Analysis of Clinical Manifestations and Laboratory Findings in Children with Influenza B-Associated Myositis: A Single Center Study / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: Influenza-associated myositis (IAM) is a rare and poorly recognized complication of influenza infection in children, and is characterized by acute onset of severe pain in the lower extremities and a refusal to ambulate walk. We sought to understand the association between IAM and influenza B infection and to investigate its clinical and laboratory characteristics in affected children. METHODS: Influenza B-associated myositis (IBAM) cases diagnosed in the pediatrics department of Wonkwang University Hospital from January 2010 and March 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Medical records of affected children were examined, and clinical characteristics and laboratory findings were recorded. Of the 536 children diagnosed with influenza B infection, 47 children complained of bilateral calf pain with or without gait disturbance. All children exhibited elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level. The median serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, reportedly elevated in myositis, were 2,597 IU/L and 678 IU/L, respectively. While the immunofluorescence test results were negative for some patients, the polymerase chain reaction test results indicated influenza B infection in all 47 children. At the time of hospital discharge, the patients' symptoms had resolved, and their CK levels had improved. CONCLUSION: IBAM was generally benign and short, and although the blood AST, CK, and LDH levels were markedly high, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels were normal. Further, the duration of IBAM symptoms correlated with the duration of fever. The IBAM-associated clinical and laboratory findings are highly characteristic and may allow its rapid diagnosis during the influenza season.

A Case of Mesenteric Cyst in a 4-Year-Old Child with Acute Abdominal Pain / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Mesenteric cysts are rare intra-abdominal lesions occurring during childhood, which were first described in 1507. Cases of mesenteric cysts have been continuously reported, but these cases were very small in number. They are often asymptomatic and incidentally found while patients are undergoing work-up or receiving treatment for other conditions such as appendicitis, small-bowel obstruction, or diverticulitis; however, patients may still have lower abdominal pain and symptoms that are frequently associated with other abdominal conditions. The symptoms are variable and non-specific, including pain (82%), nausea and vomiting (45%), constipation (27%), and diarrhea (6%). An abdominal mass may be palpable in up to 61% of patients. We are to report the clinical course and literature of a child with mesenteric cysts who complained of acute abdominal pain, distension, and vomiting and were surgically treated after being diagnosed with mesenteric cysts based on radiological examination.

A Case of Mesenteric Cyst in a 4-Year-Old Child with Acute Abdominal Pain / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Mesenteric cysts are rare intra-abdominal lesions occurring during childhood, which were first described in 1507. Cases of mesenteric cysts have been continuously reported, but these cases were very small in number. They are often asymptomatic and incidentally found while patients are undergoing work-up or receiving treatment for other conditions such as appendicitis, small-bowel obstruction, or diverticulitis; however, patients may still have lower abdominal pain and symptoms that are frequently associated with other abdominal conditions. The symptoms are variable and non-specific, including pain (82%), nausea and vomiting (45%), constipation (27%), and diarrhea (6%). An abdominal mass may be palpable in up to 61% of patients. We are to report the clinical course and literature of a child with mesenteric cysts who complained of acute abdominal pain, distension, and vomiting and were surgically treated after being diagnosed with mesenteric cysts based on radiological examination.

Drug-induced liver injury caused by iodine-131

Iodine-131 is a radioisotope that is routinely used for the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer after total or near-total thyroidectomy. However, there is some evidence that iodine-131 can induce liver injury . Here we report a rare case of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) caused by iodine-131 in a patient with regional lymph node metastasis after total thyroidectomy. A 47-year-old woman was admitted with elevated liver enzymes and symptoms of general weakness and nausea. Ten weeks earlier she had undergone a total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma and had subsequently been prescribed levothyroxine to reduce the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone. Eight weeks after surgery she underwent iodine-131 ablative therapy at a dose of 100 millicuries, and subsequently presented with acute hepatitis after 10 days. To rule out all possible causative factors, abdominal ultrasonography, endoscopic ultrasonography (on the biliary tree and gall bladder), and a liver biopsy were performed. DILI caused by iodine-131 was suspected. Oral prednisolone was started at 30 mg/day, to which the patient responded well.

