Relationship between paravertebral muscle twitching and long-term effects of radiofrequency medial branch neurotomy

BACKGROUND: To achieve a prolonged therapeutic effect in patients with lumbar facet joint syndrome, radiofrequency medial branch neurotomy (RF-MB) is commonly performed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of paravertebral muscle twitching when performing RF-MB in patients with lumbar facet joint syndrome. METHODS: We collected and analyzed data from 68 patients with confirmed facet joint syndrome. Sensory stimulation was performed at 50 Hz with a 0.5 V cut-off value. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the twitching of the paravertebral muscle during 2 Hz motor stimulation: ‘Complete’, when twitching was observed at all needles; ‘Partial’, when twitching was present at 1 or 2 needles; and ‘None’, when no twitching was observed. The relationship between the long-term effects of RF-MB and paravertebral muscle twitching was analyzed. RESULTS: The mean effect duration of RF-MB was 4.6, 5.8, and 7.0 months in the None, Partial, and Complete groups, respectively (P = 0.47). Although the mean effect duration of RF-MB did not increase significantly in proportion to the paravertebral muscle twitching, the Complete group had prolonged effect duration (> 6 months) than the None group in subgroup analysis. (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Paravertebral muscle twitching while performing lumbar RF-MB may be a reliable predictor of long-term efficacy when sensory provocation under 0.5 V is achieved. However, further investigation may be necessary for clarifying its clinical significance.

Clinical Identification of the Vertebral Level at Which the Lumbar Sympathetic Ganglia Aggregate

BACKGROUND: The location and the number of lumbar sympathetic ganglia (LSG) vary between individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the appropriate level for a lumbar sympathetic ganglion block (LSGB), corresponding to the level at which the LSG principally aggregate. METHODS: Seventy-four consecutive subjects, including 31 women and 31 men, underwent LSGB either on the left (n = 31) or the right side (n = 43). The primary site of needle entry was randomly selected at the L3 or L4 vertebra. A total of less than 1 ml of radio opaque dye with 4% lidocaine was injected, taking caution not to traverse beyond the level of one vertebral body. The procedure was considered responsive when the skin temperature increased by more than 1℃ within 5 minutes. RESULTS: The median responsive level was significantly different between the left (lower third of the L4 body) and right (lower margin of the L3 body) sides (P = 0.021). However, there was no significant difference in the values between men and women. The overall median responsive level was the upper third of the L4 body. The mean responsive level did not correlate with height or BMI. There were no complications on short-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Selection of the primary target in the left lower third of the L4 vertebral body and the right lower margin of the L3 vertebral body may reduce the number of needle insertions and the volume of agents used in conventional or neurolytic LSGB and radiofrequency thermocoagulation.

Alternative Method of Retrocrural Approach during Celiac Plexus Block Using a Bent Tip Needle

BACKGROUND: This study sought to determine safe ranges of oblique angle, skin entry point and needle length by reviewing computed tomography (CT) scans and to evaluate the usefulness of a bent tip needle during celiac plexus block (CPB). METHODS: CT scans of 60 CPB patients were reviewed. Image of the uppermost margin of L2 vertebral body was used to measure the minimal and maximal oblique angles and the distances from the midline to skin puncture point. The imaginary needle trajectory distance was calculated by three-dimensional measurement. When the procedure was performed by using a 10degrees bent tip needle under a 20degrees oblique X-ray fluoroscopic view, the distance (GF/G'F) from the midline to the actual puncture site was measured. RESULTS: The imaginary safe oblique angle range was 26.4-34.2degrees and 27.7-36.0degrees on the right and left, respectively. The distance from the midline to skin puncture point was 6.1-7.6 cm on the right and 6.3-7.6 cm on the left. The needle trajectory distance at minimal angle was 9.6-11.6 cm on the right and 9.5-11.5 cm on the left. The distance of GF/G'F was 5.1-6.5 cm and 5.0-6.4 cm on the right and left, respectively. All imaginary parameters were correlated with BMI except for GF/G'F. All complications were mild and transient. CONCLUSIONS: We identified safe values of angles and distances using a straight needle. Furthermore, using a bent tip needle under a 20degrees oblique fluoroscopic view, we could safely perform CPB with smaller parameter values.

Depression and Caregiving Burden in Families of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe depression, caregiving burden and the correlation of the two variables in the families of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and to clarify factors predicting caregiving burden. METHODS: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 139 family members who provided care to patients with ALS. The characteristics of patients and families, Korean-Beck Depression Inventory (K-BDI), Korean version of Zarit Burden Interview (K-ZBI) and Korean-Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale - Revised (K-ALSFRS-R) were used as study measures. RESULTS: The mean score for K-BDI was 19.39 out of 63 suggesting sub-clinical depression and 38.2% of the family members exhibited depression. The mean score for K-ZBI was 66.03 out of 88. The predictors for K-ZBI were K-BDI, age of family member, length of time spent per day in caring, relationship to patient and K-ALSFRS-R. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that levels of depression and caregiving burden are high among family members caring for patients with ALS. As depression is associated with caregiving burden, screening and emotional supports should be provided to reduce the burden of care for these family. Support programs to alleviate the care burden are also needed, considering family demographics, time per day in caring giving and K-ALSFRS-R.

