Three cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome imported into South Korea / 대한내과학회지

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a new infectious disease in human, first recognized in November, 2002 in southern China. Since March, 2003, SARS has spread rapidly worldwide and the SARS outbreak was more than 8,098 cases from 29 countries. National surveillance system for SARS started from March 16, 2003 in Korea. We report the clinical, laboratory, and radiologic features of 3 probable cases of SARS diagnosed between April 22 and May 12, 2003 in Korea. The first case was a 41-year-old man who was diagnosed as a probable case of SARS because he had fever, cough, travel history to China, and radiologic finding of pneumonic infiltration. The second was an 81-year-old American who came from the Philippines and was going to America by way of Korea. He had fever, cough, and radiologic finding of pneumonic infiltration. The third was a 28-year-old man who noted fever, cough, travel history to Taiwan, and pneumonic infiltration on chest X-ray. Their symptoms were improved in 5-7 days after symptomatic treatment. The antibody test was negative in all patients.

A case of benign metastasizing leiomyoma in the lung of woman with a history of myomectomy / 대한내과학회지

Benign metastasizing leiomyoma is usually detected years after hysterectomy or myomectomy and characterized by well-circumscribed, singular or, often, multiple nodules. The patient was a 33-year-old woman who presented with cough. She underwent a myomectomy for a large uterine leiomyoma 9 years ago. And now she has recurrent uterine myoma. Multiple nodular lesions in both whole lung fields were incidentally found on a routine chest radiograph. Video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATs) was performed. The resected small nodular lesions composed of extremely well- defferentiated smooth muscle cells with collagen. On immunohistochemical stain, they are positive for smooth muscle markers (desmin and actin). There is no definite evidence of malignancy. Therefore, these multiple nodules are considered as benign metastasizing leiomyoma from a uterine leiomyoma. We report this case with review of literatures.

Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis Associated with Aspergilloma / 결핵

Aspergilloma and Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis(ABPA) are different types of the pulmonary aspergillosis spectrum of diseases. ABPA is an inflammatory disease that causes hypersensitivity to Aspergillus spores growing in the bronchi, which is characterized by asthma, recurrent pulmonary infiltrations or mucoid impaction, eosinophilia and central bronchiectasis. Aspergilloma is a simple colonization of fungus within a cavitary lung lesion, but these diseases rarely coexist. A case of ABPA, coexistent with Aspergilloma, was experienced in a 31 year-old female. The diagnosis was confirmed by the immediate cutaneous reactivity to Aspergillus fumigatus, elevated total IgE antibodies, peripheral eosinophilia, bronchiectasis, growth of Aspergillus species in a sputum culture and radiographic infiltration. Treatment, with prednisone and itraconazole, led to improvement of the respiratory symptoms, reduction of the cavitary lesion and in the total serum IgE level.

Comparison of Left Ventricular Diastolic dysfunctions in Chronic Renal Failure(CRF) Patients and in Elderly Patients

BACKGROUND: We consider that heart failure in elderly and Chronic renal failure patients is closely related to LV diastolic dysfunction. To determine the association between LV diastolic functions and heart failure, we assessed LV diastolic functions in elderly patients with pulmonary congestion and in Chronic renal failure patients by using pulsed doppler echocardiography. METHODS: In order to assess LV diastolic function, we performed pulsed doppler echocardiography on elderly patients with pulmonary congestion and Chronic Renal Failure patients from Nov; 2000 to June; 2001. The following parameters were used as indices of LV diastolic function; Mitral E wave(E), Mitral A wave(A), F/A ratio, Deceleration time(DT), Isovolumic relaxation time(IVRT), Systolic pulmonary venous flow(PVs), Diastolic pulmonary venous flow(PVd), PVs/PVd ratio. RESULTS: In elderly patients groups with pulmonary congestion, there was significant decreased in E/A ratio compared with CRF patients(0.693+/-0.18 vs 0.905+/-0.116, p<0.01). There was significant increase in deceleration time and isovolumic relaxation time in elderly patients with pulmonary congestion compared with CRF patients(DT 255.83+/-54.41 vs 210.80+/-48.53 p<0.05, IVRT; 123.06+/-26.07 vs 98.75+/-15.12, p<0.01). Although there was no significant difference, increased PVs/PVd ratio was noted in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results shows that the impairments of LV diastolic function were noted in both groups. Especially F/A ratio was significant decreased elderly patient group with pulmonary congestion and DT, IVRT were significant increase in elderly patient group with pulmonary congestion. Therefore Left ventricular relaxation is progressively impaired in old age and impaired LV relaxation results in in LV diastolic dysfunction But LV hypertrophy in ESRD patients results in LV diastolic dysfunction.

