Comparison of enhancement and image quality: different iodine concentrations for liver on 128-slice multidetector computed tomography in the same chronic liver disease patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The objective of this study was to compare the degree of hepatic enhancement and image quality using contrast media of different iodine concentrations with the same iodine dose. METHODS: From July 2011 to June 2013, 50 patients with chronic liver disease who underwent baseline and follow-up 128-slice multidetector computed tomography(MDCT) using contrast media with 350 mg I/mL (group A) and 400 mg I/mL (group B) iodine concentrations were included in this prospective study. The patients were randomly allocated to one of two protocols: 350 mg I/mL initially and then 400 mg I/mL; and 400 mg I/mL initially and then 350 mg I/mL. The bolus tracking technique was used to initiate the arterial phase scan. The computed tomography values of hepatic parenchyma, abdominal aorta and portal vein were measured. The degrees of hepatic and vascular enhancement were rated on a 4-point scale for qualitative assessment. The paired Student t test was used to compare outcome variables. RESULTS: The mean hepatic enhancement was significantly higher in group B than in group A during the portal (p = 0.025) and equilibrium phases (p = 0.021). In all phases, group B had significantly higher mean liver-to-aorta contrast (p < 0.05) and mean visual scores for hepatic and vascular enhancement (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that a higher iodine concentration (400 mg I/mL) in contrast media was more effective at improving hepatic enhancement in portal and equilibrium phase images and overall image quality using 128-slice MDCT in chronic liver disease patients.

Scrub typhus associated hepatic dysfunction and abdominal CT findings

This retrospective study investigated abnormal hepatic dysfunction and abdominal computed tomography [CT] findings in scrub typhus. Three hundred forty nine adult patients were diagnosed with scrub typhus. Ninety four underwent abdominal CT. The CT images were reviewed by the attending radiologist. Patient data of history, symptoms, signs, and results of laboratory tests were collected from the electronic medical records. In 349 patients with scrub typhus, elevation of aspartate aminotransferase [78.5%] and alanine aminotransferase [63.0%] were dominant compared to alkaline phosphatase [27.2%] and total bilirubin [16.1%]. Abdominal CT findings of 94 patients were, in descending order of frequency, enlarged lymph node [53.2%], inhomogeneous enhancement of liver [47.9%], splenomegaly [46.8%], ascites [28.7%], low attenuation of periportal areas [27.7%], gallbladder wall thickening [17.0%], and splenic infarct [6.4%]. Also, the level of aspartate aminotransferase tended to be elevated according to the number of CT findings [P= 0.028] We found that abdominal CT manifestations of scrub typhus with elevated aminotransferases were varied and not specific. However, knowledge of these findings may evoke the recognition of scrub typhus by clinicians in endemic areas

Serum exosomal microRNAs as novel biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma

Recent studies have shown that circulating microRNAs are a potential biomarker in various types of malignancies. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using serum exosomal microRNAs as novel serological biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We measured the serum exosomal microRNAs and serum circulating microRNAs in patients with CHB (n=20), liver cirrhosis (LC) (n=20) and HCC (n=20). Serum exosomal microRNA was extracted from 500 mul of serum using an Exosome RNA Isolation kit. The expression levels of microRNAs were quantified by real-time PCR. The expression levels of selected microRNAs were normalized to Caenorhabditis elegans microRNA (Cel-miR-39). The serum levels of exosomal miR-18a, miR-221, miR-222 and miR-224 were significantly higher in patients with HCC than those with CHB or LC (P<0.05). Further, the serum levels of exosomal miR-101, miR-106b, miR-122 and miR-195 were lower in patients with HCC than in patients with CHB (P=0.014, P<0.001, P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the levels of miR-21 and miR-93 among the three groups. Additionally, the serum levels of circulating microRNAs showed a smaller difference between HCC and either CHB or LC. This study suggests that serum exosomal microRNAs may be used as novel serological biomarkers for HCC.

