Clinical Courses of Primary Hepatic Angiosarcoma: Retrospective Analysis of Eight Cases / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatic angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive liver malignancy, is difficult to diagnose because of a lack of specific clinical features. The clinical and radiological features of patients with histologically confirmed hepatic angiosarcoma were examined. METHODS: Among 2,336 patients diagnosed with primary hepatic carcinoma at Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center (Daegu, Korea) between May 2002 and February 2012, eight (0.03%) with histologically confirmed primary hepatic angiosarcoma were included. The patterns of disease diagnosis, tumor characteristics, treatment responses, and prognoses were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Median age was 66 years-old (range, 41-80 years). Four patients were male. Five patients were compulsive drinkers. All patients had no HBsAg and anti-HCV. Initial radiologic diagnoses revealed primary hepatic angiosarcoma (n=2), hepatocellular carcinoma (n=2), hemangioma (n=2), and hepatic metastatic carcinoma (n=2). Definitive diagnoses were made by percutaneous needle biopsies in seven patients and surgical resection in one patient. At the time of the initial diagnosis, extrahepatic metastases were detected in three patients (37.5%). Metastatic sites included the spleen and lung, pericardium, and bone, in one patient each. Two patients underwent conservative treatments. The remaining patients underwent surgical resection (n=1), transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (n=1), and systemic chemotherapy (n=4). The median survival period was 214 days (range, 21-431 days). CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic angiosarcoma is a highly progressive disease with a poor prognosis. Detailed studies including histological examinations are essential to facilitate early diagnosis of the disease.

Unexpectedly Discovered Duodenal Perforation / 대한췌담도학회지

Duodenal perforation can occur due to complications caused by ulcers, other inflammation or by the instrument used during the procedure such as endoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP); however, its incidence is not high. Most cases of perforation of the lateral wall of the duodenum are acute and require immediate surgical or endoscopic treatment. Cases of chronic duodenal perforation are rarely reported. This report presents the case of a previous perforation that was discovered unexpectedly during ERCP in a patient with cholangitis due to common bile duct stones. The time of occurrence of the perforation was unknown. After medical treatment, the patient was able to return to daily life. We have reported this case along with a literature review.

Changes in Nocturia and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms after Radical Prostatectomy

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to evaluate changes in nocturia and other lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 96 patients who underwent LRP or RALP for clinically localized prostate cancer and completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, which provided a basis for assessing their symptoms. We also evaluated maximal flow rate and post-void residual urine volume over a follow-up period of at least 24 months. We divided the patients into three groups according to postoperative changes in the frequency of nocturia. RESULTS: Voiding symptoms significantly improved over the course of 24 months in patients who underwent LRP or RALP. However, most patients showed persistent or increased nocturia after LRP or RALP. Moreover, more than one third of the patients (33/96) presented with exacerbated nocturia (1.0+/-0.9 episodes of preoperative nocturia vs. 3.0+/-1.3 episodes of postoperative nocturia). Multiple regression analysis showed that preoperative IPSS storage sub-score had negative association with the nocturia after radical prostatectomy (p=0.005). However, patients' age, body mass index, preoperative prostate specific antigen, Gleason score, T-stage, and prostate volume had no association. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that nocturia was influenced by a range of factors, including other storage LUTS and the relief of bladder outlet obstruction after radical prostatectomy. Moreover, the preoperative storage symptoms are regarded as an important factor which influences the changes of nocturia after radical prostatectomy.

A Case of Gastric Variceal Bleeding Controlled by Percutaneous Tranhepatic Glue Embolization / 계명의대학술지

Gastric variceal bleeding has relatively low incidence rate compared to esophageal variceal bleeding. However, gastric variceal bleeding tends to lead to a massive bleeding and rebleeding which in turn leads to high mortality rate. In cases where endoscopic approach is limited, Ballon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) could be considered as a next modality of seizing acute bleeding. Venous catheterization should be preceded to perform venous embolization, however, in cases of hypovolemic shock status, alternative approaches are required. We are reporting a case of 60-year old female with hypovolemic status due to a massive hematemesis, who went through a percutaneous transhepatic glue embolization to control gastric variceal bleeding.

