Continuous quality improvement program and its results of Korean Society for Cytopathology

Since 1995, the Korean Society for Cytopathology has overseen the Continuous Quality Improvement program for cytopathology laboratories. The Committee of Quality Improvement has carried out an annual survey of cytology data for each laboratory and set standards for proficiency tests. Methods: Evaluations were conducted four times per year from 2008 to 2018 and comprised statistics regarding cytology diagnoses of previous years, proficiency tests using cytology slides provided by the committee, assessment of adequacy of gynecology (GYN) cytology slides, and submission of cytology slides for proficiency tests. Results: A total of 206 institutes participated in 2017, and the results were as follows. The number of cytology tests increased from year to year. The ratio of liquid-based cytology in GYN gradually decreased, as most of the GYN cytology had been performed at commercial laboratories. The distribution of GYN diagnoses demonstrated nearly 3.0% as atypical squamous cells. The rate for squamous cell carcinoma was less than 0.02%. The atypical squamous cell/squamous intraepithelial lesion ratio was about 3:1 and showed an upward trend. The major discordant rate of cytology-histology in GYN cytology was less than 1%. The proficiency test maintained a major discordant rate less than 2%. The rate of inappropriate specimens for GYN cytology slides gradually decreased. Conclusions: The Continuous Quality Improvement program should be included in quality assurance programs. Moreover, these data can contribute to development of national cancer examination guidelines and facilitate cancer prevention and treatment.

Association of serum alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase levels within the reference range with metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has recently been found to be a novel component of metabolic syndrome (MS), which is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease. The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels are suggested to affect liver fat accumulation and insulin resistance. We assessed the associations of serum ALT and GGT concentrations within the reference ranges with MS and NAFLD. METHODS: In total, 1,069 subjects enrolled at the health promotion center of Wonkwang University Hospital were divided into 4 groups according to serum ALT and GGT concentrations levels within the reference ranges. We performed biochemical tests, including liver function tests and lipid profiles, and diagnosed fatty liver by ultrasonography. Associations of ALT and GGT concentrationgrading within the reference range with fatty liver and/or MS were investigated. RESULTS: The presence of MS, its components, and the number of metabolic abnormalities [except for high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and fasting blood glucose] increased with the ALT level, while the presence of MS, its components, and the number of metabolic abnormalities (except for HDL-C) increased with the GGT level. The odds ratios for fatty liver and MS increased with the ALT level (P<0.001 and P=0.049, respectively) and the GGT level (P=0.044 and P=0.039, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Serum ALT and GGT concentrations within the reference ranges correlated with the incidence of NAFLD and MS in a dose-dependent manner. There associations need to be confirmed in large, prospective studies.

A Case of Hemorrhagic Cerebral Infarction in Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is associated with a number of extraintestinal complications, including the infrequent occurrence of thromboembolic disease. Cerebral venous thrombosis is an extremely rare and fatal complication of ulcerative colitis. A 38-year-old woman presented with sluggish mentation and left hemiplegia. Ulcerative colitis had been diagnosed 3 years earlier by colonoscopy and biopsy, and had been controlled with a mesalazine. On admission, a brain computed tomography revealed a high density area in the right frontal lobe, and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an abnormal signal in the right frontal area, suggestive of a hemorrhagic cerebral infarction. She was managed with a decompressive craniectomy and conventional treatment for ulcerative colitis.

A case of omental infarction successfully managed with conservative treatment / 대한내과학회지

Infarction of the greater omentum is an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain, usually diagnosed during surgery for suspected appendicitis. However, during the last decade, preoperatively diagnosed omental infarctions successfully managed with conservative treatments have been increasingly identified with expanded utilization and technical advancements of sonography and computed tomography (CT). We report a case of omental infarction in a middle aged woman. Diagnosis was confirmed by abdominal CT, and she was successfully managed with conservative treatments including analgesics and prophylactic antibiotics. Follow-up CT performed 14 days after discharge revealed a decrease of infarct area without any intra-abdominal complications. This report emphasizes that nonoperative management of omental infarction may be safe and effective in most cases.

