Frequency and Severity of Hypoglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Treated with a Sulfonylurea-Based Regimen at University-Affiliated Hospitals in Korea: The Naturalistic Evaluation of Hypoglycemic Events in Diabetic Subjects Study / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: We assessed the frequency and severity of hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients treated with sulfonylurea monotherapy or sulfonylurea+metformin. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study in 2011 and 2012 including patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged ≥30 years who were treated with ≥6 months of sulfonylurea monotherapy or sulfonylurea+metformin at 20 university-affiliated hospitals in Korea. At enrollment, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was assessed; participants completed self-reported questionnaires describing hypoglycemia incidents over the past 6 months. A review of medical records up to 12 months before enrollment provided data on demographics, disease history, comorbidities, laboratory results, and drug usage. RESULTS: Of 726 enrolled patients, 719 were included (55.6% male); 31.7% and 68.3% were on sulfonylurea monotherapy and sulfonylurea+metformin, respectively. Mean±standard deviation age was 65.9±10.0 years; mean HbA1c level was 7.0%±1.0%; 77.8% of patients had hypertension (89.4% used antihypertensive medication); 60.5% had lipid disorders (72.5% used lipid-lowering medication); and 52.0% had one or more micro- or macrovascular diseases. Among patients with A1c measurement (n=717), 56.4% achieved therapeutic goals (HbA1c <7.0%); 42.4% (305/719) experienced hypoglycemia within 6 months of enrollment; and 38.8%, 12.9%, 12.7%, and 3.9% of patients experienced mild, moderate, severe, and very severe hypoglycemia symptoms, respectively. Several reported hypoglycemia frequency as 1–2 times over the last 6 months. The mean number of very severe hypoglycemia episodes was 3.5±5.5. CONCLUSION: Among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients treated with sulfonylurea-based regimens, glycemic levels were relatively well controlled but hypoglycemia remained a prevalent side effect.

Use of a helical composite free flap for alar defect reconstruction with a supermicrosurgical technique

The highly contoured nature of the nose and the abundant free margin makes it especially difficult to reconstruct. In this report, we describe the use of a new helical rim free flap technique for the reconstruction of full-thickness nasal alar defects via supermicrosurgery. Briefly, after a wide excision with a margin of 0.7 cm, an alar defect with a size of 1×1×0.5cm was obtained, which included the full thickness of the skin, mucosa, and lower lateral cartilage. Vessel dissection was performed in a straightforward manner, starting from the incision margin for flap harvest, without any further dissection for reach the greater trunk of the superficial temporal artery. The flap was inset in order to match the contour of the contralateral ala. We closed the donor site via rotation and advancement. No donor site morbidity was observed, despite the presence of a small scar that could easily be covered with hair. The alar contour was satisfactory, and the patient was satisfied with the results. The supermicrosurgical technique did not require further dissection to identify the vessels for anastomosis, leading to better cosmetic outcomes and a reduced operating time.

Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Contribute to the Protective Immunity Induced by Intranasal Treatment with Fc-fused Interleukin-7 against Lethal Influenza Virus Infection

Developing a novel vaccine that can be applied against multiple strains of influenza virus is of utmost importance to human health. Previously, we demonstrated that the intranasal introduction of Fc-fused IL-7 (IL-7-mFc), a long-acting cytokine fusion protein, confers long-lasting prophylaxis against multiple strains of influenza A virus (IAV) by inducing the development of lung-resident memory-like T cells, called T(RM)-like cells. Here, we further investigated the mechanisms of IL-7-mFc-mediated protective immunity to IAVs. First, we found that IL-7-mFc treatment augments the accumulation of pulmonary T cells in 2 ways: recruiting blood circulating T cells into the lung and expanding T cells at the lung parenchyma. Second, the blockade of T cell migration from the lymph nodes (LNs) with FTY720 treatment was not required for mounting the protective immunity to IAV with IL-7-mFc, suggesting a more important role of IL-7 in T cells in the lungs. Third, IL-7-mFc treatment also recruited various innate immune cells into the lungs. Among these cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) play an important role in IL-7-mFc-mediated protective immunity through reducing the immunopathology and increasing IAV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. In summary, our results show that intranasal treatment with IL-7-mFc modulates pulmonary immune responses to IAV, affecting both innate and adaptive immune cells.

