Clinical significance of C-reactive protein-to-prealbumin ratio in predicting early recurrence in resectable pancreatic cancer

Purpose@#Resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a high risk of recurrence after curative resection; despite this, the preoperative risk factors for predicting early recurrence remain unclear. This study therefore aimed to identify preoperative inflammation and nutrition factors associated with early recurrence of resectable PDAC. @*Methods@#From March 2021 to November 2021, a total of 20 patients who underwent curative resection for PDAC were enrolled in this study. We evaluated the risk factors for early recurrence within 1 year by univariate and multivariate analyses using Cox hazard proportional regression. The cutoff values for predicting recurrence were examined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. @*Results@#In our univariate and multivariate analyses, C-reactive protein (CRP), CRP-albumin ratio, and CRP-prealbumin ratio, as well as sex and age, were significant independent prognostic factors for early recurrence in PDAC. However, known inflammatory factors (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios), nutritional factors (albumin, prealbumin, ferritin, vitamin D), and inflammatory-nutritional factors (Glasgow Prognostic Score, modified Glasgow Prognostic Score, albumin-bilirubin) showed no association with early recurrence. In addition, using cutoff values by ROC curve analysis, a high preoperative CRP level of >5 mg/L, as well as high CRP-to-albumin (>5.3) and CRP-to-prealbumin (>1.3) ratios showed no prognostic value. @*Conclusion@#Our results showed that inflammatory and perioperative nutritional factors, especially CRP-to-prealbumin ratio, have significant associations with early recurrence after curative resection in resectable PDAC. Therefore, for such patients, a cautious approach is needed when inflammation and poor nutritional status are present.

Relationship between high bile juice amylase levels and chronic bacterial infections in patients with gallbladder cancer

Purpose@#Pancreatic enzyme reflux into the biliary tract is associated with chronic inflammation and increased cellular proliferation in the biliary epithelium, leading to biliary carcinoma. We evaluated the relationship between high bile juice amylase levels and biliary microflora in patients with malignant gallbladder lesions. @*Methods@#In this retrospective study, 25 gallbladder specimens were obtained from patients with gallbladder cancer to evaluate amylase levels and perform bacterial culture. The samples were divided into high and low amylase groups and culture-positive and negative groups for analysis. Bile juice amylase 3 times higher than the normal serum amylase level (36–128 IU/L) was considered high. @*Results@#The number of positive cultures was higher in the high amylase group than in the low amylase group, but the difference was insignificant. There were no differences in other clinicopathological factors. Sixteen patients showed positive culture results; Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. were the most common gram-negative bacteria, whereas Enterococcus and Streptococcus spp. were the most common gram-positive bacteria. Age and bile juice amylase levels were significantly higher in the culture-positive group than in the culture-negative group. The incidence of bacterial resistance to cephalosporins was 6.25%–35.29%, and this incidence was particularly high for lower-generation cephalosporins. @*Conclusion@#Bacteria in gallbladder were identified more frequently when the amylase level was high. High amylase levels in the gallbladder can be associated with caused chronic bacterial infections with occult pancreaticobiliary reflux, potentially triggering gallbladder cancer

Clinical impact of serum prealbumin in pancreaticobiliary disease

Purpose@#Although there are many studies on prealbumin in individual diseases such as malignant or inflammatory diseases, there are few comparative studies. This study aimed to compare the clinical differences between prealbumin levels in cholecystitis and pancreaticobiliary malignancies and investigate the clinical impact of low prealbumin levels in pancreaticobiliary malignancies. @*Methods@#From June 2021 to September 2021, 61 patients who had undergone surgery for various pancreaticobiliary diseases were enrolled in this study, and their clinicopathological data were retrospectively analyzed. @*Results@#Many elderly patients with malignant diseases had poor American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores, significantly lower albumin and prealbumin levels, and higher systemic immune inflammation indices. The low prealbumin group was older; had poorer ASA scores; and had significantly lower body mass index and hemoglobin and albumin levels and higher systemic immune inflammation indices than the normal prealbumin group. In malignant diseases, the low prealbumin group had significantly lower body mass index and hemoglobin levels and a tendency toward more advanced disease (lymph node and distant metastasis). @*Conclusion@#Preoperative low prealbumin levels had an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.69, suggesting that it may be useful for predicting pancreaticobiliary malignancies. Prealbumin levels were lower in malignant diseases, possibly related to poor nutritional status and systemic immune inflammation. Low prealbumin levels may predict the risk of more advanced disease.