A Case of Functional Upper Airway Obstruction Due to Vocal Cord Dysfunction in Obstructive Pulmonary Disease / 결핵

A functional upper airway obstruction due to a vocal cord dysfunction(VCD) is characterized by a paradoxical adduction of the vocal cords throughout the respiratory cycle with no obvious organic cause for the obstruction. It commonly occurs paroxysmally and imitates acute asthmatic attacks, often in patients with coexisting asthma. They present with episodes of dyspnea associated with inspiratory wheezing that persists despite conventional asthma treatment and a flattening of the inspiratory limb of the flow-volume curve; an adduction of the vocal cord during inspiration. Failure to recognize concurrent vocal cord dysfunction and asthma has led not only to the excessive use of bronchodilators and corticosteroids, but also to intubation and tracheostomy. Here, we report a case of coexistent obstructive pulmonary disease and functional upper airway obstruction due to a vocal cord dysfunction where a bronchoscopy showed a paradoxical vocal cord motion and typical features of a variable extrathoracic obstruction and a lower airway obstruction on the Flow-volume loop during a symptomatic period.

A Case of Severe Cough-induced Abdominal Wall Hematoma / 결핵

Severe cough may contribute to serous coplications such as pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, rib fracture, subconjunctival hemorrhage, subdural hemorrhage and cough syncope. However abdominal wall hematoma is a rare complication. Because it usually presents with abdmoianal pain, abdominal wall hematoma needs to be differentiated from the acute surgical abdomen. A 78-year-old woman was admitted with right lower quadrant abdominal pain and a palpable mass for several days. She experienced abdominal pain after violent coughing associated with an upper respiratory tract in fection. Abdominal computed tomography revealed an approximately 7×4 cm sized, ill-defined, soft tissue density lesion in the right lower posterolateral abdominal wall. An abdominal wall hematoma was diagnosed. After admission, she had persistent right lower abdominal pain and an increasing mass. The mass was surgically removed and she was discharged without complications. In summary, when a patient complains of abdmonial pain after severe coughing, an abdominal wall hematomas as a differential diagnosis must be considered.

Joint symptoms during antituberculous chemotherapy / 결핵

BACKGROUND: Joint symptoms frequently occur in the course of antituberculous chemotherapy and tend to be ignored and overlooked, but in some cases, they are often very troublesome in obstructing ordinary life. Joint symptoms that develop during antituberculous chemotherapy need to be understood, but there are few materials describing them systematically. METHOD: This study enrolled 33 patients with tuberculosis treated with first line antituberculous agents for more than 6months. In the course of treatment, joint symptoms not associated with specific cause, such as pre-existing joint disease or trauma, were investigated and compared with those of the asymptomatic group, We confirmed the incidence of joint symptoms and factors associated with them. RESULTS: Nineteen of 33 patients (58%) had joint symptoms. Joint symptoms developed 1.9±1.4 months after the beginning of chemotherapy and lasted for 3.6±2.5 months. IN 18 of 19 symptomatic patients, multiple joints were involved : shoulder(10 patients, 53%), knee(10,53%), finger(6,32%). Joint symptoms were expressed as pain(19 patients, 100%), stiffness(7,37%) and/or swelling (3,16%). Fourteen patients (74%) took analgesics to relieve their symptoms and in 2 patients, antituberculous agents were discontinued because of the severity of their symptoms. The symptoms seem to be caused by agents other than pyrazinamide, but it was very difficult to identify the definite causative agent. In age, sex, underlying disease and serum uric acid level, no significant differences were noted between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although joint symptoms are common during antituberculous chemotherapy, their development is difficult to predict. Because some joint symptoms can become very bothersome, the physician should pay close attention to these symptoms.