A Comparison of Preoperative Biliary Drainage Methods for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Endoscopic versus Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Controversy remains over the optimal approach to preoperative biliary drainage in patients with resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. We compared the clinical outcomes of endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) with those of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) in patients undergoing preoperative biliary drainage for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: A total of 106 consecutive patients who underwent biliary drainage before surgical treatment were divided into two groups: the PTBD group (n=62) and the EBD group (n=44). RESULTS: Successful drainage on the first attempt was achieved in 36 of 62 patients (58.1%) with PTBD, and in 25 of 44 patients (56.8%) with EBD. There were no significant differences in predrainage patient demographics and decompression periods between the two groups. Procedure-related complications, especially cholangitis and pancreatitis, were significantly more frequent in the EBD group than the PTBD group (PTBD vs EBD: 22.6% vs 54.5%, p<0.001). Two patients (3.8%) in the PTBD group experienced catheter tract implantation metastasis after curative resection during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: EBD was associated with a higher risk of procedure-related complications than PTBD. These complications were managed properly without severe morbidity; however, in the PTBD group, there were two cases of cancer dissemination along the catheter tract.

Erratum: United Rapid Urease Test Is Superior than Separate Test in Detecting Helicobacter pylori at the Gastric Antrum and Body Specimens

The publisher wishes to apologize for incorrectly displaying the author (Sung Woon Moon) name. We correct his name from Sung Woon Moon to Sung Won Moon.

A Case of Esophageal Submucosal Gland Duct Adenoma / 대한내과학회지

An esophageal submucosal gland duct adenoma is a rare benign disease. We report a 58-year-old man who presented with an esophageal submucosal tumor on health screening endoscopy. The endoscopic examination showed a round elevated lesion with central depression at the mid-esophagus. On endoscopic ultrasonography, an anechoic lesion with some hyperechoic septal structures measuring 8 mm in the largest diameter was observed in the third layer. We resected the lesion endoscopically. Histologically, there were several dilated gland ducts, with proliferation of the inner epithelial and outer myoepithelial cell layers. These findings were compatible with a submucosal gland duct adenoma of the esophagus.

United Rapid Urease Test Is Superior than Separate Test in Detecting Helicobacter pylori at the Gastric Antrum and Body Specimens

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The rapid urease test (RUT) is an invasive method to diagnose Helicobacter pylori infection, which relies on the acquisition and examination of gastric antrum and body tissues. We determined and compared the efficacy of RUT when the tissues were examined separately or after being combined. METHODS: Two hundred and fourteen patients were included and underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy from July 2008 to June 2010. The separate test was defined as evaluating the status of infectivity of H. pylori from the antrum and body separately; whereas the united test was carried out putting both tissues from the antrum and body in the same RUT kit. All RUTs were read by a single observer 1, 3, 6, 12, and up to 24 hours later. We also got two biopsy specimens stained with hematoxylin and eosin and quantified H. pylori density was calculated on a scale of 0 to 3. RESULTS: Overall positivity for H. pylori was 137 (64%) for the separate test and 148 (69.2%) for the united test (p<0.01). The mean time to a positive test was 3.58 hours for the separate test and 1.69 hours for the united test (p<0.01). The correlation between the time to positive RUT and the severity of histology showed r=+0.556 for the antrum (p<0.01) and r=+0.622 for the body (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Combining tissues prior to RUT enhances the detection of H. pylori, as compared with the examination of separate tissues, and shortens the time to develop a positive reaction by approximately 50%. These diagnostic advantages are also accompanied by increased cost-savings.