Initial experience with laparoscopic posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy in single tertiary center

Purpose@#Laparoscopic posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy (LPRA) is a surgical method that accesses the adrenal gland through the back. The aim of this study was to report initial experience of LPRA and evaluate possibilities for surgical application. @*Methods@#From March 2018 to December 2019, a total of 30 consecutive patients diagnosed with adrenal tumor underwent surgical treatment at Pusan National University Hospital were enrolled. Clinicopathologic features and various peri- and postoperative parameters were analyzed by retrospective medical record review. The mean age of the patients was 48.20 ± 13.66 years. @*Results@#The mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.50 ± 4.30 kg/m2 . Primary hyperaldosteronism was the most frequently preoperative diagnosed disease (n = 13, 43.4%), followed by adrenal incidentaloma (n = 8, 26.6%), Cushing syndrome (n = 5, 16.6%) and pheochromocytoma (n = 4, 13.3%). The mean size of postoperative adrenal tumor was 2.72 ± 1.76 cm. The mean operating time was 162 ± 58.14 minutes. Among the 30 patients, 28 patients underwent total adrenalectomy (93.3%) and two patients underwent cortical sparing adrenalectomy (6.7%). When LPRA was performed for patients with BMI > 23.16 kg/m2 , the operating time was longer than the average (P = 0.016). @*Conclusion@#LPRA was suitable and safe for patients with benign adrenal tumors. BMI, retroperitoneal fat density and postoperative adrenal weight may be related to the operating time, so they should be considered when deciding on a surgical method for adrenalectomy.

Influence of Infrapopliteal Runoff Vessels on Primary Patency after Superficial Femoral Artery Angioplasty with Stenting in Patients with Claudication

Purpose@#The number of infrapopliteal runoff vessels seems to be one of the factors influencing arterial patency in patients who had undergone superficial femoral artery (SFA) angioplasty with stenting. However, the effectiveness of infrapopliteal runoff vessels in predicting patency during SFA angioplasty remains unclear. This study aimed to determine whether the number and quality of infrapopliteal runoff vessels affect the primary patency after SFA angioplasty with stenting in patients with claudication. @*Materials and Methods@#This study reviewed a retrospective database of patients with claudication who underwent SFA angioplasty with stenting between March 2011 and December 2016. The preoperative computed tomography findings of all patients were reviewed to assess infrapopliteal runoff vessels. The Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society (TASC) II classification and modified Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) runoff score were used for subsequent analysis. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were constructed, and Fisher’s exact and chi-square tests were used for data analysis. @*Results@#A total of 153 limbs of 122 patients (88.2% male, mean age: 69.1 years) underwent SFA angioplasty with stenting. The overall primary patency rates of TASC II A/B and C/D cases were 77.1% and 31.2%, respectively, at 36 months (P<0.001). The primary patency rates at 36 months using the modified SVS runoff scoring system were 64.6% and 49.8% for the good-to-compromised (≤9 points) and poor (≥10 points) runoff groups, respectively (P=0.011). @*Conclusion@#The modified SVS runoff scoring system is effective in predicting primary patency after SFA angioplasty with stenting in patients treated for claudication.

Influence of Infrapopliteal Runoff Vessels on Primary Patency after Superficial Femoral Artery Angioplasty with Stenting in Patients with Claudication

Purpose@#The number of infrapopliteal runoff vessels seems to be one of the factors influencing arterial patency in patients who had undergone superficial femoral artery (SFA) angioplasty with stenting. However, the effectiveness of infrapopliteal runoff vessels in predicting patency during SFA angioplasty remains unclear. This study aimed to determine whether the number and quality of infrapopliteal runoff vessels affect the primary patency after SFA angioplasty with stenting in patients with claudication. @*Materials and Methods@#This study reviewed a retrospective database of patients with claudication who underwent SFA angioplasty with stenting between March 2011 and December 2016. The preoperative computed tomography findings of all patients were reviewed to assess infrapopliteal runoff vessels. The Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society (TASC) II classification and modified Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) runoff score were used for subsequent analysis. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were constructed, and Fisher’s exact and chi-square tests were used for data analysis. @*Results@#A total of 153 limbs of 122 patients (88.2% male, mean age: 69.1 years) underwent SFA angioplasty with stenting. The overall primary patency rates of TASC II A/B and C/D cases were 77.1% and 31.2%, respectively, at 36 months (P<0.001). The primary patency rates at 36 months using the modified SVS runoff scoring system were 64.6% and 49.8% for the good-to-compromised (≤9 points) and poor (≥10 points) runoff groups, respectively (P=0.011). @*Conclusion@#The modified SVS runoff scoring system is effective in predicting primary patency after SFA angioplasty with stenting in patients treated for claudication.