Outcomes of patients with COPD requring mechanical ventilation / 결핵

BACKGROUND: The decision to institute mechanical ventilation for patients with COPD is very difficult. The accurate informaiton regarding weaning success and long-term survival will improve communication with patients and family and enhance informed consent. The aims of this study are to describe outcomes and identify variables associated with survival for patients experiencing mechanical ventilation with an acute respiratory failure of COPD. METHODS: The 53 cases of mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit in the National Medical Center from 1989 to 1998 were included. Data were collected retrospectively from medical records. Weaning success rate and 3 month and 1 year survival rates were estimated. Factors associated with weaning success and survival were determined. RESULTS: Weaning success was 55%. For success group with 29 cases, 3 months survival rate was 61% and 1 year survival rate 37%. APACHE II scores in weaning success group were significantly lower than those in the failure group. Factors such as age, sex, comorbid-illnes, previous steroid use, causes of respiratory failure, RVH or arrhythmia on EKG, serum albumin level, arterial blood pH, PaO2, PaCO2, FEV1, duration of mechanical ventilation and steroid use during mechanical ventilation were not associated with weaning success. Only age and serum albumin level were associated with 3 month and 1 year survival. No COPD patients of age more than 75 years and serum albumin level less than 3g/dl had survived at 1 year after weaning success. CONCLUSION: While seaning success from mechanical ventilation can be predicted by APACHE IIscore in COPD patients, long-term outcomes of survivors may be influenced by nutritional status and age.

Lipoid Pneumonia After Aspiration of Squalene(R) in Rabbit / 결핵

No abstract available.

Two Cases of Respiratory Failure After Recovery of Cholinergic Crisis in Organophosphate Poisoning: The Intermediate Syndrome / 결핵

Respiratory failure is the most serious manifestation and usual cause of death in acute organophosphate poisoning, and is common in acute cholinergic crisis. But the respiratory failure may appear suddenly in a patient who is recovering from the cholinergic crisis, even while receiving conventional therapy. These are case report of 37 years old male and 24 years old female with intermediate syndrome in organophosphate poisoning. The two patients ingested organophosphate(fenthion and mixture of DDVP with chlorpyrifos respectively) incidentally and in a sucide attempt respectively. After apparent recovery from the cholinergic crisis with a conventional therapy but before the expected onset of delayed polyneuropathy , the respiratory failure appeared suddenly with a muscular weakness, affecting predominantly the proximal limb muscles, neck flexors, territories of several motor cranial nerves. The two patients needed mechanical ventilatory support and recovery from the intermediate syndrome was complete in both patients, although one subsequently developed hypoxic encephalopathy. The clinical manifestation and electrophysiologic study support the clinical diagnosis of intermediate syndrome. The syndrome carries a risk of death, because of respiratory paralysis, if not recognized early and treated adequatedly. Prompt endotrachial intubation and mechanical ventilatory support is the cornerstone of treatment of the intermediate syndrome. Therefore, all patient should be observed in a hospital for up to 5 days after poisoning.

A Case of Mediastinal Teratoma Complicated by Spontaneous Rupture into Pleural Cavity / 결핵

Patients with mediastinal teratoma are usually asymptomatic, but may develop symptoms by rupture into adjacent structures which result in pneumonia, hemoptysis, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, or pneumothorax. Rarely, life-threatening acute respiratory distress require a emergenc y surgery. Rupture into pleural cavity may result in pleuritis and pleural effusion with severe anterior chest or back pain. The symptom must be differentiated from other common intrathoracic distress diseases. Clinical, cytologic and radiologic examinatio ns of pleural effusion, and moreover, measurement of enzymes such as amylase or insulin, which is secreted from pancreatic tissues, in pleural effusion and cystic fluid enabled us to make the diagnosis of rupture of mediastinal teratoma preoperatively.

A Case of Splenic Abscess with Multiple Fistulas Caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae / 감염

Splenic abscess is an uncommon but frequently fatal condition. Signs and symptoms are variable and do not always include left upper quadrant pain or tenderness. Unexplained thrombocytosis in a septic patient with persistent left pleural effusion is suggestive of splenic abscess. We report a case of splenic abscess with complicated multiple fistulas by Klebsiella pneumoniae which was successfully managed by antibiotic therapy, and percutaneous catheter drainage.

A Case of Granulomatous Pancreatitis Caused by Syphilis / 대한내과학회지

Granulomatous pancreatitis is a granulomatous inflammatory disease of the pancreas and can he described only in infectious granulomas and pancreatic involvement by systemic granulomatosis. Sarcoidosis, isolated pancreatic involvement without systemic granulomatosis or a manifestation of systemic sarcoidosis, is more common cause of granulo-mataus pancreatitis than infectious granuloma. There has been some reports show a characteristic histological finding of the pancreatic involvement of sarcoidasis. Noncaseating granuloma is thought to be the characteristic finding of pancreatic sarcoidosis. But granulomatous pancreatitis caused by syphilis in a syrnptomatic patient is a very rare disease and, till now, to our knowledge, only a case was reported in 1987, Germany. We experienced a 55-year-old female patient with granulomatous pancreatitis caused by tertiary syphilis who presented as a recent onset jaundice, diarrhea, fatigue and vague epigastric discomfort. Radical pancreaticoduo-denectomy was performed, which showed noncaseating granulomatous pancratitis with vasculitis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of granulomatous pancreatitis caused by syphilis in Korea. We hereby report a case of granulomatous pancreatitis caused by syphilis with a brief review of literature.