Two Cases of Phlegmonous Esophagogastritis in New Onset Type 2 Diabetes / 임상당뇨병

Phlegmonous esophagogastritis is a rare bacterial infection that has been reported to result in mortality. The pathophysiology of phlegmonous gastrointestinal infection is unclear, but some predisposing factors are reported. Those include immunocompromised status, alcohol abuse, malignancy and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. We report two cases of phlegmonous esophagogastritis with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus. A 26-year-old woman and a 56-year-old woman individually visited our hospital for sore throat, neck pain and fever. The laboratory findings of both patients demonstrated leukocytosis, and elevated serum glucose levels. HbA1c of both patients was above 11%. Enhanced computed tomography of young woman showed submucosal edema with intramural abscess along the esophagus and stomach, and that of older woman showed the same defined to esophagus. In both cases, empirical antibiotic therapy with intravenous third generation cephalosporin and metronidazole were started. Later, we identified Klebsiella pneumonia through pus culture in both cases. The symptoms of case 1 improved with conservative management with antibiotics only. However, case 2 required surgical drainage and esophagectomy. Early radiologic diagnosis of this disease and accurate identification of pathogens are important factors for good prognosis. Therefore, we emphasize suspicion of such a rare disease is needed, especially when the patient has risk factors such as diabetes mellitus.

Treatment of Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Using a Dyna Locking Trochanteric (DLT) Nail

PURPOSE: We analyzed the clinical and radiological results after treatment of intertrochanteric fracture of the femur using a Dyna locking trochanteric (DLT) nail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2008 to February 2009, 36 patients (10 males and 26 females) who had at least 6 months follow-up among 43 patients were included in our study. The average age of the patients was 76.4 years (range: 65~90 years) and the average follow-up period was 13.4 months (range: 9~21 months). We evaluated the radiological results such as the neck-shaft angle and the sliding length of the lag screw at last follow-up and the clinical results such as intraoperative complications, the operation time, the postoperative blood loss and the incidence of fixation failure. RESULTS: The average neck-shaft angle at last follow-up was 131.1 degrees and the average sliding length of lag screw was 3.6 mm. Two cases (5.6%) of femoral shaft fracture during the insertion of a lag screw or nail happened and one case of stress fracture of the femoral neck occurred. Two cases of fixation failure developed due to deep infection or varus angulation. CONCLUSION: Fixation using a DLT nail can be a good option for the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur.

Osteosynthesis for Nonunion of the Lateral Condyle of the Humerus / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Although nonunion of the lateral humeral condyle is a rare complication in children, it can result in a number of complications, and treatment is controversial. Our study shows the results of using osteosynthesis in patients whose lateral humeral condyle was not united. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studies 16 patients (M : F=13 : 3; Age: 11.8+/-5.2 years) who were diagnosed with nonunion of the lateral humeral condyle and who underwent osteosynthesis. The mean period of nonunion was 56.2 months (5-132 months). Outcome measures were range of movement, bone union, functional score, and carrying angle and were assessed both before and after surgery. RESULTS: Bones of all patients were united within 3 months of the operation; there were no complications. After surgery, a decreased range of movement was observed for 3 of 16 patients. However, the functional index for all patients was improved. In other words, the range of movement could be reduced while the functional index was improved so that the deformity would be lessened. CONCLUSION: Osteosynthesis was successful in repairing the nonunion of the humeral lateral condyle. Therefore, osteosynthesis is suggested for patients who have had no treatment for nonunion of lateral humeral condyle for a long time.

Triple Labral Lesion of Shoulder : A Case Report

PURPOSE: A triple labral lesion represents a combination of injuries of the anterior, posterior and superior glenoid labrum. The injury mechanism and symptoms is not completely understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We encountered a triple labral injury in a 39-year-old male complaining pain and active abduction difficulty after a motor vehicle accident. Currently, he does not complain any instability symptoms. The labrum was repaired using bio-absorbable suture anchors and a suture hook. RESULTS: Eighteen months following surgery, the active range of motion was restored and he had no difficulty in his daily activities.

