Superficial Esophageal Cancer Treated with Multidisciplinary Care: A Case Report / 대한소화기암학회지

Esophageal cancer is easy to infiltrate and metastasize because esophagus does not have serosa, and is difficult to remove it because esophagus is in the middle of the chest. Because of this, treatments of esophageal cancer do not always follow the guideline. In this situation, efforts to increase treatment efficiency and improve survival rate through multidisciplinary treatment are increasing. In this case, we report the patient with three superficial esophageal cancers (one in cervical esophagus and two in thoracic esophagus). The patient was treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy instead of surgery through multidisciplinary discussion. The patient reached a complete remission through this discussion. This case is intended to inform the usefulness of multidisciplinary treatment in patients with esophageal cancer.

Superficial Esophageal Cancer Treated with Multidisciplinary Care: A Case Report / 대한소화기암학회지

Esophageal cancer is easy to infiltrate and metastasize because esophagus does not have serosa, and is difficult to remove it because esophagus is in the middle of the chest. Because of this, treatments of esophageal cancer do not always follow the guideline. In this situation, efforts to increase treatment efficiency and improve survival rate through multidisciplinary treatment are increasing. In this case, we report the patient with three superficial esophageal cancers (one in cervical esophagus and two in thoracic esophagus). The patient was treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy instead of surgery through multidisciplinary discussion. The patient reached a complete remission through this discussion. This case is intended to inform the usefulness of multidisciplinary treatment in patients with esophageal cancer.

Effects of Orogastric Tubes on the Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study Findings in Infants / 대한연하장애학회지

OBJECTIVE: An orogastric tube is used frequently in infants because infants are obligate nose breathers and nasogastric tubes can cause partial nasal obstruction. This study examined whether the presence of an orogastric tube could affect the swallowing parameters assessed by a videofluoroscopic swallowing study in infants with dysphagia caused by a variety of reasons. METHODS: Tests were conducted in 15 infants aged less than 150 days after birth who used an orogastric tube due to dysphagia. Two tests were conducted. The first was conducted with an orogastric tube inserted. Subsequently, the orogastric tube was removed with a 5-minute break before the second test. Skilled physiatrists then analyzed the recorded video. The number of sucks required for one swallow, abnormalities of the pharyngeal phase, and penetration-aspiration scales were evaluated. RESULTS: After removing the orogastric tube, the number of sucks required for one swallow reduced significantly (2.50±1.73 vs. 3.45±2.54, P=0.04). On the other hand, no statistical significance was observed in the results of the pharyngeal phase and penetration-aspiration scale (5.60±3.16 vs. 5.9±3.81, P=0.41) with and without the orogastric tube. CONCLUSION: These findings showed that the insertion or non-insertion of an orogastric tube might not affect the swallowing abnormalities in the pharyngeal phase and the risk of aspiration. In addition, an orogastric tube may have a negative effect on the swallowing function in the oral phase.

Empirical Antibiotics in Non-Ventilated Cases of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

PURPOSE: Meconium aspiration is assumed to be a risk factor for bacterial infection, and patients with meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) are commonly treated with empiric antibiotics in clinical settings. However, little is known about the effectiveness of the empirical antibiotics treatment. Here, we compared the short-term clinical outcomes associated with empirical antibiotics treatment in non-ventilated cases of MAS. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on infants admitted with non-ventilated cases of MAS from March 2008 to September 2016. The infants enrolled in the study were divided into two groups based on the antibiotics treatment, and their clinical outcomes were compared. The incidence of sepsis during the hospitalization period and the incidence of delayed sepsis up to 3 months were evaluated. The effects of empirical antibiotic use on respiratory symptoms were evaluated, and the complications were compared. RESULTS: A total of 109 infants were evaluated, of which 61 (56.0%) received antibiotics and 48 (44.0%) did not receive antibiotics. No differences in clinical characteristics were noted between the two groups. However, the empirical antibiotics group showed a significantly higher mean of respiratory rates, C-reactive protein levels, and positive rates, as well as a significantly longer hospitalization period. In clinical outcomes, there were no differences in sepsis rates or respiratory support duration. Furthermore, there were no differences in complications. CONCLUSION: The empirical use of antibiotics did not affect the clinical outcomes in cases of non-ventilated MAS. The role of empirical antibiotics in these infants may need to be reevaluated.