Predictors of postoperative infectious complications in liver transplant recipients: experience of 185 consecutive cases

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Infections following liver transplant (LT) remain a major cause of mortality. This study was conducted to evaluate risk factors for infection and to review clinical characteristics. METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent LT from 2010 to 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate risk factors of infection. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to predict prognosis of infected and non-infected groups. RESULTS: Of 185 recipients, 89 patients experienced infectious complications. The median follow-up period was 911 days (range, 9 to 2,031). The infected group had higher 1-year mortality (n = 22 [24.7%] vs. n = 8, [8.3%], p = 0.002), and longer postoperative admission days (mean: 53.7 ± 35.8 days vs. 28.3 ± 13.0 days, p < 0.001), compared to the non-infected group. High preoperative Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (odds ratio [OR], 1.057; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.010 to 1.105; p = 0.016), deceased-donor type (OR, 5.475; 95% CI, 2.442 to 12.279; p < 0.001), and acute rejection (OR, 3.042; 95% CI, 1.241 to 7.454; p = 0.015) were independent risk factors associated with infection. Intra-abdominal infection (n = 35, 20.8%) was the major infectious complication. Among identified bacteria, Enterococcus species (28.4%) were major pathogens, followed by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species. CONCLUSIONS: High preoperative MELD score, deceased-donor type, and acute rejection were risk factors associated with infection. To prevent infections following surgery, it is important to determine the appropriate time of operation before the recipient has a high MELD score.

Clinical Impacts of Donor Types of Living vs. Deceased Donors: Predictors of One-Year Mortality in Patients with Liver Transplantation

Transplantation studies about the clinical differences according to the type of donors are mostly conducted in western countries with rare reports from Asians. The aims of this study were to evaluate the clinical impacts of the type of donor, and the predictors of 1-year mortality in patients who underwent liver transplantation (LT). This study was performed for liver transplant recipients between May 2010 and December 2014 at the Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital. A total of 185 recipients who underwent LT were analyzed. Of the 185 recipients, 109 (58.9%) belonged to the living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) group. The median age was 52.4 years. LDLT recipients had lower model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score compared with better liver function than deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) recipients (mean ± standard deviation [SD], 12.5 ± 8.3 vs. 24.9 ± 11.7, respectively; P < 0.001), and had more advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (62.4% vs. 21.1%, respectively; P = 0.001). In complications and clinical outcomes, LDLT recipients showed shorter stay in intensive care unit (ICU) (mean ± SD, 10.8 ± 8.8 vs. 23.0 ± 13.8 days, respectively, P < 0.001), ventilator care days, and post-operative admission days, and lower 1-year mortality (11% vs. 27.6%, respectively, P = 0.004). Bleeding and infectious complications were less in LDLT recipients. Recipients with DDLT (P = 0.004) showed higher mortality in univariate analysis, and multi-logistic regression analysis found higher MELD score and higher pre-operative serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were associated with 1-year mortality. This study may guide improved management before and after LT from donor selection to post-operation follow up.

Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia in a patient with Sjögren's syndrome / 영남의대학술지

Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP) is a rare benign lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by diffuse infiltration of the pulmonary parenchymal interstitium by polyclonal lymphocytes and plasma cells. LIP has been associated with a variety of clinical conditions; such as connective tissue disorders and other immune system abnormalities. Treatment usually involves administration of corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants. We report on a 38-year-old female patient who complained of shortness of breath, dry mouth, and dry eyes for more than 1 month, and was positive for Raynaud's phenomenon. Based on surgical biopsy, she was diagnosed as having LIP accompanied by Sjögren's syndrome. The patient was treated with high-dose steroids followed by maintenance therapy for approximately 2 years, and her condition improved.

A Case of Extensive IgG4-Related Disease Presenting as Massive Pleural Effusion, Mediastinal Mass, and Mesenteric Lymphadenopathy in a 16-Year-Old Male / 결핵및호흡기질환

IgG4-related disease is an immune-mediated fibro-inflammatory disease, characterized by lymphoplasmacytic infiltration composed of IgG4-positive plasma cells of various organs with elevated circulating levels of IgG4. This disease is now reported with increasing frequency and usually affects middle-aged men. Massive pleural effusion in children is an uncommon feature in IgG4-related disease. Here, we report a case of a 16-year-old male patient with extensive IgG4-related disease presenting with massive pleural effusion, mediastinal mass, and mesenteric lymphadenopathy.

