Surgical Results of Topography Supported Customized Corneal Ablation

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical outcome based on topographic supported customized corneal ablation (TOSCA). METHODS: The 20 patients (20eyes), who had already undertaken excimer laser surgery at least 6 months ago, resulting in decrease of best-corrected visual acuity, were included. Topography-guided corneal ablation was performed to correct de-centered ablation or irregular astigmatism using with the Mel-70-scan (ascleapion Meditec Inc. Germany) equipped with a Gaussian spot beam. RESULTS: The average uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in Log MAR scale was 0.52 +/- 0.35 and 0.33 +/- 0.14, preoperatively. The average of UCVA and BCVA was improved to 0.29 +/- 0.29 and 0.11 +/- 0.14, respectively after TOSCA was done. It was statistically significant difference (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TOSCA may be considered as effective method to improve BCVA in patients who suffer from decrease of BCVA in duced by decentered ablation.

A Case of Plasmacytoma in the Orbit

PURPOSE: To report a case of primary extramedullary plasmacytoma which is rare in the orbit. METHODS: A 72 year-old man was referred for the evaluation of a slowly developing proptosis in the right eye. A CT scan revealed the orbital mass which involved optic nerve and surrounding tissues. Incisional biopsy via lower lid was performed. RESULTS: Histopathologic examination confirmed the findings of plasmacytoma. Systemic evaluation including bone marrow biopsy, clinical and radiologic evaluation showed no evidence for multiple myeloma. Taken together we diagnosed the orbital lesion as a primary extramedullary plasmacytoma. He was treated with radiation therapy and followed for 6months without evidence of new lesion or systemic disease. CONCLUSIONS: We experienced a case of primary extramedullary plasmacytoma which is rare in the orbit. Continuing careful observation is warranted because of its variable natural course and prognosis.

The Role of Nitric Oxide in Graft-Versus-Tumor Effect / 대한혈액학회지

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is induced during graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). It is yet unknown whether NO has any roles in graft-versus-tumor effect (GVT) which is often associated with GVHD. The present study was performed to test the role of NO in GVT. METHODS: GVT was induced by tail vein injection of C57BL/6J (H-2b) mouse splenocytes (10(8)cells/mouse) to [C57BL/6J (H-2(b))XBALB/c (H-2(d))] F1 mice bearing Meth-A (H-2d) ascites tumors. RESULTS: Induction of GVT increased nitrite production (21.0+/-4.1 M) and expression of iNOS protein and mRNA by cells derived from ascites. The increased nitrite production was inhibited by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (MLA). Immunomagnetic depletion of Mac-1+ cells from ascites cells of GVT mice resulted in a 70% decrease in the nitrite production, indicating that macrophages were implicated as a major cellular source of the nitrite production. Interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) levels in both serum and ascites fluid were markedly increased during GVT. Induction of GVT in ascites tumor-bearing mice prolonged survival from 9.5+/-2.2days to 17.6+/-1.2 days (P<0.001), and increased urinary nitrate excretion up to threefold. MLA administration effectively inhibited the GVT-induced urinary nitrate excretion and further prolonged the GVT-induced increase in survival from 17.6+/-1.2days to 23.6+/-1.9days (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that NO synthesis by iNOS is induced in tumor tissues during GVT, and the NO acts as an inhibitor mechanism of GVT.

Congenital coronary arteriovenous fistula combined with ASD

Coronary arteriovenous fistula (CAF) is most common form of hemodynamically significant coronary anomaly. CAF combined with atrial septal defect (ASD), however, constitutes an uncommon subgroup of CAF. We present a case of congenital CAF combined with secondum ASD, which are manifested by congestive heart failure. These anomalies were identified by transthoracic echocardiography and coronary angiography respectively. These ASD and CAF were closed by operation successfully without any complication.