Inquiry Survey of Infertile Couples for Sperm Donation and Artificial Insemination by Donor

BACKGROUND: Artificial insemination by donor (AID) is important to chance the pregnancy in male infertile couples by requiring appropriate medical, legal and ethical reviews. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perception changes of AID to collect the basic information for establishing the sperm donation, cryopreservation and artificial insemination management system. METHODS: We evaluated the people's thought of sperm donation, cryopreservation, and artificial insemination by donor by means of national inquiry survey from 247 infertile couples for 4 weeks from October 2016. The questionnaires were composed of 4 areas, and each questionnaire consisted of 15 items. Changes in the perception of AID by year were investigated after review of domestic journals. RESULTS: 67.6% of respondents knew the growth of couples with difficulty getting pregnant due to male infertility. 82.2% of respondents replied the necessary of sperm bank as a treatment option for infertility and 40.5% knew the donation and receipt system of sperm. In the survey of change perception of AID according to year, 37.5% and 39.5% of respondents were got information about AID from doctor in 2003 and 2004, but 49.6% from broadcasting in 2016. As a child grows up, 4.0% (2003), 9.0% (2014), and 42.8% (2016) of respondents answered to tell the child about AID. CONCLUSIONS: Infertile couple's thought of AID about the extension of opportunities for male infertility treatment is changed. In conclusion, it is necessary to establish institutional system of sperm donation, cryopreservation and artificial insemination prior to public sperm bank operation.

Residents' opinions on the introduction of water fluoridation program in the district of Namdong water treatment plant, Incheon Metropolitan City / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study details a survey taken to ascertain the residents' opinions on the introduction of a community water fluoridation program (WFP) at the water treatment plant in the district of Namdong, Incheon Metropolitan City. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted by a specialized institution and was based on a public opinion poll. The views of 1,000 adults who had lived in the district where tap water was supplied by the Namdong water treatment plant, Incheon were collected over a 1-year period. The dependent variable was the assent of the WFP. The independent variables were demographic and socioeconomic characteristics (sex, age, education, residence period, and income), awareness of WFP, drinking and cooking water, and decisional organization of WFP introduction. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-squared test with SPSS statistics 23.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Variables related to the approval of the WFP were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model. One hundred and twenty-seven respondents who selected 'doesn't matter' were excluded. The significance level was set at α=0.05. RESULTS: The responses citing approval for the introduction of WFP comprised 58.7%, while the 'dissent' group accounted for 28.6%, and 12.7% stated that it does not matter. Respondents citing approval who were in the age group beyond fifties accounted for 66.0%; further, 67.6% of respondents aware of the WFP were in favor of the approval for WFP introduction. The decision to undertake water fluoridation was favored by the Regional Head and city council. There were no significant differences in the assent of WFP based on the respondents' sex, education level, job, and drinking and cooking water. The strongest correlation was observed between the awareness of WFP and the approval rate for WFP. CONCLUSIONS: To promote the introduction of WFP, active measures are required for educating people regarding effectiveness of caries prevention and safety of WFP.

A Case of Rheumatoid Arthritis Accompanied by Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura / 대한내과학회지

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a blood coagulation disorder that damages numerous organs, including the kidney, heart and brain. Features indicative of TTP include thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, neurologic symptoms, kidney failure and fever. Infections, toxins, pregnancy and, rarely, autoimmune diseases are all known to be associated with TTP. We encountered a rare case of rheumatoid arthritis accompanied by TTP following tympanoplasty. The patient's confusion, thrombocytopenia and renal failure all improved after plasmapheresis and high-dose glucocorticoid therapy, but she eventually expired due to sepsis. We report on this case herein and also review the relevant literature.

Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis Caused by Tacrolimus in a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patient: A Case Report / 대한내과학회지

Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) refers to a group of disorders involving transport defects in bicarbonate reabsorption or hydrogen excretion. Features like metabolic acidosis with a normal anion gap, neurological symptoms, and electrolyte imbalances indicate RTA. Kidney transplantation, cirrhosis, sickle cell anemia, medications, and autoimmune diseases, particularly Sjogren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis, are related to RTA. We encountered a rare case of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus accompanied by RTA secondary to tacrolimus administration, who had muscle weakness and paralysis. Her symptoms improved after discontinuing tacrolimus and correcting the acidosis and potassium levels. Here, we report on this case and review the relevant literature.