Synergistic Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Infected with Recombinant Adenovirus Expressing Human BDNF on Erectile Function in a Rat Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury

PURPOSE: To evaluate the combined role of mescenchymal stem cells (MSCs) infected with recombinant adenoviruses expressing human BDNF (rAd/hBDNF) on the erectile dysfunction in rat with cavernous nerve injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats divided into 4 groups: control group, bilateral cavernous nerve crushing group (BCNC group), BCNC with MSCs group and BCNC with MSCs infected with rAd/hBDNF group. After 4-week, functional assessment was done. PKH26 and BDNF staining of major pelvic ganglion and masson's trichrome staining of corpus cavernosum were performed. Western blot analysis of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) was done in corpus cavernosum. RESULTS: After 4 weeks, BCNC with MSCs and MSCs infected with rAd/hBDNF groups showed significantly well-preserved erectile function compared with BCNC group. Moreover, the erectile function of MSCs infected with rAd/hBDNF group was significantly well-preserved than BCNC with MSCs group. The smooth muscle of corpus cavernosum was significantly preserved in BCNC with MSCs and MSCs infected with rAd/hBDNF groups compared with BCNC group. More preservation of smooth muscle was observed in rats with MSCs infected with rAd/hBDNF than with MSCs alone. Significant increase expression of eNOS and nNOS was noted in rats with MSCs infected with rAd/hBDNF than with MSCs alone. CONCLUSIONS: The erectile function was more preserved after injection with MSCs infected with rAd/hBDNF in rat with ED caused by cavernous nerve injury. Therefore, the use of MSC infected with rAd/hBDNF may have a better treatment effect on ED cause by cavernous nerve injury.

The Nature of Acute Pain in Herpes Zoster and Its Relationship to the Patients' Activities of Daily Living / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Acute pain can severely interfere with the activities of daily living (ADL) of patients with herpes zoster, but until now, little has been published in the Korean medical literature about the impact of herpes zoster on the ADL. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the nature and severity of the acute pain of herpes zoster patients and its relationship to the patients' ADL. METHODS: 86 patients with herpes zoster and who visited our hospital from August 2009 to June 2010 were evaluated in regard to age, gender, the dermatomal distribution, the associated diseases, the severity and nature of the pain and the ADL. The nature of the pain was measured by the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire. To access interference of pain with the ADL, we used the Zoster Brief Pain Inventory (ZBPI) and the Zoster Impact Questionnaire (ZIQ). RESULTS: The mean onset of pain was 5.6+/-3.2 days before the visit, and the mean onset of skin lesion was 4.2+/-2.2 days before the visit. The most common nature of the pain of herpes zoster was shooting pain (55.8%), followed by stabbing pain (54.7%). But there was no significant difference of gender, age, the dermatomal distribution, the clinical severity and the associated disease according to the severity and nature of the pain. For every 1.0 point increase in the pain score, there was a 0.257 and 0.105 point increase in the ZBPI and ZIQ scores, respectively, on the multivariate linear regression model. CONCLUSION: This study will help to choose appropriate treatments to reduce the pain of patients who suffer with herpes zoster.

