Feasibility of Circulating Tumor DNA Analysis in Patients with Follicular Lymphoma / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#The feasibility of sequencing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in plasma as a biomarker to predict early relapse or poor prognosis in patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) receiving systemic immunochemotherapy is not clear. @*Materials and Methods@#We sequenced DNA from cell-free plasma that was serially obtained from newly diagnosed FL patients undergoing systemic immunochemotherapy. The mutation profiles of ctDNA at the time of diagnosis and at response evaluation and relapse and/or progression were compared with clinical course and treatment outcomes. @*Results@#Forty samples from patients receiving rituximab-containing immunochemotherapy were analyzed. Baseline sequencing detected mutations in all cases, with the major detected mutations being KMT2C (50%), CREBBP (45%), and KMT2D (45%). The concentration of ctDNA and tumor mutation burden showed a significant association with survival outcome. In particular, the presence of mutations in CREBBP and TP53 showed poor prognosis compared with patients without them. Longitudinal analysis of ctDNA using serially collected plasma samples showed an association between persistence or reappearance of ctDNA mutations and disease relapse or progression. @*Conclusion@#Analysis of ctDNA mutations in plasma at diagnosis might help predict outcome of disease, while analysis during follow-up may help to monitor disease status of patients with advanced FL. However, the feasibility of ctDNA measurement must be improved in order for it to become an appropriate and clinically relevant test in FL patients.

Microbiological Contamination Assessment of School Cafeterias in the Gyeongnam Area: Investigation of the Status of Hygiene Management since COVID-19

School meals are prepared based using the HACCP system, which is designed to ensure the physical and mental health of students. However, operational recommendations in school cafeterias have changed due to COVID-19 and include delays in serving time to restrict the number of meals and the installation of screens to prevent droplet transmission. Unfortunately, these changes may have detrimentally affected hygiene practices and generated new food poisoning sources. This study aimed to determine the hygiene state of school cafeterias in the Gyeongnam area from December 2020 to September 2021 based on the monitoring of total aerobic and coliform bacteria. Kitchen floors were the most contaminated areas with an average number of total aerobic bacteria of 4.3 log CFU/100 cm 2 , whereas counts in dining areas were relatively low at 0.1∼3.5 log CFU/100 cm 2 . Newly installed partitioned areas had the lowest contamination level of 0.1∼2.8 log CFU/100 cm 2 . Escherichia coli was not detected on any surface, while coliform was detected on workbenches and floors. In conclusion, hygienic practices appear to have been adequately managed in school cafeterias despite COVID-19 driven changes. Nonetheless, continuous monitoring is recommended to ensure prompt response to changing environments.

Inflammatory Monocytes Infiltrate the Spiral Ligament and Migrate to the Basilar Membrane After Noise Exposure

Objectives@#. Noise exposure leads to an increase in the macrophage population. This increment is thought to be caused by the transformation of infiltrated monocytes into macrophages rather than by proliferation of the cochlear resident macrophages. However, studies on infiltrated monocytes in the cochlea are scarce. Thus, we aimed to investigate the infiltration of monocytes and their transformation into macrophages after noise exposure. @*Methods@#. In wild-type and CX3CR1+/GFP C57/B6 mice, inflammatory monocytes were identified by immunofluorescence of mouse cochlear cells. The findings were confirmed and quantitated by flow cytometry. @*Results@#. One day after noise exposure, monocytes were identified in the spiral ligament. Flow cytometric analysis confirmed that the monocyte population peaked on post-noise exposure day 1 and decreased thereafter. On day 3 after noise exposure, amoeboid-type macrophages increased in the crista basilaris, and on day 5, they spread to the basilar membrane. @*Conclusion@#. Infiltrated monocytes were successfully observed 1 day after noise exposure, preceding the increase in the macrophage population. This finding supports the proposal that infiltrated monocytes transform into macrophages.

Wire perforation of the missed tiny aneurysm originating from the fenestrated A1 segment during the endovascular approach

Vascular anomaly and aneurysmal formation of an anterior communicating artery (ACOM) complex has often been reported. Because of such a complicated relationship between the vascular structure and aneurysms, ACOM aneurysm is one of the most difficult aneurysms to treat among other common anterior circulation aneurysms. We herein report a case of wire perforation of a missed tiny aneurysm arising from the fenestrated A1 segment during the endovascular approach to ACOM aneurysm. Although the fenestration of A1 segment is a rare vascular anomaly, it is likely to accompany saccular type aneurysms in the vicinity of the vascular anomaly. Endovascular treatment for ACOM aneurysm requires more detailed evaluations of the accompanying vascular anomaly and hemodynamics around ACOM to avoid complications.

