Rhinovirus Infection Study Model Using Organ Culture of Turbinate Mucosa / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To have better understanding on the pathophysiology of rhinovirus infection, an availability of an ideal experimental model is of utmost importance. We aimed to develop a new study model using the organ culture of turbinate mucosa to overcome the limitations of the conventional study methods. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The inferior turbinate mucosae harvested during the septoturbinoplasty were cultured in air-liquid interface methods, placed on the support of gelfoam soaked in the culture media. Human rhinovirus -16 was applied on the top of the mucosal surface. The success of rhinovirus infection was determined by semi-nested RT-PCR of the mucosal surface fluid taken 48 hours after incubation. Intracellular rhinovirus was visualized by in situ hybridization. Elaboration of cytokine IL-6 and IL-8 into the culture media was quantitated using the ELISA method. RESULTS: PCR product of 292 bp on semi-nested RT-PCR, representing successful rhinovirus infection, was detected in 5 tissues out of 10 mucosal tissues. In the in situ hybridization method, positively stained cells were found in epithelial layer in scattered fashion. In the analysis of cytokine production by continuous exposure to rhinovirus according to the time course, IL-6 and IL-8 secretions in the infected mucosae were significantly greater than in the control mucosa. The increase in the cytokine production was evident from 24 hours after the infection. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that the organ culture of turbinate mucosa could serve as an acceptable in vitro model for studying pathophysiology of rhinovirus infection.

Porencephalic Cyst Associated with Shunt Malfunction

When hydrocephalus develops, excessive cerebrospinal fluid accumulation usually occurs within the ventricular system, leading to a ventriculomegaly caused by increased intracranial pressure. Shunt malfunction, a common complication after a shunt operation, usually occurs, together with recurring ventricular dilatation. The authors report a case of shunt malfunction which manifested as a porencephalic cyst along the proximal catheter. The cyst subsided after the replacement of the shunt system, and this led to the patient's clinical improvement. We postulate that although the region around a catheter is an unusual site for cerebrospinal fluid collection, this finding should be considered as a shunt obstruction. The possible mechanism of reversible porencephaly is discussed and the literature is briefly reviewed.

A Clinical Analysis of the Primary Spinal Tumors

With the advent of magnetic resonance image (MRI), direct visualization of the spinal cord tumors and their relationship to the surrounding structures becomes possible. A clinical analysis was done retrospectively in forty patients suffering from primary spinal tumors and were treated surgically from November 1991 to November 1995. There were 19 male and 21 female patients, peak incidence occurs in the sixth decade of life. The tumor with the highest incidence was neurogenic tumor (42.5%), followed by glial tumor and meningioma. The most frequent symptom was pain. On radiological evaluation, simple plain X-ray showed abnormality in 37.5% of cases, in which the most common positive finding was pedicle erosion (20%). CT was performed in 38 cases and MRI in 31. The MRI reveals not only morphologic abnormalities but also diversities in signal intensity. These findings helped us to establish pathologic diagnosis and operative planning. Surgery was performed via anterior(5%) and posterior(95%) approaches. Total removal was possible in 70% of the cases and subtotal removal in 30%. Evaluation of the patient's symptom and neurologic deficit was done one month after operation, it was found that about 80% of the patients recovered or have their conditions improved. Complications were developed in 3 cases.

Lipomyelomeningocele: Clinical analysis of 14 Cases

Lipomyelomeningocele is the most common malformation leading to spinal cord tethering. Nonetheless, these lesion continues to pose a challenge in patient management. The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical feature, candidate for surgical repair, and outcome of lipomyelomeningocele in young children and adults. We studied the magnetic resonance images and/or lumbar myelo-CT of lipomyelomeningocele performed between January 1987 and September 1995 at our institutions and reviewed the pertinent medical records and radiologic stuies to detemine clinical feature, surgical candidate, and outcomes of these patients. Of the 14 cases(11 female and 3 males) studied, the most common factor that caused these patients to seek help was the cosmetic effect of the mass on their back, followed by urinary incontinence, and weakness of lower extremities. The patients' age ranged from 2 months to 21 years(mean, 5.0 years). All the patients underwent immediate surgical management that consisted of removal of lipoma, untethering of the cord, and complete dural sac repair. Follow up for these patients ranged from 6 to 82 months(median, 54 mo). None of the patients that underwent surgical correction before the emergence of neurological deficit had ever developed neurological deficits or uninary incontinence at the time of surgery, improved significantly. In conclusion, early detection and prophylactic surgery is imperative to prevent permanent neurological deficits and urinary dysfunction.

Unilateral pulsatile tinnitus: A case report / 대한이비인후과학회지

No abstract available.