Two Cases of Acute Epiglottitis with Sitting up Position, Chin Thrust Forward, Having Dyspnea / 결핵

Acute epiglottitis is a life threatening inflammatory disease of the upper airway mainly in children, however, the recent reports about acute epiglottitis in adults are increasing. The common symptoms are sore throat, dysphagia, dyspnea and salivary drooling. As the laryngeal edema progresses, the patient sits up, leans forward, with the chin thrust forward, having obvious difficulty breathing. Early recognition and proper airway maintenance until the inflammatory edema subsides are essential steps to avoid a possible life threatening upper airway obstruction. We experienced two cases of acute epiglottitis with sitting up position, chin thrust forward, having dyspnea.

Diaphragmatic Paralysis Induced by Herpes Zoster / 결핵

The motor complications after herpes zoster infection are uncommon, but, the association of muscular paralysis and zoster has been reported for several times. The association between diaphragmatic paralysis and zoster was for the first time reported by Halpern and Covner. The case presented below showed right diaphragmatic paralysis following herpes zoster of C3 and C4 region of dermatome on the right side. A 59-year-old man was found to have a paralysed hemidiaphragm within two months of the appearance of typical herpes zoster rashs involving his right shoulder and neck. Investigations, including bronchoscopy, failed to detect other cause for the diaphragmatic paralysis. We believe that the cervical zoster and diaphragmatic paralysis were causally related.

Inspiratory Flow Rate for the Evaluation of Bronchodilator in Patients with COPD / 결핵

BACKGROUND: Although there are improvements of clinical symtoms after bronchodilator inhalation in COPD patients, it has been noted that there was no increase of FEV1 in some cases. FEV1 did not reflect precisely the improvement of ventilatory mechanics after bronchodilator inhalation in these COPD patients. The main pathophysiology of COPD is obstruction of airway in expiratory phase but in result, the load of respiratory system is increased in inspiratory phase. Therefore the improvement of clinical symptoms after bronchodilator inhalation may be due to the decrease of inspiratory load. So we performed the study which investigated the effect of bronchodilator on inspiratory response of vetilatory mechanics in COPD patients. METHODS: In 17 stable COPD patients, inspiratory and expiratory forced flow-volume curves were measured respectively before bronchodilator inhalation. l0mg of salbutamol solution was inhaled via jet nebulizer for 4 minutes. Forced expiratory and inspiratory flow-volume curves were measured again 15 minutes after bronchodilator inhalation. RESULTS: FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC% were 0.92 +/-0.34L(38.3+/- 14.9% predicted), 2.5+/-0.81L (71.1 +/-21.0% predicted) and 43.1+/-14.5% respectively before bronchodilator inhalation. The values of increase of FEV1, FVC and PIF(Peak Inspiratory Flow) were 0.15 +/-0.13L(relative increase: 17.0%), 0.58+/-0.38 L(29.0%) and 1.0+/-0.56L/sec(37.5%) respectively after bronchodilator inhalation. The increase of PIF was twice more than FEV1 in average(p<0.001). The increase of PIF in these patients whose FEV1 was not increased after bronchodilator inhalation were 35.0%, 44.0% and 55.5% respectively. CONCLUSION: The inspiratory parameter reflected improvement of ventilatory mechanics by inhaled bronchodilater better than expiratory parameters in COPD patients.

Cobalt-induced occupational asthma associated with systemic illness

We report a case of occupational asthma caused by cobalt associated with systemic symptoms. He was a non-atopic, ex-smoker and had worked in a glassware factory for 14 months. A skin prick test with CoSO4 up to 100 mg/ml showed a negative result. A bronchoprovocation test with CoSO4 demonstrated an isolated asthmatic response with systemic symptoms such as fever, arthralgia and myalgia. Although an initial methacholine bronchial challenge test showed a negative result, the following methacholine bronchial challenge test which was done 24 hours after the challenge testing demonstrated an increased airway hyperresponsiveness at 2.5 mg/ml which recovered 7 days later. An intradermal skin test with 10 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml CoSO4 solution demonstrated positive responses respectively(13 x 12/40 x 32, 20 x 15/40 x 37 (mm), histamine 16 x 14/64 x 50). A patch test including cobalt showed a negative result. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid after the cobalt inhalation testing and other laboratory findings showed no evidence of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. These results suggested that cobalt could induce occupational asthma with systemic illness in an exposed worker.