Responses to Overdiagnosis in Thyroid Cancer Screening among Korean Women / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Communicating the harms and benefits of thyroid screening is necessary to help individuals decide on whether or not to undergo thyroid cancer screening. This study was conducted to assess changes in thyroid cancer screening intention in response to receiving information about overdiagnosis and to determine factors with the greatest influence thereon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were acquired from subjects included in the 2013 Korean National Cancer Screening Survey (KNCSS), a nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional survey. Of the 4,100 respondents in the 2013 KNCSS, women were randomly subsampled and an additional face-to-face interview was conducted. Finally, a total of 586 female subjects were included in this study. Intention to undergo thyroid cancer screening was assessed before and after receiving information on overdiagnosis. RESULTS: Prior awareness of overdiagnosis in thyroid cancer screening was 27.8%. The majority of subjects intended to undergo thyroid cancer screening before and after receiving information on overdiagnosis (87% and 74%, respectively). Only a small number of subjects changed their intention to undergo thyroid cancer screening from positive to negative after receiving information on overdiagnosis. Women of higher education level and Medical Aid Program recipients reported being significantly more likely to change their intention to undergo thyroid cancer screening afterreceiving information on overdiagnosis,whilewomen with stronger beliefs on the efficacy of cancer screening were less likely to change their intention. CONCLUSION: Women in Korea appeared to be less concerned about overdiagnosis when deciding whether or not to undergo thyroid cancer screening.

The Usefulness of Endoscopic Subtumoral Dissection for En-bloc Resection of Upper Gastrointestinal Submucosal Tumor / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The removal of esophageal and gastric submucosal tumors is difficult using conventional endoscopic mucosal resection methods. This study examined the usefulness of an endoscopic subtumoral dissection for an en-bloc resection of submucosal tumors. METHODS: An endoscopic subtumoral dissection was attempted for an en-bloc resection in 15 submucosal tumors (M: F=10 : 5, 13 stomach, 2 esophagus). Before the procedures, endoscopic ultrasonography was performed in all cases. The procedure was carried out using various electrosurgical knives, such as an endoscopic submucosal dissection. RESULTS: Pathological and immunohistochemical studies confirmed a gastrointestinal stromal tumor in 6 cases. Other pathological diagnoses were made in 9 patients with submucosal lesions: leiomyoma (4), ectopic pancreas (3), lipoma (1), and hemangioma (1). An en-bloc resection was performed in 13 of the 15 tumors (86.7%). The mean specimen size was 29.5x21.1 mm. The mean procedure time was 49.4 minutes (range: 8~103 minutes). Gastric perforation was a complication in 2 cases with GIST. However, the two perforated cases were treated with endoscopic closure using endoclips and recovered without the need for surgery. CONCLUSIONS: An endoscopic subtumoral dissection technique is useful for an en-bloc resection of esophageal and gastric submucosal tumors. However, sufficient attention should be paid to the detection of perforations in the case of tumors with a proper muscle origin.

Safety and efficacy of propofol for sedative endoscopy in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Propofol is widely used for sedation during endoscopy. Because propofol may cause hepatic encephalopathy, hemodynamic compromise, and respiratory depression, cautious use is required in patients with liver cirrhosis. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of propofol in compensated cirrhosis during endoscopic examination. METHODS: Thirty-nine cirrhotic patients (19 and 20 cases of Child Pugh classes A and B, respectively) and 56 control subjects were included. The initial dose of propofol (40 mg) was increased by 20-mg increments until moderate sedation was achieved. The number connection test, flapping tremor test, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, liver enzymes, and prothrombin time were evaluated before and after endoscopy. RESULTS: No significant change was observed in any parameter compared to baseline in either group. The mean dose of propofol was significantly lower in cirrhotic versus control subjects (49.7+/-15.8 versus 65.0+/-17.9 mg, respectively; p<0.001). Scores based on a visual analog scale evaluating patient satisfaction did not differ between groups (72+/-27 versus 64+/-26, respectively; p=0.196), nor did mean recovery time (16.4+/-9.8 versus 14.2+/-6.7 min, respectively; p=0.186). CONCLUSION: Propofol is safe and effective for moderate sedation in compensated liver cirrhosis.