Optimal First-Line Therapy for Acute Low-Tone Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Background and Objectives@#We aimed to analyze treatment outcomes following different initial management approaches and confirm treatment regimens for acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss (ALHL) that would yield the best results. @*Subjects and Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 106 patients with ALHL who visited a university hospital’s otology clinic from March 2013 to June 2019. Pure-tone averages at the initial visit and at 2 and 4 weeks after the initial visit were evaluated. @*Results@#Forty-nine patients were enrolled in this study; of them, 41 (83.7%) exhibited complete recovery (CR) at 2 weeks and 43 (87.8%) exhibited CR at 1 month after the initial visit. Regression analysis revealed that CR at 2 weeks after the initial visit was associated with diuretic use [Exp(B): 10.309, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.007-100]. An initial daily low-dose steroid use was marginally significant [Exp(B): 1.042, 95% CI: 0.997-1.092; p=0.066]. Isolated diuretic use [Exp(B): 25.641, 95% CI: 1.121-90.909; p=0.039] was an independent, good prognostic factor at 1 month after the initial visit. However, other treatment regimens did not affect the final results. @*Conclusions@#A combination of initial daily administration of ≤30 mg prednisolone plus diuretics was sufficient as the first-line treatment for ALHL. High-dose steroids and salvage intratympanic steroid injections can be applied as a second choice; however, the predicted outcome would not be good in that case.

A Case of Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the External Auditory Canal Skin with Annulus and Tympanic Membrane / 대한이비인후과학회지

Merkel cell carcinoma is an extremely rare neuroendocrine neoplasm of the external auditory canal (EAC) skin, which requires wide excision and adjuvant radiation due to a high recurrence rate. In this report, we describe a case of Merkel cell carcinoma arising from the EAC which was successfully treated with endoscopic excision. A 32-years-old female patient with a history of papillary thyroid cancer was diagnosed with an EAC tumor incidentally. There was a erythematous papular lesion on the posterior EAC without any evidence of locoregional metastasis. The patient underwent endoscopic tumor resection under general anesthesia, and the final pathologic report confirmed the diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma. There was no clinical or radiographic evidence of recurrence or metastasis of Merkel cell tumor for 41 months after surgical resection alone.

A Case of Solitary Fibrous Tumor of Hard Palate / 대한이비인후과학회지

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm first described and often encountered in the pleura. It has also been documented in a variety of extrapleural sites including the abdominal cavity, respiratory tract, lung, breast, and rarely in the head and neck region. SFT in the hard palate is an extremely unusual location. We present a rare case of SFT that presented as a palate mass, which was suggested as a mesenchymal cell neoplasm by preoperative punch biopsy, and finally diagnosed as STF after successful surgical excision. SFTs should be considered as a differential diagnosis of palate benign tumor when preoperative pathologic findings show mesenchymal neoplasms of fibroblastic or myofibroblastic origin. Possible malignant variants should be distinguished by evaluating the histological parameters, including high cellularity, frequent mitotic activity, nuclear pleomorphism, and presence of necrosis.

A Case of Solitary Fibrous Tumor of Hard Palate / 대한이비인후과학회지

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm first described and often encountered in the pleura. It has also been documented in a variety of extrapleural sites including the abdominal cavity, respiratory tract, lung, breast, and rarely in the head and neck region. SFT in the hard palate is an extremely unusual location. We present a rare case of SFT that presented as a palate mass, which was suggested as a mesenchymal cell neoplasm by preoperative punch biopsy, and finally diagnosed as STF after successful surgical excision. SFTs should be considered as a differential diagnosis of palate benign tumor when preoperative pathologic findings show mesenchymal neoplasms of fibroblastic or myofibroblastic origin. Possible malignant variants should be distinguished by evaluating the histological parameters, including high cellularity, frequent mitotic activity, nuclear pleomorphism, and presence of necrosis.