Erratum: Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Contribute to the Protective Immunity Induced by Intranasal Treatment with Fc-fused Interleukin-7 against Lethal Influenza Virus Infection

In the publication by Kang et al., typographical error has been detected in acknowledgements.

The Use of Locally Applied Vibration to Minimize Pain during Fractional CO₂ Laser Therapy in Living Liver-Donor Scar Management

BACKGROUND: Fractional CO₂ laser is an effective treatment for scars, but most patients complain about sharp burning pain, even after the application of lidocaine ointment. This study analyzed the impact of a vibrating device to nonpharmacologically reduce the acute pain of laser treatment, in accordance with the gate control theory of pain management. METHODS: This is a prospective study performed from May 2013 through March 2014. Fifty-three patients (mean age, 26.7 years; range, 16–44 years) who had donated livers for liver transplantation were treated with a fractional CO2 laser (10,600 nm; model eCO₂, Lutronic Corp) for their abdomen scars. Laser treatment was applied 4 months after surgery. A commercially available, locally applied vibrating device (model UM-30M, Unix Electronics Co. Ltd.) was used, in an on-and-off pattern, together with the CO2 laser. A visual analogue scale (VAS; 0, no pain; 10, most severe pain) of pain sensation was assessed and statistically analyzed using a paired t-test. RESULTS: The average VAS score for pain with the vibrating device was 4.60 and the average VAS score without the vibrating device was 6.11. The average difference between scores was 1.51 (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A locally applied vibrating device was demonstrated to be effective in reducing pain when treating with a fractional CO₂ laser. Vibration treatment could be helpful when treating scars with fractional CO₂ laser in pain-sensitive patients, particularly children.

Perforator Reconstruction to Salvage the Jeopardized Flaps

During flap elevation, most perforators are cut except one or more perforators that are essential to flap survival. However these cutout perforators can cause deterioration of the blood circulation of the flap. To salvage the jeopardized flaps, rebuilding the perforator system is essential for flap survival. In the first case, after flap elevation, the upper abdominal flap margin was severely ischemic. To supply blood to the upper abdominal flaps, we found and used a major perforator underneath the upper abdominal flap which was cut earlier during the elevation, and we performed reanastomosis with ipsilateral deep inferior epigastric artery. Upper abdominal flap ischemic area was limited to a narrow suture area. In the second case, we performed free superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap reconstruction. After successful anastomosis of the SIEA and superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) with internal mammary artery and vein, serious venous congestion occurred immediately because of SIEV malfunction. We found the largest perforator vein under the flap, as an alternate way to drain, then connected it with the thoracoacromial vein with a vein graft harvested in the contralateral SIEV. Circulation has improved. In conclusion, perforator system reconstruction is essential in a jeopardized flap salvage.

Culprit-Lesion-Only Versus Multivessel Revascularization Using Drug-Eluting Stents in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Korean Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-Based Analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease, complete revascularization (CR) for non-culprit lesions is not routinely recommended. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of multivessel compared with infarct-related artery (IRA)-only revascularization in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for STEMI. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From the Korean Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (KAMIR) database, 1,094 STEMI patients with multivessel disease who underwent primary PCI with drug-eluting stents were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: culprit-vessel-only revascularization (COR, n=827) group; multivessel revascularization, including non-IRA (MVR, n=267) group. The primary endpoint of this study included major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), such as death, myocardial infarction, or target or nontarget lesion revascularization at one year. RESULTS: There was no difference in clinical characteristics between the two groups. During the one-year follow-up, 102 (15.2%) patients in the COR group and 32 (14.2%) in the MVR group experienced at least one MACE (p=0.330). There were no differences between the two groups in terms of rates of death, myocardial infarction, or revascularization (2.1% vs. 2.0%, 0.7% vs. 0.8%, and 11.7% vs. 10.1%, respectively; p=0.822, 0.910, and 0.301, respectively). The MACE rate was higher in the incompletely revascularized patients than in the completely revascularized patients (15% vs. 9.5%, p=0.039), and the difference was attributable to a higher rate of nontarget vessel revascularization (8.6% vs. 1.8%, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Although multivessel angioplasty during primary PCI for STEMI did not reduce the MACE rate compared with culprit-vessel-only PCI, CR was associated with a lower rate of repeat revascularization after multivessel PCI.