Cervical Expansive Laminoplasty with 90degrees Box-Shape Double Door Method

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to introduce the surgical method with miniplate and compared the expansion rate of the spinal canal area with other kinds of lamina spacers. METHODS: Between June. 2008 and May 2011, we performed expansive cervical laminoplasty on 61 patients. We analyzed the results of these operations, examining type of lamina spacer used, spinal canal areas between pre- and postoperative CT scans, and operative methods. RESULTS: 39 patients were analyzed retrospectively. Miniplates were used in 21 patients with 103 levels. Hydroxyapatite (HA) was used in 6 patients with 29 levels, and Centerpiece(R) was used in 12 patients with 54 levels. The expansion area was calculated using Photoshop CS3(R). The expansion rate of the miniplates was 76.5%, that of HA was 49.8%, and that obtained with Centerpiece was 50.6%. The excellent 90degrees box-shaped widening of the laminae achieved through the surgery can be checked easily by AP X-ray. All miniplates are positioned horizontally and parallel, and the lamina is seen as a pedicle of thoracic or lumbar spine due to its 90degrees erect position. Neurologic improvement and clinical outcomes will be discussed. No complications were reported with miniplates. CONCLUSION: Box-shaped laminoplasty with miniplates is the widest spinal canal expansion method among the three types of implants examined.

Diagnosis of Cervical OPLL in Lateral Radiograph and MRI: Is it Reliable?

OBJECTIVE: Cervical OPLL is a relatively common cause of developing cervical myelopathy or radiculopathy in Asians. Cervical OPLL is sometimes missed in lateral radiography or MRI. In the present study, we analyzed the diagnostic accuracy of cervical OPLL in lateral radiography and MRI compared to CT scan. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of forty-six patients who underwent decompressive surgery anteriorly or posteriorly in our institute. All patients were diagnosed with cervical OPLL by CT scan. The patients were grouped into continuous type, segmental type, mixed type, and localized type. We then evaluated lateral radiographs and MRI compared to CT scans. The diagnostic accuracy and false negative rates in lateral radiograph and MRI were evaluated. RESULTS: In a total of 46 patients diagnosed with cervical OPLL in CT scans, diagnostic accuracy using lateral radiograph and MRI were 52.2%(24/46) and 58.7%(27/46), respectively. In the continuous type group, diagnostic accuracy using lateral radiograph and MRI were 85.7%(6/7) and 100.0%(7/7). In the segmental type group, diagnostic accuracy using lateral radiograph and MRI were 27.3%(6/22) and 31.8%(7/22). In the mixed type group, diagnostic accuracy was 91.7%(11/12) in lateral radiograph and 83.3%(10/12) in MRI. In the localized group, diagnostic accuracy was 20.0%(1/5) in lateral radiograph and 60.0%(3/5) in MRI. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic accuracy of cervical OPLL using lateral radiograph and MRI was less than using CT scan. For the best treatment plan, preoperative CT scan should be performed to detect conditions of ossifications such as cervical OPLL.

Idiopathic Hypertrophic Spinal Pachymeningitis : Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature

Idiopathic hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis (IHSP) is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by hypertrophic inflammation of the dura mater and various clinical courses that are from myelopathy. Although many associated diseases have been suggested, the etiology of IHSP is not well understood. The ideal treatment is controversial. In the first case, a 55-year-old woman presented back pain, progressive paraparesis, both leg numbness, and voiding difficulty. Initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated an anterior epidural mass lesion involving from C6 to mid-thoracic spine area with low signal intensity on T1 and T2 weighted images. We performed decompressive laminectomy and lesional biopsy. After operation, she was subsequently treated with steroid and could walk unaided. In the second case, a 45-year-old woman presented with fever and quadriplegia after a spine fusion operation due to lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative herniated lumbar disc. Initial MRI showed anterior and posterior epidural mass lesion from foramen magnum to C4 level. She underwent decompressive laminectomy and durotomy followed by steroid therapy. However, her conditions deteriorated gradually and medical complications occurred. In our cases, etiology was not found despite through investigations. Initial MRI showed dural thickening with mixed signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images. Pathologic examination revealed chronic nonspecific inflammation in both patients. Although one patient developed several complications, the other showed slow improvement of neurological symptoms with decompressive surgery and steroid therapy. In case of chronic compressive myelopathy due to the dural hypertrophic change, decompressive surgery such as laminectomy or laminoplasty may be helpful as well as postoperative steroid therapy.