Trans-tympanic Cartilage Chip Insertion for Intractable Patulous Eustachian Tube

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patulous Eustachian tube (PET) causes troublesome autophony. We treated PET using tragal cartilage chip insertion to fill in the concavity within the tubal valve and evaluated the feasibility of this method. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study used a prospective design. Eleven patients with PET disorder were included. Tragal cartilage chip insertion via a transcanal approach into the Eustachian tube (ET) was performed in 14 ears of those patients. They were followed-up for at least 12 months after surgery and were evaluated by symptom questionnaire scores. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 16.4 months. Thirteen of fourteen ears received immediate complete relief of autophony symptoms. Autophony symptoms at the last follow-up were as follows: four ears (28.6%) had complete relief; five ears (35.7%) showed satisfactory improvement; four ears (28.6%) showed significant but unsatisfactory improvement; and one ear (7.1%) was unchanged. The PET symptom questionnaire in the affected ears showed a significant reduction in autophony (p=0.047) and improvement in breathing sound conduction (p=0.047). There were no complications such as otitis media or occlusion symptom. CONCLUSIONS: Transtympanic cartilage chip insertion into the ET provides a safe and accessible surgical option for the treatment of PET.

Effects of Percutaneous Sacroplasty on Pain and Mobility in Sacral Insufficiency Fracture

OBJECTIVE: Sacral insufficiency fracture (SIF) contributes to severe low back pain. Prolonged immobilization resulting from SIF can cause significant complications in the elderly. Sacroplasty, a treatment similar to vertebroplasty, has recently been introduced for providing pain relief in SIF. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical short-term effects of percutaneous sacroplasty on pain and mobility in SIF. METHODS: This study is conducted prospectively with data collection. Sixteen patients (3 men and 13 women) with a mean age of 77.5 years (58 to 91) underwent sacroplasty. Patients reported visual analogue scale (VAS; 0–10) and Oswestry disability index (ODI; 0–100%) scores. VAS and ODI scores were collected preoperatively and again at one day, one month, and three months postoperatively. Questionnaires measuring six activities of daily living (ADLs) including ambulating, performing housework, dressing, bathing, transferring from chair, and transferring from bed were collected. Ability to perform ADLs were reported preoperatively and again at three months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean preoperative VAS score (mean±SD) of 7.5±0.8 was significantly reduced to 4.1±1.6, 3.3±1.0, and 3.2±1.2 postoperatively at one day, one month, and three months, respectively (p<0.01). The mean ODI score (%) also significantly improved from 59±14 preoperatively to 15.5±8.2 postoperatively at one month and 14.8±8.8 at three months (p<0.01). All ADL scores significantly improved at three months postoperatively (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous sacroplasty alleviates pain quickly and improves mobility and quality of life in patients treated for SIF.

Complementation of Disability Rating System on Hearing Injury: Application of Linear Regression Analysis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: According to the correlation between hearing injury and McBride disability rating presented by previous studies, there are over/underestimated cases particularly in the 40 dB hearing range compared to other ranges. In this study, we reviewed the overestimated and underestimated data and propose a complementation scheme for a disability rating system by using the linear regression analysis. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: For the past 14 years, we have provided legal advisory for 121 cases of hearing injury, for which disability had to be rated. We reviewed all but excluded 11 cases for the aggravation of disability. A regression equation was produced from a linear regression analysis that used the percent of hearing handicap (AAO-HNS/AMA-1979 formula) as an independent variable (x) and McBride disability rating (%) as a dependent variable (y), following the Pearson correlation test. Iterative calculation was performed for overestimated (18) and underestimated (8) cases. RESULTS: Appropriate disability ratings were 14% for the cases overestimated to 20% and 11% for those underestimated to 5%. Appropriate disability ratings for the 20% of overestimated cases were changed to 14%, and for the 5% of the underestimated cases, the disability ratinb 11%. Iterative calculation showed that the Pearson correlation index was improved from 0.8866 to 0.9065 and the determination coefficient of regression analysis (adjusted R-square) was improved from 0.784 to 0.8202. CONCLUSION: The common range of hearing injury, which falls between 30-40 dB corresponds to the percentage of hearing handicap of 7.5-22.5%. A fairer assessment of ability rating would be possible by complementing some parts of this hearing range.

A Case of an Adult-Onset Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Involving the Temporal Bone / 대한이비인후과학회지

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease characterized by clonal proliferation of Langerhans cells. The temporal bone is frequently involved in pediatric LCH cases, but there have been few reports of adult LCH with temporal bone involvement. We present a case of adult onset LCH affecting the temporal bone. The diagnosis was made by biopsy, based on histopathologic findings of Langerhans cells. Diagnostic and therapeutic considerations of LCH involving the temporal bone are discussed.