Identification of a Link between Framingham Risk Score and Fracture Risk Assessment Tool / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although trials have suggested an association between osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD), the relationship between fracture risk and cardiovascular disease is not well defined. Here, we examined whether subjects with a higher risk of fracture also share an increased likelihood of developing CVD. METHODS: This study included 477 subjects; patients with a history of diabetes, chronic hepatopathy, nephritic syndrome, or any cardiovascular diseases were excluded. We used dual energy X-ray absorptiometry to assess the bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and femur, and calculated fracture risk based on the Fracture Risk Assessment (FRAX) score. The Framingham risk score (FRS) was used to estimate cardiovascular risk. RESULTS: Of the 477 subjects, 222 had osteopenia and 150 had osteoporosis; the remaining 105 had a normal BMD. In men, no significant differences were observed in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglyceride (TG) between groups. Men with osteoporosis were generally older, and had significantly higher total cholesterol (TC). In women, age and FRS were significantly higher in the osteoporosis group. In the multivariate analysis, age, SBP, TC, HDL, TG, and FRAX were all significantly associated with FRS. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that patients with a higher risk of fracture are also at greater risk of developing CVD, indicating a possible mechanistic link between CVD and osteoporosis.

Breast Carcinoma with Choriocarcinomatous Features: A Case Report / 한국유방암학회지

Nongestational choriocarcinoma differentiation is extremely rare in breast neoplasms. It is characterized by tumor cells similar to chorionic trophoblastic cells, which react with human placental lactogen and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). A 56-year-old woman presented with a palpable right breast mass without past history of trophoblastic tumors. An F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan revealed one focus with low accumulation of FDG in the right breast (maximum standardized uptake value, 1.98). The patient underwent a right mastectomy and biopsy of sentinel nodes. Microscopically, the tumor was a typical invasive ductal carcinoma with multiple foci of choriocarcinoma features. Immunohistochemistry showed that the tumor cells resembling choriocarcinoma were positive for hCG antibody, but negative for HER2/neu, estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor. A pathologic diagnosis of breast carcinoma with choriocarcinomatous features was made. To our knowledge, this is the first report of invasive carcinoma with choriocarcinomatous features and an unusual finding of low accumulation in an F-18 FDG PET/CT scan in Korea.

Multiple Intratesticular Cysts

Intratesticular cysts, once thought to be a rarity, are now being reported with an increasing prevalence as a result of the wider use of scrotal ultrasound scanning. Despite greater understanding of intratesticular cysts, their management remains unclear. Treatment has included enucleation and even radical orchiectomy over fear of the possibility of an associated malignancy. A more conservative approach with serial ultrasound scanning has been advocated if a clear distinction can be made between neoplastic and non-neoplastic testicular cysts. However, in view of the benign nature of such cysts, even repeated ultrasound scanning may not be necessary and may be considered over-treatment. In this study we present clinical and morphological characteristics of multiple cysts in the right testicle in a 62-year-old patient, where a slightly nodular lesion in the right testicle was detected.

Malignant Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Bladder with Rapid Progression

A 71-year-old man was referred for painless hematuria and a bladder tumor. Cystoscopy and computed tomography revealed a 3-cm oval nodular mass on the left lateral side of the bladder. The patient underwent a complete transurethral resection of the lesion and histology showed a proliferation of atypical spindle cells with inflammation consistent with a myofibroblastic tumor. After 4 and 7 months, follow-up cystoscopy demonstrated nodular mass lesions and transurethral resection of bladder tumor was done, which showed chronic cystitis and a recurred myofibroblastic tumor, respectively. Five months later, multiple lymph node, bone, and soft tissue metastases were found by positron emission tomography. The patient was treated first with palliative chemotherapy, including doxorubicin and cisplatin. After that, radiologic studies showed disease progression but the patient refused further treatment and died 6 months later.

False Negative Findings of Optical Coherence Tomography in Eyes with Localized Nerve Fiber Layer Defects

PURPOSE: To identify the risk factors associated with false negative findings of optical coherence tomography (Stratus OCT) in patients with photographic localized retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defects. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with preperimetric glaucoma and 173 patients with perimetric glaucoma, all with localized RNFL defects were included in the present study. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of detection of photographic defects by OCT. Gender, age, refractive error, diabetes, hypertension, central corneal thickness, type of glaucoma, mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, average RNFL thickness, disc area, and photographic RNFL defect related variables (location, number, and angular width) were compared between the 2 groups. Each variable was initially evaluated by univariate analysis and significant variables (p < 0.1) were included in the logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Photographic RNFL defects were not detected by OCT in 51 (25.9%) of the 197 eyes. The angular locations and widths of RNFL defects by OCT were significantly correlated with those of RNFL defects by red-free RNFL photographs (Pearson correlation coefficient R = 0.98 and 0.64, respectively). Logistic regression analysis revealed the risk factors for false negative findings of OCT included average RNFL thickness (odds ratio = 1.106, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.057-1.156, p < 0.001) and angular width of defect (odds ratio = 0.929, 95% CI = 0.884-0.977, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: This present study suggests that false negative findings of OCT in patients with photographic localized RNFL defects were associated with thicker RNFL thickness and smaller angular width of RNFL defect.