Eradication Rate of First-line and Second-line Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Infection, and Reinfection Rate after Successful Eradication / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The increasing trend of antibiotic resistance emphasizes the need for the assessment of eradication rate of first and second-line therapy for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. The reinfection rate depends on the geographical, national, or socioeconomic status of the patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the recent 5-year changes of eradication rates and the reinfection rates after the successful eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection for 3-years follow-up in Bucheon, Korea. METHODS: From February 2001 to August 2006, 3,267 patients with H. pylori-positive peptic ulcer disease received the first-line therapy for 7 days. The 317 patients who failed to the first-line therapy received the second-line therapy for 7 days. The 167 patients with 3-years follow-up after the successful eradication were included. (13)C-urea breath tests or rapid urease tests and histologies were assessed to determine the H. pylori status after the eradication. RESULTS: The eradication rate of first-line therapy was 83.7% in 2001, 83.4% in 2002, 83.7% in 2003, 85.9% in 2004, 87.2% in 2005, and 81.8% in 2006 by per protocol analysis (PP), respectively. The eradication rate of second-line therapy was 80.0% in 2002, 86.8% in 2003, 89.7% in 2004, 98.0% in 2005, and 78.8% in 2006 by PP. The cumulative reinfection rate was 6.0%. The annual reinfection rate was 2.0%. The recurrence rate of peptic ulcer was 17.2% in the patients without reinfection and 50% with reinfection. CONCLUSIONS: The eradication rate for H. pylori have not changed in the recent 5-years. The annual reinfection rate was low. The successful eradication of H. pylori was effective for preventing the recurrence of peptic ulcers.

Effectiveness and Tolerance of Duodenoscopic Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Bowel preparation for colonoscopy remains an unpleasant experience because oral solutions have unpleasant tastes and may provoke abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and sleep disturbance. Duodenoscopic bowel preparation is an alternative method for patients who are unwilling to take oral preparation solution or for those who are supposed to have both gastroscopic and colonoscopic examination on the same day. We assessed the effectiveness and tolerance of duodenoscopic bowel preparation. METHODS: Patients in group OA (orally administered) ingested 45 mL of sodium phosphate (NaP) in the evening before the day of procedure and in the morning on the day of colonoscopy, whereas patients in group EA (endoscopically administered) were prepared for the procedure by duodenoscopic infusion of 90 mL of NaP diluted with 180 mL of water into the second portion of the duodenum. After 4 hours, we assessed the overall quality of colonic cleansing, using a range of excellent to inadequate. The patients completed a questionnaire on their preparation-associated symptoms, tolerance, and preference. RESULTS: In group EA, sleep disturbance (p<0.05) and nausea (p<0.05) occurred less frequently than in group OA. Overall, the tolerance rating for preparation was higher in group EA. However, the quality of colonic cleansing and cecum intubation time was not different between the two groups. Patients in group EA who had ingested NaP in the past preferred duodenoscopic bowel preparation. CONCLUSIONS: Duodenoscopic bowel preparation may play a role in colonic cleansing especially for patients who are scheduled to undergo gastroscopic and colonoscopic examination on the same day and for those who are unwilling to ingest NaP.

Effectiveness and Tolerance of Duodenoscopic Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Bowel preparation for colonoscopy remains an unpleasant experience because oral solutions have unpleasant tastes and may provoke abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and sleep disturbance. Duodenoscopic bowel preparation is an alternative method for patients who are unwilling to take oral preparation solution or for those who are supposed to have both gastroscopic and colonoscopic examination on the same day. We assessed the effectiveness and tolerance of duodenoscopic bowel preparation. METHODS: Patients in group OA (orally administered) ingested 45 mL of sodium phosphate (NaP) in the evening before the day of procedure and in the morning on the day of colonoscopy, whereas patients in group EA (endoscopically administered) were prepared for the procedure by duodenoscopic infusion of 90 mL of NaP diluted with 180 mL of water into the second portion of the duodenum. After 4 hours, we assessed the overall quality of colonic cleansing, using a range of excellent to inadequate. The patients completed a questionnaire on their preparation-associated symptoms, tolerance, and preference. RESULTS: In group EA, sleep disturbance (p<0.05) and nausea (p<0.05) occurred less frequently than in group OA. Overall, the tolerance rating for preparation was higher in group EA. However, the quality of colonic cleansing and cecum intubation time was not different between the two groups. Patients in group EA who had ingested NaP in the past preferred duodenoscopic bowel preparation. CONCLUSIONS: Duodenoscopic bowel preparation may play a role in colonic cleansing especially for patients who are scheduled to undergo gastroscopic and colonoscopic examination on the same day and for those who are unwilling to ingest NaP.

A Case of Adrenocortical Adenoma Causing Cushing's Syndrome with Contralateral Nonfunctioning Adenoma / 대한내분비학회지

We report the case of a 43-year-old woman with Cushing's syndrome showing bilateral adrenococortical adenomas. We performed bilateral selective adrenal vein samplings. Hypersecretion of cortisol on the left sided adrenal tumor was observed, but no evidence of cortisol hypersecretion from the adrenal tumor on the right side was observed. The left adrenal tumor was resected selectively, but the right adrenal gland was reserved. The left adrenal tumor was histologically diagnosed as a adrenal adenoma without any evidence of nodular hyperplasia. Following the resection of the left adrenal gland, no cortisol hypersecretion from the remaining adrenal tumor on the right side was observed until now, suggesting that a selective adrenalectomy of functioning adenoma may be an acceptable treatment modality.