A Single Institution's Experience of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreaticography in the Eldery Patients: Outcomes, Safety and Complications / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: As the population ages, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) is being used increasingly as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for elderly patients with pancreatobiliary disease. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes, safety and complications associated with ERCP performed in the elderly patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical record of 596 patients who were 50 years of age or older and underwent ERCP from January 2005 to September 2010. The patients were classified into two groups according to the age: non-elderly, 50-74 years old and elderly, > or =75 years old. Comparisons were made between two groups. RESULTS: Five hundred and ninety-six patients (132 elderly and 464 non-elderly patients) were enrolled. The success rate of ERCP was 89.4% in the elderly and 91.9% in the non-elderly. The major complications were occurred in 11 patients of the elderly and 16 of the non-elderly, and the complication rate was significantly higher in the elderly compared to the non-elderly (8.3% vs. 3.4%, p=0.011). Pancreatitis occurred in 2 elderly patients and 10 non-elderly patients (1.5% vs. 2.1%, p=1.0). There was a higher rate of bleeding in the elderly patients (4.5% vs. 1.3%, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: ERCP is effective and safe even in elderly patients. Outcomes of diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP in the elderly patients were similar to those in non-elderly patients. Elderly patients undergoing ERCP carried similar risk of pancreatitis but a higher risk of bleeding and perforation compared to non-elderly patients.

Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Twenty Five Cases of Acute Hepatitis Following Ingestion of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Complementary medicines, including herbal preparations and nutritional supplements, are widely used without prescriptions. As a result, there has been growing interest in the risk of hepatotoxicity with these agents. It is difficult to determine causal relationships between these herbal preparations and hepatotoxicity. We report on 25 patients diagnosed with toxic hepatitis following ingestion of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. METHODS: Twenty-five patients (median age, 48 years [24 to 65 years]; M:F=18:7) with suspected P. multiflorum Thunb-induced liver injury were admitted to our hospital between 2007 and 2009. We analyzed clinical and histological data, including the types and the duration of P. multiflorum Thunb intake and the duration of hospital care. We also determined the type of liver injury using the R ratio (serum activity of ALT/serum activity of ALP). RESULTS: The types of complementary medicine used included tea (n=16), liquor (n=5), tea and liquor (n=2), powder (n=1), and honeyed pudding (n=1). The most common presenting sign was jaundice (76%), and 18 patients (72%) had evidence of hepatocellular liver injury. Histological findings were consistent with acute hepatitis in all cases (n=10) for which liver biopsy was performed. Twenty-three patients (91.6%) recovered with conservative management, 1 patient (4%) had a liver transplant, and 1 patient (4%) died of hepatic failure. CONCLUSIONS: In our cases, we found that P. multiflorum Thunb could be hepatotoxic and could lead to severe drug-induced liver injury, and even death.

A Case of Superior Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis Due to Protein C Deficiency in a Patient with Duodenal Ulcer Bleeding / 대한소화기학회지

Mesenteric venous thrombosis is a clinically very rare disease, and may cause bowel infarction and gangrene. Difficulty in the dignosis the disease due to its non-specific symptoms and low prevalence can cause a clinically fatal situation. Mesenteric venous thrombosis may be caused by both congenital and acquired factors, and protein C deficiency, which is a very rare genetic disorder, is one of many causes of mesenteric thrombosis. The authors experienced a case of mesenteric venous thrombosis caused by protein C deficiency in a patient with duodenal ulcer bleeding, so here we report a case together with literature review.

Effect of Previous Abdominal or Pelvic Surgery on Colonoscopy / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A number of studies have reported wide variability in the colonoscope insertion time among patients who had prior abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of abdominal surgery on colonoscope insertion time. METHODS: The subjects were 192 patients with prior abdominal surgery, among 3,600 patients who underwent a colonoscopy at Samsung Changwon Hospital from May 2008 to May 2010. We collected the following data: insertion time, age, gender, height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, method of abdominal surgery, and the degree of bowel cleanliness. Previous abdominal operations were divided into colectomy, non-colectomy abdominal surgery, pelvic surgery, and laparoscopic surgery groups. RESULTS: The average colonoscope insertion time in patients with prior abdominal surgery (7.73+/-5.95 min) was longer than that of the non-surgery group (6.4+/-3.88 min). Patients in the colectomy groups were older and had a shorter insertion time (5.11+/-3.32 min) than patients in the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Insertion of a colonoscope in patients with previous abdominal surgery was more difficult than that in the control group, except the colectomy group.

