Recurrent pyogenic liver abscess as a presenting manifestation of colorectal cancer

No abstract available.

Allopurinol-induced DRESS syndrome mimicking biliary obstruction

An 84-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with fever, jaundice, and itching. He had been diagnosed previously with chronic renal failure and diabetes, and had been taking allopurinol medication for 2 months. A physical examination revealed that he had a fever (38.8degrees C), jaundice, and a generalized maculopapular rash. Azotemia, eosinophilia, atypical lymphocytosis, elevation of liver enzymes, and hyperbilirubinemia were detected by blood analysis. Magnetic resonance cholangiography revealed multiple cysts similar to choledochal cysts in the liver along the biliary tree. Obstructive jaundice was suspected clinically, and so an endoscopic ultrasound examination was performed, which ruled out a diagnosis of obstructive jaundice. The patient was diagnosed with DRESS (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) syndrome due to allopurinol. Allopurinol treatment was stopped and steroid treatment was started. The patient died from cardiac arrest on day 15 following admission.

A Case of Scleroderma-like Cutaneous Lesions Induced by Docetaxel in a Patient with Breast Cancer

Docetaxel, an anti-microtubule agent, has been reported to show cytotoxic effects in solid tumors. Its toxicities also include neutropenia, alopecia, skin reaction, and fluid retention. In this study, we report on a case of a 57-year-old Korean female who presented with rapidly progressive scleroderma-like cutaneous changes in the upper and lower extremities after administration of docetaxel. Results of the following tests were normal or negative: full blood count, serum urea, creatinine, electrolytes, liver function test, thyroid function test, rheumatoid factor, anti-nuclear antibody, and anti-topoisomerase antibody. No structural abnormalities were noted on esophagogastroduodenoscopy, chest computed tomography, and Doppler ultrasonography. A biopsy of skin from the left calf showed dermal sclerosis. There was no other explanation for the lesion, except a scleroderma-like cutaneous change induced by docetaxel in this Korean female undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Endobronchial Mycobacterium avium Infection in an Immunocompetent Patient

Although Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is the most common pathogen in nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary diseases, endobronchial lesions caused by MAC infections are very rare even in an immunocompromised host. Herein, we describe the case of a 59-year-old, HIV-negative and non-immunocompromised woman who developed multifocal pulmonary infiltrations with endobronchial lesion caused by M. avium. Bronchoscopic examination revealed white- and yellow-colored irregular mucosal lesions in the bronchus of the left lingular division. M. avium was identified using sputum culture and bronchial washing fluid culture. Following the recommendations of the American Thoracic Society and Infectious Diseases Society of America (ATS/IDSA), the patient was begun on treatment with antimycobacterial drugs. After treatment, pneumonic infiltration decreased.

An Adult Case of Severe Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection with T-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorder

No abstract available.

Appropriate Dosage of 8.4% Sodium Bicarbonate for Preventing Injection Pain of Rocuronium during Anesthetic Induction / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The administration of rocuronium is associated with severe burning pain on injection that lasts for approximately 10-20 seconds. Injection pain is probably caused by the acidic pH of rocuronium. Mixing rocuronium with 8.4% sodium bicarbonate might neutralize the acidic pH thereby decrease the level of injection pain. This study investigated the appropriate sodium bicarbonate dose for preventing injection pain. METHODS: The study examined 250 patients (aged 20 to 60 years) from ASA I and II groups who scheduled for elective surgery. The patients were divided randomly into five groups. The control group (SB0) received rocuronium 50 mg (5 ml) only and the experimental groups received rocuronium 50 mg mixed with 8.4% sodium bicarbonate 1 (SB1), 2.5 (SB2.5), 5 (SB5), 7 (SB7) ml, respectively. The level of pain was evaluated as the withdrawal response as follows: no movement, 0; hand and wrist movement, 1 point; ipsilateral arm movement, 2 points; and general movement 3 points. RESULTS: The incidence of a withdrawal response was 68% in the control group (SB0). On the other hand, the incidence of a withdrawal response was 38%, 28%, 14% and 12% in the SB1, SB2.5, SB5 and SB7 groups, respectively. The withdrawal response was significantly lower in the experimental groups than in the control group (P < 0.01). In the experimental groups, a significant difference was observed between the SB1 and SB5, SB7 groups. However, there was no significant difference observed between the SB2.5, SB5 and SB7 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Mixing 5 ml of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate with rocuronium 50 mg (5 ml) is the most effective in preventing the injection pain associated with rocuronium during the induction of anesthesia.