Percutaneous Carpal Tunnel Release Using Preoperative Ultrasonography and the Wire Rope

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to introduce a new method of percutaneous carpal tunnel release and report its results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After preoperative ultrasonographic mapping, a percutaneous carpal tunnel release was performed using the wire rope through two skin needle punctures. Forty wrists of 30 patients were evaluated restrospectively in terms of the symptomatic resolution and complications. The mean age of patients was 53.7 years ranging from 44 to 79 years. The mean follow-up period was 12.8 months ranging from 6 to 18 months. RESULTS: All cases showed complete relief or marked improvement of symptoms postoperatively. There was no neurovascular injury or other major complication. At postoperative 6 months follow-up, according to the Boston questionnaire, symptom severity score improved from 3.67+/-0.25 preoperatively to 1.55+/-0.33 postoperatively, and functional status score improved from 3.52+/-0.38 preoperatively to 2.09+/-0.42 postoperatively. All patients regained grip strength and pinch strength after surgery. CONCLUSION: The percutaneous carpal tunnel release using the preoperative ultrasonograhic mapping and the wire rope is an effective, reliable and safe method with the benefits of less postoperative pain and early recovery.

Classification of External Auditory Canal Cholesteatoma by Computed Tomography

OBJECTIVES: We propose here a classification system for external auditory canal cholesteatoma (EACC). We classified the EACC by the computed tomography findings and clinical findings of the patients, and we evaluated the EACC characteristics by the proposed staging system. METHODS: Stage classification was done according to the results of temporal bone computed tomography and the clinical findings of the patients. Stage I indicates that the EACC lesion is limited to the external auditory canal. Stage II indicates that the EACC lesion invades the tympanic membrane and middle ear. Stage III indicates that the EACC lesion creates a defect of the external auditory canal and it involves the air cells in the mastoid bone. Stage IV indicates that the EACC lesion is beyond the temporal bone. Between 1996 and 2006, 29 patients with EACC and who underwent surgery were prospectively collected. This study was comprised of 16 males and 13 females with a mean age of 22.8+/-15.0 yr. We reviewed the characteristics and results of surgery by our proposed staging system. RESULTS: A total of 29 patients who underwent operation due to EACC were classified by this system, and the number of stage I, II, III, and IV cases was 14, 3, 10, and 2, respectively. Symptoms such as otorrhea, hearing impairment and otalgia occurred in 12, 17, and 17 cases, respectively. The most common wall invaded by EACC was the inferior wall. The number of cases that had a spontaneous, congenital, post-traumatic, post-inflammatory or tumorous origin was 14, 9, 2, 2, and 1, respectively. Cholesteatoma recurred in 2 patients after surgery. Both cases were stage 1 and both were caused by congenital disease. There were 3 cases with meatal stenosis after surgery, and their primary disease was congenital. CONCLUSION: This proposed staging is simple and easily applicable for use when deciding the treatment plan for patients with EACC.

Isolated torsion of the hydrosalpinx after hysterectomy: A case report / 대한산부인과학회지

Isolated tubal torsion is a rare disease that causes acute lower abdominal pain. In most of cases, the ovary and the fallopian tube are together twisted due to an ovarian tumor, but the fallopian tube alone is rarely twisted. Tubal torsion mainly occurs in fertile women, and it rarely occurs prior to menarche and during menopause. We experienced a case where isolated tubal torsion occurred in a perimenopausal female with total abdominal hysterectomy, while the findings showed a normal ovary. We report this case with a brief review of related literature.

A Case of Lermoyez' Syndrome / 대한평형의학회지

Lermoyez's syndrome is usually regarded as a rare variant of Meniere's disease which is characterized by the disappearance of aural symptoms after vertiginous attacks. It is recognized as an uncommon paroxysmal clinical syndrome caused by pathological endolymphatic change in the labyrinth. It is thought that the cause of Lermoyez's syndrome is due to cochlea hydrops which result from endolymphatic blockage of the ductus reunions. With its distinct characteristic manifestations, the diagnosis is not difficult, but Lermoyez's syndrome has been rarely reported universally. Otologists are in a whirl about its rare occurrence. We report a unique case of a 46-year-old woman, who showed typical clinical features of Lermoyez's syndrome with review of literatures. We focused on the sequential clinical change during our observation.