Microscopic colitis in a single center study: clinical feature & characteristics / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC) are characterized by chronic diarrhea and normal radiologic and endoscopic findings. These are currently not uncommon entities whose incidence in increasing as more clinicians take biopsies from macroscopically normal colons. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical features and characteristics in microscopic colitis. METHODS: From January 2003 to December 2006, medical records were reviewed from 80 patients with chronic diarrhea, who had normal colonoscopic findings but underwent biopsy. Patients with microscopic colitis were identified by reviewing the pathology databases and by reviewing biopsies. RESULTS: Microscopic colitis was diagnosed in 12 patients (15%). Six patients with CC (Male:Female=2:4, mean age 54+/-20.1 years) and 6 patients with LC (Male:Female=5:1, mean age 51.2+/-21.4 years) were identified. Autoimmune disease was diagnosed in 4 patients (33%). Drug-induced disease was suspected in 3 patients (25%). The inciting drugs were NSAIDs, ticlopidine, ranitidine, and acarbose. Complete or partial resolution of diarrhea was achieved in all patients, including spontaneous resolution in 2 patients. Antidiarrheal drugs, mesalazine, and cholestylamine were highly effective in both diseases. Recurrence of symptoms occurred in 2 patients (17%). They are taking medicine at present. CONCLUSIONS: Microscopic colitis is a relatively common cause of chronic diarrhea that appears to be increasing in incidence. We reported clinical features, characteristics, treatment, and response of microscopic colitis in our experience.

A case of pulmonary mucormycosis complicated by pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema after chemotherapy in a patient with small cell lung cancer / 대한내과학회지

Pulmonary mucormycosis is an uncommon fungal opportunistic infection found mainly in immunosuppressed patients or in patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. A case of pulmonary mucormycosis complicated by pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema in small cell lung cancer has not yet been reported to date. A 61-year-old patient with a small cell lung cancer was in a course of clinical improvement with chemotherapy until the development of new bilateral lung lesions after the fourth round of chemotherapy. After diagnosing mucormycosis by a transbronchial lung biopsy of the new lesions, the condition of the patient improved with amphotericin B treatment, but radiographic cavitations of mucormycosis persisted. After 2.4 months of administering oral itraconazole medication, additional chemotherapy was performed due to cancer progression. Mucormycosis developed complicated by pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema, which resulted from fistula formation of the cavity lesion of the left side into the mediastinum. The patient died of a fungal sepsis despite a surgical resection of the left lesion.

Long-term Prognosis and Physiologic Status of Patients Requiring Ventilatory Support Secondary to Chest wall Disorders / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Chest wall deformities such as kyphoscoliosis, thoracoplasty, and fibrothorax cause ventilatory insufficiency that can lead to chronic respiratory failure, with recurrent fatal acute respiratory failure(ARF). This study evaluated the frequency and outcome of ARF, the physiologic status, and the long-term prognosis of these patients. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with chest wall disorders, who experienced the first requirement of ventilatory support from ARF were examined. The mortality and recurrence rate of ARF, the pulmonary functions with arterial blood gas analysis, the efficacy of home oxygen therapy, and the long-term survival rate were investigated. RESULTS: 1) The mortality of the first ARF was 24.1%. ARF recurred more than once in 72.7% of the remaining 22 patients, and overall rate of successful weaning was 73.2%. 2) Twenty-two patients who recovered from the first ARF showed a restrictive ventilatory impairment with a mean FVC and TLC of 37.2% and 62.4 % of predicted value, respectively, and a mean PaCO2 of 57mmHg. Among the parameters of pulmonaty functions. the FVC(p=0.01) and VC(p=0.02) showed a significant correlation with the PaCO2 level. 3) There were no significant differences between the patients treated with conservative medical treatment only and those with additional home oxygen therapy due to significant hypoxemia in the patients with recurrent ARF and the mortality. 4) The 1, 3, 5-year survival rates were 75%, 66%, and 57%, respectively, in the 20 patients who had recovered from the first ARF, excluding the two patients managed by non-invasive nocturnal ventilatory support. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that active ventilatory support should be provided to patients with ARF and chest wall disorders. However, considering recurrent ARF and weak effect of home oxygen therapy, non-invasive domiciliary ventilation is recommended in those patients with these conditions to achieve a better long-term prognosis.