Colonoscopic Perforation; A 10-year Experience in Single General Hospital / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colonoscopy is the principal method for diagnosis, treatment, and follow up of colorectal disease. The study aimed to assess the incidence, clinical features, and management of colonoscopic perforations at a local general hospital. METHODS: A retrospective review of patient record was performed for all patients with iatrogenic colonic perforation after sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy between 1997 and 2007. RESULTS: In the 10-year period, 16,388 colonoscopic and sigmoidscopic procedure were performed. All 10 cases of procedure related colonic perforation were developed. Perforation occurred in 9 cases during therapeutic procedure; 5 cases due to polypectomy and 4 cases due to endoscopic submucosal dissection. Perforation occurred in one case during diagnostic procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic procedure is a clear risk factor of colonic perforation. When colonic perforation occurs, we should be able to make early diagnosis. Early diagnosis can lead to a good treatment and can produce good prognosis with short hospital days.

A Case of Ischemic Skin Necrosis after Glypressin Therapy in Liver Cirrhosis / 대한소화기학회지

Terlipressin is a synthetic analogue of vasopressin, which has been used in the treatment of acute variceal hemorrhage. In contrast to vasopressin, terlipressin can be administered as intermittent injections instead of continuous intravenous infusion. Thus, it has a less adverse reaction than vasopressin. We report a case of ischemic skin complication in a cirrhotic patient treated with terlipressin. A 71-year-old man with liver cirrhosis was admitted because of hematemesis and melena. He was commenced on terlipressin at a dose 1 mg every 6 hours for the treatment of varicieal bleeding. After 36 hours of treatment, skin blistering and ecchymosis was noted on the skin of his upper thigh, scrotal area and trunk. We found that terlipressin was a possible cause of ischemic skin complication based on the skin biopsy finding. Terlipressin may induce a complication of the ischemic event. In spite of rarity, special attention needs to paid on the peripheral ischemic complication of terlipressin.

A case of typhoid fever with manifestations of acute hepatitis / 대한내과학회지

Typhoid fever is a febrile illness with a variety of systemic manifestations; however, icteric typhoid hepatitis, mimicking the clinical features of acute hepatitis, is very uncommon. A 45-year-old man was admitted to the hospital for evaluation of fever, dark-colored urine, and jaundice. On admission, the total bilirubin was 4.3 mg/dL, and the AST and ALT were 468 and 319 IU/L, respectively. Salmonella typhi was identified by blood culture. A liver biopsy revealed some mononuclear cell infiltrations without hepatocyte necrosis or typhoid nodules. CT scan findings showed splenomegaly and mesenteric lymphadenopathy. With the administration of ceftriaxone, he became afebrile and showed improvement in the jaundice, with normalization of AST and ALT.

An Evaluation of Web-based Informations about Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases in Korea / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Internet has become an important source of medical information not only for medical personnels but also for patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of internet based medical information about 'gastroesophageal reflux' or 'reflux esophagitis' in Korea. METHODS: The first 15 internet sites using the key words 'gastroesophageal reflux' or 'reflux esophagitis' were retrieved from the 7 most frequently used internet search engines. The quality of information from a total of 108 websites was evaluated using a checklist. RESULTS: Among total 108 sites related to 'gastroesophageal reflux' or 'reflux esophagitis', fifty-six sites (51.8%) were made by hospitals or clinics and 94 sites (87.0%) were made for patients. Of the 108 sites, eleven web sites (10.1%) had more than three JAMA benchmarks (authorship, references, currency, and disclosure). Higher quality sites (at least three JAMA benchmarks) were less likely to contain inaccurate information than lower quality sites (fewer than three JAMA benchmarks)-3/11 (27.2%) vs. 60/97 (61.9%) (p<0.01). Despite the fact that articles in the literature emphasized an insufficient evidence to support an association between the lifestyle, dietary behaviors, and GERD, such guidelines continue to be recommended as first-line therapy in most websites. CONCLUSIONS: Informations about gastroesophageal reflux disease were incomplete in the majority of medical web sites. These would bring about confusion to patients seeking for an information about GERD through the internet. There is a need for better sources in evidence based informations about gastroesophaeal reflux diseases on the web.