Preventing Lateral Skin Numbness after Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: The authors report the results of preserving the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve during unicompartmental knee arthroplasty to prevent lateral skin numbness. METHODS: All 100 cases had medial compartmental osteoarthritis and a minimally invasive technique had been used. The mean follow-up duration was two years and eight months (range, 24 to 42 months). RESULTS: The classification according to the location of this nerve was observed as either Mochida Type I with 76 cases (76%), Type II with 16 cases (16%), and unclassified type with 8 cases (8%). In Type I, the nerve was saved in 62 cases (82%), but could not be preserved in Type II because of the surgical procedure. These results showed that the mean distance from the joint line to the nerve of Type I was 9.13 mm (range, 4 to 15 mm) and the nerve passed inferiorly. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the location of this nerve can be predicted ahead of the procedure, which will help preserve it during the surgery.

Prenatal diagnosis of large subamniotic cyst compressing the umbilical cord on umbilicoplacental junction : A case report / 대한산부인과학회지

Placenta surface cyst classified subamniotic hematoma, subchorionic hematoma and subchorionic cyst by histological finding. These cysts did not affect the obstetrical outcome according to the previous report. However, we experienced that the subamniotic cyst compressed the umbilical cord to result in fetal deceleration. We report this case with brief review of literature.

Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety of Endoscopic Vidian Neurectomy for the Treatment of Intractable Rhinitis

OBJECTIVES: Vidian neurectomy could be considered the treatment of choice for intractable rhinitis, because it is the only method that can permanently block the pathophysiological mechanism of rhinitis. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of vidian neurectomy on nasal symptoms and tear production, and to assess for possible complications. METHODS: Six patients with intractable rhinitis who underwent endoscopic transnasal vidian neurectomy were enrolled. The degree of symptom improvement and complications were assessed through retrospective review of medical records prior to, and 1 year following surgery, and telephone survey after 6.9+/-2.1 years. Schirmer's test was performed before surgery, and these values were compared to postoperative results at 1 day, 1 month, and 2 months. RESULTS: Changes in the visual analogue scale were significant in nasal obstruction (8.5+/-2.5 to 3.0+/-2.0, P<0.05) and rhinorrhea (9.0+/-2.2 to 2.0+/-1.6, P<0.05). Improvements persisted for up to 7 years after the primary surgery. Patients complained of mild dry eyes for 1 month after vidian neurectomy. However, five out of six reported marked improvement of xerophthalmia after 2 months. Aside from mild crusting of the nasal cavity and mild postoperative pain, there were no major complications. During the entire follow-up period, no patient needed additional treatment, such as antihistamines or corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: Vidian neurectomy is effective in alleviating nasal symptoms in patients with intractable rhinitis refractory to other treatments. This effect is sustained for at least 7 years with minimal postoperative complications.

The Effect of Preoperative Interscalene Block Using Low-Dose Mepivacaine on the Postoperative Pain after Shoulder Arthroscopic Surgery

BACKGROUND: Shoulder arthroscopic surgery is frequently associated with severe postoperative pain, which can be difficult to manage without the use of high-dose opioids. Although an interscalene brachial plexus block (ISBPB) can be used to provide anesthesia for shoulder arthroscopic surgery, its effect using low-dose mepivacaine on postoperative pain management has not been reported. We hypothesized that ISBPB using a low-dose mepivacaine can provide effective postoperative analgesia for shoulder arthroscopic surgery without the need for high-dose opioids and act as a significant motor or sensory block. METHODS: This study examined a total of 40 patients, who underwent shoulder arthroscopic surgery, and received ISBPB with 10 ml of normal saline (group NS; n = 20) or 10 ml of 1% mepivacaine with epinephrine 1:200,000 (group MC; n = 20). The block was performed preoperatively. The postoperative pain score, opioid consumption, and side effect were recorded. RESULTS: The visual analog scale scores were significantly lower in group MC than in group NS at 120 minutes after shoulder arthroscopic surgery (1.9 +/- 1.0 versus 4.0 +/- 1.4). Group MC showed significantly lower fentanyl consumption after shoulder arthroscoic surgery than group NS (27 +/- 32.6 versus 79 +/- 18.9microgram). The degree of motor and sensory block after surgery was minimal. CONCLUSIONS: ISBPB using low-dose mepivacaine reduced the level of postoperative pain and fentanyl consumption without significant side effects. ISBPB using low-dose mepivacaine is a useful analgesic technique for shoulder arthroscopic surgery.