The Nature of Acute Pain in Herpes Zoster and Its Relationship to the Patients' Activities of Daily Living / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Acute pain can severely interfere with the activities of daily living (ADL) of patients with herpes zoster, but until now, little has been published in the Korean medical literature about the impact of herpes zoster on the ADL. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the nature and severity of the acute pain of herpes zoster patients and its relationship to the patients' ADL. METHODS: 86 patients with herpes zoster and who visited our hospital from August 2009 to June 2010 were evaluated in regard to age, gender, the dermatomal distribution, the associated diseases, the severity and nature of the pain and the ADL. The nature of the pain was measured by the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire. To access interference of pain with the ADL, we used the Zoster Brief Pain Inventory (ZBPI) and the Zoster Impact Questionnaire (ZIQ). RESULTS: The mean onset of pain was 5.6+/-3.2 days before the visit, and the mean onset of skin lesion was 4.2+/-2.2 days before the visit. The most common nature of the pain of herpes zoster was shooting pain (55.8%), followed by stabbing pain (54.7%). But there was no significant difference of gender, age, the dermatomal distribution, the clinical severity and the associated disease according to the severity and nature of the pain. For every 1.0 point increase in the pain score, there was a 0.257 and 0.105 point increase in the ZBPI and ZIQ scores, respectively, on the multivariate linear regression model. CONCLUSION: This study will help to choose appropriate treatments to reduce the pain of patients who suffer with herpes zoster.

A Case of Dowling-Degos Disease on the Vulva

Dowling-Degos disease (DDD) is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis and this disease is a genetically determined disturbance of epidermal proliferation. It is characterized by acquired, slowly progressive pigmented lesions that primarily involve the great skin folds and flexural areas such as the axilla, neck, limb flexures, the inframammary area and the inguinal folds. The vulva is an unusual location for DDD. A 41-year-old woman presented with a 10-year history of multiple, small, reticulated and brownish macules distributed symmetrically on the bilateral external genital regions. We found no other similarly pigmented skin lesions on her body, including the flexural areas. There was no known family history of similar eruptions or pigmentary changes. The histologic examination showed irregular rete ridge elongation with a filiform or antler-like pattern and basilar hyperpigmentation on the tips. Fontana-Masson staining showed increased pigmentation of the rete ridges and the S100 protein staining did not reveal an increased number of melanocytes in the epidermis. From these findings, we diagnosed this lesion as DDD.

A Case of Coinfection of Hepatitis A and E Virus with Hepatic Encephalopathy / 대한내과학회지

With recent hygienic improvements in Korea, the occurrence of overt acute viral hepatitis A in adults is increasing. Acute viral hepatitis E, which has seldom been reported, has also been increasing in Korea over the past few years. Reports regarding coinfection of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) and their clinical courses are very rare. Acute hepatitis A is usually improved by conservative management, but coinfection of HAV and HEV may lead to severe forms of disease. When a patient with acute hepatitis A presents with an atypical clinical course such as hepatic encephalopathy, HEV infection, which has identical transmission routes to HAV, must be considered. We report a case of coinfection of HAV and HEV with hepatic encephalopathy.

Eight to Eighteen Years Follow Up Study of Primary Hybrid Total Hip Arthroplasty Using a Precoat Femoral Stem / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 15.5 year long term survival rate of the Precoat femoral stem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the results of 105 primary hybrid total hip replacements (98 patients) that were performed by one surgeon between October 1990 and August 1995 using a cemented polymethyl-methacrylate coated femoral prosthesis (Precoat) and contemporary cementing techniques. Thirty four patients (34 hips) died and seventeen patients (17 hips) were lost to follow-up. Forty seven patients (54 hips) were available for clinical follow-up, with an average follow-up period of 15.5 years (range: 8.4 to 18.3 years). The average age of the patients at the time of the index operation was 46 years (range: 22 to 67 years). There were 32 male patients (37 hips) and 15 female patients (17 hips). RESULTS: For the acetabular component, 15 hips (27.8%) were revised for cup loosening and isolated liner exchange was performed in 12 hips (22.2%) for liner wear and osteolysis. For the femoral component, 12 hips (22.2%) were revised due to aseptic loosening. Of these twelve hips, 3 hips had Grade B cement mantles and 9 had Grade C cement mantles. The clinical results of the 54 retained hips were good or excellent in 52 hips (96.3%) with the average Harris hip score being 88 points (range: 72 to 96 points). CONCLUSION: The mean 15.5 years' survival rate of the Precoat cemented femoral stem was 78%. We think that there were several factors for the failure of femoral stem fixation, including age, physical activity and the body weight, as well as the stem design and the surgical technique had an influence on the stem's survival.