Usefulness of F-18 FDG PET/CT in Adrenal Incidentaloma: Differential Diagnosis of Adrenal Metastasis in Oncologic Patients / 핵의학분자영상

PURPOSE: We have evaluated characteristics of adrenal masses incidentally observed in nonenhanced F-18 FDG PET/CT of the oncologic patients and the diagnostic ability of F-18 FDG PET/CT to differentiate malignant from benign adrenal masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between Mar 2005 and Aug 2008, 75 oncologic patients (46 men, 29 women; mean age, 60.8+/-10.2 years; range, 35-87 years) with 89 adrenal masses incidentally found in PET/CT were enrolled in this study. For quantitative analysis, size (cm), Hounsfield unit (HU), maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), SUVratio of all 89 adrenal masses were measured. SUVmax of the adrenal mass divided by SUVliver, which is SUVmax of the segment 8, was defined as SUVratio. The final diagnosis of adrenal masses was based on pathologic confirmation, radiologic evaluation (HU<0 : benign), and clinical decision. RESULTS: Size, HU, SUVmax, and SUVratio were all significantly different between benign and malignant adrenal masses.(P < 0.05) And, SUVratio was the most accurate parameter. A cut-off value of 1.0 for SUVratio provided 90.9% sensitivity and 75.6% specificity. In small adrenal masses (1.5 cm or less), only SUVratio had statistically significant difference between benign and malignant adrenal masses. Similarly a cut-off value of 1.0 for SUVratio provided 80.0% sensitivity and 86.4% specificity. CONCLUSION: F-18 FDG PET/CT can offer more accurate information with quantitative analysis in differentiating malignant from benign adrenal masses incidentally observed in oncologic patients, compared to nonenhanced CT.

Optimal Imaging Time for Diagnostic I-123 Whole Body Scan in the Follow-up of Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Comparison between 6- and 24-Hour Images of the Same Subjects / 핵의학분자영상

PURPOSE: To determine optimal imaging time for diagnostic I-123 whole body scan in the follow-up of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), we compared the image quality of 6- and 24-hour images of the same subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred ninety-eight patients (M:F=55:443, Age 47.6+/-12.9 years) with DTC who had undergone total thyroidectomy and I-131 ablation therapy underwent diagnostic whole body scanning 6 hour and 24 hour after oral ingestion of 185 MBq (5 mCi) of I-123. Serum thyroglobulin measurement and ultrasonography of the neck were performed at the time of imaging. In 40 patients underwent additional I-131 therapy, post-therapy I-131 images were obtained and compared with diagnostic I-123 images. RESULTS: In 440 patients (88.4%), 6- and 24-hour diagnostic I-123 images were concordant, and 58 patients (11.6%) showed discordant findings. Among 58 discordant patients, 31 patients showed abnormal tracer uptake on only 6-hour image, which turned out false-positive findings in all cases. In 12 patients with positive findings on only 24-hour image, remnant thyroid tissue (4 patients) and cervical lymph node metastasis (3 patients) were presented. Among 40 patients underwent additional I-131 therapy, 6-hour and 24-hour images were discordant in 13 patients. All 5 patients with abnormal uptake on only 6-hour image revealed false-positive results, whereas most of 24-hour images were concordant with post-therapy I-131 images. CONCLUSION: I-123 imaging at 24-hour could reduce false-positive findings and improve diagnostic accuracy, compared with 6-hour image in the follow-up of patient with DTC.