Clinical Characteristics of Tuberculous Empyema / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: In contrast to tuberculous pleurisy, tuberculous empyema is a chronic active infectious disease of the pleural cavity that is frequently accompanied by cavitary or advanced pulmonary lesions. The condition requires long-term anti-tuberculous medication with external drainage. The clinical features and treatment outcome of tuberculous empyema are unclear despite the high prevalence of tuberculosis in Korea. METHODS: From January 1991 through April 2004, 17 patients diagnosed with tuberculous empyema in Kyungpook National University Hospital were enrolled in this study. Their medical records and chest radiographs were reviewed. RESULTS: Twelve patients(71%) had a history of tuberculosis and six of the 12 patients were under current anti-tuberculous medication. Productive cough, fever, and dyspnea were the main complaints. There was no predominance between the right and left lungs. Nine patients(53%) had far-advanced pulmonary tuberculosis, two(12%) had a cavitary lesion, and seven(41%) had a pyopneumothorax on the chest radiograph. All eight cases in whom the data of pleural fluid WBC differential count was available showed polymorphonuclear leukocyte predominance. Eight patients(47%) had other bacterial infections as well. The overall rates of a positive sputum AFB smear and culture for M. tuberculosis were 71% and 64%, respectively. The positive AFB smear and culture rates for M. tuberculosis from the pleural fluid were 33% and 36%, respectively. Twelve of the 16 patients(75%) were treated successfully. Three underwent additional surgical intervention. Two patients (12%) died during treatment. CONCLUSION: Tuberculous empyema is frequently accompanied by advanced pulmonary lesions, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes are predominant in the pleural fluid. Other accompanying bacterial infections in the pleural cavity are also common in tuberculous empyema patients. Therefore, tuberculous empyema should be considered in differential diagnosis of patients with polymorphonuclear leukocyte-predominant pleural effusion. In addition, more active effort will be needed to achieve a bacteriological diagnosis in the pleural fluid.

Endoscopic Variceal Ligation for Treatment of Esophageal Varices / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy(EIS) has been widely used in treating and eradicating acutely bleeding esophageal varies, but may be associated with some undesirable local and systemic complications. Endoscopic variceal ligation(EVL), which consists of mechanicai ligation and thrombosis of varices using elastic o-band, has been recently developed as a non operative alternative to EIS. We performed EVL in 65 patients who had bled from esophageal varices between November 1991 and September 1993. Total 274 sessions were performed and 774 o-bands were used. Six patients were actively bleeding and all of them were successfully controlled by emergency EVL. During the follow-up period, five patients who had combined hepatoma died. Varices were eradicated or reduced grade I in 43(71.6%) of the 60 survivals by 8-36 ligations(mean 15.6 ligation) in 2-13 EVL sessions(mean 5.6 sessions). During follow up period, five patients had recurred from grade 0 to grade 2 or 3 in 106-260 days(mean 182.6 days), and then eradicated by repeated EVL. During or after EVL, there were no complications, except mild substernal distress and mild dysphagia in 17 and 7 patients respectively. These results showed that EVL is a safe and effective method for eradication of bleeding esophageal varices.

Clinical Observation of Endoscopic Gastrointestinal Polypectomies / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Advances in fiberoptic endoscopy have improved diagnostic capabilities and management in piatients with gastrointestinal polyps. The gastrointestinal polyp is a premalignant lesion in varying degrees, according to size, pathology, and location. Endoscopic polypectomy has long been considered as a safe and effective method for removal of polyps. Sixty endoscopic gastrointestinal polypectomies were done in 53 patients who visited Hanyang University Hospital from 1984 to l990, and the clinical characteristics including histopathalogy were evaluated. (continue...)

A Clinical Study on the Antihypertensive Effect of Celiprolol

BACKGROUND: Celiprolol is a beta-adrenergic blocker characterized by selective blokade of beta1 receptors and partial agonist activity at beta2 receptors. This study was designed to evaluate the antihypertensive efficacy, metabolic effects and safety of celiprolol in patients with essential hypertension. METHODS: Celiprolol 200mg was administered once daily in 20 hypertensive Korean adults(9 males and 11 females) for ten weeks with dose titration every 2 weeks. RESULTS: The supine blood pressure was decreased from 168.8+/-20.6/106.5/12.0mmHg(mean/S.D) to 131.2+/-12.8/88.2+/-7.9mmHg at the end treatment(P<0.05). Heart rate was not changed significantly throughout the period. Total cholesterol(TC) was decreased from 211.3+/-12.6mg/dl to 186.7+/-10.4mg/dl(P<0.05) and triglyceride(TG) from 223.7+/-24.5mg/dl to 198.4+/-12.9mg/dl after 10 weeks treatment(P<0.05). LDL(low-density lipoprotein)-cholesterol was decreased from 126.4+/-13.4mg/dl to 118.5+/-12.3mg/dl after 10 weeks treatment(P<0.05). During the period of the study, headache and fatigue developed in a few patient but were not troublesome enough to stop medication. CONCLUSIONS: Celiprolol 200mg once daily regimen was well tolerated and effective in the treatment of essential hypertensiove patients with favorable effects on blood lipids.