A Case of Spindle Cell Carcinoma of the Stomach Presenting with Hematochezia and Weight Loss Due to Fistulous Tract Formation with Colon / 대한소화기학회지

Spindle cell carcinoma (SpCC) is a rare tumor consisting of spindle cells which express cytokeratin. Despite recent advances in immunohistochemical and genetic studies, precise histogenesis of SpCC is still controversial and this tumor had been referred to with a wide range of names (in the past): carcinosarcoma, pseudosarcoma, sarcomatoid carcinoma, pseudosarcomatous carcinoma, and collision tumor. Recently, the authors experienced an extremely rare case of SpCC arising from the stomach. A 64-year-old male presented with unintended weight loss and hematochezia. Endoscopic examination revealed a fistulous tract between the stomach and the transverse colon which was made by direct invasion of SpCC of the stomach to the colon. Histologically, the tumor was positive for both vimentin and cytokeratin but negative for CD117, CD34, actin, and desmin. Herein, we report a case of SpCC arising from the stomach that formed a fistulous tract with the colon which was diagnosed during evaluation of hematochezia and weight loss.

Splenic Cyst Mimicking Gastric Subepithelial Tumor Diagnosed by Endoscopic Ultrasonography

Recent research reveal that the diagnosis of gastric extraluminal compressions mimicking subepithelial tumor is increasing in numbers as esophagogastroduodenoscopy becomes widespread. Endoscopic ultrasonography is a very useful tool for differentiating extraluminal compressions from subepithelial tumors. Gastric extraluminal compressions are due to compression by either normal adjacent organs or pathologic conditions. Pathologic conditions are mainly benign, but some requires operation according to its size. We report a case of a 24-year-old female, who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and was misdiagnosed with gastric subepithelial tumor. Endoscopic ultrasonographic findings showed anechoic cyst outside the gastric wall, which revealed to be a splenic cyst.

A Case of High Dose Cytosine Arabinoside Induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in a Patient with Malignant Lymphoma

Many chemotherapeutic agents induce variable cutaneous adverse reactions. Among the side effects, Stevens-Johnson syndrome is rare, but a fatal complication. There are two prior reports of cytosine arabinoside (ARA-C) induced toxic epidermal necrolysis, which is considered in the continuum of Stevens- Johnson syndrome. The prior cases were female patients under 16 years old with acute lymphocytic leukemia. We treated a 77-year-old man with recurrent mantle cell lymphoma who developed Stevens- Johnson syndrome after high dose ARA-C therapy. This is the first case of ARA-C induced Stevens- Johnson syndrome in Korea.

A Case of Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Treated by Laparoscopic Surgery / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a symptom complex resulting from compression of third portion of duodenum by the root of the small bowel mesentery at the level of the SMA. This syndrome can occur as an acute illness but more commonly it appears as chronic condition. Identification of this syndrome can be a diagnostic dilemma and it is frequently made by exclusion. In our patient, rapid weight loss, nausea and bile stained vomiting were present. Ultrasound and MR-angiography were performed for measuring the angle and the distance between the SMA and the aorta. We confirmed the diagnosis via the reduced aorto-mesenteric angle and distance and the patient was then treated by laparoscopic surgery. After lysis of the ligament of Treitz, the patient's symptom were improved. This syndrome must be considered as one of the causes of upper gastrointestinal obstruction.

Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension with Percutaneous Stenting of Pulmonary Artery in Fibrosing Mediastinitis

Fibrosing mediastinitis is a rare benign disorder caused by excessive proliferation of fibrous tissue within the mediastinum. Pulmonary artery stenosis is uncommon complication of fibrosing mediastinitis. We present a case of percutaneous stent deployment in a patient with severe pulmonary artery stenosis causing pulmonary hypertension secondary to fibrosing mediastinitis.

A Case of Pulmonary Cryptococcosis in an Immunocompetent Patient / 결핵및호흡기질환

We experienced a case of pulmonary cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent patient who presented with uncommon radiological findings. He complained of a dry cough for 3 weeks. The chest X-ray and CT showed multiple, variable sized, and irregular patch consolidations with cavities combined with some ground glass opacities in both lower lung fields. The diagnosis was made histologically via a thoracoscopic lung biopsy. The patient was administered oral fluconazole has since been well.

A Case of Typhoid Fever Complicated with Massive Fatal Hemoptysis / 감염과화학요법

We experienced a 25 year-old male patient with typhoid fever complicated with massive hemoptysis. Pulmonary complication in typhoid fever is very rare and to our knowledge, there has been no report of hemoptysis as a main cause of death with this disease. We herein report a rare case of typhoid fever.

A Case of Typhoid Fever Complicated with Massive Fatal Hemoptysis / 감염과화학요법

We experienced a 25 year-old male patient with typhoid fever complicated with massive hemoptysis. Pulmonary complication in typhoid fever is very rare and to our knowledge, there has been no report of hemoptysis as a main cause of death with this disease. We herein report a rare case of typhoid fever.