Correlates of the Severity of Coronary Atherosclerosis in Long-term Kidney Transplant Patients

Coronary artery disease remains the leading cause of early death and graft loss in renal transplant patients. The aim of this study was to identify clinical and echocardiographic parameters independently associated with the angiographically-determined severity of coronary atherosclerosis in long-term kidney transplant patients. Fifty-two kidney transplant recipients who underwent elective coronary angiography were reviewed retrospectively. Angiographic severity was evaluated using the modified Gensini index (MGI). The mean age at coronary angiography was 52.5+/-7.9 yr with a mean prior transplant duration of 118.1+/-58.8 months. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a positive correlation of MGI with transplant duration before coronary angiography and chronic allograft nephropathy, whereas an inverse correlation was demonstrated with ejection fraction and statin use. On subsequent multivariate linear regression analysis, transplant duration before coronary angiography, statin use, and ejection fraction were independently associated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in long-term kidney transplant patients. In summary, our study demonstrates that statin use, ejection fraction, and transplant duration before coronary angiography are independent parameters associated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in long-term kidney transplant patients. Further investigation is required to reduce the atherosclerotic burden in kidney transplant patients.

Radiologic study of the healing process of the extracted socket of beagle dogs using cone beam CT / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: To longitudinally observe the healing process of extracted socket and the alterations of the residual ridge in healthy adult dogs using cone beam CT (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mandibular premolars of two beagle dogs were removed and the extraction sites were covered with the gingival tissue. CBCTs (3D X-ray CT scanner, Alphard vega, Asahi Co.) were taken at baseline and at 1 week interval for 12 weeks. Radiographic density of extracted wounds was measured on normalized images with a custom-made image analysis program. The amount of alveolar crestal resorption after the teeth extraction was measured with a reformatted three-dimensional image using CBCT. Bony healing pattern of extracted wound of each group was also longitudinally observed and analyzed. RESULTS: Dimensional changes occurred during the first 6 weeks following the extraction of dogs' mandibular premolars. The reduction of the height of residual ridge was more pronounced at the buccal than at the lingual aspect of the extraction socket. Radiographic density of extracted wounds increased by week 4, but the change in density stabilized after week 6. New bone formation was observed at the floor and the peripheral side of extracted socket from week 1. The entrance of extracted socket was sealed by a hard-tissue bridge at week 5. CONCLUSION: The healing process of extracted wound involved a series of events including new bone formation and residual ridge resorption.

Recurrent unicystic ameloblastoma in mandibular anterior teeth area / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

The unicystic ameloblastoma (UA) is a variant of the solid or multicystic ameloblastoma, a less encountered variant of the ameloblastoma. It appears more frequently in the second or third decade with no sexual or racial predilection. It is almost exclusively encountered asymptomatically in the posterior mandible. We report a case of a 43-year old patient with UA, who had previously undergone a surgical treatment on the same site about 1 year ago, this lesion recurred and presented as an exophytic gingival lesion in the anterior mandibular region.