Patients' Gender Preference for Colonoscopist / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colonoscopy is anticipated as embarrassing and uncomfortable procedure. However, the patients' gender preference for doctor has not been well evaluated in those undergoing colonoscopy. This study was to assess patients' preference for gender and age of colonoscopist. METHODS: A total of one hundread and ninety eight patients (118 males and 80 females) scheduled for colonoscopy were prospectively asked to answer the questionnaires consisting of patient characteristics, preference for gender of colonoscopist, and the period they can wait until their preferred colonoscopist would be acceptable. RESULTS: Among male patients, 51% expressed a gender preference (47% for male and 4% for female colonoscopist) and 52% of female expressed two gender preference (26% for male and 26% for female colonoscopist), and colonoscopists in their forties were preferred the most. Aged female patients and male patients with family history of colorectal cancer preferred a male colonoscopist. The strength of gender preference shown by the period they could wait was weak. CONCLUSIONS: Half of the female and male patients showed gender preference in choosing a colonoscopist. Among the patients expressing a gender preference, most male patients preferred the same gender whereas half of female preferred the opposite gender.

High Frequency of Microsatellite Instability in Intestinal-type Gastric Cancer in Korean Patients

BACKGROUND: Although there have been some reports on microsatellite alterations in gastric cancer, findings are inconsistent regarding the associations between histological classification and microsatellite instability (MSI). In the present study, we attempted to determine whether Lauren's histological subtypes are related with MSI status. METHODS: Paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 14 diffuse-type and 14 intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinomas were matched up according to patient gender and age. Mononucleotide markers (BAT25 and BAT26) and dinucleotide markers (D2S123, D5S346, and D17S250) were used for MSI analyses. Microsatellite genotypes were categorized in terms of high MSI incidence (MSI-H, > 30% positive marker) or low MSI incidence (MSI-L, < 30% positive marker). Losses of hMLH1 and hMSH2 protein expression were immunohistochemically studied. RESULTS: MSI-H was observed in 11 cases (78%) of the 14 intestinal-type cases as compared to 3 (21%) of the 14 diffuse-type cases (p=0.007). In MSI-H tumors, 10 cases (71%) showed losses of hMLH1 protein expression, while 2 cases (14%) in MSI-L tumors showed losses of hMLH1 protein expression (p=0.006). CONCLUSION: MSI-H tumors are more frequently found in intestinal-type gastric cancer, which suggests the possibility that there are different pathogenic pathways in gastric carcinogenesis according to histologic type.

Is Seum Homocysteine Level Elevated in Colorectal Tumor? / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although it has been known that folate will participate in colorectal carcinogenesis, the relationship between blood folate level and colorectal cancer is less consistent. The blood folate level does not reflect the systemic folate status. By contrast, serum homocysteine has become a sensitive marker for the folate deficiency. We attempted to explain the correlation between folate and colorectal cancer according to the serum homocysteine level. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical records, including alcohol history of 184 patients taking the colonoscopy and measurement of the serum homocysteine level at Health Promotion Center from 2001 to 2002. One hundred fifty-one of 184 were included, excluding 33 patients with previous history of colonic polyp, cerebrovascular, cardiovascular attack and thromboembolism. They were divided into the normal control (n=111) and the adenomatous polyp group (n=40). We had selected the colorectal cancer group (n=50) from the collection list of the tissue and blood bank less than 3 months storage interval. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the mean serum homocysteine level among three groups. However, in the subjects with high alcohol consumption, there was a significant difference in the mean serum homocysteine between the normal control (n=7) and the adenomatous polyp group (n=9) (10.2 vs 15.1 micromol/L, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was no correlation of serum homocysteine and colorectal tumor. However, in the subjects with high alcohol consumption, high serum homocysteine might be related to the development of adenomatous polyp.