An Unusual Clinical Presentation of Kimura's Disease Occurring on the Buttock of a Five-year-old Boy

Kimura's disease is a rare inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology primarily seen in young Asian males. It is characterized by painless subcutaneous masses, blood and tissue eosinophilia, and markedly elevated serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. Clinically, the subcutaneous nodules occur predominantly in the head and neck. However, we report the case of a five-year-old boy presenting with an asymptomatic solitary brown pigmented nodule on the left buttock diagnosed with Kimura's disease. Here we describe the diagnosis and treatment of this unusual case.

Endoscopic Ultrasonographic Findings of Esophageal Tuberculosis: Case Report / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Esophageal tuberculosis is a rare disease that is difficult to diagnose with esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), and computerized tomography. The patients with esophageal tuberculosis show diverse endoscopic findings, but ulcerative lesion in the middle esophagus is usually found. In Korea, the endoscopic ultrasonographic findings of esophageal tuberculosis have not been described. The main endoscopic ultrasonographic findings of esophageal tuberculosis include heterogeneous or homogeneous hypoechoic masses in the esophageal wall with hyperechoic spots inside, interruption of the esophageal adventitia, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. In this report, we describe two patients with esophageal tuberculosis, and they presented with submucosal tumor. In these patients, esophageal tuberculosis was diagnosed by EGD, EUS, and performing tuberculosis phase chain reaction on the endoscopic biopsies.

A Case of Herpetiform Appearance of Digital Mucous Cysts

A digital mucous cyst (DMC) is clinically characterized by a round to oval, translucent, smooth nodule localized to the dorsal aspect of the distal digits near the distal interphalangeal joint. It usually presents as a solitary lesion, and multiple lesions are uncommon. An 88-year-old man presented with herpetiform translucent papules on the right thumb. We first diagnosed the lesion as molluscum contagiosum or herpetic whitlow. Histopathology showed a cystic space containing mucinous material and numerous fibroblasts surrounded by mucinous stroma in the upper dermis. The lining of the cyst wall was not apparent and mucinous material was stained with Alcian blue, indicating a diagnosis of DMC.

The Significance of p53 and K-ras Immunocytochemical Staining in the Diagnosis of Malignant Biliary Obstruction by Brush Cytology during ERCP

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Brush cytology during ERCP can provide a pathologic diagnosis in malignant biliary obstruction. K-ras and p53 mutations are commonly found in biliary and pancreatic cancers. We evaluated the diagnostic yield of brush cytology and the changes obtained by adding p53 and K-ras staining. METHODS: One hundred and forty patients with biliary obstruction who underwent ERCP with brush cytology during a 7-year period were included. The sensitivity and specificity of brush cytology only and with the addition of p53 and K-ras staining were obtained. RESULTS: Malignant biliary obstruction was confirmed in 119 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of brush cytology were 78.2% and 90.5%, respectively. The sensitivity of cytology was 77.3% at the ampulla-distal common bile duct (CBD), 92.6% at the mid common hepatic duct (CHD), and 94.7% at the proximal CBD-CHD (p<0.05); these values did not differ with the degree or the length of the obstruction. In the 97 patients who received additional p53 and K-ras staining, the sensitivity of cytology plus p53 was 88.2%, cytology plus K-ras was 84.0%, and cytology plus p53 and K-ras was 88.2%. The sensitivity of cytology plus p53 was higher than that of brush cytology only (95% confidence interval: 83.69-92.78 vs 72.65-83.65) but not that of cytology plus K-ras. CONCLUSIONS: Brush cytology for malignant biliary obstruction has a high diagnostic accuracy. Adding p53 staining can further improve the diagnostic yield, whereas K-ras staining does not.