Surgical Experiences of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms / 대한뇌혈관외과학회지

Object : This study was conducted to evaluate the surgical results of the active treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) and to suggest treatment indications. METHODS: Operations were performed on 49 patients with 52 UIAs between 1999 and 2005. Medical records and radiologic studies of the patients with UIAs were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical outcomes were evaluated in each patient by the modified Glasgow Outcome Scale (m-GOS) one month after operation. RESULTS: UIAs had a high frequency of a middle cerebral artery (MCA) and an internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm. Forty-four UIAs (84.6%) ranged between 5 mm to 15 mm in diameter. Fortysix UIAs were treated by clipping, 2 by wrapping, and coil embolization was used in 3 UIAs. In one patient, which had only one UIA, one procedure and one operation was performed. There was no surgical mortality. In most patients, surgical complications or neurological deteriorations were not found. In three patients, minor neurological deficits of ptosis (2 patients) and spinal subdural hematoma (1 patient) were newly developed after operation. However the patients completely recovered within 3 months after operation. Finally, the surgical mortality and morbidity rate was 0%. CONCLUSION: If the UIAs are larger than 5 mm in diameter and located in a susceptible area for rupture, surgical treatment should be considered for the UIAs. If operation is performed by an expert neurosurgeon, surgical clipping is one of the best treatment modalities with or without endovascular treatment.

Lumbar Disc Herniation Presenting Cauda Equina Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between the clinical outcome and the extent of surgical laminectomy for adequate decompression on the cases of cauda equina syndrome, the authors review and analyze their cases and compared with those of literatures. METHODS: The authors reviewed 655 patients retrospectively who had underwent surgery on the cases of lumbar disc herniation from January 2000 to December 2004. There were 19 patients (2.9%) who presented for clinical cauda equina syndrome. Among them, we selected and analyzed 15 patients who were treated by unilateral partial hemilaminectomy with discectomy or bilateral partial laminectomy with discectomy, and they had been followed from 5 weeks to 47 months postoperatively (mean, 13.47 months). The levels of the disc herniations were L4-5 in 8 patients, following L5-S1 in 4 patients and 2 levels(L4-5 and L5-S1) in 3 patients. Motor and sensory recoveries were recorded. Postoperative urinary function recovery was defined according to Gleave and Macfarlane7). RESULTS: In 12 months postoperatively, the bladder function was obtained in 14 of 15 patients(93%) with regaining urinary continence. Thirteen of 15 patients(86%) with preoperative motor weakness of lower extremities were recovered. Sensory deficit of lower extremities, perianal and saddle anesthesia were all recovered. Patients had recovered on lumbosciatic pain and saddle hypesthesia, in turn, motor function and urinary incontinence. CONCLUSION: In treating cauda equina syndrome, the authors did less extensive surgery, such as unilateral partial hemilaminectomy with discectomy or bilateral partial laminectomy with discectomy for adequate decompression. The outcome is satisfactory and comparable with those of subtotal or total laminectomy.

The Advantages of Rectangular Titanium Cage(RABEA) Fusion after Anterior Cervical Discectomy: Comparative Study of Fibula Allograft

OBJECTIVE: To study the safety and efficacy of using rectangular titanium cage(RABEA) for anterior cervical fusion, we have compared the results of fusion performed by using fibula allograft and RABEA cage. METHODS: Total of 74 patients with single level cervical discectomy were included in this study. Allogenic fibula bone graft alone was done in 38 patients and RABEA cage was inserted in 36 patients. Retrospective clinical analysis was based on review the symptoms and radiological findings on both two groups at postoperative 12 months. RESULTS: Solid fusion was achieved in 95% of patients who received rectangular titanium cage and 74% of patients who received fibula allograft. According to Odom's criteria, 92% of patients were found to have excellent or good results in the RABEA cage group and 68% of patients in allograft group. Functional outcome was assessed according to Odom's criteria and patient's postoperative satisfaction index(PSI). Better clinical outcome and solid fusion could be achieved by rectangular titanium cage fusion than allogenic fibula graft after single level anterior cervical discectomy. CONCLUSION: We believe that RABEA cage is an effective and safe cervical fusion substitute for single level cervical fusion after discectomy.