Diagnostic Ability of Stratus OCT Using Korean Normative Database for Early Detection of Normal-Tension Glaucoma

PURPOSE: To determine if korean normative database improve diagnostic ability of Stratus OCT for detection of glaucoma. METHODS: Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and optic nerve head regions were measured using a Stratus OCT. The normative data were collected from 129 normal individuals. We obtained values at the 5% and 1% levels according to the disc area stratified into equal thirds to minimize the error by the individual variation of optic disc size and these levels were considered abnormal. One eye of each 94 normal-tension glaucoma patients with early visual field defects (mean deviaton = -3.84+/-1.40dB) and 87 another normal subjects were enrolled. Glaucoma was defined by visual field defects. RESULTS: The use of Korean normative database had higher sensitivity and no significant difference of specificity than that of a Stratus OCT except for a few parameters. The criteria that show the highest diagnostic ability were 1 > or = quadrants RNFL thickness abnormal at the or = clock hours abnormal at the < 5% when using a Stratus OCT normative database (sensitivity = 71.3%, specificity = 87.4%) (p=0.004, p=0.180, respectively, McNemar test). CONCLUSIONS: The criterion using a Korean normative database had higher sensitivity and no difference of specificity compared with criterion using a Stratus OCT normative database. The best criterion using a Korean normative database may be helpful for early detection of normal-tension glaucoma.

A Study of the Anatomical Characteristics of External Ocular Muscles in Adults Cadavers

PURPOSE: This research was performed to investigate if the insertion site of the rectus muscle and the type of the insertion anatomically correspond for both eyes in Korean cadavers. METHODS: Thirty-four eyes from seventeen cadavers were anatomized for this research. We measured minimum distances from the insertion of each muscle to the tangential lines passing through the corneal limbus using a vernier caliper. Center, temporal, and nasal portions are used as an insertion for the vertical muscle, while center, upper, and lower portions are used as an insertion for the horizontal muscle. The average values of those minimum distances were compared for both eyes. Moreover, the type of the insertion of the rectus muscle is observed to determine whether it is identical for both eyes. RESULTS: Anatomical data does not show a significant difference between the right and left eyes except for the distance from an insertion of the inferior and lateral rectus muscle to the corneal limbus. With regard to the morphologic type of the insertion, the most common types are oblique and nonspecific shapes in the vertical muscles, and straight and concave shapes in the horizontal muscles. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was not a significant difference between the eyes, precautions should still be taken during eye operations due to possible anatomical differences between the eyes.

A Case of Solitary Trichodiscoma / 대한피부과학회지

Trichodiscoma are hamartomas of the dermal portion of the hair disc, and these are found as asymptomatic flesh- colored papules 1~3 mm in diameter, and they are usually located on the face, trunk and thigh. Histopathologically, this is characterized by non-encapsulated fibrovascular lesion with a myxoid stroma surrounded by folliculo- sebaceous units. Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, which develops multiple trichodiscomas with fibrofolliculomas and skin tags, has been described. The case of solitary trichodischoma is rare. We recently encountered a 29-year-old woman with a solitary, dome-shaped papule on the right thigh. After histopathologic examination, the lesion was diagnosed as trichodiscoma.

Primary Cutaneous Extraskeletal Ewing's Sarcoma / 대한피부과학회지

Extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma has been recognized as being histologically indistinguishable from Ewing's sarcoma of bone. Histopathologically, Ewing's sarcoma consists of solid sheets of small round cells with vesicular nuclei and scant cytoplasm, and the cells are arranged in irregular masses separated by strands of fibrous tissue. Extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma may arise virtually anywhere, but it is most common in the deep soft tissues of the extremities. We report here on a 27-year-old woman with cutaneous extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma. She presented with a subcutaneous tumor of the right upper arm, and this was without osseous involvement. The patient underwent wide local excision and she received chemotherapy with vincristine, cyclophosphamide, etoposide and ifosfamide. There has been no evidence of recurrence or metastasis during 16 months of follow up.

The Clear Oil-drop Residue in the Vitreous Cavity after Intravitreal Triamcinolone Injection

PURPOSE: To invest characteristics of the clear oil-drop residue observed in the vitreous cavity after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection (IVTA). METHODS: Fifty three eyes which received a IVTA for the treatment of macular edema due to a variety of causes were enrolled in the study. Slit-lamp examination, and dilated fundoscopic examination had been performed in all patients from injection to at least two months. We compared Group 1 (nonpurified triamcinolone injection) to Group 2 (purified triamcinolone injection). RESULTS: The clear oil-drop residues were mainly observed in the superior portion of the vitreous cavity. They attached to cortical fibers of the vitreous or floated in the vitreous cavity, and had a mobility. They had a various size, shape, and existed anywhere. They were present at 3 days initially and decreased in size and number as time goes by. Group 1 had the clear oil-drop residues in 11 eyes of 29 eyes, but Group 2 in 5 eyes of 24 eyes. Eyes in Group 2 had less residues in number. CONCLUSIONS: The clear oil-drop residues can be observed after IVTA and decanting decreased them after IVTA significantly.