Primary Intradural Extramedullary Malignant Melanoma in the Thoracic Spine: Case Report and Literature Review

We present a case of primary malignant melanoma of the thoracic spine mimicking intradural extramedullary meningioma or schwannoma. In 2010, a 55-year-old man presented with hypesthesia below the T4 dermatome level and bilateral leg weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the thoracic spine revealed an approximately 1.5 cm well marginated mass lesion in the intradural extramedullary area at the level of T4-5. Preoperative MRI findings suggested benign spinal cord tumor such as meningioma or calcified schwannoma. Surgery revealed a well marginated black-colored tumor. After removal of the tumor, we observed pigmented seeding along the leptomeninges. According to the pathology report, the final diagnosis was malignant melanoma. No evidence of primary malignant tumor, abnormal lymphadenopathy or distant metastatic lesion was found on the PET-CT scan. As a result, the lesion was compatible with primary spinal malignant melanoma. Even if spinal melanoma was suspected in the thoracic spine, it is easy to simply diagnosis the finding as schwannoma or meningioma based on the preoperative radiological findings. Therefore, preoperative diagnosis should be decided carefully, especially for masses in the thoracic spinal tumor.

Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes of Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysms / 대한뇌혈관외과학회지

OBJECTIVE: Distal anterior cerebral artery (dACA) aneurysms are uncommon, and they require special treatment because of the narrow exposure in the interhemispheric fissures, the dense adhesions between the cingulate gyri and their association with multiple aneurysms or traumatic pseudoaneurysm. The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics and surgical outcomes of dACA aneurysms. METHODS: Among the 520 cases of cerebral aneurysms that were operated on from 1997 to April 2007, we experienced 31 cases of dACA aneurysms that developed in 30 patients. The medical records and radiological findings were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The clinical characteristics of the patients with dACA aneurysms included the following. (1) The incidence of the dACA aneurysm was 5.9% of the total 520 cases, and the dACA aneurysms displayed a female predominance. (2) The most common location of the dACA aneurysms was the junction of the pericallosal and callosomarginal arteries. (3) Multiple aneurysms were found in 12 patients (40%), and the most concomitantly found aneurysm was MCA aneurysm. (4) The larger aneurysms more than 10 mm size all had thrombus in the sac, and their angiographic findings were underestimated compared with their findings on the operative fields. (5) dACA aneurysms shows frequent intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and subdural hemorrhage on the initial brain CT scan (28.5%). They also had a higher rate of intraoperative rupture (12.9%) than the rupture rate for the aneurysm at other locations (7.9%). (6) Traumatic pseudoaneurysms on the dACA were observed in two cases, and one of these cases showed massive ICH shortly after head trauma. (7) Twenty-six out of 30 patients (86.7%) showed a good outcome with a mortality rate of 3.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The dACA aneurysms are uncommon and they have unique characteristics compared to intracerebral aneurysms at other sites. Especially, a very careful surgical approach must be used for dACA aneurysms because they have a higher rate of intraoperative rupture. Yet the surgical outcome for dACA patients was good for the ruptured or unruptured aneurysm cases in our study. Therefore, dACA aneurysms have to be treated with considering their special characteristics.

Isolated Dissecting Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysm

Dissecting aneurysms frequently involve the vertebral arteries and their branches, but those involving the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) and not vertebral artery at all are extremely rare. We present a case of an isolated dissecting aneurysm of the PICA without involvement of vertebral artery. A 54-year-old man presented with dizziness and headache. MR imaging of the brain showed a cerebellar infarction of the left PICA territory. MR angiographic and cerebral angiographic studies revealed a dissecting fusiform aneurysm involving the left proximal PICA. Subsequently, the patient underwent GDC embolization. A postembolization angiogram demonstrated complete obliteration of the aneurysm. In this report, the treatment modalities for this rare condition is described with review of the literature.

Improved cycle sequencing of GC-rich DNA template

Even when DNA sequencing of purified DNA template failed under the optimal condition, it can be generally contributed to high GC content. GC-rich region of template causes a secondary structure to produce shorter readable sequence. To solve this problem, the sequencing reaction was modified by using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). It was found that 5% (v/v) of DMSO in the reaction mixture recovers sequencing signal intensity with reduced frequency of ambiguous bases. When DMSO was added to sequencing reaction of DNA template with normal GC content, it did not show any adverse effect. Sequencing accuracy and unambiguous base frequency were significantly improved at concentration of 2% to 5% (v/v) DMSO in GC-rich DNA template. DMSO has been empirically introduced to enhance the efficiency of PCR in GC-rich templates. However, the underlying mechanism of improved cycle sequencing by DMSO is unknown. Thus, cycle sequencing reaction was remodified with other additives such as N-methyl imidazole, N-methyl2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyridone and glycerol, possessing the similar chemical properties as DMSO. Most of methyl nitrogen ring-containing chemicals did not improve sequencing accuracy, whereas only glycerol mimicked the positive effect of DMSO by the same extent. In the present study, we suggest that the treatment of DMSO improve cycle sequencing by the alteration of structural conformation of GC-rich DNA template.