Association between Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver and Metabolic Diseases / 대한내분비학회지

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is known to be frequently associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia. Recently, the diagnosis of fatty liver disease, based on ultrasonographic findings, has increased. Therefore, we examined the association between NAFLD and various metabolic diseases, such as obesity, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension or metabolic syndrome, and tried to find out whether NAFLD was independently related to insulin resistance. METHODS: From April to June 2000, 262 subjects, attending for routine physical check-ups, were screened. Of these, 115 one hundred fifteen subjects were studied, with the other 147 excluded due to significant alcohol consumption, evidence of viral or toxic hepatitis, significant liver or renal dysfunction, and overt thyroid disease. Fatty liver was diagnosed if the subject had a "bright" liver on ultrasonographic examination. All diagnoses were made by a single experienced radiologist. RESULTS: Of the 115 subjects. 30 (26%) showed NAFLD. 1. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures, body weight, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting insulin levels and HOMA IR (homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index) were higher in the subjects with NAFLD than in the controls. 2. Multiple logistic regression analysis, including age, sex, BMI, waist to hip ratio, fasting serum glucose, lipids and insulin levels, HOMA IR, and hypertension showed that BMI, total cholesterol and HOMA IR were independently related with NAFLD. 3. 27% of the subjects with NAFLD showed metabolic syndrome, and 53% of subjects with metabolic syndrome had NAFLD. 4. The percentage of subjects who had more than two factors of metabolic syndrome was three times higher in the subjects with NAFLD compared to the controls. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that NAFLD may be independently related with insulin resistance. Metabolic diseases, such as glucose intolerance, obesity, dyslipidemia and hypertension, were more prevalent in the subjects with NAFLD than in the controls. Therefore, we should try to assess the status of the metabolic diseases, and treat them in patients with NAFLD.

Recurrence of Subacute Thyroiditis: Report of Two Cases / 대한내분비학회지

Subacute thyroiditis is a self-limited inflammatory disease of viral etiology. Patients of subacute thyroiditis usually recover completely with no sequelae and recurrences are infrequent. We report two cases of recurrent subacute thyroiditis. Case 1) A 21-year-old female visited the hospital for evaluation of neck pain. She had a history of antecedent upper respiratory infection, which had been followed for 10 days. She experienced heat intolerance, sweating, palpitation and tremor. On physical examination, her heart rate was 108/min and diffuse, firm and tender goiter was palpated. Thyrotoxicosis and decreased uptake on thyroid scan were found. We diagnosed subacute thyroiditis and she recovered with salicylate and beta blocker treatment. Two years later, she revisited our hospital with the same complaint. Typical findings of subacute thyroiditis were noticed. She recovered once more with the same treatment regimen. Case 2) A 54-year-old female visited the hospital for evaluation of neck pain. She had a history of antecedent upper respiratory infection, which was followed for 14 days. She experienced heat intolerance, sweating, palpitation and weight loss. On physical examination, her heart rate was 112/min and diffuse, firm and tender goiter was palpated. Thyrotoxicosis and decreased uptake on thyroid scan were found. We diagnosed subacute thyroiditis and recovered with prednisolone and beta blocker treatment. About eight months later, she revisited our hospital with the same complaint. Typical findings of subacute thyroiditis were noticed.We report two subjects who experienced recurrent episodes of subacute thyroiditis separated by periods of 24 and 8 months. These cases serve as a reminder that recurrence of subacute thyroiditis can occur.

K-ras Gene Mutation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

PURPOSE: Point mutation of the K-ras gene causes irreversible binding of GTP to the P21-ras protein, which induces nuclear transcription factors and enhances cellular proliferation. Point mutation of the K-ras gene is known to be a poor prognostic marker of an adenocarcinoma of the lung. As about 30% of adenocarcinomas harbor the K-ras mutation, studies are being undertaken trying to use the K-ras mutation as a marker for the early detection of lung cancer. In Korea, squamous cell carcinomas are more prevalent than adenocarcinomas, but the incidence of the K-ras mutation has not been properly investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using 25 surgically resected lung cancer specimens (10 squamous cell lung carcinomas, 10 adenocarcinomas and 5 non-small cell lung cancers), 25 pairs of DNA were extracted from cancerous and normal lung tissues. After PCR, with two sets of primers flanking codons 12~13 and 61 of the K-ras gene, the mutation was screened using single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP). To verify the SSCP findings, automatic sequencing was also performed for all DNA's from the tumor and normal lung tissues. RESULTS: No samples with a band shift in SSCP were observed. In the sequencing of the 25 pairs of DNA, there were no mutations in codons 12, 13 or 61 of the K-ras gene. CONCLUSION: As there were no mutations in the K-ras codons 12, 13 and 61 in this study, the incidence of the K-ras mutation, in Korean lung cancer, may well be very low. However, further investigations on a larger population will be required, as we only studied 25 non-small cell lung cancer specimens, with only 10 adenocarcinomas.