In-Hospital Outcome According to the Initial Management and the "Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Risk Score" of Acute Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The current guidelines recommend an early invasive strategy for patients suffering with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). However, there is still debate about the timing of revascularization in patients with NSTEMI. To analyze the clinical efficacy of the timing of revascularization, we compared the in-hospital clinical outcome of NSTEMI patients from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (KAMIR) between the early and selective invasive therapeutic groups. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between Nov. 2005 and Apr. 2007, 2762 acute NSTEMI patients (mean age=64.6+/-12.8 years, 1847 males) were enrolled in the KAMIR. The therapeutic strategy of NSTEMI was categorized into early invasive treatment (within 48 hours, Group I mean age: 63.1+/-13.1 years, 1085 males) and selective invasive treatment (Group II mean age: 66.5+/-12.1 years, 762 males). The initial clinical status and the in-hospital mortality and morbidity rate were compared between these two groups. The in-hospital outcomes were also compared between the two groups according to each level of the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the mortality and morbidity rate between the groups (6.5% vs. 10.3%, respectively, p<0.001). According to TIMI risk score, there were no significant differences of mortality and morbidity for the low to moderate risk patients (5.3% vs. 7.8%, respectively, p=0.123 for the risk score 0-2, 6.4% vs. 8.7%, p=0.139 for the risk score 3-4). CONCLUSION: Early invasive treatment improves the hospital outcome for the high-risk NSTEMI patients. The use of abciximab, a low ejection fraction, a high Killip class, a high TIMI risk score and old age are the predictive factors of in-hospital mortality and morbidity.

Sex Differences of the Clinical Characteristics and Early Management in the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The first on-line registration of Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction patients (KAMIRs) has been carried out throughout the 41 primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) centers that are supported by the Korean Circulation Society (KCS), as reported in the memorandum of the 50th Anniversary of the KCS. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between Nov 2005 and June 2006, 4905 patients were enrolled in KAMIR and 4110 eligible patients (2855 males and 1255 females; mean age=64.3+/-13.5 years) were analyzed. The treatment strategy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was analyzed according to the gender differences in the area of acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). RESULTS: For the initial selection of a treatment strategy for STEMI, primary PCI was more commonly performed in males than females (69.8% vs. 68.3%, respectively, p=0.008), but age was the most important predictors after multivariate adjustment. During the hospital stay, PCI regardless of its subtype was more commonly done in the males than in the females with both STEMI and NSTEMI (STEMI: 89.1% vs. 84.9%, respectively, p=0.004; NSTEMI: 74.7% vs. 63.5%, respectively, p<0.001). The success rate of PCI in STEMI patients was not different between the genders (95.0% vs. 93.6%, respectively, p=0.399), but that of NSTEMI was higher in the males than the females (96.9% vs. 95.8%, respectively, p=0.004). CONCLUSION: For the initial treatment of AMI in Korea, females are treated more conservatively than males, but age was the most important predictor for invasive treatment. The success rate of PCI was higher for the males than the females.

Relationship of bony trabecular characteristics and age to bone mass / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: Bony strength is dependent on bone mass and bony structure. So this study was designed to investigate the relationship between the bone mass and bony trabecular characteristics. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Study subjects were 51 females (average age 68.6 years) and 20 males (average age 66.4 years). Bone mineral density (BMD, grams/cm2) of proximal femur was measured by a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Regions of interest (ROIs) were selected from the digitized radiographs of proximal femur. A customized computer program processed morphologic operations (MO) of ROIs. 44 skeletal variables of MO were calculated from ROIs on the Ward's triangle and greater trochanter of femur. WHO BMD classes were predicted by MO variables of the same ROI. Classification and Regression Tree analysis was used for calculating weighted kappa values, sensitivity and specificity of MO. RESULTS: The discriminating factors of morphologic operation were branch point, branch point [per cm sq]. Age also played important role in distinguishing osteoporotic classes. The sensitivity of MO at Ward's triangle and Greater Trochanter was 91.8%, 65.6%, respectively. The specificity of MO was 100% at Ward's triangle and Greater Trochanter. CONCLUSION: Bony trabecular characteristics obtained using radiological bone morphometric analysis seem to be related to bone mass.