A Case of Neurocysticercosis Presenting with Myelopathy and Hydrocephalus

OBJECTIVE: The authors report a case of racemose neurocysticercosis presented with myelopathy and hydrocephalus. The cllinical symtoms were not relieved even after the operations with albendazole medication. METHODS: A 44 year-old man was transferred due to headache, quadriparesis and epileptic fit. Preoperative magnetic resonance image(MRI) on brain and computed tomographic cisternogram on brain and upper cervical cord showed racemose cysticercosis on vermis, medulla and upper cervical cord. Two times operations(vesicles removal and adhesiolysis on cerebrospinal fluid pathway) were done with albendazole medication(15mg/kg/day, 30 days). The clinical symtoms were not relieved. Ventriculoperitoneal(V-P) shunt procedure was done and the symtoms were improved. CONCLUSION: The cause of aggravated hydrocephalus might be inflammatory reaction of the host to acute destruction of parasites due to albendazole in the brain.

Spinal Neurogenic Tumors: Outcome after Resection of the Involved Nerve Root

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the treatment strategies for spinal neurogenic tumor involving nerve root and to evaluate the outcome after resection of the root. METHODS: The retrospective review of 76 cases of spinal cord tumors, operated between 1992-2001, was done. We underwent surgery for 22 cases of spinal neurogenic tumors with somatosensoty evoked potential monitoring. Resection of the affected nerve root was necessary in 15 cases for complete removal of the tumor. In six patients of these the resected nerve root was relevant for upper or lower limb function and five patients underwent end to end anastomosis. RESULTS: There were 12 men and 10 women and the mean age was 43 years. The tumors were located most frequently in the lumbar area(7 cases, 31.8%). The most common initial symptoms were radiating pain(18 cases, 81.8%) and mean duration of presentation was 39.3 weeks. In all cases, tumor was removed totally except one case of schawannoma which is dumbbell-shaped and huge extradural extension to retroperitoneal cavity. The postoperative outcomes on discharge were improved in 16 cases(72.7%). Among 15 cases of tumor resection together with involving nerve root, 13 cases(86.7%) were improved. All the cases performed end to end neural anastomosis were inproved. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that resection of the involved nerve root usually do not produce neurological deficit and complete removal of tumor with the involved nerve root is one of the appropriate and safe procedure. Also, end to end anastomosis of resected nerve root contribute to the chance of regeneration and functional recovery.

Surgical Approaches to Paraclinoid Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: "Paraclinoid" aneurysms include those aneurysms arising from the internal carotid artery between the site of emergence of the carotid artery from the roof of the cavernous sinus and the origin of the posterior communicating artery. The authors reviewed and analysed the results of surgical approaches to paraclinoid aneurysms treated with transcranial surgery and endovascular surgery. METHODS: Between January 1998 and May 1999, 14 patients were treated surgically through ipsilateral and contralateral pterional approaches, and anterior interhemispheric approach, and endovascular surgery for paraclinoid aneurysms. All transcranial approaches were performed by same surgeon. The medical records, neuroimaging studies and videotapes which had been recorded operations were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Twelve patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage and ICH. Nine of fourteen patients had multiple aneurysms. Thirteen cases were small and one was a large aneurysm. Six patients were treated through ipsilateral approaches, six contralateral pterional approaches, one anterior interhemispheric approach and one primarily by GDC embolization. All aneurysms treated through contralateral approaches were multiple aneurysms. Neck clipping was performed in 9(69.2%) of the thirteen aneurysms, wrapping in four cases, among them three cases were followed by GDC embolization. The surgical outcomes were: Glasgow Outcome Scale(GOS) I 71.4%, GOS II 21.4% and GOS V 7.1%. CONCLUSION: The surgical approaches to paraclinoid aneurysms should be chosen after careful anatomical evaluation of aneurysm and its neighboring structures. 3D-CT angiography and/or the raw data of MR angiography were useful. This study supports the usefulness of the contralateral approach to paraclinoid aneurysm associated with multiple aneurysms, unruptured and small aneurysms whose dome projecting medially, superiorly and dorsally. The determination of contralateral approach to small and medially projecting paraclinoid aneurysm may be stressful to operator, thus we believe anterior interhemispheric approach is better alternated. Also we recommend the endovascular surgery after reinforcement of aneurym neck and dome in the case with difficulty in clipping.