The Role of Hypothalamic FoxO1 on Hyperphagia in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice / 당뇨병

BACKGROUND: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic animals are characterized by hyperphagia due to deficiencies of insulin and leptin. Forkhead box-containing protein of the O subfamily-1 (FoxO1) regulates energy homeostasis by regulating energy expenditure and food intake as well as mediating insulin and leptin signals in the hypothalamus. To identify the mediator of diabetic hyperphagia, we examined the effects of insulin or leptin on hypothalamic FoxO1 expression in a diabetic animal model. METHODS: Diabetes was induced in mice (C57BL/6) by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (200 mg/kg). Stainless steel cannula was implanted into the lateral ventricle of the brain in each mouse. After three weeks, the mice were administered saline, insulin or leptin via intracerebroventricular (ICV) route. The medial hypothalamus was isolated to evaluate the mRNA expressions of FoxO1 and neuropeptides. RESULTS: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice exhibited significant elevations of blood glucose and food intake and significantly low levels of serum insulin and leptin. The levels of hypothalamic FoxO1 mRNA were significantly increased in diabetic mice. The hypothalamic expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA was increased, but the expression of preproopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA was decreased in diabetic mice. ICV administration of insulin or leptin attenuated the upregulation of hypothalamic FoxO1 mRNA, and resulted in downregulation of NPY mRNA and upregulation of POMC mRNA in diabetic mice. CONCLUSION: We observed that the expression of hypothalamic FoxO1 mRNA was increased in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, and that it was significantly attenuated by central administration of insulin or leptin. These results suggest that hypothalamic FoxO1 is the direct mediator of diabetic hyperphagia.

A Case of Idiopathic Mesenteric Phlebosclerosis / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis (IMP) is a rare disease of chronic mesenteric ischemia characterized by a thickening of the colonic wall with fibrosis and calcification of the affected veins, which causes ischemic colitis. While the pathogenesis of IMP is unknown, characteristic radiographic, colonoscopic and histologic findings are evident. We report a case of IMP presenting with right lower abdominal pain and diarrhea in a 69-year-old woman. A plain abdominal radiograph revealed thread-like calcification in the colon. Colonoscopy showed dark purple-colored edematous mucosa and erosions in the colon. Histologic examination showed calcification in and around the submucosa and vascular wall. A barium enema demonstrated narrowing and thumb-printing from the ascending to the transverse colon. Abdominal CT disclosed a thickened colonic wall with intramural calcification and calcified mesenteric veins in the colon.

A Case of Pigmented Bowen`s Disease

Pigmented Bowen`s disease is characterized by increased melanin pigment in the epidermis or papillary dermis, in addition to the typical findings of Bowen`s disease. This disorder has been infrequently reported and it represents less than 2% of all cases of Bowen`s disease. Thus far, there has been only 1 case of pigmented Bowen`s disease on the umbilicus in the medical literature, and no such case has been reported in Korea. Pigmented Bowen`s disease develops on sun-exposed areas of the face and neck, as well as sun-unexposed areas like the trunk, extremities, perianal area and umbilcus. A 36-year-old man presented with a 9-month history of solitary dark brown slithery or wavy plaque with a verrucous surface on the umbilicus, and the lesion measured 1 x 2 cm in size. The histopathologic findings showed hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis and atypical keratinocytes disorderly arranged throughout the epidermis. Increased melanin pigment was noted in the basal layer of the epidermis. From these findings, we diagnosed this lesion as pigmented Bowen`s disease.