Efficacy and Safety of Adefovir Dipivoxil in Patients with Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis with Lamivudine Resistance Compared to Patients with Compensated Liver Disease / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Adefovir dipivoxil is effective in patients with lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, little is known about its role in Korean patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of adefovir dipivoxil in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis with lamivudine resistance, and we compared this to the patients having compensated liver disease. METHODS: The patients with lamivudine-resistant chronic liver disease were enrolled and they received adefovir dipivoxil 10 mg daily. The clinical course and the biochemical and virological response of the decompensated cirrhosis group were compared with those of the patients with compensated liver disease group. RESULTS: One-hundred and one patients (the decompensated cirrhosis group, n=53; the compensated liver disease group, n=48) were evaluated. During the following up, 13 patients in the decompensated group and 4 patients in the compensated group dropped out of the treatment (P=0.011). After adefovir treatment, the proportion of patients with serum HBV DNA below 0.5 pg/mL in the decompensated group was less than that in the compensated group (50.9% vs. 83.3%, P=0.001), but the rates of normalized ALT, HBeAg loss and HBeAg seroconversion did not differ. The change of the Child-Pugh score in the decompensated group was 9.1 +/- 1.8 to 6.9 +/- 1.6 (P<0.001). The biochemical response in decompensated group was slower than that in the compensated group. Renal toxicity was not observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that adefovir dipivoxil would be an effective and safe treatment for patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis with lamivudine resistance, but its effect might be limited and slower for decompensated cirrhosis.

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopic features and predictable factors for clinical severity in the patients with tsutsugamushi disease / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Scrub typhus is a febrile zoonosis resulting from infection with Orientia tsutsugamushi. Attentions for tsutsugamushi disease are growing about its ecologic, epidemiologic and clinical characteristics according to increasing patients and these studies were helpful to understand the pathophysiology and many clinical features of tsutsugamushi disease. Although scrub typhus has been treated successfully with the introduction of effective antibiotics, life-threatening serious complications including gastrointestinal bleeding were still remained. The authors here intended to describe different endoscopic characteristics of the gastrointestinal manifestation of tsutsugamushi disease, and then to evaluate the clinical significance of upper gastrointestinal endoscopic feature and clinical severity index (CSI) as the predictable factors for clinical severity of tsutsugamushi disease. METHODS: One hundred and forty two patients who were diagnosed as tsutsugamushi disease at Masan-Samsung Hospital from January 2001 to December 2002 were enrolled. Patients were recommended to be taken upper gastrointestinal endoscopy irrespective of abdominal symptoms and 40 patients were classified into 5 degrees by endoscopic findings. All patients were classified by CSI based on clinical symptoms and laboratory findings. Correlations among CSI, hospital stay, and endoscopic grade were analyzed. RESULTS: The older patients (p=0.0018) and the patients with lower serum hemoglobin (p=0.0049), lower serum albumin (p<0.0001), higher serum bilirubin (p=0.0109), higher BUN (p<0.0001) and creatinine (p=0.0223), and longer activated prothrombin time (p=0.0193) had significantly longer hospital stay. The patients with longer hospital stay had significantly severe esophagogastroduodenoscopic (EGD) findings (p=0.0017). Patients with higher CSI score had significantly longer hospital stay (p=0.0069) and more severe EGD finding (p=0.0062). CONCLUSIONS: There were significant correlations between CSI, hospital stay, and EGD grade in this study. CSI and endoscopic feature may be useful as the predictable factors for clinical severity in tsutsugamushi disease.