Effect of Vascular BRAchytherapy using HolmiuM-166 Liquid Balloon System after Cutting Balloon Angioplasty in Patients with Stent Restenosis(BRAHMS Study)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Vascular brachytherapy for stent restenosis has been demonstrated to reduce restenosis and major adverse cardiac events (MACE). However, the angiographic and clinical outcomes after beta-radiation, using a 166Holmium (Ho)-DTPA filled balloon, has not been sufficiently evaluated. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between March 2002 and August 2003, 78 consecutive patients (mean age 50 yrs, 53 male) with in-stent restenosis were randomly enrolled for either cutting balloon angioplasty only (control group, n=38) or in combination with vascular brachytherapy using a 166Ho-DTPA filled balloon (brachytherapy group, n=40). The radiation dose applied was 18 Gy, at a depth of 1.0 mm from the vascular lumen. RESULTS: The treated vessels comprised of 50 left anterior descending arteries (64.1%), 23 right coronary arteries (29.5%) and 5 circumflex arteries. The mean radiation dose and time were 375+/-67.8 mCi/ml and 191+/-76 seconds, respectively. Six cases were fractionated. The mean lesion length was 18.2+/-7.9 mm, with no difference between the 2 groups. Eight month follow-up coronary angiography revealed a restenosis rate of 17.1% (6/35) in the brachytherapy group vs. 39.3% (11/27) in the control group (p=0.042). However, there was no difference in the 1 year MACE. CONCLUSION: In patients with in-stent restenosis, vascular brachytherapy, using a 166Ho-DTPA filled balloon, showed favorable angiographic outcomes at the 8 month follow-up compared to the control group.

M. chelonae Soft Tissue Infection Spreading to Osteomyelitis

A previously healthy, 54-year-old woman presented with Mycobacterium chelonae soft tissue infection and osteomyelitis of her left lower leg. The infection had started from soft tissue emerging at the medial aspect of the distal femur and had spread through the bone because of delayed diagnosis. The largely indolent, 8-month course to diagnosis was attributable to unremarkable clinical manifestations combined with a low index of suspicion such as immunocompetent patient and/or inadequate finding of acid-fast bacilli in a lesion smear, characteristic histopathological features, and culture techniques. Soft tissue infection and osteomyelitis were successfully treated without surgical intervention and with a 6-month course of chemotherapy.

A case of acute mesenteric infarction following coronary artery bypass graft / 대한내과학회지

Acute mesenteric ischemia leading to massive bowel infarction following cardiac surgery particularly coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), is reported to be a very rare but serious life-threatening complication. In this case, a 55-year-old female underwent CABG and complained of abdominal pain on the first postoperative day, which was thought to be nonspecifically related to the operation wound. In the further hospital course, the patient was found to have extensive acute mesenteric infarction due to thromboembolism of superior mesenteric artery. This is a valuable educational case, since only high index of suspicion does not delay making a diagnosis especially in the patients with risk factors of acute mesenteric ischemia after cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. On suspicion of acute mesenteric ischemia, an aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic approach should be performed immediately.

Recurrent odontogenic keratocysts in basal cell nevus syndrome: Report of a case / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

Basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS) is principally characterized by cutaneous basal cell carcinomas, multiple odontogenic keratocysts and skeletal abnormalities. Our patient represented several characteristics of BCNS, such as, multiple odontogenic keratocysts, facial nevus, calcification of falx cerebri, parietal bossing and mental retardation. The cyst on posterior mandible showed recurrent and newly developing tendency.

Blockade of TGF-beta by Catheter-based Gene Transfer of a Soluble TGF-beta Type II Receptor Inhibits Neointima Formed after Stenting