Preferred Oral Antifungal Treatment in Toenail Onychomycosis Patients / 대한의진균학회지

BACKGROUND: Treatment of toenail onychomycosis requires long term oral medication of antifungal agent. So many factors such as preferred treatment option can affect the compliance and cure rate. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to identify most preferred treatment options for toenail onychomycosis patients. METHODS: This study was undertaken on 190 patients treated toenail onychomycosis, who visited Hanyang University Guri hospital, Konkuk University hospital and Asan Medical center during the period between March 2008 to April 2008. RESULTS: 1. Mean age of patients was 53.5+/-15.5 years old, 108 patients (56.8%) were female and 82 patients (43.2%) were male. 2. Mean duration of disease was 7 years 11 months (7.9+/-8.8 years). 3. The motives of treatment for toenail onychomycosis were 'ugly appearance' (39.8%) and 'pruritus' (33.9%). 4. Seventy six percent of patients had history of treatment for toenail onychomycosis. Most of them (43%) visited dermatologist's office and 14% of them used folk remedy. 5. Continuous therapy was the most common method (47%) in previous treatment. And it was the most common treatment option irrespective of age, disease duration and gender. 6. The most preferred treatment option was also continuous therapy (57%). And 69% of patients who received continuous therapy preferred it, but it was only 48% in pulse therapy group and 38% in weekly pulse therapy group. 7. Sixty six percent of the toenail onychomycosis patients had associated disease. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous therapy was the most convenient method for toenail onychomycosis patients who visited general hospital.

Vitamin D Levels and Their Relationship with Cardiac Biomarkers in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Vitamin D insufficiency may be associated with cardiovascular (CV) mortality in HD patients. To test this hypothesis, we cross-sectionally measured 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D), cardiac troponin T (cTnT), and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) in chronic HD patients. Sixty-five patients (M:F=31:34, age 52.2+/-13.2 yr, DM 41.5%) were selected. Along with the expected low levels of 1,25D, 59 (90.8%) patients had 25D insufficiency (<30 ng/mL) among whom 15 (23.1%) were 25D deficient (<10 ng/mL). The 25D levels showed a negative correlation with cTnT levels (Spearman's rho=-0.44, p<0.01) but not with NT-pro-BNP levels (Spearman's rho=-0.17, p=0.17). The 1,25D levels, however, did not show any relationship with either cTnT or NT-pro-BNP. In multivariate analysis, being male and having low levels of 25D were independent risk factors associated with cTnT elevation (beta=0.44, p<0.01 and beta=-0.48, p<0.01, respectively). In conclusion, not only 1,25D but also 25D are commonly decreased in HD patients. Lower 25D levels appear to be associated with cTnT elevation, predicting worse CV outcome, and are possible to involve cardiac hypertrophy or coronary artery disease.

Bacteriologic Analysis of Expectorated Sputum in Patient with Bronchiectasis / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis (BE) remains a rare respiratory disease in Korea. This retrospective study was done to investigate the potential pathogenic microorganisms (PPMs) that cause in patients with BE, through the use of sputum specimens. METHODS: One hundred eleven adult patients, who had undergone chest computed tomography (CT), sputum gram stain/culture, and BE detected by chest CT, were included in this study. Sputum adequacy was determined by using Murray-Washington classification. RESULTS: The mean (+/-SD) age of patients was 60.9 (+/-14.0). The number of PPMs was 167 (67%) in the total 248 isolated organisms. The most frequent PPMs were P. aeruginosa (23.4%), K. pneumoniae (10.5%), and S. aureus (8.4%). The proportion of adequate sputum (AS) was 25.8% in the total sputum specimens. The patients with AS were 41 (37%) and the patients with inadequate sputum (IS) were 70 (63%). The proportion of P. aeruginosa was higher in AS compared to that of IS (44% vs. 19%, p=0.004). The BE score was also higher in P. aeruginosa (+) patients compared to that of P. aeruginosa (-) patients (10.8 vs. 7.6, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Although the proportion of AS in the total sputum was low, PPMs were isolated in most patients with BE. It is likely that P. aeruginosa was isolated in AS and AS patients had higher BE scores.