients, whereas in 16 patients without cholesteatoma, high signal intensity was not detected in any of them. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for PROPELLER diffusion-weighted imaging were 94.1%, 100%, 100%, and 84.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: PROPELLER diffusion-weighted imaging can be a useful tool in detecting cholesteatoma.

Sonographic Index for Extrathyroidal Extension of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ultrasonography is the most useful tool for detecting extrathyroidal extension, which is the deciding factor in surgical extension of papillary thyroid carcinoma. However, there are few studies on pre-operative ultrasonographic findings about extrathyroidal extension. This research thus evaluates a predictive sonographic index of extrathyroidal extension. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: 265 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent preoperative sonography and surgery were respectively reviewed. Sonographic findings were compared with pathological results. RESULTS: There were no differences among the patents in terms of calcification and echo texture, whereas significant differences were observed in terms of mass size, lymph node metastasis, capsule contact, and degree of capsule contact. These four factors were weighted according to the degree of severity and defined the extrathyroidal index as the total of these scores. The index had high sensitivity, specificity and predictability. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the extrathyroidal extension index with sonography is helpful for drawing pre-operative sonographic diagnosis.

Objective Tinnitus Concomitant with Eye Blinking: A Case Report

Tinnitus is a common auditory phenomenon associated with many otological diseases, and is usually subjective. Objective tinnitus can be generated by para-auditory structures, usually derived from vascular or myogenic sources, or the eustachian tube. We present a rare case of intermittent unilateral tinnitus associated with eye blinking. Otoendoscopic examination showed that the external auditory canals and tympanic membranes were normal; however, rhythmic movements of both tympanic membranes, concomitant with the tinnitus, were evident whenever the patient blinked. The tympanometry and stapedial reflexes measured via impedance audiometry exhibited saw-tooth patterns; movement of the tympanic membrane was associated with eyelid blinking. The patient was managed conservatively, with reassurance and medication, and the condition became well-controlled. Here, we present this educational case and review the literature.

No Association between Val108/158Met Polymorphism on Catechol-O-Methyl Transferase(COMT) Gene and Smooth Pursuit Eye Movement(SPEM) Abnormality in Korean Schizophrenia Patients

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the association of Val108/158Met polymorphism on catechol-O-methyl transferase(COMT) gene with smooth pursuit eye movement(SPEM) abnormality in Korean schizophrenia patients. METHODS: We measured SPEM in 217 Korean schizophrenia patients(male 116, female 101) and divided them into two groups, one was a good SPEM function group and the other was a poor SPEM function group. Then we analyzed Val108/158Met polymorphism on COMT gene. We compared the differences of genotype and allele distributions of the polymorphism on COMT gene between the two groups. RESULTS: The natural logarithm value of signal/noise ratio(Ln S/N ratio) of the good SPEM function group was 4.39+/-0.33(mean+/-s.d.) and that of poor SPEM function group was 3.17+/-0.71. There were no statistically significant differences of age and male/female ratio between the two groups. There were no significant differences of genotype or allele distributions of the Val108/158Met polymorphism on COMT gene between the two schizophrenic groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that Val108/158Met polymorphism on COMT gene is not related to SPEM function abnormality in schizophrenia.

Association Analysis between P1635 and P1655 Polymorphisms on Dystrobrevin Binding Protein 1(DTNBP1) Gene and Smooth Pursuit Eye Movement(SPEM) Abnormality in Korean Schizophrenia Patients / 대한정신약물학회지

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the association of P1635 and P1655 polymorphisms on dystrobrevin binding protein 1 (DTNBP1) gene with smooth pursuit eye movement (SPEM) abnormality in Korean schizophrenia patients. METHODS: We measured SPEM function in 216 Korean schizophrenia patients (male 116, female 100) and divided them into two groups, one is a good SPEM function group and the other is a poor SPEM function group. We then analyzed P1635 polymorphism and P1655 polymorphism on DTNBP1 gene from their DNAs extracted from their blood. We compared the differences of genotype and allele distributions of the two polymorphisms on DTNBP1 gene between the two groups. RESULTS: The Ln S/N ratio (mean+/-sd) of the good SPEM function group was 4.39+/-0.33 and the ratio of poor SPEM function group was 3.18+/-0.71. There were no statistically significant differences of age and male/female ratio between the two groups. There were no significant differences of genotype or allele distributions of the P1635 polymorphism and P1655 polymorphism on DTNBP1 gene between the two schizophrenia groups divided by SPEM function. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that P1635 polymorphism and P1655 polymorphism on DTNBP1 gene might not be related to SPEM function abnormality in schizophrenia.