BACKGROUND: Enhanced extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation is an important finding in coronary stent restenotic tissue, in which TGF-beta, implicated in ECM formation, is expressed abundantly. We assessed the hypothesis that blockade of TGF-beta by the local delivery of an adenovirus expressing a soluble form of the TGF-beta type II receptor (AdT beta-ExR), inhibits stent-induced neointima in porcine coronary arteries. METHODS: Two remote coronary arterial segments (n=20) per pig randomly received 1x10(9) pfu of either AdT beta-ExR or adenovirus expressing beta-galactosidase (AdLacZ)/PBS, using an Infiltrator(TM). Stents (n=20) were deployed, after gene transfer, in each segment of 10 pigs. Localized transgene expression was confirmed by both reverse transcription-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Computer-based morphometric assessment was performed in the stented arteries 4 weeks after the gene transfer. RESULTS: There was significantly less intimal area (1.57+/-0.49 vs. 2.13+/-0.34 mm2), area ratio of intima/media (0.84+/-0.44 vs. 1.32+/-0.48) and higher neointimal cell density (3121+/-330 vs. 2812+/-183 cells/mm2) in the arteries treated with AdT beta-ExR compared to the controls (all, p<0.05). Neither the cell proliferation rate, assessed by PCNA immunohistochemistry, nor the injury score were significantly different between the two groups. The distribution of hyaluronan in the intima was less in 4 of the 6 AdT beta-ExR treated arteries compared to the controls. CONCLUSION: Blockade of TGF-beta, by a local in vivo gene transfer of a soluble TGF-beta receptor, inhibits stent-induced neointima, probably by inhibiting the ECM accumulation in porcine coronary arteries, which may have therapeutic potential in the inhibition of restenosis after stenting.

The Relationship between Q-wave Regression and Improvement in the Left Ventricular Systolic Function after an Anterior Wall Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: An abnormal Q wave, after an acute myocardial infarction, has been considered an indicator of myocardial necrosis. However, in some cases this Q wave partially or completely disappears during the evolution of the myocardial infarction. The clinical significance of Q wave regression remains to be established. Accordingly, this study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between Q wave regression, after an anterior wall acute myocardial infarction, and the improvements of the regional wall motion abnormality and left ventricular ejection fraction in echocardiography. SUBJCETS AND METHODS: A total of 80 patients, who presented with a first anterior wall acute myocardial infarction, managed successfully with direct intervention, were divided into two groups according to the regression (group A) or presence (group B) of abnormal Q waves. Regression of an abnormal Q wave was defined as the disappearance of the Q wave and reappearance of the R wave > or =0.1 mV, in at least two of the I, aVL, and V1 to V6 leads. RESULTS: Of the 80 patients, 26 (32.5 %) had an abnormal Q wave regression within 12 months. The peak creatine kinase-MB activity was lower in group A than B (277.3+/-202.6 vs. 521.3+/-284.4 ng/dL, pc<0.01). Group A had better left ventricular regional wall motion than group B in the initial echocardiograms. The degree of improvement of the left ventricular ejection fraction and regional wall motion between the initial and follow-up echocardiographies were significantly greater in group A than B. CONCLUSION: Patients with an anterior wall acute myocardial infarction, showing Q wave regression, tended towards a smaller amount of necrotic myocardium and a significantly larger amount of stunned myocardium.

The Relationship between Q-wave Regression and Improvement in the Left Ventricular Systolic Function after an Anterior Wall Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: An abnormal Q wave, after an acute myocardial infarction, has been considered an indicator of myocardial necrosis. However, in some cases this Q wave partially or completely disappears during the evolution of the myocardial infarction. The clinical significance of Q wave regression remains to be established. Accordingly, this study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between Q wave regression, after an anterior wall acute myocardial infarction, and the improvements of the regional wall motion abnormality and left ventricular ejection fraction in echocardiography. SUBJCETS AND METHODS: A total of 80 patients, who presented with a first anterior wall acute myocardial infarction, managed successfully with direct intervention, were divided into two groups according to the regression (group A) or presence (group B) of abnormal Q waves. Regression of an abnormal Q wave was defined as the disappearance of the Q wave and reappearance of the R wave > or =0.1 mV, in at least two of the I, aVL, and V1 to V6 leads. RESULTS: Of the 80 patients, 26 (32.5 %) had an abnormal Q wave regression within 12 months. The peak creatine kinase-MB activity was lower in group A than B (277.3+/-202.6 vs. 521.3+/-284.4 ng/dL, pc<0.01). Group A had better left ventricular regional wall motion than group B in the initial echocardiograms. The degree of improvement of the left ventricular ejection fraction and regional wall motion between the initial and follow-up echocardiographies were significantly greater in group A than B. CONCLUSION: Patients with an anterior wall acute myocardial infarction, showing Q wave regression, tended towards a smaller amount of necrotic myocardium and a significantly larger amount of stunned myocardium.